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Surviving Perilous Times

(Part II)

Anthony Campbell, Minister

"This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come."

II Timothy 3:1

Child of God, our Lord never promised us life would be easy when we decided to follow him. As a matter of fact, he tells us the contrary in Matthew 8:19,20. In these perilous times, your faith will be challenged. The word of God is challenged every day, from Massachusetts courts recognizing same-sex marriages to the right-versus-wrong decisions each of us encounters daily. In the face of such pressure, some believers will buckle and succumb to the influence and belief system of this world. Have you been broken? Have you given in to the pressures of this world? It doesn’t have to be that way for you.

In verse 13, Paul tells us that, in these perilous times, things will get worse. This may seem like a dreary prediction but it is the truth. As we approach the Lord’s return, Satan’s influence on this world will become even more apparent. False Christs, false teachers, and false teachings will abound. Romans 1:21-32 seems to capture the essence of our world today. It is as if Paul was actually living in the United States right now as he wrote those inspired words. As Satan exerts himself more and sin becomes more blatant, rampant and "accepted", do not let our enemy desensitize you to the wickedness and seriousness of sin. As a child of God, whenever we see evil take place, it should make us shake our head with disdain. Sin is never a laughing matter with God and should not be a laughing matter for his children. If you want a glimpse at how serious our response to sin should be, just read Ephesians 5:1-12.

So, child of God, how are we going to survive in these perilous times? Paul answers that question in verse 14 of II Timothy chapter 3. He told Timothy (as the Spirit tells us today) to remain faithful to the things you have been taught. Child of God, no matter how tough things get, no matter how crazy and sinful this world becomes, DO NOT STOP trusting God and His word. Do not abandon your commitment to living righteously. Do not stop reading the Bible, praying and worshiping. Do not abandon your defence of the gospel. Do not stop loving, hoping and serving as you know you should. Even though things may get worse, you must realize that there is a brighter and better day coming for those who remain faithful to the Lord in these perilous times. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Again he says, be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Keep the faith, Child of God. As we go through these perilous times, think to yourself "the best is yet to come".

During this week, find scriptures that talk about the brighter day and better things that await the children of God who remain faithful to the Lord.