However, recent unfolding events in the world -- whereby so-called protestant/Christian evangelists had an audience with the pope has changed my focus -- at least for this day.
Before I begin, let me quote the book of Revelation which clarifies that particular situation. It states: "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled ... and the woman which thou saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:17-18)
It is an indication that the last days as indicated throughout the New Testament is at hand. Jesus warned us of these times and encouraged us to recognize the signs of His second coming. (Matthew 24:1-51; 25:1-46) As I pondered these matters from a spiritual perspective, I happened upon Acts 20. Allow me to share.
"And from Miletus [Paul] sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them. "Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house -- testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold, I go to bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me ... but none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore, I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men ... for I HAVE NOT SHUNNED to declare unto you ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God ... which He -- [God] -- has purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28)
For I know this, and after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Therefore, watch, and remember by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears."
In Jude, we read a similar warning. He wrote: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints ... for there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
... Woe unto them for they have gone in the way of Cain and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear; clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him ... these are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage." (Jude 1:1-16)
But beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ -- how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts -- these be they who separate themselves, sensual -- having not the Spirit. But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost -- keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:17-21)
And, as Paul said, "And now brethren, I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified ... I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus -- how He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy." (I Thessalonians 2:20)
In these soon to be tumultuous times, know that the Lord Himself told us that "no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me." (Isaiah 54:17)
Trust Jesus today with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Seek His guidance and counsel through the Word. And may the Lord "make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." (I Thessalonians 3:12-13) Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment