The Scriptures tell us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.” I John 2:15. The Greek word for “world” means an ungodly system set against God. Its values, morals and goals are contrary to God’s will. The “world” refers to the present evil, unholy system that is ruled by Satan. In I John we read, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” I John 5:19. Nothing in this world system loves God or finds its purpose in Him. In fact, the world opposes the things of God. The world is a system of values, morals and goals from which God is excluded. So we are not to love this ungodly, evil world system. It is a system set against our Lord and His ways. Although that world may be friendly to us, it is a friendly enemy seeking to draw us away from the Lord. The world will entice us with forbidden pleasures. The world’s ways are outwardly appealing, but are inwardly destructive. Jesus is the One who exposes sin and evil, so the world will try to draw us away from Him. We read these words of warning in the Book of James, “You unfaithful people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4. Are you a friend of the world and thus an enemy of God? The message this Sunday, which will also be streamed on Facebook Live, will examine the dangers the “world” presents.
The church will be presenting the Voice of the Martyrs virtual event I Am N this Sunday evening, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. Ten years ago, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) began marking Christian homes and churches with the Arabic letter “n,” or ن , as its fighters overran parts of Iraq. The symbol (“n” for “Nazarene”) marked the buildings as belonging to Christians and served as a threat to all believers in the area. Hundreds of thousands of Christians fled the country, but where are they today? And what about those who stayed behind? You will hear updates on Iraq and firsthand stories from three Christians who have paid the price for advancing the gospel in other places dominated by Islam. This special event is FREE! Hear these inspiring testimonies of costly faith, plus worship from Steven Curtis Chapman.