Christian Faith in This Changing World

By Pastor Stanley Joseph

This world is changing at a very rapid pace. Yes, the world has always been changing, but the Tsunami called the “Information Technology” took the world by surprise. The changes that took place in the past 25-30 years were more than the last 5,000 years. Information has become the currency of this new millennium. The Information Technology (I. T. world) has changed the way we think, live and work. Even our faith life has been impacted by the knowledge that is available to us. Many a times we swallow the information given to us through the Internet without understanding the motives of the provider. And because it is free we do not question or challenge the provider.

The global cultural changes that are taking place now are profound. Changing morals and decaying societies are not new in human history. The recent US Supreme court decision to legalize homosexual marriages in all 50 states merely highlights a vast sweeping social and religious change that is sweeping through the entire globe. The United States of America considered the leader of the world is moving even more rapidly towards self-destruction than the societies of the past.

But as Christians we can continue to rely on an unchanging God and His revealed Word. Indeed God Himself has told us, “For I am the Lord, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6). Our challenge is to build and maintain an unshakable faith in this constantly changing world. We look to the Almighty God who is far greater than anything men or the rulers of this world could ever say or do. So, we need the wisdom of God to see this world for what it is and to overcome the efforts of Satan that is working over-time to subvert our faith.

God has plainly described in the Word of God how in the end times, Satan will attack the children of God with the love of this world. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (2 John 2:25-27).

Since the world is so changeable, and we do not know what the next hour or what the next day will bring, we must fix our eyes on something or someone who is unchangeable. God’s providence is real. The providence of God is one of the greatest themes of the Bible and one of the greatest blessings of a child of God. There is a wonderful harmony in the divine working of God or in His providence. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). So, let us accept with joy the life, which God sends our way, and look forward, with great anticipation toward that which is beyond.

Anything and everything in this world without God is vanity. Take away our relationship with God and nothing in this life of a man is of any value. The morality of a child of God cannot change with the changing of times. The Almighty God and our Creator has already dictated to us how to be in this world even as the world continues to change from time to time. A child of God realizes God’s sover-

eignty when he understands that God is always in control. God knows beforehand what is going to happen. We do not have a God who needs to adapt with the changing times or circumstances. The God of our Bible sits on the throne above the earth and the heavens independent of all the creations. Our God is a holy and a perfect God. Neither God not His Word needs to change. “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my Word will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

A child of God is always in a dilemma not understanding how to live his faith. So, how do I live in this world and keep my faith? For that we need to clearly understand the Scriptures. God never wants His children to change according to the world but according to the Word of God. Paul advises the Church of Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

But many times we exchange our thoughts with the thoughts of God. We try to implement our ways into the ways of God and try to convince ourselves that is it fine or that God is pleased with our thoughts and ways. When it is the contrary. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

We also know that God is perfect and we are not! So, how do we imperfect people live and please the Almighty God who is holy and perfect. To understand how to live in this evil and changing world, we need to study and obey the guide or the manual given to mankind, which is the “World of God.” The standard a child of God lives is not according to the standard of this world but according to the Scriptures. And this standard has never changed, starting from creation to eternity and from Genesis to Revelation it continues to remain the same. We are called to live a life that is pleasing God by obeying the Word of God.

It is easier said than done. When the pressure of this world tends to become heavy, that’s when we start to compromise on the Word of God. If only we all had the strength, patience, belief and hope to hold on to God’s promises. Then we would surely understand and see the salvation of God in our lives. That is a promise made by God. And we know that, “God is not man that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Throughout the history of the Bible, we see God sending a Prophets, Judges and Kings to deliver the children of Israel from the enemies. And finally, for the salvation of mankind, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

As I conclude, I want to remind all you that there is difference between “fact” and “truth.” They might both sound similar but the meaning is different. Let me give you an example, “I am alive and I am writing this article.” If you read this article 50 years later, the first part of the statement might not be a fact. Why? Because I might be dead by then! But when God says “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). This statement is never changing and that is the ultimate truth. Not only from the time of creation of this world but also from Eternity to Eternity this has and will continue to be the truth. So, let’s not rely on the facts of this world and change from time to time but hold on to the only truth, which is the Word of God.