Have you noticed the pleasure-seeking craze and emphasis of the last few years which is usually cloaked behind some spiritual veneer? Paralleled with the advent of the day spa explosion across the western world, the indulgence and excess of those in the church world has come of age as foretold by the apostles of our LORD - "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud...heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Tim. 3:1-7)
How do you think the people of the world who do not know the LORD view those in the church world who are engrossed in seeking continual self-indulgence, treatment and excess?
The question must be asked: Why would the LORD further pamper people who are not being obedient and fruitful in His harvest as it is? Are we not a bunch of spiritual weaklings? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
"If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Jordan?" Jeremiah 12:5
While some misled Americans, claiming to be serving the LORD, seek to further pamper their poor little hurting buttocks (due to sitting too much), a large number of true believers in Christ across the world live in danger of martyrdom every day for their faith.
"GO YE"
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." Acts 8:4
Those who are authentically touched by the LORD are to be His ambassadors to advance His eternal coming kingdom and not be preoccupied with pampering themselves. The Gospel is moving and those who possess and are possessed by it are on the "go". Those moved by the LORD from Heaven do exploits among the lost people of their world and the LORD gives His presence to bless and empower them. They don't congregate to "soak" in more self-seeking, self-indulgent, and self-serving experiences.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. …And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." Mark 16:15-20
The LORD, who alone saves, has called all who believe to "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel." Because they are on the "go" in obedience to Him, the LORD says here that He will be "confirming the word with signs following." Jesus is not going to confirm or bless laziness and self-indulgence with His presence or "signs."
"I Told You"
"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show 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
While we pamper ourselves even more, we further lessen our chances of overcoming when the coming persecution hits within our borders. We have seen nothing yet. God help us in this hour to fast, pray and be broken while the light is still with us. Jesus warned "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." (John 12:35)
The persecutions that lie just ahead in this nation will be devastating to those who aren't being prepared in this hour by exercising the Word - doing it. These who have bought into this latest of strange fire experiences, are being further blinded and deluded.
"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Revelation 3:5-6
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