The End of the World

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” -2 Corinthians 11:3

“The simplicity of preaching the gospel is foolishness to the world.”-Bro Ed Miller 1950

The world in the Word of God sometimes has a different meaning than what it means in your physical science textbook.  The world in the physical is something we all know and understand, but the world in the spiritual is something that many are blinded too.  We live in this world, but this world does not have to live in us.  The emancipation of the heart from the world is only accomplished through, and by, the power of Christ.  It brings a contentment and simplicity that the world finds foolish.  

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW., Washington, DC 20500; do you recognize this address?  No?  It is near Old Ebbitt Grill.  Anything?  It is next to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.  It has great big columns and a fountain on the North lawn.   Still nothing?  It is white, it is a white house, The White House…and now you know.  In America (and abroad in most cases), all you have to say is “The White House” and everyone will know to what you are referring.  That said, the building itself is just a building.  If you strip away, the history created by the men and women that passed through those halls it is nothing more than another house.  The people, who they were/are, create the distinction between a white house and The White House.  The Word of God says that all that is in the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:13).  God’s Word is highlighting the distinction between a world (i.e. Earth) and the world.  The men and women that live here on Earth create the distinction between the two.  If God just made trees, water, dirt, plants, and animals and no people, there would be a world but not the world.  The world is/was created when Adam sinned in the Garden; the sinful nature in man creates the world.  The gospel of the world seeks to gratify the flesh, and exalt the sinful nature of man that is rooted and grounded in serving and preserving self.  It claims that we will find peace, contentment, love, joy and happiness by doing what makes you happy.  It is all about you.  The gospel of Christ is to deny yourself, die to yourself, and serve/follow Jesus no matter the cost.  Jesus will direct your life and give you peace, contentment, love, joy, happiness, and a home in heaven when you die.  The corruption of the world says “Follow You.”  The simplicity of Christ says “Follow Him.”

Look no further than your own heart for the end of the world. As long as man is on this earth and sin is reigning in the heart of man; there will be the world.  Jesus Christ came to destroy the world within man and bring victory over the sin that reigns within our wicked heart.  Jesus can give you victory and he will give you victory if you give up yourself and follow him.