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Expectant Prayers ®

Jennifer Jo Weiss

Buzz Words - Consensus

"And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to My judgments: and they shall keep My laws and my statutes in all Mine assemblies; and they shall hallow My sabbaths. " 
Ezekiel 44:23-24



There have been a few "buzz words" resonating with my spirit today, which I want to share with you.  I believe that the Lord has been saying to watch for them, expect them, and do not be swayed by them.  Why?  Because every Christian needs to know what's in store for the Church and things aren't always wrapped in obvious packaging.  Remember, there is a thread of truth that runs throughout most false ideas!  We need to watch and guard ourselves.

   CONSENSUS 

A consensus is a general agreement or judgment by most of those concerned.  Sounds like a good trait, right?  We need a consensus to form our laws,  vote on things, run corporations, or even in families when deciding where we are going to eat out.  Even the Biblical cannon was agreed upon by a consensus.   A consensus should be a tool for the people, but not a tool to control people.   Consensus can easily be likened to a grown up version of "peer pressure".   It has the same dangers of luring weak victims into its trap.  Like peer pressure, not all consensus is bad...only MOSTLY!

Simply coming together to decide what's "right" can be a very dangerous thing.  Without strict guidance from the Word, we can quickly find ourselves in conflict with God's will.

We don't need to look any further than our history books to understand that many groups throughout history banded together and decided what was right.   When the basis for what was "right" was hinged on the Bible, the results were magnificent.   In US History alone, the consensus led to our heritage and freedoms; bound coherently together by the Constitution.   But in other cases, we can look to historical consensus groups who decided to go it alone (apart from the Bible).  The results were/are devastating:  the Holocaust, forms of government that are oppressive (fascism, socialism, communism, etc), terrorism, moral decline, and even death by Kool Aid in so-called religious groups.

The danger of a consensus is that it could easily veer from the will and purpose of God.  Banding together and deciding that this is what the people want isn't always "truth" or necessarily "right". 

Keep in mind  - a consensus doesn't even mean a huge group is required.  Two can agree and make a consensus!

Are there Biblical accounts of a consensus going awry?  Sure there are! Many famous historical accounts are recorded in the Word. 

Consensus:  Satan (Lucifer) decided he was better than God and a third of the angels agreed
Result:  He was cast out of heaven with a third of the angels

Consensus: Adam and Eve decided it was good to eat from the forbidden tree
Result:  Original Sin, death, and they were driven from Paradise

Consensus:  The building of the tower of Babel to reach heaven
Result:  They were scattered and language was confused

Consensus:  Wickedness and sin were the way of life
Result:  God destroyed all living things with a flood, except for Noah and his family

Consensus:  The constructing of a golden calf God while Moses was on the mountain
Result:  They were forced to destroy the calf and drink it in the water

Consensus:  The wicked lifestyle of Sodom and Gomorrah
Result:  Fire and brimstone consumed it in God's wrath

Consensus:  Make the people worship earthly Kings instead of God
Result:  A lion's den and a fiery furnace

Consensus:  Give us Barabbas
Result:  The crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Many a consensus has it's roots in disobedience and rebellion!

This verse speaks of the golden calf:  "Remember this and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God to anger in the desert. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD."  Deuteronomy 9:7

The Word tells us in 1 Samuel 15:23, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."

When we rebel against the Lord in our attempts to do what we feel is "right", forsaking the will of God and Holy Scripture,  the results will be devastating.   God will allow these things - especially in the last days.  That doesn't mean He approves of these unholy consensus groups of opinion.  He allows what we choose - if only for a season.


BRINGING IT HOME:

We are going to see an increase of (negative) consensus as the day of the Lord draws closer.  You will have to be vigilant - less you be swayed by it's seduction as well.  

Learn the tricks of consensus thinking: 

- playing to peer pressure.  If everyone's on the band wagon  that's your first red flag

- desensitizing you with thoughts and images contrary to God's will/Word (especially via media)

- conflicting your Christian/moral beliefs with what is socially acceptable or what the consensus deems as "right"

- trying to convert your emotions will, mind, and spirit


Consider what I have told you and liken it to what we see unfolding in the world today:

WORLD VIEWS - what will benefit the world, regardless of the Bible - all setting the stage for one world government, religion, and monetary systems and ultimately the rise of anti-Christ

In the US - consensus will continue to shape our laws; including abortion, anti-family legislation, hate crime laws, and threatening our freedom of speech and moral beliefs

BUT do not be fearful.  These things must happen before Jesus return.  He's coming back for us and our hope, faith, trust, and comfort are found in our loving Savior.

Where I see one of the biggest dangers for you and me today is the consensus aspect in the Church.  We are gaining views and shaping the direction of the Church based on consensus, rather than the leading and directing of God's Word and the Holy Spirit.   I see this especially in prayer groups across the board who trust "one person" or "this prophet" or "that prophet" to lead us into the next "wave" of the Spirit.   Weigh everything you hear carefully against Scripture.   Many are speaking of a broad way, revival that will sweep in those who are on the edges (riding the fence), and a great influx in the Church during these last days.  My friends, I wish it were so, but I ask you to consider what the WORD says.  Even if what we think or feel seems "righteous", it can be in start contrast with Scripture.

Narrow is the way that leads to life and few that find it.

In the last days people will be concerned about themselves - lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

The Harvest will be ripe and white, but the laborers will be few.

Many will come forth in His name saying they are the Christ.  Many call to him "Lord, Lord" but He doesn't know them. 

Iniquity and sin will increase.  The love of many will wax cold.

Deception will sear our minds and even the elect will be deceived if it is possible!

People will give up sound doctrine for what they want to hear.

There were ten invited to the wedding party and only half made it in!   We need to prepare and make sure our lamps are full.

FINAL THOUGHT:  

Guard yourself against this spirit of consensus today.  Pray that the Lord will protect your thoughts and your actions as we head toward the end of days.  Remember, we will be judged by the highest of standards, which are found in the Word of God, not what the consensus thinks is right.

You can battle this prevalent spirit by strengthening your relationship with the Lord - especially through prayer and God's Word.  Put on the full armor of God and learn to recognize the tactics of the enemy through CONSENSUS.
 
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12

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