“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”    Genesis 1:27

Who would ever think that we would be a nation  where people were concerned they might offend someone because a toy was named Mr. Potato Head?  Or that you would be labeled transphobic if you believe that there are only two genders. However, that is  precisely what has happened. The House of Representatives passed a bill that would extend civil rights protections to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  If it is passed in    the Senate and signed by the president, it would have    far-reaching consequences.

How did we as a nation get to this point? Who is responsible?  The answer is simple, and his name is Satan. God created man, and he made them male and female,  and ever since, Satan has tried to corrupt what God has created. Satan is the “father of lies” in that he is the original liar. Lying is Satan’s primary weapon against men and women. He uses the tactic of deceit to keep people separated from God. Some of his more common lies are “there is no God,” “God doesn’t care about you,” “the Bible cannot be trusted,” and “your good works will get you into heaven.” The apostle Paul tells us that Satan “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14), so that what he says and does sounds good and seems reasonable. But it is nothing more than a lie.

As the days get more and more evil, as people become more hostile to God and His Gospel, Christians must stand firm on the Word of God. We, the church, are the outpost that God has placed in enemy territory. God      has given temporary control of the world to Satan, and   he is the enemy of God and every believer. In just two generations, we have seen the murder of over 60 million babies in the womb. What God declares as sin is now openly celebrated in every area of our lives, including Christian churches where false teachers spread lies straight from the pit of hell.

How do we stand firm and how do we respond to those who spread these lies?  First, to stand firm, you must know the Word of God. Study it, meditate on it, memorize it. Listen and learn when the Word of God is preached and taught. Second, you must be an active member of a local body of believers. Just as a herd is protected from predators when they are together, so is the body of   Christ when we hold each other accountable. Here at Grace Harvest, we stand firm on what God has to say,   and we do not test to see which way the wind is blowing to take a stand.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time,     because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is    debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,  addressing one another in psalms and hymns   and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the      name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”         Ephesians 5:15-21

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark