The News Says It All!

I have been consistently amazed at the headlines these last few months. Countries going bankrupt, others attaining nuclear status, unabashed talk of global law and government. Bizarre behavior of the Hollywood and Washington elite, children murdering parents, unbridled disrespect of one human for one another. Scandalous behavior of priests and pastors, complete lack of self-control and moral direction of political leaders, and the dubious triumph of money over morals on Wall Street and Main Street.

Is this the world in which I grew up? What will it take for good to once again conquer evil? When will this slide toward destruction of humanity end? Or will it?

At the breakfast table this morning, my family discussed the following Scripture:
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV)

The answer to my questions above is most likely this: we are witnessing the beginning of the terrible times that Apostle Paul wrote of in his letter to Timothy. Indeed, there have been times in history when society was this out-of-control. At the very least we are in for a very rude awakening. But I believe there is more to it this time. The earth has never seen a time when one-world government was so close to reality. Prophecies in Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation all confirm the words of Paul as he warned of the end of time.

The symptom of human sickness that concerns me most is the last: having a form of godliness but denying its power (verse 5). We are indeed in a time when the gospel has gone to every corner of the earth, and yet it seems that the Church has less influence and power than ever before. How could this be? For one, we have turned away from our first love, Jesus Christ. We have allowed tradition and programs to become our God, while forsaking the power and leading of the Spirit of Christ.

The earth groans inwardly as it waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed (Romans 8:18-25). Who will be the first to say, "I desire to walk in the fullness of Christ, and I choose the Kingdom of God over the things of this world." Who will stand and say, "The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man can do unto me!"(Hebrews 13:6). Who will agree with Jesus in His prayer to the Father, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven"?(Matthew 6:10).

Yes, the news says it all! We are on the verge of a new kingdom . . . not that of a one-world government run by selfish tyrants, but that of the coming King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Look up, friends, for our redemption is drawing nigh!!!