11/09/22 WE HAVE A PREVIEW OF COMING EVENTS

11/09/22 WE HAVE A PREVIEW OF COMING EVENTS

In a free society the level and extent of corruption is evident in both the citizenry and the government. A free society does not always have an honest election. An honest election does not insure a free society.

Just as in an individual life, so it is in corporate or national life: the only way to be rid of corruption, dishonesty, oppression is to have a moral foundation, rising from obedient faith in Jesus Christ.

This is why the kingdoms (nations, peoples) of this world fail, and as we draw closer to the "last days" there will be more corruption in society and government.

Do not trust in horses and chariots or silver and gold, or arm of flesh. The only One worthy of our trust is Jesus Christ, and since no one can make another person trust and follow Jesus, our responsibility is to make certain that we personally trust and follow Jesus.

2 Peter 1:10-11
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

God tells us what men will be like in the last days. Don't be surprised and don't be led astray.

In the following passages I emphasize each point separately.
2 Timothy 3:1-5, 7
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be
lovers of their own selves,
covetous,
boasters,
proud,
blasphemers,
disobedient to parents,
unthankful,
unholy,
3
Without natural affection,
trucebreakers,
false accusers,
incontinent,
fierce,
despisers of those that are good,
4
Traitors,
heady,
highminded,
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away.
7
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

This is why preachers need to preach the truth.
2 Timothy 4:2-4
2
Preach the word;
be instant in season, out of season;
reprove,
rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Wickedness reigns in the heart of the wicked, but righteousness only lives in the heart of those who turn from sin, trust in Christ, surrender to His will, follow the enlightenment of God, which is provided through God's Word and God's Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads us into the whole counsel of through godly, enlightened teachers and pastors.

As Paul said,
Colossians 1:25-29
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 

Hebrews 13:7
7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.