REFLECTIONS: Signs of the times

"Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first."

-- 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Various websites and so-called prophetic ministries are proclaiming the coronavirus as a sign of the end times. Eisegesis (reading preconceived notions into biblical texts) can make almost anything seem true, but exegesis (deriving truth explicitly out of the biblical text in context) reveals sure clues you can count on. One sign of the end times is the great "apostasy." This will be a time when Christianity seems to be dying, through apathy and attack. Here are a couple of signs that both are happening right before our very eyes.

"In 2000, 45 percent of all those sampled qualified as practicing Christians. That share has consistently declined over the last 19 years. Now, just one in four Americans (25%) is a practicing Christian. In essence, the share of practicing Christians has nearly dropped in half since 2000."

-- George Barna

Great apostasy occurs when professing Christians abandon biblical Christianity. As you can see by the trusted research of the Barna Organization, a steep falling away is occurring. Roman Catholics are now led by a Pope who denies cardinal doctrines and demonstrates his love for creation above the Creator. Protestants are led by mostly non-educated, self-centered, money-hungry false prophets whose only good use is to provide fodder for the Babylon Bee. Meanwhile, people in the pews are checking out, and this will only increase in the wake of the coronavirus.

The mainstream media, once they start paying attention to the weakness of the modern church, will mount an all out attack. It is already beginning:

"Some experts think the coronavirus could reshape the country's religious landscape and wipe out many small houses of worship."

-- Washington Post, 04/24/20

This they said, I think, with glee. In spite of the fact that the Pope and the megachurch pastors get most of the religious press coverage in the world, the most common expression of the visible church is the small church, with 50-100 in regular attendance. If these can be wiped out, Christianity will be wiped out.

But we will not fall or fail. The gates of Hell, the power of politics, and the mainstream media cannot stand against us. The best and strongest example of real, biblical Christianity will always be found in the small, Reformed, church. It is here that the Pastors and Elders and Deacons and Members know one another, love one another, help one another, and hold one another accountable. It is here that the Five Solas and the Doctrines of Grace provide a sure and solid theological foundation. It is here where the best defenses exist against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

When it is time to come back to church, look for a small church sign in your community. It is a sign of the times. It is here you can find God, and find grace, to sustain you until the day you die, or until Christ comes again, whichever comes first.

Chuck DeVane is the pastor of Lake Hamilton Baptist Church in Hot Springs. He is a graduate of Valdosta State University, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has served churches in Arkansas and Georgia, and preached the gospel across the USA and other countries. You can reach him at [email protected].

Religion on 05/02/2020

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