"Pilgrim Reflections" - "Getting Closer"

We don’t know how soon; but we do know it won’t be long.

The Second Coming of Christ and the appearance of the Anti-Christ.

For all those who are atheists, agnostics, skeptics, relativists, secularists, humanists, hedonists, etc., such things are religious gobbledygook. Yes, it’s all a bunch of nonsensical, meaningless beliefs, held by those who still believe in God, the Bible and Absolute Truth.

Yet, instead of demonstrating the tolerance they so vigorously defend, they’ve chosen instead of publicly denounce and “cancel” those who believe such things; even more, they seek to impose their own views-and-values on others.

Such is certainly the case at the Air Force Academy where they’re now instructing the cadets to use words that include all genders. Likewise, they’re telling them to not say “mom” and “dad” or “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.”

Why?

Because their focus is on using “person-centered” and “gender-neutral” language when describing individuals. So, now, when they write home, I guess the cadets are supposed to say “Dear Birthing Person” instead of “Dear Mom” or “Dear Dad.”

Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

When I entered the Air National Guard (USAF) in July, 1980 as a 1st Lieutenant Chaplain, such things were unheard of. For sure, we were taught to respect others and be tolerant of each other’s beliefs.

But, now it seems the Air Force and all other branches of service are spending more time indoctrinating their members with these warped beliefs instead of core values or military strategy. No wonder our manning is down and will continue to be so in the coming days.

The same is true in the religious realm with an increasing number of evangelical Christians who no longer believing in Christ’s Divinity, the Trinity, the Bible as God’s inspired Word, etc.

By so doing they’re gutting the Gospel and preaching “another gospel,” which really is no Gospel at all. But, we shouldn’t be surprised at this: for Jesus said there’d be a great falling away in the Last Days (Matthew 24:12; Galatians 1:6-9; II Thessalonians 2:3b).

And, Paul said “God will turn them over to a reprobate (perverse, perverted) mind,” while also “sending a strong Delusion, causing many to believe a lie” (Romans 1:18-32; II Thessalonians 2:11).

Yes, in the Last Days there will be an increase in lawlessness and a decrease in Godliness (II Timothy 3:1-5). And, that’s why all God-fearing, Bible-believing, born-again Christians must “continue in the things which they’ve learned and been assured of from childhood” (vv.14-15).

Simply put, we shouldn’t be surprised at what’s happening around us—or dismayed as things grow worse. Instead, as Paul said, we “shouldn’t be soon shaken in mind or be troubled, neither by spirit, word or letter since the Day of Christ is at hand” (II Thess. 2:2).

Even though the pressure and persecution of Christians will increase, we should always remember “the Lord is faithful and will both establish us and keep us from evil” (II Thess. 3:3; II Peter 3:9).

In fact, He reminds us to “rest in His Love as we patiently wait for Christ’s Return” (v.5). That way we won’t be so distressed over all that’s happened or tempted to doubt everything we believe and have held to be true through the years.

Jesus said “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days preceding His Coming”—and we know it was very wicked back then (Genesis 6:5; Mt. 24:37). And, just as the evil one was working overtime to destroy Him when He first came in Bethlehem (Mt. 2:16-18), so is he doing the same now to sow discord, doubt and disbelief before His Second Coming.

Therefore, dear Reader, don’t lose hope!

Instead, stand firm on the Foundation of Faith and use it as a “Shield to quench the fiery darts (flaming arrows) of the Wicked One and wicked ones” (Ephesians 6:16). Then, do all you can to “woo” others to Christ and warn them of the consequences of rejecting Him (Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:11-6:8; 10:26-39; 12:25-29).

(NOTE: If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily e-mail devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can write him at P.O. Box 614, Mulberry, AR 72947 or e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).