We live in perilous times. The persecution of the saints is growing in America and is most extreme in many other parts of the world. These perils are easy to see and we know already the world is corrupted by sin. Even more perilous than this, is the corruption that is harder to see: the corruption within the four walls of Christ’s church.
Many who call themselves Christians gratify the desires of their own flesh through a gospel not divinely made, pleasing themselves is found more favorable than pleasing God. Having no fear of God’s judgments, obeying Him is not a gospel requirement. Since these wolves got in the church another way than through Christ and fearing not God, they have no regard for others either. Having only a form of godliness, they love God in form only. They love Him only as long as they receive what they perceive they are due from Christ and as long as it requires little from them to have it.
Parents have no love for their children to protect them from the many fires they themselves have made for them to pass through. Children have no honor to give to their parents. In our entertainment, politics, and education our children are made the food for their lust.
Carnal ideas rule our worship. Worldly philosophies are used seeking to improve us and make us as one good. Love is hypocritical. Love is conditional. Love has become morbid. The power of Christ’s self-sacrificing love is not their model nor their reality. Their future glory in Christ desired now, they live as if they are still living in Old Testament times of a prosperity promised instead of a time of a future glory to be received.
By joining in Christ’s suffering, we too shall suffer. Those who truly know Him and love Him will endure this suffering joyfully until the end.
It is a new idea, a new gospel, this new worldly church has found—To be ever learning, but never finding “Truth;” never finding Christ and His great love; never finding His peace and rest; never knowing forgiveness–ever falling away from grace “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).
As in the days of Noah, people go on eating, drinking, and marrying. They live their lives unconcerned and unaware of the perilous times that appear to be beginning nor for the lost that are already perishing. It is the beginning of the end of all time. The world has always seen trouble, but our present troubles are escalating rapidly.
Great trouble, destruction, gospel deception, and much suffering will mark this time of the ending of all our time. But with it is given to us who believe, an even greater promise of God’s comfort. Those who endure it all will gain their lives (Luke 21:19). Those who endure until the end will be saved from destruction. We don’t gain our lives by enduring. Enduring is the evidence of those who have been given a true gospel faith.
Where grace lives, strength to endure always follows! The Spirit of Christ who gives us strength, having given us the gift of God’s salvation, will reveal in this time of great testing who are truly the “blessed of God.”
We have been given God’s warning. We also have been given His promise of comfort. We also have Christ Jesus who is our Heavenly hope.
Lord, help us to live in a way that brings honor and glory to Your great name. May You give us strength to give a testimony of His great love that is living in us. Whatever the troubles that might come, let us endure it joyfully. With praise and thanksgiving, help us to live like we know You, to live like we desire you, and to “Finish Well” the race we are running knowing we have You. In Christ name I ask it; Let it be, Yes; and Amen!
What signs do you see that the end of the beginning is about to begin? Are you ready?
And Now The End begins! (follow link to corresponding poem)