THE HOUR IS LATE
by Alan Yusko
We are certainly living at the end of the age. Soon the Lord Jesus will return to planet earth to rapture His Church. After that event the antichrist will be free to rise to power as the 70th week of Daniels prophecy will run its course. At the end of that time there will be the battle of Armageddon which culminates with the return of the Lord Jesus to set up His Kingdom on earth.
As we get closer to the return of the Lord Jesus what will the world be like. Will it become a better place to live with a massive outbreak of peace, harmony, and love to fellow man? Or will the days grow more and more evil as we get closer to the return of the Lord Jesus? Well, the answer is the latter.
The days are getting more evil and dangerous. Here is how the Bible describes these last days in which we live:
2 Tim 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers,
incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than
lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from
such turn away.
This is a pretty sad description of the world conditions before the return of the Lord Jesus. But these terrible things are happening right now. In fact if you look at the present then look back 10, 20, or 30 years ago, the downward slide is very apparent.
Lets look at a few things that reflect the downward slide of our world society.
- Murder of innocent babies - abortion
Years ago no one would have murdered a baby in the womb. It was just
plain wrong and people knew it. However today one of the most
dangerous places to be is in the mother's womb. Recently a new way
to murder a baby was devised. It is called a partial birth abortion.
During the actual delivery of a baby a hole is punched in the baby's
head. Then the brains are sucked out with some sort of a vacuum. Then
the baby is delivered and guess what?.... for some reason the baby is
born dead. What an evil and bloodthirsty society that devises such evil
to murder a innocent baby. It is very socially acceptable and many laws
have been passed granting rights to women to murder their baby. In fact
many laws have been passed to treat as criminal those who oppose and
protest the murder of children in the womb. These laws state that the
real criminal are the protestors and not the murderers of babies.
Hence the arm of the law is flexed against those who oppose abortion
while the law protects those involved in this grisly process. Only
a godless society with a very low value on human life would do
such a thing. But as God and His Word is rejected, the door is opened
for all kinds of evil to take place in society. Today we are seeing
such a thing with the baby murderers. However all is not lost. God
is going to judge this horrendous crime. Even those who murder their
own babies must pay the price. Even though they can justify this crime
with their minds, deep down their conscience still knows it is wrong.
As a result ladies who murder their own babies suffer all kinds of
problems for the rest of their lives. Here are some of the problems:
increased divorce rate, increased suicide rate, greater potential for
terminal illness such as cancers (breast cancer for example), and a
shorter life expectancy. Keep in mind that years ago when the Bible and
God was more prominent in society we never had the widespread problem of
baby murdering.
Ecclesiastes 8
11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily,
therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Prov 6
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination
unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that SHED INNOCENT BLOOD,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in
running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord
among brethren.
- Sodomy
There has been many changes in regards to sodomites. It wasn't too
long ago when the sodomites were hidden in their closets. It was
illegal to openly practice sodomy and a person was fired if they held
a respectable job. No one wanted a school teacher teaching their children
who was a sodomite. However things have changed morally over the last
20 years or so. Now sodomy is considered normal. Laws have been passed
allowing for benefits for same-sex couples. It will not be long before it
is openly legal to have same sex marriages. The moral condition of these
last days is so low that sodomy is considered a 'normal' sexual
'orientation' from which a person may choose to participate or not. For
such a moral fall to occur first God and His Word must be rejected. That
has been done and the end result is a massive moral decline.
Rom 1
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,
burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that
which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of
their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge,
God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are
not convenient;
- Shacking and living together
Looking back a few years, there was a time when 'living in sin' was not
a good thing to do. If someone in the family was living together it was
considered a family 'shame' and was kept as a family secret. However, it
is not the case today. Shacking together has become the norm for many
godless couples. They say: 'you have to try the shoe on to see if it fits,
don't you?' Many openly proclaim they are living together, in such a way
to imply that there is nothing wrong with what they are doing. On TV and
movies the concept of living together is considered a cultural norm. Many
people in these last days have followed the immoral examples and feel there
is nothing wrong at all with living together. Of course by rejecting God
and His Word, the concept of purity and marriage will certainly
suffer....and it has!
Hebrews 13
4 Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but
whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
- Divorce
Divorce has always been around but recently in these last days it has
become an easy option for many couples. Gone is the 'old fashioned' idea of
'till death do we part'. Instead today it is: "until I'm bored, then
I'll part". Some people are working on 3+ marriages today. Others get
bored of the concept and just 'live together' with their latest
bed-mate. Divorce is at epidemic proportions in these last days.
Matthew 19
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother,
and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore
God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
- Remarriage
Along with divorce comes remarriage. In days past many people didn't
consider a marriage partner who was divorced. However today divorced
people make the best hunters. They have the experience and work fast.
Like previously mentioned it is not uncommon to hear of people with 3+
marriages. Even Churches have joined in and are quickly marrying all
those who come to their doorsteps. I personally know of a church attending
girl who has recently broken up with her third husband. Will she go for
number four? .... probably. Will she be married again in church.... probably.
According to God: One marriage for life. The marriage is dissolved at death of
one of the partners (not divorce).
Rom 7
2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband
so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the
law of her husband.
3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man,
she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is
free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married
to another man.
1 Cor 7
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if
her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will;
only in the Lord.
Matt 5
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away
his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth
her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her
that is divorced committeth adultery.
Matt 19
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife,
except it be for fornication, and shall marry another,
committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is
put away doth commit adultery.
Mark 10
12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be
married to another, she committeth adultery.
Luke 16
18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth
another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth
her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
- Rampant immorality - considered 'normal'
The moral climate of these last days is very low. People feel free
to fornicate and commit adultery these days. It is considered normal
to be a sexually immoral person. Even TV and movies boldly proclaim
sexual freedom and choice. As a result, we face in society with many
deadly sexual diseases. The silent killer AIDS has not gone away.
Instead it continues to silently spread and kill its victims. The
people in most danger are those who are sexually immoral. It just
takes ONE sexual encounter with an infected person to guarantee a
shortened lifespan by contracting this deadly disease. I've even heard
that 1 person in 6 now has the disease Herpes. Again it is easily
transmitted and once a person gets infected they stay that way all
their life. There are many other terrible diseases out there as well.
The funny thing is people never consider the disease when they get
involved in sexual immorality. Perhaps it is the good marketing of
the secular media. What ever the reason, the consequences of being
sexually immoral are not considered. Some believe by using a condom
they are safe. What a lie. They are not safe at all. Some diseases
can pass through the natural defects in a condom. Some people get
pregnant even though they use a condom. This safe-sex-condom thing is
really a lie from the devil himself. Other deadly diseases be passed
by kissing and touching an infected person. Despite all the dangers,
the immoral think they are invunerable to disease and death.
Disease is for other people not for them...they reason. As a result
people freely fornicate with no thoughts to the consequences. All this
is made possible by a rejection of God and His Word. The end result is
death, pain, sickness, suffering, and a shortened lifespan.
1 Cor 6
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body;
but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Prov 5:
1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is
smoother than oil:
4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable,
that thou canst not know them.
7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words
of my mouth.
8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the
house of a stranger;
11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
- Occult interest and involvement:
As God and His Word is rejected, lost men and women turn to
evil. One very evil thing is occult involvement. Things like
ouija boards, astrology, fortune telling seem innocent to
many. However, they are part of the occult which is evil,
forbidden, and an abomination to God. Other forms of the
occult are getting more popular. Things like witchcraft and
satanism have become more visible and popular in these last
days. For example, bookstores today have huge occult sections
filled with all kinds of Satanic evil for the lost to partake.
Also rock and rollers have all kinds of occult symbols associated
with their bands and many are openly into the occult. Just looking back
10-30 years ago these things were not as apparent. The
occult was always present but it certainly was more restrained
than it is today. Even professing Christians have gotten into
the occult. Many read their daily astrology reports while others
go to occultic doctors for acupuncture and other occultic
treatments. I know of one professing girl who got a gift from
her mother. It was a gold plated astrology sign necklace. She
refused to listen to any warnings about the occult jewelry
because it was an expensive gift from mother. Today we are seeing
the occult from all angles. TV and the movies have popularized
the occulist. Games for kids have all kinds of occultism, spells,
magic, and witchcraft. All the occultism now popular with the
masses is an abomination to God. See the following verses:
Deut 18
9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth
thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those
nations.
10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son
or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination,
or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard,
or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD:
and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them
out from before thee.
Isa 47
13 Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the
astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up,
and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they
shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall
not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.
- Prayer in schools
It is legal to have a witchcraft meeting but illegal to have a Bible study
in public schools. Evolution is taught as a fact while creation is
dismissed as foolishness. As a result young people are raised in rejection
of God and His Word. Has this helped the learning process? No not really.
Schools need armed guards, metal detectors, and drug counselors as part
of the staff. Many students today have no idea about the Bible. They
do not even know the simplest of Bible stories. They don't know about Adam
and Eve, or the difference between Noah and Moses! Yes over the last 10, 20,
30 years God has been rejected in the school system. The harvest of
violence and the lack of learning in school systems can be easily seen.
All this is made possible by a rejection of God and His Word in our
society!
Prov 14
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
- Greed, cheating and consumer fleecing In these last days many people have a huge desire to get filthy rich. Companies already earning millions must earn more. As a result people are cheated, taxed, and 'service charged' to death. But when God and His Word is rejected, all the lost people have is the here and now. People live their lives with no thought of the life after this one. Most are unconcerned that they will spend their eternity in either heaven or hell. Some believe the lie that this is all there is. They reason... when you are dead then you are dead, so better enjoy all you can now. Little do they realize but they are heading for a lost eternity as they live their lives in rejection of the only God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ! People are looking out for number one in these last days. So what if it is at the expense of others. The goal is to get rich and have fun because that's all there is! Many get-rich schemes have been devised for the greedy. Casinos, lotteries, and gambling dens are everywhere and will glady take a person's money. Many become addicted to gambling and wreck all kinds of destruction in their families as they madly seek worldly wealth.
Mark 8
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and
lose his own soul?
James 5
1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come
upon you.
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness
against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure
together for the last days.
4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which
is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped
are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished
your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
- Massive increase in natural disasters
In the recent years the world has been hit by disaster after disaster.
Record storms and floods are almost routine. The approaching return of
the Lord Jesus is going to be like a woman about to have birth. A women
in labor experiences birth pains. These pains start off easy and increase
in duration and intensity as the delivery point approaches. This also
applies to these last days. As we get closer to the return of Jesus
the disasters (birth pains) will also increase in intensity and duration.
This is happening in the world right now!
Matt 24
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in
divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
CHURCH CONDITIONS IN THE LAST DAYS
The key word is growing apostasy in these last days. The church scene has never been at a lower point. Pastors are going liberal and no one, including the people really cares. For those who want a good Bible believing church to attend, it is very difficult to find a good church. One of the signs of the end of the age is spiritual apostasy. This can be clearly seen in the churches today. Are we going to see a great revival in these last days or are we going to see growing apostasy? According to the Bible there will be a massive increase in apostasy and falling away from sound Biblical doctrine.
2 Thess 2
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be
revealed, the son of perdition;
Right now we are living in days of a great falling away of professing Christendom. Yes, God has a remnant, those true believers who are filled by the Holy Spirit. However, many churches and 'professing' Christians are falling away into liberalism and error and right into the waiting arms of the devil.
Below are some examples of falling away:
- Acceptance of false teachers
Many churches and professing Christians have openly accepted false
teachers. Wolves that preach heresy are dressed in slick suits, appear
at the largest churches, and have their own TV shows on 'Christian'
TV. However, these men preach another Jesus and another Gospel than
what is found in the Bible. They amass loyal followers who will blindly
defend everything they do or say. Since many reject the Bible as their
foundation, they are open to such apostasy and compromise by evil
wolves.
Gal 1
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into
the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would
pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto
you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other
gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
- Move toward Catholicism
I've noticed when a church goes 'liberal' and rejects the Word of God
they slowly drift toward acceptance of Catholicism. All of a sudden
Romanism is considered another Christian 'denomination'. In this case
I feel the pastors are willingly ignorant and to blame. Romanism preaches
a works based sacramental form of salvation. The core belief in
Romanism is that what Jesus accomplished on the Cross was not sufficient.
This forever divides true Biblical Christianity from Romanism. You see
according to the Bible the sacrifice on the cross was sufficient and
the blood of Jesus cleanses from ALL sins. And I might note: ALL includes
past, present, and future sins. Romanism denies this Biblical doctrine
and instead requires sacraments, priests, confessions, popes, and
purgatory to cleanse the poor deceived Catholic. Like I mentioned, as a
church goes away from God, they go closer to Romanism. The trend is apparent
in Christian bookstores, 'Christian' TV, and in liberal Christian churches.
I personally hold the pastor of a church to blame for letting his church
go astray. But more on pastors will be said later in this tract.
Heb 10
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for
ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
1 John 1
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his
Son cleanseth us from all sin.
- Rejection of sound doctrine
There are very few Bereans in these last days. Bereans are those who love
God's word and use it for guidance and leading. Bereans do not blindly
accept the latest fad or teaching. Instead they take their Bibles and
check things out with God's revealed Word. If a particular thing does
not line up then it is rejected. The Berean does not follow the wolves
because the Word of God is the shield against false teaching. For many
others, however, the Bible has become just a secondary book. For many
'experience' is now the guide. Forget the Bible, instead, if it feels
good do it! Now we see some in church barking like dogs and manifesting
other occultic psychic behaviors. The end result is a falling away from
and a rejection of sound Biblical doctrine.
2 Tim 4
3 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.
- Rock and roll in the church:
Along with the rejection of the Bible comes godless music. All forms of
rock and roll music has made it into many liberal churches. Pastors seek
to bring people into their churches by offering the latest in the rock
scene to their youth groups. No longer is good Bible teaching the
drawing factor. Instead young people come to the concerts and rock
shows to hear the latest bands and dance tunes under the guise of
religious rock and roll. Rejection of sound doctrine and the acceptance
of godless worldly music go hand-in-hand in a church that is apostate.
Titus 1
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
- All kinds of Bible versions based on different manuscripts that contradict one another can be found. Today there is the NIV, the Living Bible, the 3rd grade reading level edition and all kinds of other flavors of Bibles from which to choose. In days past every one used the good old KJV Bible. In days past you could actually hear a person preach from the Bible and follow along as he read and studied a verse. Now with all these different versions, no two verses seem to be alike. I've sat in a church and tried to follow the speaker. He says go to this verse so I go. When I read it I hear a very different verse from what he is reading. It is quite frustrating really. It is interesting to note that the KJV is based on different manuscripts than all the other versions currently popularized. Many believe these 'other' manuscripts are actually corrupt versions....but we won't go into that subject here. There are lots of good web sites out there that do so. Hence, we have Bibles that omit verses, change words, and the wording of verses. There is talk that soon there will be a de-sexed version out soon. The NIV folks hope one day to put out a version that removes references to HE and HIM in relation to God. This way they hope to bring out the 'femaleness of God' to the masses who love liberalism and apostasy. Oh well, another sign of the end days. There is just too many versions out there that contradict the KJV and contradict each other as well.
Rev 22
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the
prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things,
God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of
this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of
life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are
written in this book.
- Coldness of hearts as people drift away from God
I've noticed as men drift away from God and from sound Biblical doctrine,
they become quite cold hearted. The love in their hearts seems to dry
up and die and the person develops a great potential to be downright mean
and nasty. Just speak against a very popular false prophet out there who
is playing the 'Christian' game and you will see what I mean. Some will
get very angry and grow very red in the face as they defend their
idol-preacher against anyone who dares to say a thing about him. Others
are just very mean and given the right circumstances will treat others
very rudely, coldly, and with rejection and prejudice. They will definitely
be lacking in Christian love! Even apostate pastors become very cold
hearted. They offend God's people and develop hard and unteachable hearts.
Little do they realize but God is aware of these things. Coldness of hearts
is widespread in these last days and it is to be expected with the apostates
and those who reject sound Biblical doctrine. You will see many cold hearted
people as they go further away from God personally and doctrinally.
Matt 24
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
- Apathy - not caring about pleasing and serving God
Of course we cannot forget to mention apathy. I would describe this
as a lack of concern about what God thinks. A person can be a bad steward
or can go very liberal in doctrine and they just don't care. With apathy
all kinds of evil may be done with no concern whatsoever about God. Many
church-goers buy into all the latest trendy fads and funny doctrines that
are popular. The sad thing is they have no concern about the Word of
God and what God says. These people just reject sound doctrine and
drift away without a concern at all in their hearts. This also happens
to pastors. For example a person who is a pastor is in a very responsible
and accountable position. I believe God holds pastor's very accountable.
It is not a light thing to take upon oneself a role shepherding God's blood
bought people. Then for that pastor to offend and lead God's people astray
is a great crime. Yes, the pastor may be not care at all what God thinks.
But, God is still aware of the situation. I believe God will judge a bad
pastor in this life as well as in the life to come. My suggestion is not to
be a pastor at all unless you realize the great accountability you
have before God. You Mr. Pastor will give account to God as to how
you led God's blood bought people. It is a great responsibility and
not one to take lightly... like so many do today.
Acts 20:28-30
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,
over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the
church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves
enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them.
WARNING TO PASTORS
I would like to expand a bit on the role of pastors. In these last days there are so many 'bad' pastors that I feel extra warning is timely. The following is a warning for any pastor or church leader who takes his job lightly and is not committed to building up and protecting God's church. This warning is very much needed and is applicable to these last days of growing apostasy. Here are some verses that are applicable today:
Ezek 22:26
26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things:
they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have
they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid
their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
This type of a pastor is not new to God! This type of 'religious' leader is described in the Bible in many places. A man pleasing pastor makes no difference between the holy and the profane. Boy, that sure sounds like many pastors today! On the one hand these liberal pastors will do a sermon on holiness and on the other hand they will allow their young people to be 'blessed' with a rock and roll concert. These pastors speak on very neutral subjects and tread very lightly on the Word of God. Their goal is not to offend anyone. Sermon topics on the blood of Jesus, Hell, the love and wrath of God are avoided by these liberal pastors. Besides it would be terrible if the result were a decrease in donations or membership.
Yet God has given pastors a charge and they have a great responsibility which FEW take very seriously. The Bible continues:
Ezek 44
11 Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates
of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt
offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before
them to minister unto them.
12 Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the
house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted
up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear
their iniquity.
13 And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest
unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most
holy place: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations
which they have committed.
God has given pastors a charge and do not DARE take it lightly! Pastors can cause God's blood bought people to fall into sin. Pastors will be judged on the stewardship of their charge of being a pastor. However today many shameful pastors have literally committed abomination to God by their rejection of Biblical doctrine and acceptance of evil and gross compromise. Let me tell you that God is aware of you Mr. Pastor and you will answer for it! You will answer here on earth and you will answer for it in eternity!
Next is a very applicable set of verses in these last days before the return of Jesus. We are living in great days of falling away and apostasy. God literally says 'woe' unto you .... you wicked pastors that abuse your responsibility and are NOT faithful to the job of a pastor!
Jer 23
1: Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!
saith the Lord.
2: Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed
my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them
away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of
your doings, saith the Lord.
Let it be known all you liberal pastors as you accept your rock and roll and you unite with false religions and you compromise foundational Biblical doctrines, that you are hurting God's people. As a result let me tell you that God is aware of YOU and He says WOE! Now whenever God uses a 'woe' in the Bible it is not good at all. It is related to the judgment of God and He will judge your evil doings and compromise! Your judgment will be here on earth as well as in eternity. Notice that God said in verse 2: '...I will visit upon you the evil of your doings,...' My suggestion is this: If you do NOT take the office of pastor seriously and cannot perform that duty in such a manner that pleases God, then you better step down right now and get another job! It is not a light thing to anger God by hurting and abusing His blood bought people by liberalism, worldliness, and doctrinal compromise.
CONCLUSION
In this article we looked at several indicators that show the Church and the world heading into apostasy and evil. Conditions in the world will not get better as time goes on. Instead the closer we get to the return of Jesus, the more evil the days will grow. Right now the Holy Spirit is restraining evil and the antichrist. However, after the rapture of the church the restrainer will be removed. At that time there will be no restraint of evil. The world will then degenerate to its lowest level of evil.
So what should the attitude of the Christian be in these closing days? One thing for sure, we should be aware that soon we will be in heaven. Soon, the Lord will return and rapture the church home to heaven! So in these last days look up to heaven and rejoice!
Luke 21
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then
look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption
draweth nigh.
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