Weekly Bible Study (14/10/21, 21/10/21)
Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement
Topic: THE SIGNS OF HIS COMING AND OF THE END OF THE WORLD: THE SIGNS OF THE IMMINENCE OF RAPTURE (Part 5) Text: Matt. 24:1-44INTRODUCTION: Before delving into the other aspects of the signs of His coming and of the end of the world, let=s conclude, today, on the signs of the imminence of rapture, which we have often shown as the most critical aspect of the signs of the end time to a believer, and on which sub-topic we have concentrated for some time now. So far, we have seen: (i) The Signs of False Christ, Prophets and Teachers; (ii) The Signs of Wars and Civil Unrest; (iii) The Signs of Famines, Pestilence and Earthquakes; (iv) The Sign of Persecution and (v) The Sign of Abounding Iniquity and its Effect. Last week, we discussed the signs of (vi) The State of the Temple of Jerusalem; (vii) Increase in Gospel Mission Activities and (viii) Increase in Travels and Knowledge. This sub-topic (The Signs of the Imminence of the Rapture) is being concluded today, as already stated, with: (ix) The Sign of Massive Departures and Falling Away From the Faith (x) The Sign of Weather and Climatic Changes.
(ix). The Sign of Massive Departures And Falling Away From The Faith (Matt. 24:12; 2Thess. 2:3; 1Tim. 4:1-3).
Closely linked to the issue of abounding iniquity and the love of many waxing colds is the massive departure and falling away from the faith (cp. Matt. 24:12; 2Thess. 2:3; 1Tim. 4:1). The faith of Jesus Christ, which is the means of man=s interim and eternal restoration, is the singular issue the devils are contending for in this world (1Pt. 5:8,9; Jude 3). Their intention in all the troubles brought upon men is to hinder them from being saved in the now and/or from eventual entry into the kingdom from where they were cast out (cp. Isa. 14:12; Rev. 12:9, 12).
Today, the mystery of iniquity is terribly at work and the devils are greatly redoubling their efforts in order to confuse, deceive, discourage, destabilize and get the people to despair, as the day draws close (cp. 2Thess. 2:7; Rev. 12:12). The consequence is the massive departure and falling away from the faith.
While many are obviously backsliding and some others are getting into apostasy, perhaps the most dangerous aspect of this end-time departure and falling away from the faith is being carried out in a very subtle and deceptive way. Rather than clearly deny the faith and depart, they make the people hold to the letter, the form, while denying the spirit and the power (cp. 2Cor. 3:6; 2Tim. 3:5); they make them hold the truth in unrighteousness (cp. Rm. 1:18), stick to the secondary issues of the faith and non-essentials of life, while caring less about the primary, the essentials and the things that matter most (cp. Matt. 6:33; 16:26); they make them hold some truths together with some errors (cp. 1Jn. 2:21; 4:1-6). Devils are comfortable with the people going on with such vain religious profession and worship (cp. Matt. 15:9; Titus 1:16; Jas. 1:26), knowing that with that they are already rejected by God, who does not accept anything short of perfection (cons. 2Chron. 25:1, 14-15, 20; Matt. 5:48).
(X). The Sign Of Weather And Climatic Changes.
The geographical and geological problems that signal the end-time transcend earthquakes (Mat. 24:7), including weather and climatic changes. Scientists inform us that, as a result of the increasing depletion of the Ozone layer (a layer of gas above the earth’s surface that helps to shield the earth from the sun’s harmful rays), most parts of the world are experiencing increasing heat. They posit that because of increased rays of the sun and the attendant increased heat now coming upon the earth, the ice deposits of the north and south poles are disproportionately depleting, thereby gradually removing the earth from its equilibrated tilt of 232o. According to them, this smacks of an imminent holocaust and a doomsday for this world. But as Bible believers and students, we know that all these are predicted pointers to the very close of this age (cp. 2Pt. 3:9-14). Therefore, let us not sleep as do others (1Thess. 5:2, 6).
Let us pray.
Fellowship Songs (HSCF: 44 & 282)