The Old Way Is Better
*Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their plans, because they have not listened to My words, and as for My law, they have rejected it also.* Jeremiah 6:19 NASB
God was very serious about the fate of Jerusalem and the children of Israel who had rebelled against Him. Anyone who rejects the law of God is subject to the same punishment. Of course in the Old Testament times, the blessings and curses were physical in nature. Under the law of Christ that we live under today, the punishment is reserved until after we are dead, and remember that everyone reading this article and everyone walking the streets, going to school, shopping, and playing are going to die and face that judgment.
Even though God is merciful and full of grace does not mean that He will ignore sin in our lives. Many people reject God and His word. Some people are trying to remove God from our society. We know that individuals go to courts all the time to try to remove some element of someone*s faith because it offends them. We know that some groups consider Christians infidels and would have no problem killing them. We know that some governments reject any mention of God, and someday it may come to the point where the mention of God will get you arrested and thrown in jail. It is a reality in some parts of the world today.
So what do we do? How do we prevent this persecution? God has His answer in the same chapter of Jeremiah: *Thus says the LORD, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls** (Jeremiah 6:16). Now, if you finish the verse, you will see a familiar attitude, for it reads: *But they said, *we will not walk in it.*
When Jeremiah says the Old ways, he means God's ways. God's ways are better than mans's ways, and higher than mans ways. A passage in Isaiah tells us that (55:8-9).
Even in our churches, there are many of God*s laws that are being rejected. God continues to announce that he sends watchmen to warn the people, but in verse 17, they just say *we will not listen*. Most watchmen are marked as being trouble makers and spiritual police. So be it. If preachers and other church leaders do not have the fortitude to speak God*s law, they will have to answer to God. You on the other hand, have a responsibility yourself to read and study God*s word, the Bible. In the Bible you will learn the ancient paths that God has designated to prevent disaster coming upon you. There is no other way to avoid such disaster.
God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
By Carey Scott

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