| Vol. V Number 39 | December 16, 2001 |
We are definitely living in interesting times. The United States is considering breaking another treaty when we expect others to uphold their treaties with us. Also the war in Afghanistan, problems in India, and the continued growth of Muslim militants who are prepared to commit suicide for their cause. Also this is the first time in the history of the world that there is global communication between anyone and everyone. The world wide network called the Internet with Email available to everyone makes for international communication between friend and foe. It is impossible for the U.S. to prevent someone writing a letter to Castro in Cuba, and with the tools that are available on the Internet allows for the use of Military grade cryptography available to everyone. Thus we see the results of September 11, 2001.
Also the economy of the world is in a tail spin like it was after the crash of 1929. In the 1930's employers were laying off employees because there was no market for their goods just like today people are being laid off because there is no market for the product. There is no market because people don't have income to buy the product thus the spiral plunges downward. See The Great Crash and the Great Slump- which is a wonderful comparison with the 30's and today's economic climate.
The world of today both the political and the economic turmoil that we are witnessing will be catalyst for the antichrist to make his debut. The world is looking and desperately seeking a savior to save them from the mess that the world has created for itself. Also there is a growing number of people who welcome reduced freedom in the name of security which is what the antichrist will promise them. Many in the United States are claiming that they are willing to give up their freedom for security. This kind of sentiment will lead to the enslavement by the antichrist. As Paul wrote concerning the last days these are perilous times.
2 Timothy 3:1-9
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
2 Peter 3:1-18
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
We are beginning to see the the era where the world is seeking the antichrist, though they do not realize what they are seeking. The world is continuing downward toward the pits of hell and the world does not realize that day of the rapture of the church is soon at hand. Where will you be when the Lord calls his church home? Will you be too busy with the cares of this life to even hear the call of the Lord? Will you be seeking a solution that the world is seeking? Will you be one of the deceived? OR, will you be one of the few who will be loosed from hold of gravity and will rise to meet the Lord in the air? Where will you be?
3014 E Street Philadelphia, PA 19134 Church Office Phone: (215) 634-3637 Published by: Rev. LeRoy D. Cressy (215) 535-4037
Services:
Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:30 AM
Sunday Morning Worship . . . . . . . . . . 12 NOON
Sunday Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 PM
Wednesday Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 PM
Copyright © 2001 LeRoy D. Cressy
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