The more I read the Bible, the more troubled I get about the American Christianity.

I am afraid that a lot of our preachings and Christian books we read are not in line with the Scripture but rather with the culture. It is, “Let’s emphasize the positive and not dwell on the negative,” “Let’s make it open minded and be tolerant so that people would want to believe it,” type of mindset we have employed. And also, “Let’s not use fear to motivate, but love.”

I agree that fear is a poor motivator. But it IS a motivator for those who are on the fringe. Paul does this in 1 Cor. 10:1-13. He is warning through fear the Corinthians by referring to what happened to the Israelites in the wilderness – how they gave into idolatry and sexual immorality – and God did not let them into the promised land!

Therefore, in order to make their salvation sure, do NOT engage in these activities…

“Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” 1 Cor 10:5

Our salvation is not automatic. In order for justification to be real, sanctification has to follow. If there is no sanctification, there was never a justification. (That’s another way of saying, if we are truly saved – justified – then we will act like we are saved – sanctified)

And Paul wants to make sure that this sanctification process (becoming holy) is happening with the Corinthians. And he will do this through warning, persuading, loving, or anything else he can throw at it!

So, I’m pleading with you. The only way you can be certain you are in the Lord is your disposition and attitude to obey, which will result in actual obedience. Not perfectly perhaps. But it’s the inward disposition of the heart that sees that God is good and He is trustworthy and therefore, a desire to obey and submit to His will. In due time, we will see how much of a treasure He really is.

Therefore, let us be loving and warn our brothers and sisters. Tolerating is NOT loving!

I only tolerate people I don’t care about. I do NOT tolerate my children. I care too much for them to be ruined!

Truth in love,

PH