The Church and Very Difficult Times

As I have been praying, (both listening and talking), there has awaken in me a prophetic attitude that time had somehow suppressed. Prophet meaning declaring the truth with the intention to wake us God’s people to the sin that is so prevailing. There is a component to “future things” in the prophetic voice but, there is also a speaking on God’s behalf or better stated sharing things that are on the heart of God. So before you start sorting out the stones to throw at me, I am using the term in the latter sense. With that said, I am revisiting the “end times” topic not because I am trying to come up with a new and improved chart to predict when Jesus will indeed come again and take His bride, His pure and holy people with Him to heaven, but to hear and understand God’s heart for His people in regards to when all these things take place. There is so much horrible teaching out there about Christ’s return that it almost makes it seem that Jesus will come when we “the bride” the church decide for his return instead of waiting expectantly, or being “ready” when He decides to return. So without tipping my hand so to speak on where I land on the time and circumstances of Christ’s return, let me at least stir the pot of your mind and soul and exercise the prophetic voice I believe God has rekindled within me.

I see and hear of so many “believers” who claim to follow Christ, but lack the power and fruit that is naturally expressed when one is truly a disciple or better a person remaining in Christ. (See John 15 for reference) Not to split hairs and attempt to label or qualify the distinctions of those who are truly following Christ and those who are not, (I am not God) but we are to be cautious of those who claim to be Christians even leaders because there is a huge difference between a “shepherd” and a “hired hand”. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27) (For further examples see Matthew 7:13-27). I am concerned for the masses in our extreme consumerist social mindset who asks the question; “What’s in it for me?” “How will this church, this message, this program etc. meet my wants and desires?” I read an illustration where a person said, I just want $3 worth of God please, not enough to make me uncomfortable or change my lifestyle but just enough to escape the flames of Hell and live forever in Heaven. Not enough God to make me forgive those who have hurt me or love my neighbor, not enough to make a public expression, but enough to get my prayers answered and get me out of life’s difficulties. Read the prophetic words of Paul:

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT)

Does this sound familiar? We translate this passage as the “world” in general, as those who would never darken the doors of a church, but the sad reality is that the passage describes the apostasy (standing away, a departure from one’s religion) of the church. These are church folk who are living this way. I will end without opinion, but will leave you with a few questions to chew on.

·        How have you seen the Gospel watered down to the point that people you know fit the descriptions above?

·        Can we fall in love with the concept of “Christian” and yet not truly follow Christ? If yes, how so? If no, why not?

·        What do you believe regarding Christ’s return? Will the church go through a “tribulation” period? Are we in it now?

·        Do you think it matters how church people live here on earth or because they made some decision for Christ they make it into heaven anyway guaranteed?