In last week's commentary, I talked about how the 'True Church' is under attack. ... In fact, I presented several news stories to support this fact. ...... But there was one story that gives us hope ... and an example of what we must be to turn back this tide of pure deception ... and that was the article about Pastor Greg Laurie and his refusal to back down to the gay activists concerning the sin of homosexuality. ... In a brief summation, he said that if the Bible says it, it is true! .... Amen, brother!
So why has the 'True Church' (the remnant) become the lesser in numbers, and therefore so vulnerable, when considering the whole church of today? .... Simply because the vast majority of the mainstream church has turned its back on the basic truths of Scripture ... It has sold out!
Consider for a moment what 'normal' Christianity looks like today in the typical 'believer'. .... We see a person who is mostly self-seeking, somewhat materialistic, and most of his or her daily choices are about improving his or her life ... the I / me factor ... and this includes spiritual pursuits. .. let me say that these spiritual substitutes never make good on their lofty promises .... they never do, because they can't. .... Think of all those unfulfilled people you know who have traveled down so many dead-end roads. .... Maybe you have had first-hand experience with some of these counterfeit substitutes ... education, money, sex, property, self-prominence, affluence ... they all lack something. .... Government has let us down, so we feel over-taxed, cynical, and disillusioned. ... Religious legalism and superficial piety have proven to be shabby imitations of the real thing, so many who do go to Church regularly wonder why they do. ... How sad ... and dangerous!
To me, what passes for normal Christianity today must be an outrage to God ... It is not only powerless, it is also passionless, lacking self-sacrifice. ... In other words, it is cross-less --- and therefore Christ-less! ..... To quote a good friend .... "we want to know God's way -- to hear the gospel truth -- but want to avoid living it." .... Sadly, church culture today encourages this kind of life. ... It's acceptable to enjoy sermons and enter into worship --- yet go home entirely unchanged!
2 Timothy 3:1-5 says it clearly .... "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3) without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4) treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - 5) HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT DENYING ITS POWER. HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM." (emphasis mine)
So because all of these things are true, this is why the 'True Church' is temporarily losing the battle .... we are outnumbered! ... Just look at these statistics for a moment ..... For the first time in history, less than 50% of Americans identify themselves as believers of any kind. ... and sadly, that number is even lower -- 30% -- for people under 30. ... It is estimated that within a decade this generation will be lost completely to secularism and godlessness .... and tolerance for true Christians will only decrease.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:10-12 ... "At that time (the end) many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11) and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." .... Notice that Jesus said '"most" ... well that is exactly what we are seeing ....
For those of us who study and understand Scripture, we know for a fact that as we draw ever nearer to His glorious return, it would become more and more difficult to stand steadfastly to His Word .... and that we would, and will be... persecuted. ... But Jesus also said in matthew 24:13 that " ... he who stands firm to the end WILL BE SAVED." (emphasis mine) ... ... Bottom line? ... We may be outnumbered right now ... but not for long! ... Victory is in sight! ... Hallelujah!!!
Let me close with a verse from a great Christian worship song .....
*Rise up Church - with broken wings
Fill this place - with songs again
Of our God - who reigns on high
By His grace - again we'll fly
*Shout to the north- and the south
Sing to the east- and the west
Jesus is Savior to all
He's the Lord of Heaven and earth
We must NEVER give up ... or ever turn our backs on the true Message of Jesus Christ .. whatever the cost .... Stay strong, for your rewards are just a breath away .......
Until next time,
Red