“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
Mark 1:15 NLT
God is in control, but He doesn’t control us. We’re not robots. He created us with free will. We get to choose to submit to His authority or not. He uses gentle persuasion to convince us of the truth and to influence us in the right direction. As time runs out for this world, His persuasive techniques are becoming more pronounced.
The devil controls everyone who doesn’t obey the teachings of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. The devil uses deception to convince us that his lies are true and we act on them. The trouble with being deceived is that you don’t know when you’re deceived. Hence, you think you are acting on the truth, but it’s actually a lie. Therefore, you are under the devil’s power. He has overridden your ability to discern the truth from a lie, making you a pawn in his destructive agenda.
Controlling others is witchcraft. Controlling others is abuse. Look at how the world operates, command and control. The elite try to enslave the masses to enrich themselves. That’s not how God operates. God sacrificed His Son to set the captives free. Jesus came in the form of a servant even though all power and authority rested in Him.
As believers, we have power and authority, over the forces of darkness. We can command and control demons, casting them out in the Name of Jesus. We’re not meant to control other people. That would be disrespecting their free will and ability to make their own decisions.
Like our Heavenly Father, we should attempt to persuade others with the truth of Scripture and leave it up to them to decide for themselves. We want people to make informed decisions. We want them to obey from a heart of gratitude that loves God, not because they are manipulated or coerced into following religious practices.
God is calling people to repentance. Repent from dead works. Repent from things that are not helpful. Repent from things that hurt yourself or others. Judgment starts at the house of God. Are we helping or hurting? Do we serve God or mammon? Are we servants or thieves?
The time is coming when everyone will have to answer to God. Our culture is derailed. Do not follow the masses. They are hopelessly deceived. The truth never changes. God never changes. He is calling us all to repent, to reverse course. Quit living self-directed lives. Learn from God. Learn the truth. Then choose to live your life according to it. There are consequences for our actions. You choose. The choice is clear.
God, have mercy on us all. Forgive them, for they know not what they do. Awaken the nations. Shake the earth until the chosen repent. Lord, have Your way with us. Amen.
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts of the Apostles 2:38 NLT