“You must not follow a crowd in doing evil things; in a lawsuit you must not offer testimony that agrees with a crowd so as to pervert justice,— Exodus 23:2 (NET)
Even if the crowd has important people in it; even if men and women in lab coats with doctorates say it's a good thing; even if the law of the land sanctions what God forbids; Even if your parents or your spouse or your children think it's OK or least socially acceptable.
I fear God. I know he's not to be trifled with. © Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2015
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.— Acts 14:22 (ESV)
It is unfair not to tell new believers about the inevitable outcome of their choice to believe the Gospel; focusing purely on the wonderful plan that God indeed has for one's future makes for shallow disciples who are thus left unprepared for the schemes and screams of the flesh, the world, and the Devil.
Making the gospel attractive is one thing; being knowingly evasive about the consequences of faith is quite another. © Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2015
For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!— Psalm 57:6 (ESV)
See the psalmist's plight: hounded all day by enemies who twist his words; who watch his every movement, looking for grounds to accuse. The psalmist has enemies who, like wild animals, acknowledge no law apart from their own evil desire.
Note the psalmist's response: He calls out to God in prayer and praise, expressing trust; he acknowledges his fear and declares its remedy; and he leaves the anger, judgment and punishment to God. © Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2015
