We are witnessing rapid changes in our local communities and across the globe! Economically, politically, and militarily, the world is changing fast whether we like it or not. You may not agree with the changes that are affecting your life but we’re sure you find yourself wondering what the best thing to do – go along with the majority or take a stand for what you think is right and face possible alienation? For the Christian, this often results in tough choices as we see the separation of Western churches.
For the church, same-sex marriage is a major topic now -society is heaping on the pressure to accept this or risk possible repercussions. There are already attempts to stop churches being classed as charities so they are not entitled to tax-free benefits unless they accept and practice the ‘redefinition’ of marriage. Churches are being put under enormous pressure to adapt to society and compromise! Soon, some churches will move on from same-sex marriage to other wacky ideas as transgender baptisms may soon be up for debate. On the whole, the mainstream church has already lost the plot with infant baptism as this practice does not align with Scripture anyway.
What should Christians do when their church becomes more accommodating to society and moves away from Biblical advice and practice? Are you in this position now? Scripture gives us very clear warnings of what to expect in the end times and we are given warning as to what the church landscape will look like. Has your church become a Laodicean church? It can take courage to take a step back and look at our own church, even our own life, and assess whether God and His word to us, is the top priority and the primary source of authority.
As the Laodicean church gains momentum, true believers are not surprised. In fact, it is to be expected as God’s plan unfolds. But it does impact us! Are we going to react or stay silent? Throughout Scripture (and history), God’s people have been repeatedly attacked and marginalised, causing many to surrender to the pressure and turn from their faith while others hold on to the truth they have in their hearts. We can take comfort in the fact that God ALWAYS keeps a remnant, a group of faithful believers that God uses for His purposes. As we see with Elijah, while many were bowing to Baal, God kept a remnant of 7000:
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. (1 Kings 19:18)
The situation is no different now in our churches! Churches that are not rooted in Scripture will forfeit God’s blessings but there will be a remnant of churches that keep that stronghold of truth, although it may be a small percentage. As God’s plan unfolds we will see a separation of the Western churches, the false churches will gain popularity as the remnant churches are isolated and mocked. So, when it comes down to you – where is your foundation?
If you don’t read the Bible regularly now is the time to start! You don’t have to be an expert, but you should at least be able to discern the where your church stands – does it submit to society or God’s word? In the dark days ahead it is essential you have fellowship with like-minded believers so you can pray and learn together. You may not have a ‘good’ church near you, that doesn’t mean you should stay in a false church! As scripture teaches with the early Church, believers met in home groups or house churches. This is where we believe most of the remnant will be located as Christ’s second coming approaches as we see faithful Christians slowly being forced away from the mainstream church.
Only God knows what will happen to the false churches – some will be brought down, others may repent and grow spiritually. Either way, the essential part is the condition of your personal relationship with God! The Bible teaches that in the end times, a strong delusion will seduce many away from the truth:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, emphasis added)
The false churches will fall for this delusion and although we want to pray that won’t be the case, Jesus teaches that it will be a sign prior to His appearing and is therefore a reality. What about you? Will you stand firm in the belief of truth as Paul continues to say:
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, emphasis added)
Matthew also makes reference to this:
or there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before (Matthew 24:24-25)
There can be hard choices to make, is the Holy Spirit challenging you to examine your life? Not many will choose to be part of the remnant but it will be the only place for true believers!
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5)
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