We have looked at the state of the world when Jesus returns, what about the state of the Church? 2 Thessalonians 2:3 tells us that, “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;” We often look at the last part of that verse which focus on the antichrist, but we see that person cannot be revealed until there be a falling away first. That “falling away seems to refer to a departure of the church to teach and point out the truth of God’s Word. Today, studies have shown that because of the current state of hte church, young people have been leaving the church in droves. The reason for this is that they have watched their parents not find any hope or purpose through their “religion” and therefore, are abandoning “faith.” I have witnessed families leaving solid Bible teaching ministries, because of a lack of program, or overinvolvement, and they move to a church that compromises the gospel, just so they can have the programs they like. Today, what the Word of God calls sin, … READ MORE

The Lord is coming! To that fact the Word of God is clear. But what will the return of the Lord look like culturally and globally? 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 says, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace, and safety;’ then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” The destruction described here, is unexpected and unforeseen. We live in a world that has pleasure as its ultimate goal. Abortions are performed because couples desire the pleasures of the flesh, without consequence. Work is a means to an end – ultimately retirement. People look at pay increases as a means to increase their standard of living, choosing to continue to live at the edge of their income, rather than seeing the increases as a way to give more for the cause of Christ. In retirement, people who now have the liberty to devote more time to service for the Lord, are leaving the church with the excuse, “I did my part!” I am concerned that the church is going to be cause unaware of the reality … READ MORE

As we consider the attitude culturally and globally as the Lord makes His return ready, we next turn to Luke 18:8 “Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, shall He find (the) faith on the earth?” Since this verse appears in the story of the importunate widow, who continues to ask the judge to rule on her case without getting any response. Jesus seems to be teaching that the Lord will not find “faith which has endured in prayer without fainting.” I have included the word “the” in parenthesis to indicate that Jesus is referring to something specific and not just faith in general. It would seem that when the Lord comes back He will not find faith that brings salvation being taught in the churches that are to represent Him. Back in the 60’s and 70’s the message of the gospel, was reduced to simply repeating a prayer, and there was a de-emphasis of a transformed life, that is manifested by a desire to live in the holiness commanded in Scripture. Many churches who were once gospel preaching churches, have turned away from pointing out sin, and living a life in obedience to the Word of God. Churches have … READ MORE