2 Peter 3:10-11 “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,”
For many years biblical principles have been under assault. Holy lifestyles, modest attire, and a host of disciplines have been in dispute. Most denominations once embraced holiness, but they have long since abandoned those distinctions in appearance. Until the mid-1900’s almost all churches taught against alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and other substances they considered “fleshly.”
However, as the years went by arguments ensued and pulpits shifted their teaching. At the same time, a new wave of secularism moved into the church. Though they may be unrelated, the fact remains that few have retained any outward standard of gender separation. The wave of technologies made it possible for people to speak without reprisal. Thus, social media platforms removed restraint. Today word filters are rarely employed.
Regarding the American Dream, ambition has taken preeminence as believers seek their careers first. Status, money, and self-interests have smothered prayer, fasting, and servanthood. These facts are only the beginning of a diluted church which once believed in Heaven and Hell. Eternity used to be on our mind and it made us consider how we lived.
Peter wrote: “It’s all gong to melt with fervent heat.” “seeing this is true, how separate and godly should you live?” The Bible speaks of that day: 1 Peter 4:18 “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
After all that has been taught, there will be a portion which will be lost. They will run to the church and find it empty. They will cry with bitter tears, but it will be too late. The parable of the 10 virgins has already foretold of that moment. Those who argued about what is necessary will be left behind. People who forsook faithful attendance; failed to return their tithes and offerings; who gossiped, lived immodest lifestyles and pursued money will find themselves holding on to their positions and things, but will miss the rapture. It’s all going to pass away.
The only question left is this: “What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?”
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole