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PRELUDE
What is the most important tool in Satan's tool box of deception? He has many tools at his disposal but without doubt his main tool is Apostasy.
President Herbert Hoover once wrote a warning that America has not taken to heart. "Our greatest danger is not from invasion by foreign armies. Our dangers are that we may commit suicide from within by complaisance with evil."
In other words, America will evolve into a willingness to please the whims of others by being polite and fitting in with their ungodly plans.
In a recent TV interview, a well-known conservative Bible teacher and avid student of prophecy was asked, "What is the last sign before the Rapture takes place?" His answer was "Apostasy." (II Timothy 3:1-9, 13) (II Timothy 4:3-4) He went on to say that as the Lord's return draws near, the characteristics of apostasy will intensify. (I Timothy 4:1-5)
So, what is apostasy? Simply put, it is an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith. Bingo, the Twenty-first Century.
So on with this newest fiction dream adventure.
THE DEVIL'S TOOL BOX
"The wrath of God is being revealed from Heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:18-20)
Well, the church conference is finally over. The Overseer has spoken. I surely pray our upcoming church appointment will be as enjoyable as this last one. These last five years have surely passed quickly and we made so many lasting friends. I have every intention of being just as good a pastor in our new appointment as I feel I was here.
I'm really glad our church overseer gave us a few days off before scheduling our move to the next church. Think I'll take advantage of his kind generosity and take a little catnap. "Dear, if I happen to dose off, please don't disturb me." Nevertheless, my nap seemed to be short lived, as I was suddenly interrupted by another of my unexpected, bizarre dreams.
All of a sudden, my man cave was filled with a heavy, thick white smoke, so thick I was almost blinded, bringing with it a very unusual sweet-smelling aroma. As the smoke began to clear, the outline of a man came into view.
Am I dreaming, how did this man of the cloth get in down here in my man cave? This distinguished looking gentleman not only looked the part of an old-time religion preacher, but he also talked the game as well.
As I sat back in my chair, I couldn't help but challenge his presence. "Who are you? Where did you come from and what do you want from me?" I demanded.
After a brief silence, the stranger sat down on my couch and began talking.
Looking rather dapperly, his response was rather sharp and to the point. "Our church desperately needs your help, my son, for we have gone the way of the world. Apostasy has crept into our church. We have been overtaken by this world's new progressive religious doctrine, and now our little church may be facing closure."
"I know your church's feelings, but what can I do to help? I'm just a first year Bible seminary student," I replied.
As if by some divine influence or godly persuasion, he took me by the hand. "Just come along with me and you will see," he responded.
Leading me by the hand, and magically flying through my man cave window, we were on our way at the speed of sound. Where we were going, I hadn't a clue.
The next thing I noticed, we had landed on the property of a well-kept little country church, equipped with an old time-honored traditional steeple and bell.
Instantly I noticed a somewhat strange message posted on the church bulletin board, announcing the church closing.
Out by the side of the church, was a neatly tended cemetery displaying an open grave prepared for future use. Placed by the side of this new open grave was the most unusual tombstone which read:
"Here Lies The Church - Dead To The Gospel Of Truth"
"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures," First Corinthians 15:3-4
Looking rather despondent, my new-found friend took my hand and into the church we went. What a surprise we found as we sat down!
The church service had started with a friendly "meet and greet" segment. However, a gentleman sitting directly behind us reached over us, to greet the person sitting in front of us, totally ignoring my friend and I.
After that, the minister of music started leading the Praise and Worship service. But it was anything but divine worship. Sitting on a stool, this music minister started quoting a well-known child's nursery rhyme. He then followed up by leading the congregation in the singing of a few popular secular songs. He must have cast a spell on the congregation, for they all really got into his music. With raised hands and dancing to the beat, they sang with gusto. 'Have I regressed back to a "Mitch Miller" Hootenanny day?' I wondered. Then came the pastor's sermon.
"Wow, this church could surely use some Old Time Religion preaching about now, Maybe we will see a revival spark up," I quipped, as my friend began to shake his head in the negative. Guess he knew this pastor better than I.
Raising his Bible, the preacher calmly stated he would not be using it, as it is outdated in today's modern, high-tech world. He then gave a vivid and detailed un-sermon on the life and times of his pet cat.
When he was finished, the pastor gave an emotional invitation for all the loyal pet owners to stand and be recognized, which they all did with great enthusiasm.
At this point, my new-found friend turned to me asking if I had seen enough.
"Yes, I understand your concern. Let's move on," I responded quickly.
"OK, my son, you see the picture here. What this church needs is a soft touch of that Old Time Religion, liken to the early church in (Acts 2:41-47). Would you not agree?" he countered.
"Indeed, I get the picture. Apostasy is alive and well in this little country church. The Devil has a real live tool box, and he is surely using them all here. Revival is badly needed," I answered.
"So, what do we do? How may I help you, pastor? Pastor, pastor, what has happened? Where's the church and where did you go?" I screamed manically.
Then, just as quickly as I had dozed off to dreamland, I suddenly awoke. There I was, sitting in my trusty man cave recliner, with one difference. The entire area, including my chair was soaking wet.
'What a dream!' I thought. 'Was this a message for me?' If so, by divine help, I'll never succumb to any resemblance or form of apostasy.
"Dear, Dear! Come here quickly!" I called to my wife. "Let me tell you about my dream. Or was it a vision? Anyway, we may have our pastoral work cut out for us in our new appointment."
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." (Acts 2:17)
POSTSCRIPT
Like America, the church was founded on Biblical principles and both will surely die for lack of Biblical principles.
The intent of this blog is not to disgrace or demean the truths of the full Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). However, the Scriptures do command those true to this gospel to always be on guard against the false apostasy which seems to be creeping into the church.
The Scripture makes it plain that through the communication of God's Holy Spirit, we Christians can discern others' true spirituality. God's word speaks for itself. (Romans 8:16) (Romans 9:1) In other words, we will know, that we know, that we know.
So what's the answer, if there is one, respecting this apostasy? Well, to be frank, I feel this progressive apostasy is ushering in the end times. We see its progression in both the secular and spiritual worlds.
A most exciting period, for us Christians, would you not agree? We live in a time of actually seeing prophecy come alive. You see Satan is alive and well, and is working overtime, as he knows his time is short. Using every tool in his deceptive tool box, he is working to discourage all mankind. We are slap in the middle of an unseen spiritual war of many battles. (Ephesians 6:12)
Our curiosity of the future is nothing new, however. Jesus' own disciples had the same question. (Matthew 24:3) We are not to know the exact date and time of this blessed event, as not even the Son knows, only the Father. (Matthew 24:36) It will come quickly, in the blink of an eye Jesus will split the sky and snatch us away. (I Corinthians 15:52)
With respect to the culmination of time, as we know to be, Jesus did give us certain signs to watch for. Please read the Twenty-Fourth chapter of Matthew. The main sign of our last days is surely apostasy, the falling away from the true Gospel. (II Peter 2:1-3)
So, how can we come back home, back to the gospel, or initially come to salvation? It's simply accepting God's free grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
It is as the Apostle Paul said, he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ! (Romans 1:16) Yes, you and I can escape the moral decline in our society and also in our own hearts by simply trusting in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:3-4) Amen!
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