There’s a knock at your door. What do you do?
Most people no longer automatically open the door. We peer through the peep hole to see who it is. Or, some have invested in the “Ring” system, where, no matter where you are, you get a visual on your monitor or phone of whomever has approached.
As a kid, it was always intriguing when someone knocked, that we didn’t know. It was the Fuller Brush man selling all kinds of things he was convinced that households needed. Or it was Amway with cleaning products, etc. that would change your life. Or more importantly, to hook you into the pyramid system of becoming a sales rep, so you could become rich. Sometimes it was Avon, or Shaklee. Vacuums were another popular item to sell door to door.
The element of “fear” was pretty nonexistent. A few years ago a colleague of mine went on the community outreach during GYC, taking place in Houston. They went two by two, giving away “Great Controversy” books. At one door they knocked at, the people didn’t’ come to the door, but stuck their heads out of the second story window to safely monitor whether or not they would come to the door.
Whatever screening mechanism you have in place, is it possible that you are missing out on a valid, rich invitation that will bring you immense joy and peace? Are you able to recognize such an offer? Or have all the lures, tricks and gimmicks of the day, camouflaged the real deal before you?
Across space and time, there has been the “real deal” offered to millions upon millions. A pyramid system like no other. It is structurally and organizationally sound. There is one authentic plan and then there are millions of knock offs. There is also a solid approach in knowing whether or not you are dealing with the authentic, or a fake.
There have been a number of trusted agents, representing the “offer.” Such agents have been devoted, tried and true. Their allegiance is remarkable. John the Baptist was one such agent.
“John was to go forth as Jehovah’s messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God’s requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness” (Desire of Ages, page 72).
What John the Baptist offered has not changed. In fact, across time, His Employer has continually sought to extend this amazing offer to billions. Is the offer too good to be true? Because there are few takers. In fact, instead of accepting the offer, most have decided they would rather act on the counterfeit offer with its unreliable benefits that are temporary, confined from just seconds, to a few short years on this earth. Why would people choose the counterfeit with such temporary results?
That employer has been successful from as far back as Eve, where he personally assured her with his lofty lies, that she certainly would not die if she accepted his dazzling temptation. And you know the fateful results.
“As a prophet, John was “to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” In preparing the way for Christ’s first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord’s second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan’s snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God’s word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ’s second coming” (Desire of Ages, page 72,73).
“Temperance.” It’s become such a nasty word amidst the rich, sensual temptations of our day. Most think it unreasonable to resist some aspect of the array of pleasures that present themselves, not only in a sexual way, but in ANY way that appeals to any of our senses. There are trap doors and land mines so undecidable, that we fail to recognize that we’ve seemingly entered a Venus Fly Trap. Instead of consuming, we become the one being consumed and conquered by the “Prince” of this dark world.
Often when I write, it’s from personal experience. And this article is no exception. A quick check with my Dad, would confirm my not always being such a good disciplinarian. However, I will tell you this. God has taken my mistakes and consequential errors to help bring recognition to His trustworthy offer of grace and mercy, forgiveness, grace, reconciliation and restoration.
Our King knows every heart, and every dark secret you harbor. As you contemplate Him and immerse yourself in His Word, He will stir your heart if you will deem Him trustworthy.
“The church.” Oh dear brothers and sisters, have we sunk ourselves in justification by pointing to “the church?” How many do you know who have left the church, consumed with bitterness? They perhaps didn’t leave to live more closely with God, but to blame the church for ruining their relationship with God and now they appear to be living as delegates for the enemy, even if residing in no particular belief at all.
“Although in the wilderness, he was not exempt from temptation. So far as possible, he closed every avenue by which Satan could enter, yet he was still assailed by the tempter. But his spiritual perceptions were clear; he had developed strength and decision of character, and through the aid of the Holy Spirit he was able to detect Satan’s approaches, and to resist his power'“ (Desire of Ages, page 74).
My dear friend, may I ask you to take thirty minutes to consider the unfathomable catastrophes and events which have unfolded over the past few years. We are on the brink of civil war and abandoning any sense of morality, or restrictive governance of any kind. Satan has succeeded at creating chaos in the world, and in the church. Churches are splitting. God’s Word is seemingly worth no more than the paper it’s printed on.
But there is an AMAZING offer still before you and me. It’s the real deal. Undeniably too good to refuse.
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.
Do you trust Jesus? Will you trust Jesus? Is He worth it?
Because many, many years ago, our God who knows the beginning from the end, knew us before we were born. He knew all the conflicts and battles we encounter on this earth. He gave us the gift of enmity between us and Satan. And Romans 5:8 tells us that He died for us while we were still sinners. He has not abandoned you. He has not abandoned me. If you’ve stumbled, get back up. I did.
Daily, the enemy reminds me of my past and seeks to knock me over, even now. However, he cannot steal your power to choose. Jesus has gifted you with life eternal, contingent on your decision alone. It’s not one and done. It involves a continual choosing of His ways over the lies and counterfeits of His, and our enemy, Satan. Satan is very real. He is on a rampage to claim you as his own.
Just say “No! I’m a child of the King.”
Baptism isn’t/wasn’t a guarantee that you will never sin again. It’s not a guarantee of eternal life. It’s a public declaration of your decision not to follow the world and its prince, but to live and die for the King of righteousness, doing whatever it takes to declare your homage to Him.
We can’t belong partly to the world and partly to Jesus. We can’t believe part of the Bible and part theories and philosophies of the world.
Let’s not be a bridesmaid snoozing until the main event. Prepare… and choose this day whom you will serve. Belong to, and live for the King.
Taking God at His Word is elementary. Watch for my book, “Line by Line – A Biblical Analysis of Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones.” Due out in October. Available now for preorder at: https://knowhislove.org/line-by-line/
Wayne Blakely is the Director of Know His Love Ministries. www.knowhislove.org. After living in the LGBT+ culture for nearly forty years, he surrendered to Jesus ten years ago and today seeks humility in Jesus, sharing His “love in truth” message.
