Recently someone asked the question should Christians remove their crosses in order to keep from offending those who follow allah, Muslims.
This is a very good question. And, it is one that is very important to us as we are
more and more often being told we should give in to the demands of those who do not follow nor do they know The Messiah, The Savior of the World, our Master and our Lord. True Believers of The Messiah are in the eye of a great storm right now.
The short answer to this question is no. A follower of Yeshua (Jesus) should understand that our first and only priority is to follow the teachings of our Savior. There is no compromise and compromising is what has gotten us to where we are today in this evil and fallen world.
We can look to many examples in Scripture that show us this truth. We, as followers of Yeshua (Jesus), are told that we are to be a light to the world. Light used here is Strong's #5457. This is the Greek phos (foce) (phao) to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare to #5316, #5346, luminousness, fire, light.
Matthew 5:14 tells us:
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." [Luke 11:33; Eph 5:8; Phil 2:15; I John 1:15].
So, our light is Yeshua Himself. This light or fire, or luminousness, should pierce the darkness. This darkness is evil. What is evil? Anything not of Almighty God is evil.
"Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works (Strongs #2041) and glorify (Strongs #1392) your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:15-16.
Strong's #2041 referenced above is from the Greek er'gon, ergo (to work) toil; (as an effort or occupation), by implication an act, deed, doing, labor, work.
Strongs #1392 referenced above is from the Greek doxadzo; to render (or esteem), glorious, full of glory, honor, magnify.
The passage in Matthew 5:15-16 tells us many things. Among them, that our light should be for all to see. This is not just for our brethren to see, but for all men to see. There are no qualifiers to this statement. It says, "For ALL MEN..."
It is worth pointing out that by doing this, our works, or what we do, how we live, how we esteem and honor our Heavenly Father (or not), will bring glory to Him or not. Who would we be bringing glory to if we give in to the demands (no matter what they may be) of the enemy, those who walk in darkness, those unbelievers, those mockers, scoffers, and those who hate our Father and all things of Him? This bowing to the enemy brings no glory to Him.
Placating the enemy has proven to be (as Scripture clearly states it will) an act despised by God Almighty. It brings upon those individuals and those nations doing it the curses and great displeasure of God Almighty. This is not my interpretation of Scripture but is actually what is said over and over throughout His Word. The act of allowing sin, or of condoning sin, or by keeping quiet partaking of it, brings sin into our lives and corporately to nations which brings judgment from Almighty God. He never condones sin nor should we. Sin brings death. It brings spiritual death and physical death. Is all of this worth giving in to muslims (or other pagans, atheists, humanists, any other group that does not follow the God of Abraham, Issac, and Israel) who demand symbols of the crucifixion of our Messiah be removed so that they are not offended? Is this really about symbols? No. It is an effort to remove God from our lives. Absolutely not! Who do we serve?
Does the Word of God not tell us that He is greater than all things? Are we not told that if He is for us, who can be against us? Are we not told that our battle is not against flesh but against powers, principalities, and rulers in high places? We are at war in the spiritual realm and if we are not at war then why are we not standing against the enemy?
This is a very good question. And, it is one that is very important to us as we are
more and more often being told we should give in to the demands of those who do not follow nor do they know The Messiah, The Savior of the World, our Master and our Lord. True Believers of The Messiah are in the eye of a great storm right now.
The short answer to this question is no. A follower of Yeshua (Jesus) should understand that our first and only priority is to follow the teachings of our Savior. There is no compromise and compromising is what has gotten us to where we are today in this evil and fallen world.
We can look to many examples in Scripture that show us this truth. We, as followers of Yeshua (Jesus), are told that we are to be a light to the world. Light used here is Strong's #5457. This is the Greek phos (foce) (phao) to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare to #5316, #5346, luminousness, fire, light.
Matthew 5:14 tells us:
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." [Luke 11:33; Eph 5:8; Phil 2:15; I John 1:15].
So, our light is Yeshua Himself. This light or fire, or luminousness, should pierce the darkness. This darkness is evil. What is evil? Anything not of Almighty God is evil.
"Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works (Strongs #2041) and glorify (Strongs #1392) your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:15-16.
Strong's #2041 referenced above is from the Greek er'gon, ergo (to work) toil; (as an effort or occupation), by implication an act, deed, doing, labor, work.
Strongs #1392 referenced above is from the Greek doxadzo; to render (or esteem), glorious, full of glory, honor, magnify.
The passage in Matthew 5:15-16 tells us many things. Among them, that our light should be for all to see. This is not just for our brethren to see, but for all men to see. There are no qualifiers to this statement. It says, "For ALL MEN..."
It is worth pointing out that by doing this, our works, or what we do, how we live, how we esteem and honor our Heavenly Father (or not), will bring glory to Him or not. Who would we be bringing glory to if we give in to the demands (no matter what they may be) of the enemy, those who walk in darkness, those unbelievers, those mockers, scoffers, and those who hate our Father and all things of Him? This bowing to the enemy brings no glory to Him.
Placating the enemy has proven to be (as Scripture clearly states it will) an act despised by God Almighty. It brings upon those individuals and those nations doing it the curses and great displeasure of God Almighty. This is not my interpretation of Scripture but is actually what is said over and over throughout His Word. The act of allowing sin, or of condoning sin, or by keeping quiet partaking of it, brings sin into our lives and corporately to nations which brings judgment from Almighty God. He never condones sin nor should we. Sin brings death. It brings spiritual death and physical death. Is all of this worth giving in to muslims (or other pagans, atheists, humanists, any other group that does not follow the God of Abraham, Issac, and Israel) who demand symbols of the crucifixion of our Messiah be removed so that they are not offended? Is this really about symbols? No. It is an effort to remove God from our lives. Absolutely not! Who do we serve?
Does the Word of God not tell us that He is greater than all things? Are we not told that if He is for us, who can be against us? Are we not told that our battle is not against flesh but against powers, principalities, and rulers in high places? We are at war in the spiritual realm and if we are not at war then why are we not standing against the enemy?
These same groups are demanding ceasing of public prayer (unless it is to another god - a "little g" god). They are demanding that sodomy, incest, pedophilia, adultery, carnality, fornication, lying, stealing, murder and all manner of abominations not only be allowed but sanctioned by the very ones who should be standing against it. Where is the outrage from pulpits in the West who should be following the Word of God? Silence. Crickets. This is unacceptable and those who claim to be "Christian" should make a note of this and should seek Almighty God in prayer, the study of His Word, and stay there until they receive HIS answer. It doesn't matter what your "church" teaches. No church ever saved a soul but the teachings of them will lead many to hell.
The brother of our Savior, James, wrote the following. It definitely applies here.
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engrafted word which is above to
save your souls." (See also II Timothy 3:15).
"But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." James 1:19-24.
The warning from James is clear.
"But if we have respect to persons ye commit sin, and are convicted as sinners." (See also Lev 19:15; Deut 5:29; Deut 16:19; Deut 27:26; Matt 5:19; Rom 3:19; Rom 3:31; Gal 3:10; Heb 10:26). James 2:9(a).
There is much more that can be said here in regards to this topic. These same principles should be applied to all areas of our lives. What we must understand is that we serve Almighty God. He does not serve us. There is no other God but Him. What He has declared in His Word, that which He has spoken shall come to pass.
All other gods of men are idols made from their own desires, motives, and for their own gain or to satisfy their fleshly desires. Our Heavenly Father never did and never will tolerate our complicity of sin nor of any gods of men. Ever. If anyone teaches otherwise, this is in direct conflict with the Word of Almighty God. And, there are many today teaching against the Word of God. From these, we must turn away.
To those who are teaching in direct conflict with The Word of God, the following warning is appropriate. This includes those who call themselves pastors, church leaders, and all who put themselves in authority over their congregations, those in social media, YouTube, and other mediums that propagate the lies of the enemy. Be reminded that it is Almighty God's people you are misleading. You will be held to a higher standard in judgment than others, for you willfully mislead these. This is the Word of Almighty God.
"Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do not feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them." Ezekiel 34:2-4
"Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not the flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them." Ezekiel 34:8-10.
"For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. " Ezekiel 34:11-14.
We must ask ourselves is bowing or giving in to the enemy of our souls ever encouraged by Yeshua (Jesus)? No, absolutely not!
The early church, the original apostles, the first disciples, and many followers of Yeshua in the last 2,000 years refused to go against the teachings of The Messiah (the Truth). They were threatened with death if they did not. They did not waver. These stood to the last breath for truth. They never considered compromising in any manner or matter, nor should we.
There are no "small things: with our Father. This topic is not a small thing, either. We must stand and stand firm upon the Rock, the Sure Foundation which is The Messiah, the Living Word. All else is sinking sand. And, we should recall many others never did bend nor give one inch in the face of storms and tests they faced. Moses did not. Abraham did not. Joshua did not. Gideon did not. David did not. Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha, and all the prophets did not. And we must not, either.
The brother of our Savior, James, wrote the following. It definitely applies here.
"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engrafted word which is above to
save your souls." (See also II Timothy 3:15).
"But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." James 1:19-24.
The warning from James is clear.
"But if we have respect to persons ye commit sin, and are convicted as sinners." (See also Lev 19:15; Deut 5:29; Deut 16:19; Deut 27:26; Matt 5:19; Rom 3:19; Rom 3:31; Gal 3:10; Heb 10:26). James 2:9(a).
There is much more that can be said here in regards to this topic. These same principles should be applied to all areas of our lives. What we must understand is that we serve Almighty God. He does not serve us. There is no other God but Him. What He has declared in His Word, that which He has spoken shall come to pass.
All other gods of men are idols made from their own desires, motives, and for their own gain or to satisfy their fleshly desires. Our Heavenly Father never did and never will tolerate our complicity of sin nor of any gods of men. Ever. If anyone teaches otherwise, this is in direct conflict with the Word of Almighty God. And, there are many today teaching against the Word of God. From these, we must turn away.
To those who are teaching in direct conflict with The Word of God, the following warning is appropriate. This includes those who call themselves pastors, church leaders, and all who put themselves in authority over their congregations, those in social media, YouTube, and other mediums that propagate the lies of the enemy. Be reminded that it is Almighty God's people you are misleading. You will be held to a higher standard in judgment than others, for you willfully mislead these. This is the Word of Almighty God.
"Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do not feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them." Ezekiel 34:2-4
"Therefore, ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not the flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them." Ezekiel 34:8-10.
"For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. " Ezekiel 34:11-14.
We must ask ourselves is bowing or giving in to the enemy of our souls ever encouraged by Yeshua (Jesus)? No, absolutely not!
The early church, the original apostles, the first disciples, and many followers of Yeshua in the last 2,000 years refused to go against the teachings of The Messiah (the Truth). They were threatened with death if they did not. They did not waver. These stood to the last breath for truth. They never considered compromising in any manner or matter, nor should we.
There are no "small things: with our Father. This topic is not a small thing, either. We must stand and stand firm upon the Rock, the Sure Foundation which is The Messiah, the Living Word. All else is sinking sand. And, we should recall many others never did bend nor give one inch in the face of storms and tests they faced. Moses did not. Abraham did not. Joshua did not. Gideon did not. David did not. Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Elijah, Elisha, and all the prophets did not. And we must not, either.
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