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Rejecting the ‘Truth’ of Today’s World – Accepting God’s Truth

11 Tuesday Aug 2015

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If you are old enough to remember you can recount the education or principles that you received at a young age.  For example, simple mathematical principles such as 2+2 = 4, or reciting historical facts were a part of the development that you and I encountered. There were many educational tools that perhaps you were exposed to as a way to create an environment of learning so that you would grow older to use what you learned later in your life.  The point of many of the principles is that many of them remained true in their context.

No one can suggest to you that 2+2 = 16 because mathematically the answer is incorrect. If someone were to suggest to you that George Washington was the 15th President of the United States, they wouldn’t be able to do so with a valid argument because historically George Washington was the 1st President of the United States.  The point is that there are certain aspects of our lives that are not open for discussion and cannot be changed because they are immutable and factual.

Unfortunately, we are living in a time that the word ‘truth’ has taken on a different connotation.  Basically, there are various aspects of our global society which now lends itself to creating one’s own truth. Essentially, our world has now instituted the aspect of relativism.  This means that one can have a version of their truth while someone else can believe what they wish and it is true.  The problem with this belief is that only one side can be correct.  In the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul actually warns against accepting worldly wisdom or the wisdom of this world.

In chapter 3, the Apostle Paul is addressing the church of Corinth.  It was a church that was known to have issues with spiritual immaturity in addition to various sins that were present among many in the church.  In verses 1-4 of chapter 3, Paul addresses the spiritual immaturity and division that was apparent among the congregants. He even gives them instruction regarding their role in the body of Christ in verses 5-9. In verses 10-15, Paul even mentions the aspect of building the appropriate foundation of one’s life which is Jesus Christ.

In verses 16-17, Paul then addresses the principle of remaining Holy unto God since our body is the temple that the Holy Spirit resides in. Based on this chapter it is apparent that the church of Corinth needed words of truth and encouragement as it related to growing in spiritual maturity. However, in verses 18-20, the Apostle Paul warns against embracing worldly wisdom.

(NKJV) “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”

If you read further until verse 23 of this chapter you will see that the context of this portion of scripture admonishes those in the church of Corinth not to brag or think more highly of themselves as they ought to.  However, the focus of this post is to highlight what Paul says in verses 18-20.

Looking at those verses Paul says that the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. What does Paul mean when he makes that statement? If you look at those who think that they are wise in their own merit, they are under the deception that they themselves have all of the answers. In our world today, there is an abundance of those who are deceived.  It has been decided that you can invent your own truth and believe as you see fit. However, there is a consequence that comes with perverting God’s truth and creating a falsehood or a lie.

Paul says at the end of verse 19 and in verse 20, For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” In other words, Paul is saying that God ensures that those who believe themselves to be wise by worldly standards are the very individuals that meet an unpleasant end. Paul says that the thoughts of the wise are futile. This means that those who have embraced worldly wisdom are unable to accomplish what they have set out to do in their own thoughts. 

The way of this world is to invoke pride in oneself and to change absolute truth into relative truth.  The deception is that there are absolutes that cannot be changed, yet we live in a world where many have embraced the wisdom of this world. If you look at homosexuality and even the lifestyle of changing your gender, there are certain truths both morally and spiritually that cannot be changed. When such behaviors or lifestyles are embraced by the masses it comes at a high price which is always negative.

However, satan who is our enemy has deceived the minds of many to believe that you can redefine what was never yours to define in the first place.  The reason why we must guard against accepting ‘the truth’ of this world is because it is based out of human wisdom. A person’s life that is based out of human or secular wisdom is a life that is destined for failure.  The only wisdom and truth that will create stability is that of God’s Word.

The Bible or God’s Word was written via the inspiration of God unto the men who wrote it. As much as our world changes, the fact is that God’s Word will always be true. There is so much confusion and chaos in our world today because many have adopted the wisdom of this age. ‘The Truth’ is now what you choose to believe rather than what is fact. You can invent what you wish as long as you are not hurting anyone else.

As a result, many of the behaviors that were once thought detestable have now become accepted and common as a part of the world’s culture.  Isaiah 5:21 says,

(NLT) “What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.” In this chapter, the Prophet Isaiah is speaking to the Kingdom of Judah.  At that time, the people of Judah were sinful individuals who had rejected God. However, this verse only shows to serve as a reminder that those who think of themselves as wise in their own eyes will meet an unfortunate demise just as those in Judah did. 

The overall point is that you and I must embrace God’s truth instead of what the world proclaims to be ‘the truth.’ Even if our society continues to decay morally and spiritually, God’s word will stand forever. You can see the confusion and instability of a world that believes in the creation of ‘your own truth.’ The only foundations that are concrete are upon Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord & Savior? The truth of God can only be known and fully accepted when you are living a life that is surrendered unto Christ. Confess your sins before Him and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. As for those of us who are in Christ our basis for truth should be none other than God’s Word.  The media and those of the world can change various facts to be ‘true’ but in reality it is only false. However, God’s Word will always be true regardless of what is said. Don’t be deceived by accepting worldly wisdom.  Only God’s truth will stand.

“A Time Such as This” – You Were Born to Impact the World

31 Friday Jul 2015

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Human history has shown us various examples of what tragedy, change, and revolutions look like.  Throughout each generation that has passed there were instances of those who fought for a specific cause in order to produce change. World history records uprisings such as ‘The American Revolution’, ‘The Arab Spring’, and ‘Tiananmen Square’ as conflicts and protests that were sparked out of a dissatisfaction with the status quo. Basically, these revolutions among many others throughout history served as a reminder that where there is a cause there will be those who are willing to take a stand.

War and protests have occurred over many centuries because those who were courageous enough to fight understood the ramifications that their involvement would have on the world.  Each of the three uprisings named in addition to countless others changed the shape of our world the way that we see it today.  Even in our current view of the world, there are examples of revolts and those who are willing to actively pursue a stance against what they believe to be oppression and tyranny.

There is such an example of someone in the Bible who understood her role in standing up for what was right and her name was Esther. Esther was a woman who had a Jewish background who according to scripture would later save her people (the Jews) from annihilation. The book of Esther contains 10 chapters which account for the story of a woman who rose to prominence as the Queen who ruled with King Xerxes over Persia.

Before getting into the principles that can be extracted from the book of Esther, it is important to understand the historical background of who Esther was and how God used her to save an entire nation of people.

Starting with chapter 1 in the book of Esther, King Xerxes was married to Queen Vashti.  However, in verses 10-21 of this chapter, Vashti is deposed as Queen for the reasoning of her open obstinance in the face of King Xerxes. (Verse 12). As a result, she was removed as Queen and a replacement was sought. Moving forward to chapter 2, we are introduced to Esther.  She was adopted by a man named Mordecai who was also Jewish.  In this chapter, Esther along with many other beautiful women were brought before the King to be chosen as his next Queen.

It is important to note that Esther was told by Mordecai not to divulge her nationality, otherwise she would not be seen favorably by the King. Eventually, Esther was chosen by the King to be his Queen. In chapter 3 there is a pivotal point which will bring us to the principles for this particular blog post.

There was a man by the name of Haman who was promoted to one of the highest offices in the Kingdom.  However, in verses 1-3, we can see that Mordecai who is now employed by the King as a gatekeeper comes into contact with Haman. When Haman arrives, Mordecai does not bow down to Haman which was a sign of disrespect.  In verse 5 of this chapter, we see that one reason had to do with the fact that Mordecai had told others that he is a Jew.

As a result of this information, Haman becomes enraged and devises a plan to exterminate all of the Jews in addition to killing Mordecai.  In chapter 4 of Esther, Mordecai finds out that there is a decree to destroy all of the Jews who were under the reign of King Xerxes.  Mordecai then requests the help of Queen Esther, and they exchange responses through messengers that they send.

Mordecai believes that since Esther is the Queen, she can persuade the King to revoke the order of destroying the Jews. At the onset, Queen Esther is skeptical and does not think that she has a chance to even go before the king. Notice what Esther’s response is in verse 11:

(NLT) “All the king’s officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.”

However, look at Mordecai’s response:

Verses 13-14:

(NLT) “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed.  If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

There are three things that we can take away from this particular passage:

1. God had a reason for establishing Esther as the Queen – In Mordecai’s plea to Esther, he poses the question of the possibility that God perhaps allowed her to become Queen in order to save the Jews from extermination. Mordecai even challenges Esther not to be silent about this problem because if she does, she and her family would lose their lives if they are found. The principle for you and I is that we were made to be impactful within our world.

The fact is that our world is growing worse and worse due to the increase of wickedness. However, God is searching and calling those who are willing to stand up against the enemy who is satan. All of us were made to do great things for God’s Kingdom, but we must be willing to forsake the ways of sin, and accept this tremendous call that God has placed on our lives. Even if you are not in Christ, God has a plan for your life and He wants to use you to accomplish His will. By accepting Jesus Christ, God’s purpose will be fulfilled in your life. Just like there was a looming tragedy in the time of Esther, today we are living in times that are quite troubling. However, God is calling those who will, to stand for His truth.

2. Esther was willing to face her initial fear – In verse 11 Esther tells Mordecai about the harsh reality of being killed if she or anyone were to appear before the King without being summoned first.  However, she accepts Mordecai’s request and appears before the King in chapter 5 in verses 1-2. Despite the risk of being killed for appearing before the King without permission, Esther realized that the cause was greater than her own life.

That is what we who are called by God must understand and that is, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and standing against what the world has deemed ‘acceptable’ is a greater cause than we could ever know.  If it means risking alienation, persecution, and even death then the cause of Jesus Christ must be what we stand for. Facing the challenges in a sinful society is what Christians are called to do, and we must do so without restraint.

3. The lives within the Jewish nation were saved – It was in part because of Esther’s willingness to face what seemed like a hopeless situation that in the end the Jews were saved.  However, if you look back at chapter 2 in verses 21-23, Mordecai hears about an assassination attempt against King Xerxes. As a result of this, Mordecai sends the information to Queen Esther and the assassination is thwarted.  Haman who was the individual who wanted to destroy all of the Jews and kill Mordecai is later found guilty by the King for wanting to eliminate ithe Jews and Haman is put to death for it.

Mordecai is later discovered by the King to be Jewish in addition to Queen Esther’s heritage being disclosed.  However, because of Mordecai’s loyalty to the King in thwarting an assassination attempt that a new decree was put into place to save every Jew from destruction. So, in essence, God used Esther through her willingness to stand up for the Jews, and God honored Mordecai for his dedication to the King.

The fact is, that when we are obedient unto God and when we allow Him to use us, lives can and will be saved through Christ.  We who are Christians have a tremendous opportunity to share the Gospel with the lost.  By standing firm and facing opposition, we are in a position to experience what it looks like for the lost to be saved.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord & Savior?  If you do not, you can be apart of the harvest which involves reaching those who are not in Christ.  Like Esther, God can use you to change a generation and the world around you.  God wants to use every person who is willing to bring the Good News to all nations.  Our world will only grow worse as sin abounds, but the hope that we have is in Jesus Christ.  You and I, we can impact the world for God.

God is Speaking – Are You Listening?

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

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ID-10028650Have you ever sat in silence only to be startled by the sound of an ambulance or a police siren? Usually, such vehicles are designed to alert the surrounding community or population to a dire situation that has occurred or is in progress of being addressed. Such sounds break the silence in which we were accustomed to so that we could see the greater danger or need that someone else may be experiencing. Emergency response vehicles also serve the purpose of being the mode of transportation to rescue an individual or to pinpoint the location of a disturbance.

The first goal of dispatching an emergency vehicle and personnel is to get the attention of the surrounding population as a warning of what is occurring. Secondly, it is to dispatch aid to those who are in need.  Nevertheless, there is one who is also seeking to get our attention and that is the Almighty God. When we look at the world around us, we can see various examples of God attempting to get our attention. Often times we think that our daily way of life and how our society is structured is merely the way that things are meant to be.

However, when you turn on your television and you see senseless tragedies on display, these are not just random occurrences of evil.  Much of what we are bearing witness to are the signs of the End Times, results of humanity’s sinfulness, and warnings from God to those who will listen. In the book of Ezekiel Chapter 3, the account of the Prophet Ezekiel receiving instructions from God is recorded.

In verses 1-3, you can see the impartation of God’s Word unto Ezekiel.  God gives Ezekiel a message of warning to proclaim to the nation of Israel.  As it was, the people of Israel had become disobedient and their hearts had been hardened because of their obstinance. (Verses 4-9) Ezekiel was concerned about his assignment to give God’s message to a group of people who he felt would not listen to what he had to say. Ezekiel felt similarly as Jonah did when God commanded that he go to Nineveh to preach to the sinful population.  The feeling was one of dread and an opposition to what God had given him to do.

However, God brought both Jonah and Ezekiel into submission in differing ways.  As far as Ezekiel was concerned, God led him to the people of Israel to proclaim God’s warning which made him ‘Israel’s watchman.’ In verses 16-19 the scripture reads as follows:

(NLT) “After seven days the Lord gave me a message. He said, “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.”

In verses 20-21, God gives Ezekiel the same charge but instead God uses the term, ‘righteous people’ rather than the term ‘the wicked.’ These were two conditions which covered those who were followers of God and those who were not which means that God is equally just with those who have committed their lives to Him and those who have not.

However, the overall point of this passage is to make it clear that God will indeed use who is available to bring a message of warning to anyone who will listen. It is also true that God will use scenarios in our world and even in our own lives to get our attention.  Just like an emergency vehicle sounds its alarm to warn those in surrounding areas, God does the same for us.

There are a couple of things to take note of as it concerns this particular passage:

1. There is a penalty that comes with living in sin – In chapter 3 of Ezekiel, the first part of verse 19 says, “If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins.” In verse 20, the same condition is given to those who are righteous individuals or those who are following God. This scripture essentially points to the fact that there is a penalty given to everyone who remains in their sin.  Even in our world today, God is speaking through various signs and unfortunate events that signify God’s displeasure with humanity.

With the constant approval of a multitude of sinful behaviors which stoke the flames of lusting after the flesh and committing self-idolatry, also comes negative consequences. Such consequences are not only a result of unrepentant nations, but it is also a warning that God gives us to repent and avoid destruction.  The great thing about God is that He doesn’t just allow you and I to sin without any warning. God loves all of us enough to not only provide Jesus Christ as an atonement for our sins but to warn us of the high cost that comes with unrepentant sin.

One prime example of such a warning to humanity was September the 11th, 2001. As tragic of a day that it was, it was also an event that served as a warning to anyone who had not yet chosen God through Jesus Christ.  Some don’t like the idea of using natural and even man-made disasters as an argument for God’s warnings, however, God will often allow things to happen to get our attention.  However, as you can see nearly 14 years later, America has grown worse morally and as a whole it has spurned the very idea of Holiness and submission unto God.

2. Those who know the truth will be held accountable for not sharing it with others – In this passage, Ezekiel is also told that if he does not warn those who are in their sin, then he will be held responsible for their deaths. For those of us who are in Christ, we have a tremendous responsibility to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Our goal shouldn’t be to condemn anyone, but it is to warn and also share the Gospel in love.

In our society today, we are now living in a time in which telling someone the truth of God may not include the penalty of sin and even talking about Hell. The fact is, both Hell and the penalty of sin are actual destinies for those who refuse God’s ways. However, if we who know the truth withhold it from a dying world, then there is a price that we shall pay. Ezekiel understood that if he failed to warn those in their sin, that the blood of those not warned would be on his hands.

Our job as Christians is to warn as many people as we can about the coming of Jesus Christ, and what can happen if a life of sin is lived in unrepentance. The fact is that even those who are not Christians have been warned through various signs and occurrences. When God speaks, He does so that no man or woman is left to say that they did not know. God is speaking all around us in each phase of our lives.

America and other countries around the world are all giving us signs of humanity’s willingness to sin. God has given us plenty of signs and there will be more to come. There will be a day of judgment that comes to every nation that defies God’s decrees. However, are we willing to listen and be obedient? If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, you have an opportunity to be saved. God is constantly speaking, but it is up to you listen and surrender to His will.  In doing so, you will be in a better position than if you remain in the condition of a hardened heart.

Living For God Despite How Much the World Changes

26 Friday Jun 2015

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Today, June 26th, 2015, America and the world witnessed what many would call “A historic day” and a “Victory for America.” Today marked the full legalization of gays and lesbians to freely marry within all states.  The Supreme Court of the United States deliberated for months, only to come to a 5-4 ruling which now makes “gay marriage” the law of the land. This isn’t exactly a new phenomenon – 20 other countries worldwide have also given their gay and lesbian populations the ability to marry under their law. The truth of the matter is, change within our societal structure is transpiring rapidly.

It seems that now, if you so much as disagree or speak out against homosexuality, you are labeled a bigot and you are reviled by society. Most Americans and even many around the world, are now siding with the introduction and existence of gays marrying. Most have seemingly embraced “change” as it has become, which means that anyone who does not capitulate to the latest trends will be a pariah in the social climate. However, despite how much the world has and continues to change, God still has a standard that has not and will never change.

In 1 Peter Chapter 4, the Apostle Peter gives instruction and even encouragement as it relates to living for God.  He is addressing Christians in the context of arming themselves to withstand the same suffering that Christ took for all of humanity.  In verses 1-2 he says,

(NIV) “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.  As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.“

What Peter is suggesting is that anyone who is in Christ must live their life as Jesus did which was with the mindset of sacrifice and dying to oneself.  Jesus’ death on the cross symbolizes the active participation that every Christian ought to resemble in their daily walk. Romans 6: 6-8 refers to being crucified with Christ which means, we are to deny ourselves and the desires of our flesh.  Going back to 1 Peter 4, the 2nd verse says that if we have the same attitude as Christ did in His suffering, then we will not fulfill the desires or deeds of the flesh, but rather the will of God.

Essentially, the first point to be made in the time that we are living in is that we should intensify the crucifixion of our flesh daily.  This means, that regardless of what we are being tempted with, or what society has approved of, we must choose to participate in the suffering of Christ. By doing so, we are able to escape from the pain and damage that sin causes to our very lives. What many within the world do not understand, is that there are consequences for sinfulness.

For example, now that homosexuality has become acceptable and marrying someone of the same-sex is the law in America, there will be consequences that come as a result of humanity’s disobedience and sinful living.  The fact is, we are already seeing consequences of the sin that has become acceptable. Violence, confusion about one’s identity, weather patterns that continue to grow worse, among other examples that point to the harsh realities of a sin-filled world. Satan has craftily blinded the masses into believing that you should “live and let live” but what he doesn’t show you is the long and short-term damage that comes as a result of living in sin.

Peter goes on to say in verses 3-4:

(NIV) “For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”

In these verses, Peter points to lifestyles that were perhaps what many during his time participated in before they were followers of Christ. During Peter’s time, he was speaking to the converted, suggesting that they were once in their sin.  However, notice what he says in verse 4. He says, “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.” This is an important verse because it is proof that where we are in our time now, is not a social climate that is accepting of anyone who goes against the grain of society.

Basically, those of us who truly stand for God and for His righteousness will be ridiculed because we do not join in or approve of the sin that is on display. As a result, we can expect to be abused verbally, and not surprisingly it may come down to physical abuse at some point. However, regardless of what the majority believe and accept, God holds each Christian to a higher standard which is His standard.  Jesus Christ did not die for sinfulness to be acceptable or the norm.  He died so that all men would come to the knowledge and experience of God’s love, and escape the wrath of Hell that we all deserve.

Peter goes on to say in verses 5-6:

(NIV) “But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.“

Despite what the majority have decided to endorse both in America and worldwide, every person will be held accountable for what they do. God will judge every person for the sin they commit, and for the life that they live. However, the beauty is that because of Christ’s sacrifice, we have an opportunity to accept it, and turn away from our sin. That is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is – it is about the redemptive power that only God can give to us through Jesus Christ.  We can be redeemed from the destruction that a life of sin brings and be reconciled back to God through Christ.

Finally, it is important to note of what the Apostle Peter says in verse 7:

(NIV) “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”

The fact is that we are living in the last days or the end times.  Jesus Christ is soon to return, which means that the days that we are living in are more perilous than in years past. There is so much confusion over the various reasons for violence and tragedies that occur daily.  Many are wondering, why such acts of violence take place domestically and abroad.  The reason has to do with the end of the age as scripture tells us.  Peter gives us the instruction to be alert and sober, which means not to be distracted but aware of what is happening.

We should also be prayerful and watchful as these events unfold in our world today.  The important thing to note is that the generations that are coming after us, will have to contend with the evils and various laws that have been instituted worldwide.  They must be shown the way to live for Christ, which means that we who are currently living, must show them what being a Christian is.  To be in Christ is to deny yourself, and to reject the sinfulness that our world has said is “good” and “acceptable”.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as  your savior, you have an opportunity to accept His sacrifice.  The world continues to show examples of disobedience and sinfulness, which results in negative consequences. Jesus Christ came and died for you, so that you wouldn’t have to reap the pain and suffering which comes from sin. Our world will constantly change, but God’s standard for humanity does not change.  Live for God, and experience the reward of a life that is found in the safety of Jesus Christ.

The Day of the Lord Is Coming – Heed the Warnings That God is Giving To Us

03 Wednesday Jun 2015

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ID-10054308Every day, there are signs that point to the End Times or the return of Jesus Christ. Various signs include wars and rumors of wars, Earthquakes in diverse places, the increase in humanity’s sinfulness, along with a whole host of other signs.  Matthew 24 is perhaps the most referred to of scriptures as it relates to the signs of the end.  In that chapter, Jesus gives His Disciples signs of what to look for as the coming of the end inches closer and closer.

However, the book of 2 Peter Chapter 3, also mentions the coming of the Lord, but it also includes how we are to respond to the adversity that results from the times that we live in. Before examining this scripture, we should look at the End Times from the perspective of Noah. In Genesis 6, we see that the wickedness or sinfulness of humanity has become burdensome in the heart of God.  In verses 5-6, it says:

(NIV) “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” So, as a result of this God decides in verse 7 that He will wipe humanity off the face of the Earth. The only one who was spared was that of Noah and his family because he found favor in the eyes of the Lord. 

As it is commonly known from scripture, Noah is instructed to create an ark which would protect all of the animals and his family from the great flood that would cover the Earth.  However, notice what it says in Matthew 24: 37-39:

(NIV) “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” 

Here, Jesus is speaking and He is suggesting to us that at the time of Noah building the ark, most were living in their sinfulness and ignoring the impending doom which was the flood.  However, as Jesus said, they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away.  How often do we see various signs and warnings today, which are meant to give us a chance to avoid disaster?

Even in today’s time, we are seeing blatant sinfulness that is paraded throughout the media and even in our own lives.  Many have chosen to reject the truth of God while a whole host of signs are being put before us which are pointing to the return of Jesus Christ. Our world structure continues to decay while, at the same time, there is a call for global unification and peace.  However, the peace that many are seeking is coming from man-made solutions instead of seeking God for the solutions that plague our world. Whenever humanity decides that in its pride that it will not seek God, then nothing but chaos and confusion occurs.

In 2 Peter, Jesus gives us a warning of what will occur in the last days.  He says in verses 3-4: (NIV) “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”  Basically, what Jesus is saying is similar to what many say today.  Many of those who scoff at the coming of Jesus, say that such “signs of the times” have occurred in years past.  Many today scoff at the promise of Christ’s return and wonder why He hasn’t returned as promised.  However, look at what Jesus says in verses 5-7:

(NIV) “But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” The point is, there are many who do not take into account that God has revealed His judgment to humanity before in the form of the great flood.  The same judgment will be poured out again but in the form of fire as Jesus said in verse 7. 

Looking also at verses 9-10:

(NIV) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”

So, Jesus says that the Lord is not slow to keep His promise as some understand it to be.  The naysayers will and often do say that Christ isn’t returning and that the end times do not exist.  Yet, there are many signs that we see every single day which point to the return of Jesus Christ.  Also, God’s judgment will come to any nation or group of people who decide to openly reject Him.

Examples of blatant rejection?  Just look at the various laws that are instituting and promoting sinful behavior.  Not only in America is homosexuality being endorsed for “marriage” but countries around the world are now attempting to re-define an institution that was not created by human hands.  Even if it isn’t that particular issue, there are countless examples of lawlessness which is promoted and shown throughout our world.  Governments both domestic and worldwide operate in corruption and pass laws which have pushed God out, and welcomed sinfulness and secular humanism.

However, here is the good news and that is what Jesus referred to in verse 9, when He says “Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” God wishes that no one perish.  There are penalties for sinfulness and disobedience which many will choose to pay for.  However, Jesus Christ died and rose again so you wouldn’t have to pay the price of destruction.  God wants all of us to come to the knowledge of how good He is, and how loving He is.  However, in the midst of sin and rebellion, we cannot know God as He wants us to.

The point for all of us is to realize that our world is growing increasingly wicked.  Day after day and year after year, examples are shown of how perverse and sinful current and future generations are and will be.  The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ will return, but in His return, judgment will come to those who are in rebellion.  You don’t have to choose a life of sinfulness and a destructive end. If you haven’t accepted Christ’s gift of salvation, then you have an opportunity.

For those of us who have, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to lose sight of God’s promises by listening to those who reject God.  God will judge every human, and sinfulness will be brought to justice because God has already promised such.  So, heed the warnings and seek the Lord in repentance while you have an opportunity.