ARE YOU PREPARED?
Looking around at the current events of the world, it is obvious that we are heading into what Jesus said in Matthew 24:7-8,
”Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”
It’s hard not to think that much of this is beginning to happen right before our eyes, and most of us know what happens right in the middle of all of this – that’s right – the Rapture of the Church. That’s when Jesus appears in the sky and those of us who are Followers of Jesus – both alive and those who have died – are caught up and taken to heaven to be with Jesus – forever.
KEEPING THE FAITH
But there is another part of what happens in those last days. There will be a great departure from truth – especially the truth that comes from the Bible as well as the foundational doctrines of our faith. People will fall for all kinds of teaching that will cause them to move away from the basics of our faith. Paul warns of this in Matthew 24:10; 2 Timothy 4:3-4,
”And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other...For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.”
We can check that one off the list as well. Many “Christians” today give more legitimacy to personal experiences, personal feelings (what makes them feel good), visions and dreams (that contradict scripture), and what is culturally acceptable than to what the Bible clearly teaches. When you discount the truth, accuracy, and relevancy of scripture, you are left with nothing to stand on. It's like building your life on sinking sand.
COMMITTED TO THE TRUTH
I don’t consider myself a Biblical Scholar, but I am committed to studying the Bible and to the fact that we can trust it with our lives. I take my role as a pastor/shepherd very seriously and I am committed to teaching the truth of God’s Word, especially in a time when too many Believers are being led astray with false teaching. It’s just as important for each of us to be committed to knowing and living out the truth as well. Just because something sounds and feels good doesn’t mean it’s true. Being committed to scripture not only keeps you on the right track, but it will also change your life!
