FROM THE PASTOR
October 21, 2018
As I walked in the front door, threw the light switch, opened the refrigerator, selected a snack from a variety of ready-made options, turned on the television and was instantly provided the latest news and entertainment, changed my clothes from one of a closet full of choices, and finally sat down to turn my smart phone on to Facebook and enjoy the latest antics of my grandchild, it occurred to me how, in comparison to previous generations, truly fortunate we are. It also occurred to me how dependent we are on “technology “and “others” providing our basic needs.
With each generation the general populous is becoming less independent and increasingly dependent on what is being provided for them. Increasingly each generation is losing the skills of independent survival in favor of a cushy life-style. It’s no wonder that with each passing generation we become increasingly at the mercy of the others. Let me ask… what would you do if you were told, “No electricity for a month”? How would you eat if every store’s shelves were bare? How would you get anywhere if every gas station hung a sign that read” Out of Gas until further notice”?
No, I have not joined the ranks of the ‘survivalists”. I am however, concerned that because we have become a soft, dependent society we are becoming increasingly vulnerable to outside influence. In 1950 64% of all Americans lived in cities, by 2000 that percentage had increased to 79% and by 2030 it is estimated that it will increase to 87%. What this means is at least 87% of the total population will have zero means of living self-sufficient. It’s no wonder that following the rapture, and the subsequent tribulation period, the antichrist will so easily and swiftly dominate the world.
Scripture describes that domination in the following terms...
Revelation 13:16-17 (NASB)
16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,
17 and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.
We, as Christians, will NOT be on earth at that time. We will have been raptured. We will be in heaven with Christ. Here is my point though… even now, Satan, the “god of this world”, is methodically preparing the way. Oh, make no mistake, Satan’s goal remains to usurp the ONE True Living God. And to accomplish this…
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NASB)
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
That means Satan is blinding a generation to become soft on comprehending the Gospel and dependent on a false sense of self-sufficiency. This will make the generation who faces a world which God has withdrawn the restrainer, an easy spiritual target.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NASB)
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
As Christians, our purpose is to urgently share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ unashamedly. Let the world know that the god of this world is lulling them into a false sense of security. That he is a liar… a thief... and a murderer. That he desires to make them dependent so they may be dominated. Their only hope is Christ… who is the only true sufficiency and security that exists…
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)
9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Pastor Larry
