Not Conforming to this World

Well, I found some verses yesterday but I'm still not finished. It's funny - I'll find a verse that has to do with the topic I'm looking for, and then I keep reading and find new stuff. I've been reading the Bible since I was little, but never with any direction. It seems like when I'm looking for specific topics, it starts to take me somewhere, and God really speaks to my heart.

Here are some verses I found on not conforming to this world:

For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God's sight. (1 co 3:19)

I needed this verse because lately it seems that the world takes the opposite view. They seem to say God's wisdom is foolish. Once we realize that truth, that He is wise and the world is foolish, then it's easier to stand by the Word of God. Why should we go along with foolishness? You know what I think God would think is foolish based on this verse? That book A New Earth or the Secret. I think any practice that gives a person sole responsibility for his or her own life, does not acknowledge God and the fact that without God, we are nothing. Another foolish thing is to believe that God is not an actual being, but we define our own God. I think that is a spit in the face to the Almighty. If the Bible is the Word of God and describes the characteristics God, then how can we define who we think He is? There is a lot of controversy now about Oprah's "religion." Oprah says it's not a religion, but it has to be. You can't possibly be a Christian and accept that we don't need God - all we need is our own self. I know that the book does acknowlege "a God" but not Jesus. It puts Jesus in the same category with any number of "gods." Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, and know can get to the Father except through Jesus. If you don't believe this, by definition, you are not a Christian. That's how I conclude that Oprah is not a Christian. (along with many other things)

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (John 15:18)

This is a powerful verse. Jesus was hated and crucified and most people did not believe He was the Son of God. The same is true now. So we as followers of Christ are hated by many. I know it because I see it everyday, especially in the media. People who don't know Christ and want to make a point of how ridiculous it is to believe, go out of their way to put us down. They say that only God can judge (which is true) therefore, we should not judge certain things like fornication or homosexuality. No, I think we should not judge anyone, but we know God does. His word says what He thinks of these sins - just like any sin. Sin is sin. You can't make it not sin just because it's what everyone is doing. You can't redefine sin to the 21st century. God does judge. It amazes me how people say what they think God thinks or what God would say - not based on the Bible, but based on their own reasoning. Yes, I have several gay friends, and I love them to death. Just like I have several friends that live together but aren't married, and I have many friends that aren't Christians. We all sin, but if you choose to live in the sin, and not repent, God will judge. Sometimes I think it's unfair. I see gay people that are in love and happy and probably have happier relationships than most straight people. I don't understand God's wisdom, but I trust it, and I trust Him. I've stopped asking why, but just trusting that He knows what's best for us. It makes me sad that our country has turned against God so much in the last decade especially. No matter what our religious views, our political views, our personal views, until we line our core values up with the teachings of God, we will not be in the will of God. We can't live victoriously without being in the will of God.

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36)

No explanation needed.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)

The world and it's desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17)

I've never tried to be controversial, and I'm not an "in your face" kind of person, but if I am to become a stronger Christian, I have to defend my God. I have to stand up for the Truth. The old saying, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything, that is so true. I'm tired of conforming and trying not to offend. The Bible says that Christians will offend. I mean, the non-believes have no problem standing up for their beliefs. We see people speak in favor of abortion, marching for homosexual rights, and all kinds of things that people are really passionate about. I admire them for that. At least they have the guts and drive to stand up for something. I just wish more people would do that for the right cause and not the wrong. It also says that we as Christians are to be set apart. That's my big problem now, is I don't feel set apart. I think my non-Christian friends see me as anyone else. Sure, I go to church and sing with the choir and I wear a cross - but so do many people who just go through the motions, but are not passionate about Jesus. I want to step it us, and be the soldier I'm supposed to be for Christ.

I ended up writing so much about this topic of not conforming to the world, that I won't go into the other verses on this post. Today I'm going to pray for wisdom and revelation. I pray that if I have said anything wrong in His eyes, He will reveal it to me.

By the way, I know that if anyone reads my blog that does not agree with me, will obviously be offended. I've read enough blogs and you tube comments that I know how many people are against the teachings of the Bible. I'm not going to argue with anyone. The point of this blog is for me to grow as a Christian and possibly help anyone else that wants to do the same thing. It also for people who are going through what I am or in any walk in their Christian life to help me also. So, if you don't agree with me, you certainly don't have to read this blog. I can't argue against the Bible, because it is what I believe.