Thoughts

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Steve Webb

Coincidence? I Think Not

When writing my comments for the day’s reading, I don’t look at the following day’s reading. I just take them one day at a time. So when I read today’s chapters, I was somewhat amused, because Paul is writing from prison. Why is he in prison? Because he would not stop preaching the Gospel. Yes, those in power were making their attempt at cancelling him.

Pretty effective, right? They totally silenced him, didn’t they. Except here we are about 2,000 years later discussing him! So much for being cancelled.

What's It All About?

Let’s talk a little about 2 Timothy. You will recall that Paul considered Timothy his son in the faith. It was he that brought the Gospel to Timothy and introduced him to Jesus. And now, as Paul is in prison and unsure of his future, he has some final words of advice.

Since he is in prison because of his faith, foremost in his mind is to encourage Timothy to be unashamed of the Lord. Paul’s message is, “Don’t be afraid to stand up and defend the Gospel. It is, after all, the only truth that can set men free. The only truth that can reconcile sinful man with a holy God.”

Paul’s words to Timothy are for us today too, beloved. “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.”

People will try to persuade you to water down the Gospel, or compromise your living out your faith. 

As True Today As It Was 2,000 Years Ago

Want an example? Ok. We are told in Hebrews 10:25, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” NLT

What is happening today? Most churches are being told that they cannot meet together for worship services because of the so-called pandemic, when there is a mountain of evidence that COVID-19 is NOT nearly as deadly as we have been told. I read an article a couple days ago that the CDC has overstated deaths by as much as 1600%. Truly, the evidence is there if you look for it. The government overreach in closing churches is shameful. But they have succeeded in causing many to accept government control over spiritual matters. 

Who’s church is it? The government’s, or God’s? I submit to you that in spiritual matters, the church answers only to God. We need to boldly stand and say, “We will give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” My devotion, my worship belongs to God. He has told me that I must gather with other believers, and this I will do.”

Listen To This

Just yesterday, my son recommended a podcast episode where the host interviewed a pastor who was arrested for continuing to open his church for worship services. They discuss this subject quite well. I suggest strongly that you listen to it. The podcast is called Crosspolitic. It’s the episode from Feb 11, 2021 with Pastor James Coates.

The Apostle Paul’s admonition to Timothy has a new and deeper meaning to our generation today, doesn’t it?