The Path to Perdition

The Path to Perdition

I have written many things over the last several days but none that I felt that should be posted just as yet and while they were things laid on my heart they didn’t have the ingredients that I felt necessary to warrant a posting. Over the last several days I have watched some of the happenings concerning the upcoming elections. This prompted some further research on the two candidates and listening to their speeches. The one thing I have felt concerning this election is that the choice for our next president is going to determine the future of our country; whether it will be judgment or a reprieve. The votes are going to determine where our morals are; if we in fact have any or not and where our heart truly is. However it merely takes a look around us not only in the world but also the church to see where we are fast heading. As I listened to the candidates I heard one speaking of a global community. That we need to not only focus on America but that we as Americans can be better as a global community. From the other candidate I heard the focus on keeping our rights intact; the strengthening of America and her economy; the return to what our country was built upon and the deterioration of government as a whole. The one thing that drew me to the one candidate was his choice for a running mate and it is her steadfastness that makes his appearance all the better for me. Yet this is not all I am going to talk about because it is your choice to make as far as the election is concerned and I know that God will put who He wants in office to do His will, whether to usher in His glorious appearing or to lengthen the time till He returns. My self I welcome His return but in another sense I would like to see more time to harvest.

During His ministry here on earth the disciples asked Jesus what the signs would be of His return to earth. As He answered them He gave some specific requirements for His return and we find these in Matthew chapter 24. We have seen many prophecies fulfilled during our lifetime yet none more compelling I believe than the one found in verse 12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” The New King James replaces “lawlessness” for “iniquity” however I like iniquity better because it has more power. As the last “Christian” nation; America is fast becoming a cesspool for iniquity. Man is doing what seems right in his own eyes and insisting that everyone conform to his viewpoint. A government that was set up on the principals of the Bible is now insisting that the Bible be ignored and taken out of anything having to do with the governing of our country. The remnant that is left has an even more difficult time in getting those who claim His name to glorify Him and it’s in the leadership of the church as well. Look at 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse, 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. Verse 4 goes on to describe what the son of perdition will do and how he will promote himself.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

We can all agree that there have been a lot of perilous times as of late, between hurricanes, terrorist attacks, earth quakes as mentioned in Matthew chapter 24; the list goes on.

2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

I have never seen these attributes so prevalent in the church as much as I do today. The complete lack of self sacrifice among many is appalling. I have seen people who claim to have a burden laid upon their heart for someone and insist that the church do something to help that person when if it was laid upon their heart, it is for them to meet the need of that individual yet because of co-op programs we feel that our job of giving is complete. I am totally against co-ops because of this very reason just as I am against so many so called Christian finance programs that are supposedly designed to help Christians save for their retirements, but we will discuss that later.

2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

There has never been so many grandparents raising their grandchildren than there is today and it is not only in the world but in the church as well.

2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Just take a look around the church today and you will see this unless you are among those who practice these things. Our deacons are no longer going out and visiting those in our church; instead they are giving their phone numbers out expecting us to call them if there is a need. What better way to justify ourselves when a need is missed. I think we must ask ourselves why there is no physical touch anymore within our church. Oh, we may have a meet and greet time but how much can we do in that short 5 minute or less time span? The thing is that we quickly want to get it over with because we can’t be burdened with someone else’s problems.

2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2Ti 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

What is the knowledge of the truth? It is knowing what God says in His word, it is understanding what He asks of us and being obedient to His call verses our own desires. The truth is going beyond our time of handshaking and going to peoples homes to see how they are doing during the week. It is going the extra mile for our seniors and single parents. It is not just saying I love you but showing you that love them. We cannot just hear the word but we have to live the word; however we have gotten so good at assuming the messages are meant for someone else that we are walking further and further away from God. We are so close to the falling away that Christ had spoken of that I fear it may be too late for a reprieve. This probably won’t be read because many of us do not want to hear anything that would confirm the seriousness of our depravity nor do we want to be reminded how little He really means to us. Don’t get me wrong, I know that you love Him and all but the truth is that you really don’t because if you did you would be doing what He asked you to do. If you loved Him it wouldn’t be hard to live for Him every day, if you loved Him you wouldn’t have a problem putting others before yourself and if you loved Him it would show in you. So as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses so do you because you want the gift but you want it in a way that will allow you to continue to live your life for yourself. You gather others around you that feel the same way because you really don’t want the truth to be pointed out to you and when it is you quickly convince yourself that it is only their interpretation of the Bible. You avoid studying the word of God because you do not want the truth, oh, you may read it but you are not getting what God wants for you from it. When I was running from God I read all the time and it was amazing how often I felt that my life was okay based upon what I read in His word but when I surrendered the blinders came off and when they came off so did the muzzle that was over my mouth and with boldness I can now speak.