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If You Don’t Mind the Heat…

            God has created us with an incredible ability to adapt to our environment. I have noticed how t-shirt weather in January is 55° F, while the same temperature in August requires at least a sweatshirt. In case you hadn’t noticed, we live in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. We do have cold and snow here in the winter, but not in the extreme like many places. At the time of this writing we are at 26° F; several inches of snow have fallen, and has now changed to sleet and freezing rain.

            Most of you have heard the saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.” Yet if the temperature were increased gradually enough, you may be unlikely to notice when it become lethal.

            This is what has happened to mankind and the professing church today, in terms of our spiritual environment.

            At one time I worked making and installing countertops. The laminate material is affixed to the top by a strong glue. This glue has a smell, releasing powerful vapors. In many respects we got “used to” the smell, and it was no bother. When others encountered the fumes (many for the first time), it was greatly offensive. Sometimes we would be asked, “Don’t you mind that smell?” To which we would reply, “What smell?” Of course, we were aware of the unpleasant smell, but had grown accustomed to it.

            Through experiences as such, and seeing Biblical parallels, I’ve come up with my own saying:  When you live in a sewer, you don’t mind the smell.

            To the spiritually discerning, it is plain to see that we are at the end times spoken of in the Bible. It amazes me to see so many professing believers living in denial of their very senses—trusting in the ways of man as if these things of the earth will continue indefinitely.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corinthians 2:12-16

            The organized churches have thrown out God’s true Word, in favor of another gospel—not enduring sound doctrine. Yet the Word of God also foretells of the coming of these days.

            In Matthew 24 we find Jesus speaking to His disciples about the last days. Concerning our topic today, we find this; “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”—Matthew 24:12. Many New Age Bible versions substitute the term lawlessness for iniquity. What blasphemy! Iniquity is sin; lawlessness is not! There is a great deal of sinful behavior that is allowed by man’s laws.

            It is because of this enormous volume of iniquity (sin) that we have become de-sensitized to the evil. We remain content within ourselves, with barely a concern for all the wickedness around us. This is what must be for the antichrist to rise in power.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; II Thessalonians 2:3

            We have thrown out the truth, no longer believing in the perfect Word of God. We have been acclimated to sin and evil so greatly, that it goes often unnoticed within our own homes and churches. It has led to the falling away we have read about here. Please wake up, if there is yet time to do so!

            Look at the inevitable conclusion that we are given regarding this time.

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. II Thessalonians 2:9-12

            As a watchman, I have to warn you about this time we are in. No one is immune to the corruption of our day, we are so used to the smell. Pray that the Lord will wake you, and help you to spiritually discern all that is happening.

            Humble yourself and receive the true Word implanted within your souls. “Everyone that seeketh, findeth.” (see Matthew 7:8) Time is very short, but our deliverance is at hand! Let us hold fast, knowing that soon we will meet our beloved Savior face to face. All praise be to God.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28

WARNING:  To avoid falling away, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.

            Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.

            Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Bible Version section and the section on Eternal Security.

                                                                        With Charity from Christ,

                                                                        Andy