Historical Posts
It is Hip to Call Evil Good and Good Evil
It May Be “Hip” To Call Evil Good, But God Says, “Woe Unto Them That Call Evil Good, And Good Evil”
In Isaiah 5:20, the prophet of the Lord pronounced “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Lately, I find myself shaking my head more and more frequently at the news that comes from every corner of the United States. Things that once were universally considered evil, wicked and sinful seem no longer to be seen as such by the majority of the population. Things that were once universally considered good, wholesome, and right are now seen as hateful, oppressive and wrong by an increasing number of people. When I was young, I used to think that old people were irrational for grumbling about how bad things were, in society, when compared with how they used to be. Now, I find myself grumbling in exactly the same way. I guess it means that I’m getting old – but it also means that I’m finding out just how right my elders were in their assessment of the world.
In Isaiah’s day, there were probably quite a few people who thought that he was just a grouchy old man who didn’t know what he was talking about, but they ought to have been listening to him. He tried to warn the people of his generation about the error of their ways, calling evil good, and he pleaded with them to repent before it was eternally too late. But most of the people were bent upon doing what they wanted to do, and they paid no attention to the Lord’s prophet. Jeremiah summed up the attitude of the people very well, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so” (Jeremiah 5:31). We are living in a topsy-turvy world, and it seems that the people love to have it so.
Consider how society’s attitude toward sin has changed. Sin has always been part of the human condition (Romans 3:23). But, in days gone by, people knew what sin is, and if they committed sin, they were not proud of what they had done, calling evil good. People used to feel ashamed of themselves, when they did something they knew they ought not to do, or failed to do something they ought to do (Hebrews 10:26-27; James 4:17). But, nowadays, people are proud of their sins, and because of their pride, they see no need to repent of their sins.
Ezra wrote about people who had a proper perspective on their own sins, “And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased overour head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens” (Ezra 9:6). Jeremiah, on the other hand, wrote about people who are very much like modern Americans, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: in the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 6:15).
Today, people are proud to be homosexual, fornicators, adulterers, and to commit all manner of abomination. The very notion of “Gay Pride” is an affront to all that is good and holy. But, if any Christian dares to oppose such a thing, he is called “bigot” and “intolerant” and “hateful.” This is how the world calls evil good and good evil. It’s enough to make many Christians want to give up the good fight of faith!
But, I want to encourage Christians to hold fast against the rising tide of the world’s love for sin and hatred of righteousness. We can’t be calling evil good and good evil. Paul said it best, when he wrote to Timothy, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But, evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou inthings which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:12-15). Every new generation thinks that the world is only getting worse. From the stand-point of morality, maybe that is true, but the key to coping with the ascendancy of sin in the world is to build your personal faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Without a doubt, society is moving swiftly to transform what people think about sin and righteousness. Things that people once did not talk about, because they were sinful, are now graphically displayed on television and the internet. Preachers and teachers who tell people what the Bible says about sin are vilified, as hate-mongers who want to keep people from being happy. However, now is not the time to shrink from the challenge before us. We all must stand up and speak out for what is true and right, in every public forum. God has not given up on trying to save the world, and neither should we (2 Timothy 4:1-5)!
Good News
I picked up the paper this morning to look for good news. I found none.
There were stories about death and destruction, crime and misery, drugs and sex, but no good news. Floods and tornadoes, poison gas and destructive bombs, alcohol abuse and drug addition, disease and death were everywhere. Can you remember the last time you read or heard some really good news?
There are good things to report, but it is assumed that the public is not interested. Bad news sells newspapers. Television is no different. Man’s inhumanity to man is the main ingredient of the nightly news. The networks scramble to see who can dig up the most dirt on someone, or find video of some gruesome tragedy. No matter where it happens, it must be shown in our living rooms minutes later. And, the bloodier the better!
Would you like to hear some good news?
God loves us (John 3:16). Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Heaven can be ours (John 14:1-3). We are victors through Him (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Christians are bearers of “good news.” That is exactly what the gospel is. When Paul wrote to the church at Rome that it was his intention to preach the gospel there, he was telling them that it was his desire to proclaim the good news in their city (Romans 1:15-17).
What is this good news? It consists of three fundamental facts: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and resurrected the third day (I Corinthians 15:3, 4). It involves three divine commands: faith in Jesus (John 8:24), repentance (Luke 13:3), and baptism (Mark 16:16). And, it offers three glorious promises: the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38), the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), and eternal life (1 John 2:25).
It is the good news of Jesus Christ which instills hope and optimism in our hearts.
No matter how bad things may seem, we know God has something better in store for us. Further, His message can make a difference in the lives of others. There would be far more good news to report in our world if the good news of Jesus Christ was heard, believed, and obeyed more often. It is toward that goal we strive each day.
Greatness of America
For some nine months in late 1831 and early 1832, Alexis de Tocqueville and his friend, Gustave de Beaumont, toured America studying prison reform. They traveled throughout the country talking to people from all walks of life.
So impressed were they with what they saw and heard that when they returned to Paris, Alexis set out to write of his experiences. The result was a two volume set entitled Democracy in America. One quotation from that work stands out. Alexis de Tocqueville wrote: I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought in the fertile fields and boundless forest, in her rich mines and vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution — it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
I can’t help but wonder if a Frenchmen visiting churches in America today would come away with a similar appraisal.
God calls His people to righteous living. We are to “live soberly, righteously, and godly” lives (Titus 2:12). The challenge is to “come out from among them [the world] and be ye separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17). The pulpits of this land should thunder with a call to righteousness. But, instead, a call to compromise is often heard. Pulpits are deafly silent when it comes to sin.
Paul charged Timothy: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
What America needs today is a return to old-fashioned Bible preaching.
What America needs is a call to righteousness. Churches and nations which turn their back on righteousness cannot stand long. As Solomon observed, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Real power resides, not in the president, but in the pulpit when it is aflame with righteousness!
May God help us to recapture that power before it is too late!
What is Right and What is Wrong – Hebrews 5:12-14 – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
Introduction
A. What is “spiritual maturity?” Able to have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
B. We are to be able to prove or to determine the good, perfect and acceptable will of God – Romans 12:2
C. How?
Body
I. QUESTIONS AND BIBLICAL ANSWERS.
A. Is it condemned in the Bible? – Galatians 5:19-21; 2 John 9
B. Will it harm me spiritually? – Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-26
C. Will it harm me physically? – 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 7:1
D. Will it hurt others, causing them to go astray? – Romans 14:1-15:3; 1 Corinthians 8
E. Will it take too much of my time and money? – Luke 12:16-21; Ephesians 5:15-16
F. Will it hurt my influence for Christ and the church? – Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:12
G. Will it hurt my conscience? – Romans 14:21-23
H. If Christ was here, would He disapprove? – 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1
II. TWO THOUGHTS!
A. Sin is not hereditary.
1. Sin is of such a nature in its very meaning that it cannot be inherited.
2. Sin is something committed – 1 John 3:4; John 8:34
3. We neither inherit the act or the guilt of our parent’s sins.
4. We suffer the consequences of their sins – Exodus 20:4-5
5. We do not suffer the guilt of their sins – Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:1-4
B. Sin is no laughing matter.
1. Sin is rebellion, lawlessness, perversity, and failure.
2. It is a disease that needs curing.
3. It is a taskmaster that needs forsaking.
4. It is an insanity that needs healing.
5. It is a filth that needs cleansing.
6. It is a debt that needs paying.
7. It is a stain that needs removing.
8. It is a darkness that needs light.
Conclusion
A. An understanding of “what is sin” constitutes a strong argument against sinning.
B. Obey the Gospel of Christ – quit the sinning business – John 8:32
Hebrews 05:12-14 Exercising Our Senses to Discern Good and Evil
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
Introduction
Throughout the beginning, there has been a war between good and evil.
Can you tell the difference?
Body
I. In the Garden of Eden
A. Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat nor touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; yet the serpent tempted them saying, “your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:3-5).”
B. Solomon requested an understanding heart to discern good and evil (1 Kings 3:9).
C. Christians must exercise senses to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).
II. The disciples. Many that were with Christ exercised their senses to discern the truth, and share it with others.
A. John exercised his senses to learn Christ (1 John 1:1-3).
B. The disciples exercised their senses to discern Christ’s resurrection (Luke 24:38-43), especially Thomas (John 20:25-28).
C. Peter and John preached what they have seen and heard (Acts 4:20).
III. The Lord. The Lord has made us, and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3). Therefore He knows our senses, and wants to help us use them.
A. Old Testament example: Isaiah 42:16-21.
B. New Testament example: Matthew 13:13.
IV. Exercising Our Senses.
A. Hearing.
1) Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17).
2) Seven churches in Asia must hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2,3).
3) We must hear and do God’s word (James 1:22-25).
B. Seeing.
1) Isaiah tells us to stop our ears from hearing of blood, and eyes from seeing evil (Isaiah 33:15-16).
2) People saw and heard the miracles Philip did (Acts 8:6).
3) Search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15).
C. Touching.
1) Do not touch unclean things (2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Isaiah 52:11-12).
2) The woman with an issue of blood touched Jesus (Matthew 9:21).
3) Uzzah touched the ark to steady it, but died (2 Samuel 6).
D. Smelling.
1) Epaphroditus brought Paul a good report of the Philippians, a sweet smell to God (Philippians 4:18; Romans 12:1).
2) Jesus Christ was a sacrifice, a sweet smell to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).
3) Christians are the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).
E. Tasting.
1) The master of a feast knew Jesus turned water into wine by tasting it (John 2:9).
2) Some have tasted the heavenly gift and the good word of God (Hebrews 6:4-5).
3) Newborn babes in Christ taste the graciousness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:2-3).
Conclusion
We can follow the example of David to exercise our senses to discern good and evil (Psalm 101:1-8).