Worthy Brief - 3/5/2024
Friend, someone's knocking!
Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The church at Laodicea received a stern warning in chapter 3 of John's Revelation. We would do well to reflect on it.
The word "Laodicea" is a compound in the Greek; “Laos” which principally means “people”, and “dike", defined as “principle or decision”. One rendering might read, “rule of the people”, or, in modern terms, “Democracy”. In the western world, we have an affection and even a deep commitment to Democracy. Yet this form of government, "rule of the people" is fatally flawed... because we are fatally flawed by our sin nature, thinking we are self-sufficient and worldly-wise, yet pitifully incapable of ruling righteously.
The Laodiceans apparently lived up to their name, trusting in their own resources, wisdom, and capacity, and assessing themselves as quite sufficient. "We are rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing", they said. There are democracies and churches today that may be saying much the same. But trusting in their own sufficiency and judgment became a platform for excluding God so much at Laodicea that the Lord told them He was actually OUTSIDE the church, knocking, and desiring to come in! Think, how did a church become a place where the Lord was outside, looking in?
Friend, we are learning of late not to expect too much from "democracy" as a form of government. That being the case, it should be even more evident that "Laodicean" churches (and Christians) are in serious trouble. Self-rule, self-sufficiency, and self-satisfaction are deadly to spiritual life. God says these folks are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked". But Yeshua is standing at the door, longing for repentance and ready and able to deliver from self-sufficiency and lukewarm faith. Can you hear Him knocking...?
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX)
(Bradenton, Florida)
Editor's Note: We will be co-hosting a 2 day in-depth confernce in Jacksonville, Florida on March 8-9 entitled, "Israel, the Kingdom of God, & You." Tickets are limited.
Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!
Editor's Note: We are planning our Winter Tour so if you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.
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France Becomes First Country With Abortion Rights In Constitution
France became the world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution on Monday, despite appeals from church leaders to reconsider the move.
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The government of Haiti on Sunday declared a “renewable” 72-hour state of emergency after armed gangs stormed three police stations and two prisons , freeing 3,700 prisoners and leading to the deaths of 12 people. The government added that the gangs’ acts of "disobedience" were a threat to national security.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab States Press For Establishment Of Palestinian State, Will Not Rebuild Gaza Unless Israel Agrees To Allow it
A coalition of Arab states is pressing the United States and its Western allies to convince Israel to consider a renewed plan for Palestinian statehood that would result in a permanent ceasefire in the current war against Hamas, Fortune reports. Led by Saudi Arabia, the coalition includes Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Biden Administration Sanctions Israeli Company Which Makes Parts Of Iron Dome Defense System
The United States last week imposed sanctions on a small Israeli metal company that makes parts for the Iron Dome, an air defense system which has protected civilians from tens of thousands of rockets fired at the Jewish state from Gaza by the Hamas jihadist terror group respectively, First Post reports.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Underway In Egypt
As fierce fighting continued in Gaza Sunday, delegates of the Iran-backed Palestinian group Hamas, deemed terrorists by the West, were in Cairo on Sunday for talks on a ceasefire with Israel, their sworn enemy, sources said.
Inside the United States
Within Hours Of Appeal, Supreme Court Stays Appellate Ruling On Texas Border Bill
Within hours of a federal appeals court decision Monday allowing a new Texas law to stand that makes illegal entry into the state from a foreign nation a state crime, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito stayed the appellate court’s decision.
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States do not have the power to remove former President Donald Trump from their presidential primary ballots under the 14th Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday.
Christian News
Indonesia: Minister Of Religion Helps Churches Obtain Permits
In a piece of welcome news for historically persecuted Christians in Indonesia, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has requested the Directorate General to ascertain whether regional Indonesian churches have been unjustly refused building permits and to facilitate the establishment of places of worship, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Christianity is legal in Indonesia, but the Muslim-majority country has consistently blocked the establishment of churches and impeded believers’ right to express their faith.