LEARNING DAILY

 

2 Timothy 4:3-5, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 

Strong and encouraging words from Paul to Timothy. There have always been those who have refused to love sound Bible doctrine. As the time draws near for King Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, to return this situation will grow worse. I am going to make a strong statement this morning; that time has come. It has been slow and unnoticed because we have been too involved with doing so many other things. People have gathered at churches professing to revere God but do not accept the apostolic faith shown in the New Testament and its emphasis on holy living or walking on the narrow way that leads to God’s kingdom.

 

I listened in disbelief about the home of a former president being raided by the FBI last night and then read several articles this morning regarding it. I have watched over the last few years treatment of political rivals be totally different by those who are playing politics and desiring power. Please believe me when I say I am trying to stay politically neutral this morning. But when I see what has developed over night, I wonder when what we are seeing begins to happen to those of us who disagree and speak out against those in power. The actions we are witnessing are not those of God-fearing people. The lies being told that are so easily seen through by the “little people” and, well we are just not stupid!

 

Read carefully the last sentence of the verses above. If we really believe that the Bible is God’s inspired words (2 Timothy 3:16-17) then we need to heed the warning above of the Holy Spirit and expect persecution and even suffering, because of righteous living. I just cannot sugar coat the message. The message is out there that we better submit to those who do not believe in the Gospel and doctrine of the Bible, preach a compromising gospel or do not believe in the power of God.

 

It has been a continual desire of this blog to encourage all who read it to read and study God’s Word. God’s written Word is our ultimate guide for truth and the way you and I live our lives. The Word of God must be our total and necessary judge by which we believe and guide by which we walk the narrow way to eternity in God’s Kingdom. We must not live our lives and belief based on another’s personal experiences, success, or people-centered goals (that would be those of man-made government); That deception is to “have itching ears, they will heap for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.” That seems to be exactly what is happening today.

 

Did I get off track this morning? Be encouraged! I do not know when Jesus will return for His true Church, those walking the narrow way as best they can, walking with their eyes open to His truth. At the same time, you and I need to study His Word and be ready for His return. “With these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter. May the lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in His special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say” (2 Thessalonians 2:15-16) (New Living Translation).