For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2Tim 4:3,4
“In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” William Booth
After the recent date-setting incident, it is fashionable to scoff at those who insist we are in the last days. The scripture is full of prophesy about the last days and certainly the time does seem full and the return of Jesus surely is not far away. Perhaps most significantly is the drift of the church from sound doctrine and the tendency to political correctness in preaching. When the century turned from the 1800s to the 1900s, William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army was asked about his concerns for the coming century. His response is quoted above.
Consider the church today. Are not those who preach the power of the Holy Ghost considered “fringe?” Is the church obviously lacking power, particularly in Europe and North America? Less so in Africa and Asia where the Holy Spirit is honored and preached and persecution is rampant.
Are we not hearing a revision of Christ’s words, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” We are now told that Jesus is one of many ways.
Have you heard that Jesus is ready to forgive, without mention that our repentance is a prerequisite to that forgiveness?
How many realize that grace doesn’t just mean that “Jesus saves” but that He brings the power to change?
What about government? In American, at least, we have bought the lie that we are a democracy; that the majority decides what’s right, and not a republic in which certain principles are not altered by shifts in public opinion.
As for heaven without hell, we have talked of that recently. In fact, it’s practically the talk of the church.
So, it does seem we are in the end times. But most importantly what does that mean? It means we need to have a sense of urgency. It means we need to seek the kingdom first. It means we need to share the gospel and tell others what Jesus did for us, how He convicted us, saved us, changed us, and through His Holy Spirit, enables us to live in a world that is winding down. In other words, we need to be telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Be blessed.
Nick
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