News from Hal Lindsey Media Ministries - September 29, 2017 Posted: Oct 2nd, 2017 - 11:31 am
In Matthew 24, the Lord's disciples asked Him for signs of the end of the age. He began His answer with these words: "'Take heed that no one deceives you.'" (Matthew 24:3 NKJV)
There is no denying that we live in an age of deception: fake news, false advertising, viral lies, clickbait, and mainstream media propaganda, to name just a few examples. And it gets worse every day.
But Jesus also mentioned other "signs" of the end of the age. He included "rumors of war." The world's stand-off with North Korea may qualify as a "rumor of war" on steroids!
Jesus noted "earthquakes." In the last 30 days, two massive earthquakes have hit Mexico alone! So far, the death toll from last week's is over 300. And they've not even begun to tally the monetary damage! Many places in Mexico City still don't have electricity or constant running water.
In 2 Timothy 3:1, the Apostle Paul says that, "In the last days perilous times will come...." Then he enumerates a list of perils.
But notice that the list does not mention a single natural disaster. No floods, famines, pestilences, or earthquakes. That's because the greatest perils of the last days are the dangers of moral decline.
Look at this list. It is stunning how it mirrors -- with amazing precision -- today's America (even down to the NFL stadiums!): "In the last days perilous times will come, For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, 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 its power." (2 Timothy 3:1-5a NKJV)
Is that not a rundown of a single day's headlines on America's news channels?
Jesus also warned of the moral decay near the end of this age. He said it would manifest itself in several ways. He warned of a rise in lawlessness. That doesn't necessarily mean train and bank robberies and raping and pillaging! It also means a general rise in disregard for the laws and order of the nation. Even by its government and business and political leaders!
Speaking specifically of the end times, Jesus said, "Then they will deliver you (His followers) to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name." (Matthew 24:9 NASB)
In its annual report, The First Liberty Institute found a dramatic rise in hostility toward people of faith. The Institute's Jeremy Dys said, "This year's survey represents a 15 percent increase in just the last year. And an alarming 133 percent increase in just the last five years."
But, thank God, not all signs of the times are negative. In Matthew 24:4, still speaking of these days, Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations." Jesus is adamant that this will include every part of the earth. He emphasized "the whole world" and "all the nations."
Author Joel Rosenberg notes that, "Amidst the worst persecution in the modern history of the Church, we are seeing the greatest advance of the Gospel and the greatest harvest of souls in the Middle East in the history of the Church."
Post A Reply Reply By Email Options
Complete Discussion Below: (  marks the location of current message within thread)
|
