November 30, 2006

Greetings everyone in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the signs that the world would be in its last days before the return
of our Lord Jesus is that both in the church and in the world, people would become
very inwardly focused and seek their own pleasure above the pleasure of God.

Of the world in the last days, Paul wrote: "...men shall be LOVERS OF THEIR
OWN SELVES, covetous, boasters, proud..." (2 Timothy 3:1); and even of the
church he wrote: "...after THEIR OWN LUSTS shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears..." (2 Timothy 4:3b, emphasis added in both places).

A general coldness towards the harder, selfless and more humbling points of
doctrine and living, together with a heavy favoring of that which lends
itself to the satisfaction of carnal pleasure and comfort is a sure sign
that the days of this age are winding down.

There are countless other signs that the end is near.  And I want you to be
aware of this fact moment by moment as you consecrate your life to the
service of our Lord Jesus.  But what I speak of today is something that
threatens the perseverance of many.

Christianity in modern America is leaning very heavily towards what I
believe is an unbiblical perspective.  That perspective of our faith is one
that makes Christianity a means to see our circumstances become finer, more
pleasurable and more comfortable, versus what I think the Bible's teaching
is: that Christianity is a means to make US more holy, more humble, more
loving and compassionate, beginning with regeneration and proceeding through
life here.  That is to say, Christianity is not a ticket to changing life's
circumstances for the better; it is rather a ticket to changing US so that
life's circumstances are viewed and handled differently.  As a consequence,
some of life's circumstances might get better, and some might get worse.
But WE grow.

It's about changing us, not about enhancing our lives.

I do not speak universally here.  There are many, many fine things going on
in the name of Christ here and around the world.  But our enemy is alive and
active.  We need not fear him, but we do need to stay awake and keep our
eyes open.  Humble yourself and exalt our Savior.  Seek first His kingdom
and His righteousness.  Do not fall asleep to the things of God and get
swept into a last days malaise of sorts.  Keep the fire hot.  As sure as you
sit there and read this, know that this world and everything in it is
passing away.  Labor for those things that will be refined by the fire, not
for wood, hay and stubble.  Live lovingly, compassionately, humbly,
faithfully.  In all things place Christ first.  Devour His word and pray
without ceasing.  Love and give yourselves for your wives, submit to your
own husbands, and raise your children in the fear and admonishment of the
Lord, and together worship and serve our God, our Lord and Creator and Savior.

The time is now for us turn with the whole heart and cling to our
magnificent Savior.  Christ returneth, hallelujah and amen.  Glory be to His
name, now and forever!

In Jesus, looking for His glorious appearing,
Pastor Lou