For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

 

For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Galatians 5:13-14).

As we enter more into the times that Hebrews 12 describes, when everything that can be shaken will be shaken, Christians who are not established on the solid foundation are going to be shaken right along with the rest of the world. The Lord shook Egypt to its foundation in order to set His people free. In the Scriptures, Egypt is often used as a metaphor for the world, and the reason why the world is starting to be shaken to its foundation is for the same reason—to set God’s people free.

As we discussed last week, joy and peace will become increasing hallmarks of those who are building their lives on the kingdom of God and living their lives in the kingdom. It will be by their peace and joy that true Christians will begin to be distinguished. As these grow in their lives, so will their love of God, their love for one another, and love for their neighbors. In a world of increasing fear and confusion, Christians will be going about casting out fear with the power of the love of God manifesting itself through them.

As we continue our study of the antichrist, let us always keep in mind that it is far more important to know what Christ is doing than what the antichrist is doing. At the same time that the antichrist is seeking to take over the world, the foundation for the kingdom is being laid that will prevail over it.

In the midst of so much suffering that we are witnessing from the Katrina disaster, this study may seem out of place. However, I think the timing is perfect. It is the joy of the Lord that is our strength in any situation, and we can and should have joy in Him in any and every situation.

As we studied last week, the Jordan River, which represents death, will be overflowing its banks “all the days of harvest” (John 3:15). At the same time, God’s people will be crossing over this death on dry land on the way to possessing their Promised Land. It is fundamental to God’s wisdom that we love life, the most precious gift of all, and that we are devoted to saving and preserving it in every way that we can.

This week we continue our study on the armor of God in Ephesians 6:16:

         The world has changed in profound ways from the time of the prophetic church of Pergamos. Even the forms of government are different. We still have many autocratic governments where power is centered in a strongman (or woman) and usually supported by an elite political class. We also have a number of more democratic governments. However, the issue of how governments and the church, or other religions, relate to each other remains.