Changes
By Bruce Cannon
Mitchell County
Matthew 24:12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
If you are like me you are dumbfounded at the changes that have taken place in our country over the past few years. More change has taken place in this short period than what changed over the past several decades. We are heading somewhere in society and it appears to be very dark. There is a force behind it all; and that force is powerful, wicked, united, and determined to undermine all that is good. It is the spirit of the antichrist which has always been at work in our world but is gaining strength quickly as Jesus said it would in the last days.
A few days ago my wife and I were walking in our yard and Wendy asked me, “Can you feel it?” I did not know what she was referring to. I didn’t know how to answer so I responded with a question, “What are you sensing?” She replied, “Change, and it’s not good.” She is very preceptive and felt in her spirit that trouble was afoot; that something was quickly changing in our county/state/nation.
As you and I listen to the news, as we see what is taking place on our streets and in other areas across our country, we are seeing this change. Lawlessness is rampant; respect for persons and property has waned. And that is exactly what our Lord prophesied would happen before His return. The word translated “iniquity” in Matthew 24:12 is actually “lawlessness” in the original language. And we are seeing it daily.
Consider some of the more recent lawless activities taking place in America and see if this is so:
*Statues honoring American heroes vandalized and/or torn down completely in the following cities: Albany NY, Albuquerque NM, Alexandria VA, Birmingham AL, Boston MA, Chicago IL, College Station TX, Dallas TX, Dearborn MI, El Paso TX, Fredricksburg VA, Huntersville TX, Indianapolis IN, Jacksonville FL, Louisville KY, Madison County AL, Miami FL and a literal host of other cities including ones right here in North Carolina. A replica of the Vietnam Wall was defaced in Los Angeles.
*The attack upon law enforcement in America and the attempt to defund the police. My heart goes out to those who protect us and my prayers are with them daily for safety, strength, and encouragement. I cannot imagine our streets without their presence.
Mark Creech, director of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, stated this about law enforcement, “Law enforcement is the keystone of our civilization; it is what holds society together. Defunding or eliminating police agencies is simply ridiculous and is an agenda being pushed by many of the very so-called leaders who expect special treatment and protection when it comes to their own person and property.”
*Political Action Groups and others who are demanding rights and privileges for special interest groups other American citizens do not have. How much preferential treatment is being given or considered for transgendered persons, homosexuals, and others that are not being given to other Americans?
*How many more people are going to be offended in America? Mrs. Butterworth’s Syryp, Uncle Ben’s Rice, and Aunt Jemimah Pancake Mix are all having name changes along with any sports team that has a team logo or name that pertains to native Americans. There will be no more Washington Redskins after this month even though that name is held in high regard by so many.
Yet, the Bible prophesied all this would take place before the Lord came back for His Church. Imagine, you and I could very well be taken to Heaven in what is known as the Rapture of the Church VERY SOON. In Luke 21:28, Jesus stated, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
What must we do? Draw close to God personally and corporately. Teach our children right from wrong. Stand, in love, for those things the Word approves of and against those things the Word condemns. Vote! Pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness upon our nation. Beg Him! Plead with Him through the blood of Christ for help. And, get ready for the Lord’s Return. Amen!
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Reverend Bruce Cannon currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church in Bakersville. Formerly he served as Director of Missions for the Bladen Baptist Association and he has served on the General Board of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. You can read more from Bruce Cannon HERE.
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