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

John 19:1-16 The State Listens

John 19:1-16 NIV
He tried but he just couldn't do it. The religious leaders kept insisting that the state do something about this Jesus who had broken their religious law. Yet, their accusation against him is that he opposes Caesar by claiming to be king. Pilate is in a bind. If he frees him; he goes against Caesar himself as the religious leaders claim this man claims he is greater than Caesar. Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus; yet, he cannot allow the crowds to make him (Pilate) look bad in the eyes of Caesar, either. That could be major trouble for him with Rome. He wants no trouble with Rome. It is apparent that the religious leaders want this man to disappear from the face of the earth and Pilate must and will do their bidding.

So, as hard as Pilate tries to reason with the crowd; he ends up handing Jesus over to be crucified. There are times when we may feel thoroughly tired of reasoning with people, as well. Not everyone will bow before the King of Kings (at least not, yet). Many will worship false gods, things and/or people of the secular world. There are many who wish this Jesus and his followers would just go away so that they might not be reminded of their sin. They do not wish to be reminded that Jesus died to take away the sins of the world; their sins because they'd rather think that they have not sinned. They will make many loud pleas to the state to take away this reminder from their sight. In some cases the state has surely listened.

God's Peace - Pr. J