LIVING IN TWO WORLDS AT ONCE
The Bible has much to say about the world and the environment we all live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE PHYSICAL WORLD
God created the heavens and the earth\u2026it was very good. Genesis 1:1,31
We call this physical world planet earth. It is made up of water, soil, mountains, seas, trees, animals,
and more. This earth was a perfect creation, a specially prepared place, a truly amazing planet. We
have been precisely placed 93 million miles from the sun so we would not burn or freeze. We are tilted
at exactly twenty-three degrees providing for our seasons. We are provided with the specific gases
needed to sustain life. God provided us with gravity so that we don\u2019t fly away as we travel one thousand
miles per hour to make a complete rotation each day. We indeed live on a miracle planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This perfect world was the home of Adam and Eve for a time. When Adam and Eve sinned they were
banished from their ideal home in Eden and the earth also suffered a curse. When Adam and Eve were
ejected they were still expected to be stewards of God\u2019s creation. God still executes power and control
over the world\u2019s tides, gravity and seasons and even its government [Dan. 4]. He still gives it beauty and
life. This earth will eventually be renewed [Rev. 21]. But this picture of the physical earth is not what
we think about when we find ourselves at odds with a culture that is designed to defeat us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. John 3:16
The world that we are concerned with is the people all about us and their character, beliefs, and world
views or philosophy. Of course, we are included. We are part of the seven plus billion inhabitants of the
planet. This is the world that God loved so much that He gave His Son to die for [John 3:16]. All people
are born in sin. We have all sinned and come short of God\u2019s glory and purpose [Romans 3:23]. Because
mankind is living outside God\u2019s will and purpose, their beliefs and philosophy is anti-God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE WORLD SYSTEM
Love not the world, nor the things in the world. I John 2:15
The Bible has much to say about the people\u2019s belief system, most of which is negative. This is because
sin is inherent in all people and this results in an attitude of hostility toward God and His people. The
world is characterized by warfare, selfishness, materialism, greed, pride, lust for power and many other
traits which are in opposition to God\u2019s desires for His people. While we recognize some of the world\u2019s
citizens who epitomized evil, like Nero and Hitler, we should not be surprised when we encounter
deceit, greed, hypocrisy, pornography, people pleasing, prejudice and other forms of evil. The world is
described by its lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride [I John 2:16]. Included also are good people
who have not yielded to God\u2019s rule. This is the world we are called to live in and witness to.
Jesus prayed for His disciples,\u201d the world has hated them, because they are not of the world\u2026I do not
ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one [John 17:14,15].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every morning Americans awake to a slightly different culture. The daily difference is so subtle many do
not notice. For those of us who lived in the \u201850s and \u201860s the contrast is overwhelming. The culture of a
generation ago was characterized by a respect for God even by non-Christians. There was a work ethic
with very little dependence on government. We had a national pride without protest marches and flag
burning. Our schools had devotions and prayer. Gum chewing and talking were the behavioral
problems. Churches had revivals and prayer meetings. Home security was simply a shut door or a
latched screen. The few gays were quiet. \u201cThe America we once knew is gone [Erwin Lutzer].\u201d How did
we get to this state? Romans chapter one explains, \u201cFor even though they knew God, they did not
honor Him as God\u2026but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish hearts were
darkened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The world is at war with religion, especially Christians. \u201cThe world order has shown itself to be hostile to
God [Watchman Nee].\u201d Karl Marx stated that \u201creligion is the opiate of the people.\u201d Here in the United
States, Bill Maher said, \u201creligion must die in order for mankind to live.\u201d \u201c And deep-seated religious
beliefs have to be changed,\u201d said Hillary Clinton. Rep. Jery Nadler said, \u201cWhat any religious tradition
describes as God\u2019s will is no concern of his Congress.\u201d In our once Christian nation, we have removed
prayer from public schools, approved abortion, and are censoring history\u2019s mention of God, eliminating
\u201cunder God\u201d from our Pledge of Allegiance, demeaning family values, parading what God calls an
abomination, and using \u2018hate speech\u2019 to censor those not politically correct. Our press no longer reports
factual news but their own bias. \u201cSocial media is used to vilify anyone who steps out of line [Lutzer].\u201d
\u201cThe further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it [George Orwell].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE POWER BEHIND THE WORLD SYSTEM
The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. II Cor. 4:4
Very few people understand that there is an unseen power that influences evil behavior. Erwin Lutzer
says, \u201cBehind the headlines is a raging spiritual battle.\u201d \u201cThere is a spiritual force behind this world
scene,\u2019 warns Watchman Nee. In fact, to discuss evil or spiritual influence only brings ridicule and
mockery. Unless we look at the unseen powers behind people\u2019s actions we may only be deceived and
confused. Ephesians 6:12 explains it this way. \u201cOur struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against
the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The head of this world system is identified as \u201cthe prince of the world [John 12:31],\u201d \u201cthe ruler of the
world [John 14:30],\u201d and \u201cthe god of this world [II Cor. 4:4].\u201d \u201cThe whole world lies in the power of the
evil one [I John 5:19].\u201d No wonder that most people living in this world are unaware that \u201cthe god of
this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving [II Cor. 4:4].\u201d Is it any wonder that people have
bought into the teachings of evolution, agreed to murder their own babies, and question their own
sexual identity? With this influence behind the system is it any wonder that we live in hostile dangerous
territory? No wonder the world is hostile toward believers who are so different from itself. The Lord
warned us we would have tribulation [John 16:33]. Jesus said that its deeds are evil [John 7:7]. This is
indeed a kingdom of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OUR RESPONSE TO THIS SYSTEM
Be not conformed to this world. Romans 12:2
\u201cFirst, we must not be conformed to this world mentally. The world \u2013 by its advertisements, its
conversation and its philosophy \u2013 is engaged in a gigantic brainwashing task,\u201d warned Billy Graham
many years ago. How then should we act toward the world? James [4:4] says, \u201cdo you not know that
friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the
world makes himself an enemy of God.\u201d John tells us [I John 2:15], \u201cDo not love the world, nor the
things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.\u201d Let us resolve, \u201cI
will not love a world that crucified Him [Valley of Vision]. \u201dHe further describes the world as having
\u201clust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [v16]\u201d.
\u201cThe weakness of so many modern Christians is that they feel too much at home in the world, says A. W.
Tozer. And he adds, \u201cThey have lost their pilgrim character and become an essential part of the very
moral order against which they are sent to protest.\u201d
It is a fact that we all were born into this world and our life is lived in it. What is it like living in a hostile
environment? For us in the USA it is having our children brainwashed by our education system. It is
electing politicians who seldom live up to their promises and live above the laws they make for us. It is
distrusting our media because it airs more bias than facts. It is putting up with sensual entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is having evolution taught as science. It is having unbiblical principles forced on us such as abortion,
homosexuality, gender choices and more. Our world is characterized by materialism, greed, sex and
hypocrisy. Watchman Nee says, \u201cthe world is Satan\u2019s masterpiece.\u201d
Lest we become fearful and depressed let us remember that \u201cGod rules over the nations, God sits on His
holy throne [Ps. 47:8].\u201d \u201cHe will judge the world in righteousness [Ps. 9:8].\u201d Although Satan is the ruler
now, he reigns under the permissive will of the Lord God Almighty. There will be a day of judgment and
release from his influence and control. Psalm 2 says that the rulers take counsel against the Lord and
His Anointed, but \u201cHe who sits in the heavens laughs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE KINGDOM OF GOD \u2013 NOW
He has delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved
Son. Col. 1:13
In contrast with Satan\u2019s earthy evil world, Jesus has come to invite us into His own kingdom. \u201cThe
kingdom of heaven is at hand [Matt. 10:7].\u201d This is the message proclaimed by the first disciples and it is
the same message today\u2019s disciples are to proclaim. Jesus has opened the door to any who want to
enter. Of course, the Kingdom of God is where God rules supreme. Therefore, many refuse to enter.
This kingdom is characterized by peace, love, joy and holiness. Have you noticed the many concepts,
principles and character traits stressed in the Bible which are the direct opposite of the goals and
ambitions stressed by the world, such as humility, brokenness, and submission? Notice specifically the
Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 5-7]. This describes God\u2019s kingdom. We can define
it as anywhere God\u2019s will is done and Jesus is Lord. It describes the people who serve God as King.
Jesus came to invite us into this kingdom. It is \u201ca present reality and a future hope [NIV note].\u201d He said
we must be born again to enter it [John 3:3]. Just as we were first born into the world, we enter His
Kingdom by being born again spiritually. He also said it was \u201ceasier for a camel to go through the eye of
a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God [Mark 10:25].\u201d Also, \u201cnarrow is the gate and
difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it [Matt. 7:14].\u201d
In Matthew 13 Jesus gives us seven pictures, in parable form, to describe this Kingdom. Luke 15 we see
the joy of finding this Kingdom.
It is \u201ca present reality and a future hope [NIV note].\u201d We usually think of this kingdom as heaven, but
we who have been born again are already members of the Kingdom of God. \u201cHe delivered us from the
domain of darkness, and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son [Col. 1:13].\u201d While the
world kingdom will be judged and pass away God\u2019s kingdom is everlasting [Ps. 145:13]. So, have we
been removed from the world and its influence? Jesus made it plain in John 17:14,15, \u201cThey are not of
the world\u2026I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.\u201d Thus,
born again believers are called to live in two worlds at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN ETERNITY
I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
Jesus describes the believer\u2019s ultimate home, the eternal Kingdom of heaven, in John chapter 14. It is a
prepared place for His own. Glimpses of heaven are seen such as in Revelation 4, 21,22. The focal point
will be Jesus and the Father and the primary activity will be worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CONCLUSION
So why have we been left in the world? Why can\u2019t we be instantly taken to heaven? \u201cYou shall be my
witnesses [Acts 1:8].\u201d We are to be salt and light. We are to live out the great commission of Matthew
28:19,20. We are to bear the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22,23]. The church should be a picture of
the kingdom lived out in the world.
And lest we become judgmental and aloof let\u2019s remember, \u201cSociety is merely a reflection of who we are
[David Horowitz].\u201d Let us also guard our attitude concerning the world. \u201cTrue righteousness has no
indignation toward sinners, only compassion,\u201d said Gregory the Great. And Erwin Lutzer reminds us, \u201cIt
[is] a privilege to be identified with Jesus within a hostile culture.\u201d Again, he says, \u201cfear and anger are
not options for Christians.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are dangers of being in close contact with the world. We are tempted to compromise or even
bring some of the world\u2019s ways into our life and into our church. We are to be like a boat in the water.
As long as the water does not get in the boat, we are safe, but water in the boat may sink it. \u201cChristians
are indeed aliens, living here in an element that is not naturally theirs [Nee].\u201d To feel at home here is to
admit compromise and is a betrayal of Christ who has called us out of the world. James warns us \u201cto
keep oneself unstained by the world [1:27].\u201d Admittedly, there is a fine line between living in the world
and not being a part of it. The Lord calls us to be separate [II Cor. 6:17]. The test is to live by Kingdom
principles as described in the Semon on the Mount while living among people with opposite aims. A W
Tozer observed, \u201cThe weakness of so many modern Christians is that they feel too much at home in the
world. In their effort to achieve restful \u2018adjustment\u2019 to unregenerate society they have lost their pilgrim
character and become an essential part of the very moral order against which they are sent to protest.\u201d
He also said, \u201cChristians are so well fixed, heaven no longer beckons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are we as Christians living a life that is obviously different from the world? Or have we been afraid of
what people think and thus have seen how close to the world we could live and still satisfy God? Biblical
examples of living in two worlds at once are Phil. 1:1 \u201cin Christ in Philippi,\u201d Col. 1:2 \u201cin Christ at
Colossae,\u201d and Eph. 1:1 \u201cin Christ at Ephesus.\u201d Peter sums up our situation. \u201cBeloved, I urge you as<\/p>\n\n\n\n
aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul [I Peter 2:11].\u201d He
has more advise in the verses following. J. C Ryle asks us, \u201cAre you overcoming the world, or are you
overcome by it? Do you know what it is to come out from the world and be separate, or are you
entangled by it and conformed to it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In conclusion, we are a spiritual people living in enemy territory. We are indeed living in two worlds at
once.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LIVING IN TWO WORLDS AT ONCEThe Bible has much to say about the world and the environment we all live in. THE PHYSICAL WORLDGod created the heavens and the earth\u2026it was very good. Genesis 1:1,31We call this physical world planet earth. It is made up of water, soil, mountains, seas, trees, animals,and more. This earth […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=71"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72,"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71\/revisions\/72"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=71"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=71"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/charliesimpressions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=71"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}