TBC Notes

What in the World??

We Americans are living in terribly disturbing times. Why would I say that? We are not at war. We are prospering economically. We seem to be handling our health issues well, especially the treatment of major diseases. We are a literate nation and a well-educated society. So what’s the problem?

The problem is mental, not physical. In the last three-quarters of a century our country has gradually transitioned from professing Christianity to the abandonment of that mindset to an antichristian worldview. What is taking place as a result is an unprecedented viciousness along political lines, the cheering of horrifying new abortion procedures, the exaltation of homosexuality, and the complete rejection of biblical morality.

As the Lord’s return approaches, the consequences of the world’s wickedness will severely impact believers. As upsetting as that is, it shouldn’t be surprising, at least not to biblical Christians. Jesus warned, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Peter writes, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Peter:4:12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
See All...). Paul declares, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy:3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
See All...). 

That condition for believers is inevitable. Yet the Word of God exhorts us not to fear what’s ahead but rather “rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter:4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
See All...). Those words are not an attempt on Peter’s part to be “positive,” but rather they are God’s words, which are unfailingly true.

T. A. McMahon

Executive Director