We can not be lukewarm

We can not be hot (the Lord) and cold (the world). Psalm 81 vs 13 and 14 says 'Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways. I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their foes.' Jesus says in John ch. 12 vs. 47 and 48 'If anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him, for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who does not receive my sayings has a judge, the Word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.'         Neither does it matter by whom this word is spoken, for Jesus goes on to say in John ch. 13 v. 20 'Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives anyone whom I send receives me, and he who receives me receives Him Who sent me'

Hebrews ch.11 is full of people who obeyed the voice of God and did not lose out. Verse 7 says ' By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, took heed and constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith.'  Verse 8 says 'By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance, and he went out not knowing where he was to go.'

We need not be afraid of any Word which God speaks to us, whether it be to make us feel comfortable or uncomfortable.  Being human, we do not naturally like or want to feel uncomfortable. Sometimes it is actually taught amongst God's people that we should only prosper and be happy, and that anything else is 'of the devil'. It is a 'feel good' doctrine.  The church in Laodicea is spoken of as having self satisfaction physically but being spiritually poverty stricken (Rev. ch. 3 v. 17) However, the Lord goes on in v. 18 to advise them to buy from Him riches and garments and ointment, spiritual riches, garments and ointment, that they might spiritually prosper, spiritually be clothed, and spiritually see.  In v. 19 He says those whom He loves, He reproves and chastens. Chasten comes from the word chaste which means pure. 

When we, as born again believers, are 'chastened' by the Lord it is only the natural, carnal side of us which feels uncomfortable. The Spiritual creation within us rejoices and grows at the Lord's voice whatever His Word might speak to us. It does not matter what church we go to, or what man is claimed to be a 'great man of God' or a 'wonderful prophet'. If any person instructs us to do other than the Word of God in any situation ( for there is instruction for every situation) then it is not of God.  Deuteronomy chapter 13 vs. 1 - 4 tells us that even if a prophet arises amongst us and prophesies and it does come to pass, if he then instructs us to go after other gods to serve them, then we must not listen.  Other gods can be anything that we put above the Lord, and because the Lord is the Word, gods can be anything that we put above His Word. We are told in this passage of scripture that the Lord our God is testing us to know whether we love Him with all our heart and with all our soul.  We are told to walk after the Lord our God, to fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice, to serve Him and to cleave to Him.  Jesus echoes this in John ch. 14  v.15  where He says 'If you love me you will keep my commands.