Why did I need to tune in on it?

Have I ever despaired of the life that I live?  That question was not the focus of pastor Steven’s message, but it became mine.  Why did Paul have such  despair?  Paul’s life must have been so challenging that he maybe could not see how he would survive his circumstance. Likely his life was on the line on a routine basis.  His life did end in death, and it wasn’t a natural death.  His life was on the line for Jesus during most of his days or his life in Christ.  I might say that if God had called me to this great a ministry as that of Paul; then it might be worth this kind of destress.  But I know that we each are called to just this kind of ministry, where our life is His and not our own. 

So, if I did think such a thing overlooking my true calling; then I’d just be fooling myself.  This country and the western world have not seen such disparate concern due to our relationship with Christ Jesus.  Not yet, not  before or ever during our time has this been the case, but what of the times ahead?   Do they look different to you?  

What do we do, if we suddenly because of having Christ in our lives, and because of this one fact alone, (our finding that our standing for His truth; leads only in one direction) — one that brings us into a persecution so great that we despair of life itself?  Not possible you say.  Not here.   Not in America.  

Let me point out to you once again that there are basically three theories coming from the church today concerning the church and its ability to have a presence in The Tribulation.  First one says simply that we are not there yet. Second one says simply that we won’t get there, because we’ll be gone: therefore nothing to worry about in either of those cases.  The third approach says it’s coming get prepared.  With the first two obviously there is nothing here to consider, but what if there is?  What if that third one is correct?  No one living through and observing the changes taking place in the leadership of western lead civilization can deny that there are big changes taking place, and most of them are not good. 

I can’t say that things will continue to progress toward evil, after all there is a revival occurring in the younger generation. That’s good, let’s keep it going.  And let’s remain in fellowship with our Lord and with each other.  Our purpose is to be alert to the Spirit’s leading, and in an awake state of purpose. If the Holy Spirit is leading us into all truth, then we need to share that wisdom with others. I say that because, we do not any one of us possess all truth, we are the body of Christ our Lord. 

Jesus prayed in John 17 that we be in unity of love and purpose in Him.  I know I’m summarizing, but He wants us in unity.  We are not. It is my belief that this will happen, but that it unfortunately will take great Tribulation to cause the chaff to be sifted from the wheat in order to make it so.  Paul remember said that: He will return for a church without spot or wrinkle.  What might that take? Be wheat in your field. That’s why you are there to feed those around you while you can.