Our Sunday School teacher is continuing the lessons on end times in Revelation and other scriptures. Today he called his lesson “Conditions Are Ripe”. He referred us to 2 Thessalonians 2 where Paul reminds the Christians of the community that the Day of the Lord will not come until there is rebellion (a turning from God) and the man of lawlessness (the antichrist) appears. He then directed us to 2 Timothy 3 where Paul describes the nature of people in the terrible times of the last days. ‘Men will be lovers of self, lovers of money,...disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ... without self control, ... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying its power.’ (Verses 1-5.)
The end times will include: economic collapse – failing and weak churches – loss of morals – loss of peace – and chaos. Then the man of lawlessness will appear to offer false hope, false solutions and false religion to people who have lost their way. We are living in a time of self-absorbed people are we not? Even the churches seek to tickle the ears to gain numbers and make the congregant feel good rather than seeking commitment to discipleship.
Our Pastor then followed with a Sermon on Revelation 5:1-14, proclaiming the glory that is the believer’s hope to anticipate in spite of the doom of the world condition. The intricacies of glory are beyond what we know or can even imagine but heaven, and creation, will sing a New Song (Revelation 5:9)! And we can have that assurance in a time of great distress.
There were several wonderful songs I considered.
I chose this to emphasize the new song and Glory of His Holiness.
Verses for Today:
2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 (NIV)
14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
As always - I give thanks and praise that I have a Hope and can face difficult times with assurance that my God is always in control.
