"Vulnerability" Without Repentance

Justin Bieber

Paul describes the love of money and its consequences. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Note that they “pierced themselves.” They are not victims. The many sorrows come because of a sinful lifestyle. Many contemporary churches offer grace and forgiveness without repentance and supernatural conversion. They have church members who live the unholy rock & roll lifestyle and pursue wealth in the midst of the filthy pop music/entertainment industry. Invariably they pierce themselves through with many sorrows in that context, but they consider themselves victims. Instead of repenting of their sin, they become “vulnerable” by sharing their problems before the church. They don’t distinguish between suffering that comes because of sin and suffering that comes in the will of God. Pop star Justin Bieber is an example. He is a member of the contemporary Churchome in Beverly Hills, California, pastored by a husband wife team. He told the church, “It says in the bible count it ALL JOY when you face trials of various kinds. Sounds insane considering when u face trials u feel terrible. But if we are grateful and worship god for what we do have in that season there is so much power in that whatever pain you are going through just keep telling yourself THIS WONT LAST!” (“Justin Bieber Leads Worship,” CBN News, Aug. 30, 2019). Note that he says nothing about faith in the blood of Christ or sin or repentance or conversion. Everything is generic and undefined. He spends a lot of time justifying himself by the fact that he was plunged into popularity at a young age. In contrast, Peter makes a sharp and repeated distinction between suffering for Christ’s sake and suffering for sin. “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters” (1 Pe. 4:14-15). See also 1 Peter 2:19-20; 3:17. The great promise of Romans 8:28 is not for anyone in any circumstance. It is for those who “love God, who are the called according to his purpose.” It is for those who are born again by repentance and saving faith and are walking according to God’s calling and will.

(Friday Church News Notes, September 13, 2019, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)

---