A Bold Stand - Bola Olu-Jordan
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition...” (2Thes. 2:3). One of the characteristics of the end time is the ‘falling away first’ of the saints; of those who not only know Christ, but who are actually epistles and examples to others. Paul warned those who think they stand to take heed lest they fall (1Cor. 10:12), because many that are first shall be the last and the last first. (Mat. 19:30).
Just as Jesus prophesied, there is a great deceit in the world today that ‘if it were possible, the very elect will be deceived’. No wonder we are charged to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), knowing that the days are evil.
Salvation has become so cheap these days that the spiritual essence has been lost. Many preachers have over simplified the message of the cross by substituting relationship with Jesus, with mere religion, church activities and festivities. The church now is more or less a social club than a place of spiritual rejuvenation.
Thus many Christians are mortgaging their eternity for inanities; exchanging their souls for their lives, and exchanging seed for bread that will not satisfy. Satan has so much cosmetized and packaged sin in such a way that it no longer look like sin. Its gravity has been lessened, even on the pulpit: it has been simplified to problem. The sting of sin has been deemphasized by preachers. It may not be allowed but permitted. It may not be right but it’s OK. ‘I know it’s a sin but I will repent later’.
Many who are nothing but religious charlatans and kingdom touts are being decorated with titles to enhance pulpit acrobats. They introduce innocent congregation to miracles and prosperity, instead of Jesus. Preaching has been reduced to mere seminars and talks. Preachers now go by the title of motivational speakers. The Church is now a rendezvous; a meeting place for fashion, friendship and freedom. A safe haven for sinners and a ripe soil for investment!
The congregation is not reminded that the same God of mercy now will be God of judgment later: that desiring the power of His resurrection alone is not enough until the fellowship of His suffering is complete.
But God still have a remnant, according to the election of grace. Those who believe in Jesus more than the church or pastor. Those who know Him as both God of mercy and judgment. Those who desire not only His acts but His ways. Those who long for His appearing.
God is calling you to stand for Him in the midst of the crooked and perverse generation of many so called men of God who hawk strange miracles, ten for a penny, for the sake of their belly.
God is looking for those who will lift up the standard in the compromising church. Will you take a stand for Him this year or play religion?
Liberty must not be taken for granted in our dress, talk, walk and in all that we do. It must not only glorify God but support modesty and chastity. We don’t have to follow the pattern of the world. God is calling us to stand out and be example to those without. Will you yield?
Just as Jesus prophesied, there is a great deceit in the world today that ‘if it were possible, the very elect will be deceived’. No wonder we are charged to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), knowing that the days are evil.
Salvation has become so cheap these days that the spiritual essence has been lost. Many preachers have over simplified the message of the cross by substituting relationship with Jesus, with mere religion, church activities and festivities. The church now is more or less a social club than a place of spiritual rejuvenation.
Thus many Christians are mortgaging their eternity for inanities; exchanging their souls for their lives, and exchanging seed for bread that will not satisfy. Satan has so much cosmetized and packaged sin in such a way that it no longer look like sin. Its gravity has been lessened, even on the pulpit: it has been simplified to problem. The sting of sin has been deemphasized by preachers. It may not be allowed but permitted. It may not be right but it’s OK. ‘I know it’s a sin but I will repent later’.
Many who are nothing but religious charlatans and kingdom touts are being decorated with titles to enhance pulpit acrobats. They introduce innocent congregation to miracles and prosperity, instead of Jesus. Preaching has been reduced to mere seminars and talks. Preachers now go by the title of motivational speakers. The Church is now a rendezvous; a meeting place for fashion, friendship and freedom. A safe haven for sinners and a ripe soil for investment!
The congregation is not reminded that the same God of mercy now will be God of judgment later: that desiring the power of His resurrection alone is not enough until the fellowship of His suffering is complete.
But God still have a remnant, according to the election of grace. Those who believe in Jesus more than the church or pastor. Those who know Him as both God of mercy and judgment. Those who desire not only His acts but His ways. Those who long for His appearing.
God is calling you to stand for Him in the midst of the crooked and perverse generation of many so called men of God who hawk strange miracles, ten for a penny, for the sake of their belly.
God is looking for those who will lift up the standard in the compromising church. Will you take a stand for Him this year or play religion?
Liberty must not be taken for granted in our dress, talk, walk and in all that we do. It must not only glorify God but support modesty and chastity. We don’t have to follow the pattern of the world. God is calling us to stand out and be example to those without. Will you yield?