By Ken Parks December 13,
2012
“But I fear, lest somehow, as the
serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.“
--- 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)
The Apostle Paul was very
concerned that those who have accepted the Christ as their savior and
would turn their minds away from that which is corruptible, the things
and issues of this world, the self-centeredness, and love for money.
More so, Paul was
concerned that these infant Christians would become deceived by the
preaching of a another Jesus, receive a different spirit, and
accept a different gospel. And this is what concerns this particular
ministry.
For those who are
followers of Christ, their lives are meant to be Christ-centered.
There is nothing else more important. There are many distractions
and hindrances. Paul writes with a deep concern that many will
become deceived and turn away from the simplicity of Christ.
If we take care of our
mindset and heart-set, then Christ will take care of all these things
that shall be added unto you. As selected agents of Christ, we are
motivated to endure the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We
are encapsulated to seek His will. And we are the ones who grow in
the grace and knowledge of Christ. That which is corruptible, the
concerns and things of this world will be tested through the fire.
Only that which is pure and righteous will survive.
Unfortunately, there are
many fakes, those who put on the appearance of being righteous and
who are as sly and cunning as their father, Satan. They are the ones
who introduce secret doctrines, cause confusion, animosity, and
division. Jesus recognized them. And the Apostle Paul warned us
about them.
The Elect, those chosen
for His purpose, are the ones who have discernment and can readily
perceive the deception of the counterfeits. Jesus told us, “You
will know them by their fruits.” They don't have that which is the
simplicity in or of Christ. They are corrupted by the things of this
world, always talking about how much money they made, their worldly
investments, and their materialistic endeavors.
This is a subject by which
not too many people appreciate. Selectively, they turn their back on
this and would rather read only about the other subject, “God is
love.” Yes, God is love. They forget to mention that God has
anger and a fiery destination for those who have rejected Him and
faked their way through as Christian frauds and con-artists. The day
will come when they will cry out and plea their case, “Didn't I go
to church and sing the songs about You. And I was one of the first
to make donations to my church. I was part of the finance committee
and I coached the basketball ministry. I did a lot of things for
You.”
Jesus knows everything
about us, from the simple and poor to the complicated and rich. And
he will reply to the those who have faked their way through, trying
to represent righteousness, “I never knew you! Depart form me, you
that work evil!”
And where do you suppose
they will be sent? A redemption center? Remember, “God is love.”
They will be sent to a place where there will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth. God doesn't love corruption. God doesn't take
part or condone those who work evil. And, he doesn't have any love
for the fraudulent and lying souls who purport, “God is love.”
Those who have been called
and maintained the path of righteousness until the end are the ones
who have the simplicity in Christ. They are born again of His
Spirit.
