8-26-17 Know Christ Know Hope
One of the signs of the end times is what is called the great falling away, a great apostasy. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 says, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come the falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition." 1 Timothy 4:1 states: "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits, and doctrines of demons." Each day, many folks write in to say that America is in such moral decline that it will never recover. Some equate this decline to the "falling away" mentioned in the Bible. There are a couple of thoughts that we all should ponder regarding this growing "no hope" for America doctrine.
The Bible is a Middle Eastern-centric book. The events described depict areas of the Middle East, the Mediterranean Sea, and Northern Africa as found in the Genesis 10 table of nations. This was the world at that time. It is speaking to the Jews and Gentiles of these areas first. The prophecies are specifically directed at these areas. The nations that come against Israel are traditional enemies of Israel. The Bible is not United States-centric. There was no official "United States" or "Russia" at the time of the Bible; they are not listed in the table of nations. The end times timepiece is Israel, not the United States or Christianity in the United States, although as members of the body of Christ, we are accountable and do have influence.
Having said that, however, all scripture is also for those of us in the United States-both Old Testament and New. Scripture was not just for the Jews in the time of the prophets or the disciples of the time of Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We need to be mindful that what happens in Israel impacts us. We also should recognize that in a country where 80% of the people claim to be Christian, we certainly must not be holding accountability to our Lord. If we were, the nation would not be in the current condition of moral decline. It would appear that we are experiencing apostasy in the United States.
American society's sex-charged, death promoting, politically correct culture could be a reflection of American Christianity's emotional, self-indulgent, and extra-biblical condition. Our Christian culture has become too casual in our relationship with God. We are not in unity in our interpretation of the scriptures or in the practice of our faith. The constant negativity in our news can even cause some to lose hope and faith-to fall away. We should not lose hope for our nation and its people. We are the light of the world. As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all tings through Christ which strengthens me." If you know Christ, you know hope. Never give in to the negativity of the day or to those of the doom-doctrine. Our hope is in Christ. Let's exercise our God-given gifts and turn the world upside down as did the apostles in the early days of the church.
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