By BRDAVISION

In these last and evil days we are experiencing more and more of what the word of God said would happen. Jesus, with the paint brush of a artistic virtuoso, painted the picture of the end times, in an almost word for word description.

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:10-12) King James Version

Indeed many have been offended and have already betrayed and hated one another. In a present sense the false religion of Islam has declared their utter contempt and hatred of the Christian Faith and community. Not only in words, but in public displays of actions so horrendous once you see it with your own eyes you will never be able to get it out of your mind.

The current state of the church

While the human race continues to focus more on its own selfish desires, the end times have come and the “church” has been unaware of the change in season. Gone are the days when you could send your children to school and church without fear. In today’s time your children can be shot and killed in school, or raped and abused by a leader in the local church.

While I don’t mean to sound pathological or morbid in my description of the current state of this world, one can’t help but feel lost in the endless waves of preacher scandals coming to the forefront. While some claim that the church is under attack, I endorse another school of thought. The church is being purged. Paul wrote:

“as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27) King James Version

The true church (The Body of Believers) is being separated from the church this world embraces. This purging process is taking place now and Jesus will have His perfect, not having spot or wrinkle, and holy Bride.

The question

The Bible says:

^“The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don’t show up until much later.” (1 Timothy 5:24) The Message Bible

Surely the recent allegations made against Bishop Eddie Long have indeed marched him straight into the court room. But there are so many others who preach another gospel whom Paul said would be cursed (Galatians 1:8-9) and still others who exploit their members for money.

Why is it that God exposes some, but chooses to allow others to take it to the grave so to speak? Well on this subject I needed a little help and who else to call on to help than one of the most sound bible teachers of the 20th century Dr. J Vernon McGee.

“Sometimes God in His sovereignty judges a christian right here on earth, but just because He doesn’t judge you here and now doesn’t mean He won’t judge you.” Dr. McGee

The Answer

The Christian, as well as the unbeliever, is subject to judgment at anytime. But unlike the unbeliever, the Christian has the opportunity to judge himself. In 1 Corinthians chapter 11 Paul warns us to conduct ourselves appropriately during the Lord’s supper.

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-30) King James Version

Paul encourages one who partakes of Communion to partake in a worthy manner. Plainly speaking, to examine one’s daily walk with Christ and receive the fullness of forgiveness which is one of the spiritual blessing’s Paul makes mention of in Ephesians. Failure to do this in the Corinthian church had caused God to pronounce an immediate judgment on some members of the church.

Careful self-examination of our relationship with Christ, can help us to avoid this type of discipline from God. And the same is true of false teachers and false prophets today. Either God will judge them or they will judge themselves by repenting and turning from their sin. One things for sure judgment will be made, in this life or the next.

With the way we deify our current church leaders we make it almost impossible for them to admit a fault. While this is in no way an excuse on their part, it is an example of the failure of current pastors to teach sound doctrine, while also exhibiting those attributes that Christ had.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) King James Version

I stand and beg if any false teachers or prophets who distort God’s word are reading this. Turn from your evil ways and follow Christ. Endure the shame and scorn here on earth for a little while. Better shame from man on earth than the judgment of God later.

Bonus info: The goal of Biblical exegesis is to explore the meaning of the text which then leads to discovering its significance or relevance