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Matt. 24:37-38 - “But as the
days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as
in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying
and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did
not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the
coming of the Son of Man be.”
Are we fully aware of the
spiritual state of the world in which we live today? We would have to be
blind to not see that sin is abounding in every land and nation across
the face of the earth much like in the days of Noah. People are pretty
much doing their “own thing” not realizing that they are headed for
death and destruction. The devil and his demonic forces of hell are
working overtime as they take millions captive on a daily basis. Those
being held prisoner by the “dark side” are not even aware of what is
happening. Their minds have been blinded and their senses have been
dulled to the truth that will set them free.
What exactly was happening in
the days of Noah?
Gen. 6:5 - “Then the Lord saw
that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent
of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord
was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His
heart.”
The state of mind of the
people in the days of Noah was continually evil. They didn’t know what
it would be like to think a “good thought.” The thoughts of their heart
were continually evil. Therefore, evil and wickedness prevailed. The
Lord was grieved by both their thoughts and their actions. Evil thoughts
will produce evil actions.
I believe the Lord is grieved
today as He looks at the state of mind of both the church and the world.
We all know that sin prevails in those who are not saved, but what about
the state of mind of those who are saved? The sad fact is that sin
abounds in the body of Christ. Many who call themselves “Christians” are
living in blatant sin, deceiving their own selves, because they still do
not have a full understanding of the truth that will set them free. It’s
one thing to confess Jesus Christ as Lord, but it’s another thing to
“live” the Christian life in truth and holiness. Christianity is more
than a confession; it’s a lifestyle.
The Lord is purging His
church with holy fire. He’s burning up the chaff and causing the light
of His glory to expose sin and darkness that resides within us. Judgment
begins at the house of God. If we want to see true revival in our midst,
we must allow the King of Glory to come in and transform us by His
mighty power.
A word for five-fold
ministers:
We cannot afford to preach
truth but not live it. We cannot afford to preach a watered-down gospel
message that says it’s okay to live in sin because grace does much more
abound. I believe we have brought great reproach to the name of Jesus
because of the words we have spoken, and the manner in which we have
lived our lives before the world. It’s time for us to “line up” with the
word of God and get our lives in order, because we don’t know when the
Master will return. When He comes, it will be suddenly. There won’t be
time to have an altar call so we can repent and get right with God.
Repentance must take place now.
Gen. 6:11-12 - “The earth
also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
Does this Scripture sound
familiar? Is the earth filled with violence today? Kids are killing
kids. Terrorists are destroying and killing thousands including
themselves. Gangs rule and reign in city after city. Rock music and
heavy metal music is infiltrating the minds of our young people causing
them to commit insidious acts of violence in every state and nation.
2 Tim. 3:1-5 - “But know
this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be
lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of
God, having a form of godliness but denying it’s power. And from such
people turn away!”
Whether we are watching the
news on television, listening to it by radio, or reading it in the
newspaper, it’s the same message being proclaimed from house to house.
The world in which we live is getting out of control. People are
becoming brutal and violent. Many do not even understand what it means
to have “self-control.” Their whole mentality of thinking is this: “if
it feels good- do it.” It doesn’t matter if it hurts an innocent
bystander. It doesn’t matter if someone gets killed in the process of
our lack of self-control. The word of God tells us to turn away from
those who act according to the ways mentioned in this passage of
Scripture. That’s a strong statement.
Many Christians today believe
that it’s okay to run around with those who are undisciplined in their
lifestyle and still be an example for Jesus. If we are strong in the
Lord and in the power of His might, this way of thinking could possibly
be true. However, if we are not strong enough to say “no” to sin, we
better get back to the prayer closet and get tuned in to God, otherwise
we’re deceiving ourselves. If those whom we associate with are pulling
us into sin, we need to cut off these relationships. We can’t play with
fire and not get burned! If we are not influencing the lives of those
around us in a godly manner, then something is seriously wrong with our
witness. Our godly influence upon others should be stronger than their
ungodly influence upon us.
There’s an old saying that
says, “We will become like those whom we hang out with.” Think about
those whom you associate yourself with. Are they causing you to be drawn
closer to Jesus, or are they pulling you away from the Lord? Are they
causing your relationship with the Lord to become stronger, or is your
relationship with Him beginning to fizzle out? If the latter is the
case, it’s time for some much-needed readjustment in your thinking. It’s
time for you to seek the Lord so that He can speak truth to your inward
parts.
I believe it’s time for the
church to stop playing games with God. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming
back for a spotless bride. I wonder, “How many will be ready when He
comes again?”
Matt. 24:44 - “Therefore you
also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not
expect.” |
