Somebody Had To Say It

Are we living in the Perilous Times the Bible speaks of?

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

The description that follows that verse certainly seems to describe the condition of our society today.

2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Of all the characteristics listed the one that is without a doubt the most perilous or dangerous is in verse 5.

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:..."

This seems to be the climate in much of today's neo-evangelical camp. I know that statement will draw fire but somebody had to say it.

Using clever marketing, rock concert atmosphere and ear tickling preaching the modern evangelical mega churches are packing in the crowds. In spite of the many thousands of reported conversions and baptisms we see very little impact on a society that is suffering from spiritual atrophy. Why?

It wasn't that long ago that the evangelical movement in the United States could flex its political muscle and the politicians took notice... but no more. It appears that the evangelical vote was a non-factor in the 2008 presidential election. What happened?

God didn't intend for His church to operate in this world through political power. In 1 Tim. 3:15 the church is called the pillar and the ground of the truth. Did we forget that? Did we really think we could change the world through political action groups like the Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition? Politics cannot solve societal ills...never has, never will. Why? Because politics can only change laws. Only God can change hearts.

I'm not saying we shouldn't be involved in the political process but we can't substitute political power for the power of God. Somewhere along the way the modern church, in its effort to attract a new generation of church goers, has adopted new methods and a new message. Today's preaching doesn't deal with topics like sin, personal holiness and eternal retribution. Is it because church goers today will not tolerate that kind of negative preaching? Is it because preachers today know that they will not tolerate it? I believe it is symptomatic of our "perilous times".

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.