CHRISTIAN: DON'T BE DISCOURAGED, YOUR HOME IS ELSEWHERE

Fellow Christian: I suspect you may be wondering if things can get much worse. Everything seems to be collapsing. Remember the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy that the last days will be difficult:

"For people will love themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good."[1]

Paul went on in that chapter to speak of evil people and imposters going from bad to worse. He warns that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will suffer persecution, but we must remain faithful.

The falling away from the ancient moral code of

western Christian civilization has begun in earnest. The battering ram of anti-Christian secularism has broken down the gates of our once great western civilization. We are effectively two generations from its Judeo-Christian institutions, morality and mores. Any residual memory is just that ... residue. Previous moral guideposts are broken down. The raven has attacked the eagle.

All I have treasured most in life has been trampled, defiled and derided -- beginning with the family. The sacred institution of marriage has been redefined and defiled, sacred vows forgotten and fidelity dispensed. Divorce is common. Such hardness of hearts![2] 

Children are often unwitting and unwilling pawns

caught between warring and bitter parents. They are tossed back and forth like corks on an ocean. (Children always pay the highest price.) Is it mere coincidence that after condemning divorce, Jesus blessed the children?[3] God hates divorce.[4]

Sexual deviancy is protected by law and celebrated in the streets. Laws are passed to compel Christian schools to teach sexual 'options' and acceptance of sin by children in direct violation of the Bible. Young impressionable minds are exposed to behaviours that would have horrified previous generations dating back centuries. That ancient western moral code has been swept away from nations like Canada. 

Against this dark tide of immorality a timid army of

trembling Christians hides, like cowardly lions, often too afraid to stand up in public to proclaim God's way. They stay silent about what they know in their heart of hearts to be right and true. 

No morality is the new morality. Unwanted children are murdered by the millions, in the womb -- their right to birth betrayed. The sick and disabled who have submerged beneath the weight of their burdens are simply euthanized. 

This is a world I do not understand. I am a stranger.

I do not want to belong to such a world. We have heard that Christians are to be in the world but not part of the world. We are to shine the light of Christ's hope that is within us and not give up or capitulate to the darkness. 

Again, I think of words Paul wrote:

"Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."[5]

Guard your eyes, your mind and your heart from that may which may draw you away from God. 


The Apostle John told us:

"Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of God is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."[6]

Remember fellow Christian, our home is not found on

in this world. You were made for heaven. That is why you have within you a desire and yearning for something or somewhere else that is beyond your experience that you can't quite identify. This because God has set eternity in your hearts.[7] Your home is eternity with God.

Speak up boldly for what is good and sacred and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

"For the time is coming when people

will no longer listen to sound and

Wholesome teaching. They will 

follow their own desires and will

look for teachers who will tell

them whatever their itching ears

want to hear. They will reject the

truth and chase after myths. But

you should keep a clear mind in

every situation. Don't be afraid of

suffering for the Lord. Work at telling

others the Good News, and fully carry

out the ministry God has given you."

(The Apostle Paul)

Mark
__________
Notes:
[1] 2Timothy3.2-3.
[2] Matthew 19.8.
[3] Mathew 19.13-15.
[4] Malachi 2.16.
[5] Romans 12.2.
[6] 1John 2.15.
[7] Ecclesiastes 3.11