Un-apologetic means not acknowledging or expressing regret. But sadly we will not apologize for what we believe. We live in a day where we fear man more than God even if Jesus said Matthew 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Jesus said, Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” The modern church is more concerned about offending people than they are of offending God. So they stop teaching the truths of scripture to reach the lost trying to make them comfortable but end up making them twice a child of hell as they are. (Matthew 23:15) This is pure hypocrisy.
A.W. Tozer "I fear we have become too apologetic in our apologetics. In trying to please everyone we end up destroying the truth." Apologetics is defined as “reasoned arguments or writings in the justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine.” Man is spending so much time trying to defend their theories that they are failing in keeping the charge to obey the word of God. We are powerless because we do not believe there is power in the word of God. It seems that the church is more interested in bottle-feeding and pablum. When we give milk to the baby we always check to make sure it is neither hot or cold but just right. Christianity is not a story about looking for just right. Unlike feeding a baby, if the temperature of the milk is luke warm, we have a serious problem. We must ask ourselves do we really believe in the word of God? Are we willing to stand on its truths? Most people will say yes but cower when asked the tough questions. Will we stand on the word of God and believe in creation over evolution (see recent news in Canadian politics). Will we stand on the word when it comes to homosexuality, or will we join with the masses and say welcome to the 21st century? Will we believe God when he says, “Be holy for I am holy?” Will we believe Jesus when he said John 14:11 “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves? 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Do we believe what Jesus said in Mark 16:15. He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well. 19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”
If we do not believe, we will be condemned. Do we believe what is written above verse 9 more than what is below? Many bibles say [The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9–20.] even though the same is said in other places. As I have said to our congregation scratch that out as that little statement has lead to much unbelief in the church. Now this list could go on and on. Jesus said to his disciples in Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” At this point I would say Jesus would rebuke most of the modern church.
Yes I started by saying we need to live our Christian lives unapologetic for what we believe but I conclude with an apology to God for our stubborn refusal to believe. Once again we pray the prayer Daniel prayed. Daniel 9:17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” After our apology / confession to God, we need to stand un-apologetic before this world.
Rock Report by Pastor Paul
This is a blog that comes from my personal devotions each day. The Blog has replaced the Sermon section. There will also be the occassional food for thought.
