Stand by "us"

This is a Christian dynamic that is more relevant in today’s world than ever before.

Standards of behavior, ethics of one’s personal character and the sure, defined line between right and wrong are continually being ridiculed. Christian religious beliefs and the Christian way of life are now under attack, as never before.

It takes great courage and discipline to “stand by the truth” of the omnipotent God of the universe, belief in Jesus Christ and what He taught us, as recorded in the Bible. Many scoffers abound and say: “You are fools to believe in out-of-date writings and words that bring guilt and pain to one’s self. If God, exists then where is He? Show us this God and then, maybe, we will believe.”

Where is the faith of such doubters? Jesus, said in Luke 18:8: “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

It seems as each new day unfolds, we live more and more in a “turn-inward to self” society, where a doing “what we please, no matter what” mindset prevails. If it feels good, then, do it! Even if it brings hurt, destruction and, at times, death to others. Where is the compassion, the concern, the love, the Christian standards and beliefs of outgoing concern for others?

As we, in this modern age, continue to rumble down the path towards “lawless darkness,” are we not aware of the coming consequences? Matthew 24:12 says: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”

Never before, in the history of man, has there been so much knowledge and understanding, and yet, so much lawlessness and darkness. This world is truly reaping what it has sown.

Christians need to “stand by each other” as never before, and “fill the gap” spoken of in Ezekiel 22:29-30: “The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man [or woman] among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

In the song written by Ben E. King, “Stand By Me,” the lyrics go, “When the night has come/and the land is dark/and the moon is the only light we see/no I won’t be afraid/no I won’t be afraid just as long as you stand/stand by me.”

In some ways, it can be frightening to stand by each other and live by true Christian values. But, now is the time to draw close to the word of God and to have the courage to stand up and fill the gap while the word of God can still be heard. The time is coming when that will not be possible.

Amos 8:11-12 warns us: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord God, ‘That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of Lord, but shall not find it.’”

There is a church organization that is truly “standing up and standing by” the word of God, humbly proclaiming to the world the true and righteous way to live before God. It may be quite different from anything you’ve ever heard before, but it is the word of God plainly spoken and written.

Contact the Living Church of God through our website: www.lcg.org.