Christians need to have a laser focus in prayer and Biblical truth....

Happy New Year!

In Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 we read, “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, ‘See, this is new’”? (NKJV). As much as I would like to paint a rosy picture for 2022, the reality is, as long as evil rulers are in power, the people will mourn. Proverbs 29:2 asserts, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (NKJV).

Covid is not going anywhere. For two reasons, first, it has an animal host. Scientifically, the only recourse we have for its eradication is to have an effective vaccine, which we do not have, and vaccinate every person and animal on the planet. Second, it is politically expedient. Through fear mongering and misinformation, the powerful can surreptitiously control and subjugate the masses. As long as we allow it, the powerful will continue to pull strings behind the scenes to manipulate policy, information, and world economies. Mandates and unconstitutional federal overreach will continue to challenge the authority of states. Governors’ overreach will continue to unconstitutionally elongate emergency powers to illegally challenge individual freedoms. Lawlessness, on an international, national, local, and individual level abounds. So, what are we to do?

Christians need to have a laser focus in prayer and Biblical truth. As a Christian community, judgment needs to begin in the house of God. 1 Peter 4:17-19 states, “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’  Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (NKJV). Everyone who calls themselves a Christian, needs to commit themselves to Biblical Christianity and a Biblical worldview.

Sadly, barring a supernatural intervention by God, the likelihood of such a turning in the “Christian” community is unlikely. Still, the truth expressed by Peter to a community that was facing persecution was, “Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” God is faithful! Though we face trials we would rather avoid, if we keep our eyes on Him, trust in His providential care, and commit our souls to Him in doing good, we will experience His sustaining power.

- Pastor Gary Schlenz