To put it concisely; God's grace and His restraining influence is what is keeping the Tribulation from beginning with all its associated horrors; for as far as I can tell it doesn't have to get any worse as far as the condition of men in general in this dark hour to warrant judgment. I thought of the verse that God is patient with the wicked but is "longsuffering" not wishing anyone to perish but repent (roughly translated verse 2 Peter 3:9). My first search found Nahum 1:3 about God being slow to anger but not leaving the "guilty unpunished." Without getting tangled in Predestination; I will just remind the audience that we were all enemies of God ( Romans 5:10). In some sense whether it is our choice or response to God's calling He determines when the last person comes to Christ before the Rapture.
In some sense; with church being counterculture at this point for anywhere still adhering to the TRUE Gospel a new convert is something even more exciting than the past. Since there is nothing or almost nothing to gain from being accepted in society for becoming a believer today it takes more gumption. I have observed that many who are not involved much with formal church attendance have much discernment especially into the spiritual dimension; and often seem to love the Lord. It could be their fault but often there just isn't either a church teaching truth; or no real active DISCIPLESHIP opportunities either for them to grow OR HELP OTHERS grow. I put that in capital letters because it seems to be such an issue today. Of course for megachurches for the young; thin and attractive delivering shallow messages is no substitute for challenging study; or retreats where one can put their nose to the grindstone and iron can sharpen iron. Just as we can't accept everyone's offer of assistance; we can't dismiss those the Lord brings with their particular gifts who are eager and ready to serve. Yes, even leaders need input!
To put it concisely; God's grace and His restraining influence is what is keeping the Tribulation from beginning with all its associated horrors; for as far as I can tell it doesn't have to get any worse as far as the condition of men in general in this dark hour to warrant judgment. I thought of the verse that God is patient with the wicked but is "longsuffering" not wishing anyone to perish but repent (roughly translated verse 2 Peter 3:9). My first search found Nahum 1:3 about God being slow to anger but not leaving the "guilty unpunished." Without getting tangled in Predestination; I will just remind the audience that we were all enemies of God ( Romans 5:10). In some sense whether it is our choice or response to God's calling He determines when the last person comes to Christ before the Rapture.
In some sense; with church being counterculture at this point for anywhere still adhering to the TRUE Gospel a new convert is something even more exciting than the past. Since there is nothing or almost nothing to gain from being accepted in society for becoming a believer today it takes more gumption. I have observed that many who are not involved much with formal church attendance have much discernment especially into the spiritual dimension; and often seem to love the Lord. It could be their fault but often there just isn't either a church teaching truth; or no real active DISCIPLESHIP opportunities either for them to grow OR HELP OTHERS grow. I put that in capital letters because it seems to be such an issue today. Of course for megachurches for the young; thin and attractive delivering shallow messages is no substitute for challenging study; or retreats where one can put their nose to the grindstone and iron can sharpen iron. Just as we can't accept everyone's offer of assistance; we can't dismiss those the Lord brings with their particular gifts who are eager and ready to serve. Yes, even leaders need input!
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?