But understand this ... in the last days ...
All of the new testament writers believed there were in the last days!
Some pointed to Jesus' birth as the start of them.
Others to his resurrection!
Thus as a believer in these last days:
EXPECT Misdirected Love
Replacing love will be Self, Money, Pleasures, Sex, no love for God
Problems of the heart
Idolatry, where anything and everything takes the place of God in your life
Our culture is all about "Me" and "Mine"
Love has been turned upside down to be physical and not relational
We are to love:
- The Lord God
- Neighbor as yourself
Think on Hosea and Gomer.
A man married to a woman whom could not come home
The picture from God of Himself and an unfaithful nation of His people
Continually reaching out, continually being rejected, continually running away.
And God continues to reach out in love, but love is no longer understood.
EXPECT Gutted Godliness
"Having the appearance of Godliness but denying its power"
- We must avoid pretenders
- They go through the motions
- They want mountain top experiences
- They want the good experiences
- They want the protection wealth provides
- Then they want to die like Lazarus and be comforted in luxury by God!
EXPECT Tainted Truth
Charlatans will creep in with stealth
Capturing the attention of vulnerable women (be watchful ladies!)
Compared to the sorcerers whom opposed Moses, through counterfeit miracles
All pronouncing the biggest lie:
- East Drink and Merry for tomorrow you may die (with no hereafter!)
They will be exposed
The world will come to an end
And God wins!
Now, let also include John 15:10!
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love.
This one is a bit hard. Look at your life and evaluate where you are in keeping what Jesus has said he expects of you. Did you have to justify your life?
Welcome to the Last Days ...
It is time to get real with your faith.
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