Don’t Get Onboard!

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lusitania sinking

Few people today remember or care to recall the sinking of luxury liner RMS Lusitania, destroyed by German submarine torpedoes in May 1915. It was a catalyst to USA entry into WWI. The 1,198 victims included millionaires and commoners and carried works of art by Monet, Rembrandt, and Rubens. But what may be lesser known is that all who boarded had been warned of enemy attacks on that specific ship. The warnings came from the Germans themselves, posted in major newspapers….

Lusitania_warning

Reporters investigating those who perished and the survivors found that all aboard had scoffed at these wartime warnings. They fully believed that the Lusitania was “too big and too strong” to destroy.

Why should we care about this demolished sinking ship today? It seems that many American Christians are investing emotional and spiritual time and resources into saving the luxurious traditions and lifestyle of the USA. Even though this country is sinking, many root their loyalties onboard a ship that God Himself declares destined to sink into darkness.

Increasingly worldliness – not gross sinfulness – stealthily contaminates our faith and deafens our ears to God’s call.

God warns and exhorts His people throughout scripture to separate themselves from unbelievers, living apart from mainstream world culture and values. We are not to get onboard with the world….

“…friendship with the world is hatred toward God…Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God” James 4:4

In his book, Love Not The World, Watchman Nee expounds upon God’s ongoing cry for His people to separate from this world. I highly recommend this easy to read book as every line holds liberating truth for the believer…

“Separation to God, separation from the world, is the first principle of Christian living.”

“Do not let us think for a moment that Satan opposes God only be means of sin and carnality in men’s hearts; he opposes God by means of every worldly thing.”

“…everything belonging to the world is under the sentence of death. We still go on living in the world and using the things of the world, but we can build no future with them…”

“…there is a mind behind the system…an ordered system, ‘the world’ which is governed from behind the scenes by a ruler, Satan.”

“Indeed, unless we look at the unseen powers behind the material things we may be readily deceived.”

“How watchful we need to be lest at any time we be found helping Satan in the construction of (his) ill-fated kingdom.”

“The essential character of the world is Satanic; it is at enmity with God. To see this is to find deliverance.”

As Americans, we are at critical junctures in our country, much like watching a slow train crash with precious cargo. The greatest temptation for many of us is to join in the foray, fight for ‘upright morals’ and make a stand for…for what?

We are called to ‘stand’, steadfast in our faith, trusting in Jesus and His word, even upon loss of all and life itself. “He who stands firm to the end will be saved”.

Those souls boarding the Lusitania foolishly denied posted warnings of destruction. With God’s unchangeable and trustworthy ‘warnings of destruction’, we have no excuse to get onboard the world’s course. We cannot and are not called to change it nor can we delay the promised culmination of all nations under the rule of the antichrist.

I press these truths into my own heart, that I may not get onboard the wrong ship and later mourn a missed call, a neglected task or intended purpose for my life from our Heavenly Father.

As the Body of Christ in the world, our choices have eternal value and consequences.

Press on brothers and sisters!

33 thoughts on “Don’t Get Onboard!”

  2. What a wonderful analogy! I just went through a Titanic phase, learning all about it and other sunk vessels, so this was interesting to see.

    I do like the comparison, and I would add that Philippians 4:13 is not for winning the Super Bowl, it’s for hard times such as these. I liked everything about this post 🙂 Thanks and God bless!

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    • Thank you Jarilissima, I really appreciate your comments! The Lusitania reminded me of the Titanic, both luxury vessels with terrifying, tragic ends.
      I totally agree with you on Philippians 4:13. It is one of several misused scriptures which really irks my soul.
      Thank you again for your uplifting comments, they truly add to this post.
      Press on sister!

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  3. You are truly one wise woman and I am thankful for you, Lisa Beth. “Even though this country is sinking, many root their loyalties onboard a ship that God Himself declares destined to sink into darkness” I sadly agree with 100%. This world is not our home. It is my prayer that we as believers start disciplining ourselves to prepare for what’s to come. Have you ever read Nee’s “Sit, Walk, Stand” on Ephesians? It’s a good short read if ya haven’t. Love and blessings!

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    • Dear Mandy, your comments always uplift and add to every post, thank you! I had to really press this message into my own heart.
      I think I have all of Watchman Nee’s books; “Sit, Stand, Walk” is a true classic. I have read and reread many of his books and always find a fresh and deeper teaching.
      Always good to hear from you, Mandy! May the Lord encourage and inspire you. 🌹

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    • So true about every nation under the sun. But also, in countries that are poor and troubled, believers aren’t so tempted to partake in the world system – they so long for Christ’s return and His Kingdom.
      Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging comment. 🌹

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  8. Amen. It has been personally eye-opening as I have grown to realize how entangled my loyalties had become without even realizing it, simply because America’s founding principles seem so harmonious with biblical values. Even now I am still in the process of sorting out my duties as a Christian who is an American citizen, but it is becoming ever clearer, by the Lord’s grace. God bless!

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    • Thank you brother Craig for sharing your thoughtful and encouraging comments. Many of us struggle with those loyalties – we’ll need the Lord to renew our hearts and minds for the challenges ahead!
      Press on brother!

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  9. I remember reading about a Christian from the persecuted Church in China, who said that being faithful to Jesus was so much harder in America because of all the distractions. I’m guessing it’s harder also because we are so unaware of the dangers of worldly things, while direct persecution is obvious. You’re right, Satan is subtle, and wrapped up in our “stuff” we often aren’t paying attention to what’s really going on.

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    • Yes indeed, all true! And along with all the distractions, the American culture and ‘good life’ often diminish the longing and anticipation of Christ’s return.
      While most churches want to embellish our lives, Jesus calls us to lose our lives. If I turn my heart from this world I know I’ll cry “Marantha!” and look toward His return.
      Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Press on sister!

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  10. Thank you, Lisa Beth, for bringing our attention to the realities Nee preached and for which he was imprisoned. It may be persecution for American believers will be God’s means of grace for us. Praise Him for His work of sanctification – setting His people apart for His work and glory in us. Blessings.

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    • Thank you Bethany for adding your thoughts here, I agree, it was crazy! But I kept thinking how crazy it is for most of mankind to scoff at God’s warnings. At the very least, I pray that the Body of Christ rises up as beacons in these dark days.
      May the Lord continue to encourage and inspire you!

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