I sense in Pauls writings especially that he was constantly worried about individuals and groups rising up to undermine the teachings he is often is reminding them of.
Like it was the same battle of the individual between the flesh and the spirit. Like the church itself is fighting the battle as a community and has to always be ready to defend itself from the wolves.
Even moreso today as I think in Pauls time they were clear because they did not allow the outside world to come into the church. But today for a growing number of churches its hard to tell the difference.
Thats why I think more than ever we need to be cautious. The problem is the idea of truth itself, that there is one unified truth is seen as controlling. So its a cultural wide shift into postmodernist thinking that has encroached on the church. That it is wrong to declare and stand on a single truth and this is oppressing others.
Which then makes those churches the bad guys and others the good guys. Thats why the church should have nothing to do with the same political games that are happening in mainstream society. Just stick to what they are to do best which is being Christlike. Helping the poor and being good examples in behaviour.
I know it's hard for many, and I know that it is impossible... I use the word impossible, not because each individual cannot observe it, but because the heart refuses to let the individual observe it... it is impossible for many to see what is clearly written - the truth, which states that only few find the narrow door that opens to the narrow path leading to life. While the masses flood through the broad road leading to destruction, because they have itching ears, for what the many false prophets who have turned away from the truth, tells them.
I said a mouthful there, but one who knows the scriptures well can pinpoint the five scriptures I referred to in my comment.
Can you connect the five verses?
Matthew 13:15 For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes - so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’
2 Corinthians 4:4 the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Matthew 7:13, 14 Enter through the narrow gate for wide
is the gate and broad the way leading to destruction, and many are those entering through it. For small
is the gate and narrow the way leading to life, and few are those finding it.
2 Timothy 4:3 For there will be a time when they will not endure sound teaching, but according to the own desires, having an itching ear, they will gather around
them teachers to
suit themselves,
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. (1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.)
While there are sincere people out their, whom have not hardened their heart, while turning their ears to what they want to hear, these will come to know the truth eventually, because their heart will lead them to it, due to humbling themselves.
I should rather say, God will lead them to the truth. John 6:44
Some who right now have itching ears for the watered down word of God, will also find the truth, because their heart will soften.
However, there are many, many, many... who will not soften their heart, and they will remain blind, because God knows their heart, and he lets them remain blind. The Bible says he gives them a strong delusion, so that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
So, while there are many who cannot see that Satan has his own organized religion, made up of thousands of divisions, while Christ has one united body of organized worshippers.... not fighting among themselves, it is not something I am concerned about, and expect to change, or be "rectified", because I see what the scripture say... Not just I alone, because it is written clear for all to see... those who have eyes to see.
The Divisions will continue to grow, as more and more people.... or should I say, as Satan forms more churches to gather those who have itching ears, and refuse to believe the truth.
