2 Peter 3 Scoffers Abound

2 Peter 3 NIV
Scoffers abound! Peter wrote: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." (vs 10) The disciples expected an almost immediate return of the Lord. 2000 years later, we are still waiting and watching for the final judgment on the world. It's a fairy-tale, a fable, a myth, I am told. Just because you do not believe; that does not make it an untruth. "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (vss 8-9)

Scoffers abound! I'm not sure if people have forgotten that the Lord will come again or maybe they just don't believe. The world lives as though they have eternity to live for their own pleasure. Some might even live under the delusion that they can repent on their death beds and they will be saved. That is true, if one truly turns to the Lord. But, one never knows when our final moments will come. It would be wise to be prepared before that day comes. He will come like a thief, without warning, except for the word which we already have.

Be prepared and be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of the lawless. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Thess 2 - Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2 NIV
I cannot count nor ever remember how many men have been publicized as possibly being the lawless one (the anti-Christ) that was prophesied to come. Most often those who were accused of being the anti-Christ have been in positions of power in the world. They have been world political leaders.

I cannot help but wonder if this anti-Christ is actually going to be a leader in the secular world or will that personality be someone from within the visible church on earth. There are many; after all, who are teaching false doctrine and yet are quite popular personalities; leaders (not servants) in the visible church. They have been popular because they please the itching ears. They are popular because they tell people what they want to hear. They have led many astray as they have lifted themselves up in the eyes of the people they teach.

I am convinced that the most dangerous false teachings do not come from those outside the church who deny Christ. These allegations are a distraction and have kept us from looking within ourselves and acknowledging the lawlessness that abides within us. Those most dangerous lies are those lies propagated within the church that are being passed down and expanded upon to succeeding generations. It is quite possible (probable) that the man of lawlessness will be revealed to be one who spread the lies from within the visible church. The man of lawlessness may well come from within the church, itself.

Do not let anyone deceive you; not from outside the church or from within. Jesus is our only salvation. May God help us to remain faithful to His Word.

God's Peace - Pr. J