[b]Be On Guard![/b] [i]By Dr. F. A. Tatford. From Prophetic Witness[/i] The Lords coming is the subject above all others which has a relevance to practical life and conduct. In the New Testament, the teaching regarding Christs return is consistently associated with the individuals life. Our Lord indicated quite clearly that the effect of the hope of His return should be watchfulness. The watchful servant does not indulge in the delights and pleasures of the world, nor does he do harm to fellow believers (Matt. 24:42-51). Yet how often Christians give a pious and sanctimonious assent to expressions regarding the hope and immediately afterwards occupy themselves with the mundane and material as though these things demanded all their time and energy. They refer to the signs of the times and rejoice that they indicate the imminence of the Lords return and then go out to spend lavishly on nonessentials. The hope of Christs coming does not stop them abusing their fellow servants not merely by physical assaults, but possibly by attacks upon character and reputation. The "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) does not restrain them from despicable actions, abusive language, deception or lying. Our Lords own words and illustrations are totally ignored. "Take heed," said the Master, and then referred to the possibility of self-indulgence and obsession with the "cares of this life" (Luke 21:34). He might well have been talking about some who are loud in expressing their belief in the imminence of His return. The apostle Paul concluded that memorable passage to the Corinthian church with the injunction to be steadfast and to abound in the Lords work (1 Cor. 15:51-58). However, instead of the hope providing the strongest possible incentive to Christian endeavor, it is seldom remembered. "Abide in Him," enjoined the aged apostle, so that you may "not be ashamed before Him at His Coming" (1 John 2:28). But some expect to have time to put things right before He comes. There is no need to be over-careful at the moment, say the indifferent. In the context of 1 John 3, was not the apostle referring to the Lords coming when He enjoined practical sanctification (1 John 3:3)? But among Christians, is there a constant scrutiny of self to ensure that there is nothing out of conformity to His will? Do we ever bother to think seriously about it? If the Lords coming has no effects upon our lives and conduct, how can we expect others to believe what we say? They will follow our example. Our preaching wont make any difference.
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
This article is so true!The laxity of the church shows their 'disbelief' in the word of God.Even though the word of God says 'the coming of the Lord draws nigh', we disregard it, to put it mildly.We are caught up in the things of this world to the point of grieving God, something else we disregard.'Grieve not the Holy Spirit', yet, we do.'You desire truth in the inward parts', says the psalmist, but we live in self deception.Are we really ready for Christ's return? Really?If not, why not? Which come first, the kingdom of God and His righteousness, or this world?Only you can answer that one. God bless.