Time Rolls On

As with those who have gone before us, we live in new and changing times: days that are not as yesterday and will tomorrow be new—days of change. Since the beginning of time, man has been in an ever-progressive forward motion toward reunification with our creator. In the times when we have turned away, even the smallest remnant, He has intervened and turned us back, back to a place of forward motion toward eternity with Him. As with any journey, there is an end: a completed state in the human condition that end is either departure from this world or the meeting of Christ face-to-face at His return. Up until recent times, the chances of one seeing the return of Christ were slim at best. The world was simply not in the state of immorality and decay that the Bible predicts before the return of our Savior. However, today, at ever increasing speed, we rush toward that day: the day Christ returns for His bride. The reality is that He could return any day now. No, I am making no predictions nor will I ever regarding knowing the time or day of His return. I will, however, point you to the Scriptures and allow them to speak for themselves as they reveal the time of His return. In Matthew 24:36–44, Jesus describes the condition of the world prior to His return. Study of this and related passages, better known as eschatology, will reveal that we are, indeed, for the first time ever, at a place in time where the conditions of His return are daily being met and reinforced. This is an exciting time for those who truly believe, a fearful time for those who profess belief yet have not separated themselves from the world, and for those who do not believe, there are daily fewer rules and barriers for their morality. The decline of mankind's moral boundaries can easily be compared to those of the times of Noah, and compromise and tolerance have become the most dangerous words and actions of our time. The foundational truths of our nation have eroded to the point that so few know the truth they have simply accepted the most popular believe as truth. As I look upon the past, the fallen kingdoms and defeated nations, the reality is truly quite clear, this reality that mankind, left unchecked, will inevitably destroy itself through the need for immediate gratification, satisfaction, power, and pleasure. Are we there again today? You be the judge. Ponder these things and arrive at your own answer. Abortion: Every day there are an average of 3,288 abortions, or babies murdered. What is a baby? A baby is the product of sexual union between a man and a woman. An abortion, or murder of a child, is the result (more often than not) of two people who have broken God's moral laws and produced life; life they do not want to be responsible for. The result—murder! This practice is no longer called murder in the United States and is more accepted than not, and the realm of influence and accessibility is growing daily. Does this sound godly? Gay marriage: The practice of homosexuality in the U.S., while clearly defined in the Bible as being sinful and unnatural behavior, is now even being accepted in many denominations. Does God change His mind? I think not. Pornography: The porn industry will generate just over $13 billion dollars in revenue this year in the United States of America alone. The sanctity of marriage and monogamous relationships cannot coexist in a home where pornography is allowed. One or the other of the partners will always feel violated or unable to satisfy their partner. Married men and women involved in pornography are robbing their spouses of true intimacy; a practice that will lead to some form of separation. Does this sound like a moral practice, something acceptable to God? Sexual slavery: The lure for elicit sexual gratification has led to the abduction of an estimated 300,000 teens in America for use in the $9.5 billion-dollar-per-year U.S. sex trade, let alone in the world where there have been an estimated 24 million people abducted for sexual slavery! Does this sound like a nation or world based upon the moral statutes of a Holy God? I choose not to go on today; after all, who can stand more depressing news than this in one day? The reality and my reason for writing is this: wake up, America! You cannot see the coming of the Lord if your head is stuck in the sand! If we are looking up, we are looking unto our God whose return is and must be soon. What will you say when all done in the dark is exposed? What argument will you offer to a Holy God for your acceptance and endorsement of the sins of mankind? You say you don't endorse sin? I say if you speak not against something when asked, then you speak for it. Folks, we have at our fingertips the cure for this insanity. We have the truth of the blood of the Lamb, slain for our sins and transgressions—the Redeemer of all mankind. We must stand up for the truth and spread the truth in love, the truth that "Jesus Paid the Price." His death and resurrection are our only hope, and He is coming soon! Pastor Gene Burroughs, Author, "Jesus Paid the Price"