The Hometown Treasure June 2012 | Page 25

Spiritual Treasure by Mark W. Suever, pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church Are You Wise Or Foolish About The Hour? There is absolutely no question that we are living in unprecedented times. We are seeing nations collapse economically, politically and many are in upheaval because of religious revolution. This has caused, and continues to cause, a shift in the dynamics of the relationship of these entities. These things have happened in rapid and successive waves so that the dust has not yet settled from what most certainly will be a new emerging world. The element that is most disturbing is that our world and our own beloved America is divided sharply along these and other lines. What will all of this change mean in what George Bush Sr. called a “ New World Order”? As a Bible believer my world view is formed through the pages of scripture as opposed to my view of the Bible being formed by a secular world view. Why? Colossians 1:16, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: vs. 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist (KJV).” God is not merely a grandfatherly spectator viewing the world event from the grandstand of heaven, rooting for His team. Quite the contrary ! Read: Psalm 2 (prophecy soon to be fulfilled) Someone has said: “The only thing man learns from history is that man does not learn from history.” Another said: “If we fail to learn from history we are destined to repeat it again.” So what lessons are crucial for us to learn from history? There are two for us to consider in this brief article. 1. It looks as if the world will treat the second coming of the LORD Jesus Christ much the same way they treated His first coming; with little regard for it. In fact, Jesus foretold this in: Mt 24:3739. “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (KJV)” Jesus was saying they went about their life with business as usual and completely disregarded Noah’s preaching for 120 years while the ark was being built. He then said it would be the same when He comes again the second time. The difference being: He came the first time as the Savior bringing salvation: He will come the second time as the Sovereign bringing judgment. Read: Rev. 19 2. Satan will use “Christendom” to facilitate his entire program! Imagine, the very enemy of all that is true and godly would use a form of Christianity (II Tim. 3:1-7) to destroy it and to then bring about his plan to rule the world. This is what he did when Jesus came Generators Just south of US Highway 20 on State Road 5 • Shipshewana, Indiana Tables & Chairs Lawn Aerators “Call us for all your rental needs.” 260-768-7775 the first time. Satan used the Jews religion to destroy Christ and the Kingdom that would accompany His reign. This rejection has brought 2000 years of untold sufferings for the Jews. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 2 Cor. 11:14, 15 (KJV). Thought: Just because a man uses the Bible does not mean it is God using him ! Isa. 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (KJV).” For many, to consider these things of eternal import is too much of a bother for them, as if somehow ignoring it will make it all go away. This is a big year: [election year, where potentially the reversal of power is up for grabs] and there is too much at stake both in our country and in the world for the power players not to pull out all stops. Translated: politics much dirtier than usual. Regardless of how all of it plays out, there is a new world emerging and the scriptures tell us of a “man of sin,” “the son of perdition” “the destroyer” that will soon be revealed after the catching away of true believers. Do not be caught in the web of deceit! 2 Thess. 1:7-8, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (KJV).” “Until that day when Jesus shall come as He said, He as the Savior of the world and will save you from your sins if you will turn to Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (KJV).” Rom. 10:13. Don’t delay. Matt. 24:44, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh (KJV).” The Hometown Treasure · June ‘12 · pg 23