Today I had to get some papers notarized. I could have gone to the same notary went to the other day, but I didn’t for some reason. I looked up notaries and decided to go to a different one.
Well, that ended up letting me meet Pastor Wood. It was a divine appointment. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, and to a degree, I needed the fellowship. I knew within just a few minutes of getting the documents Notarized that it was by God’s leading that I was there.
We ended up starting a discussion on many different subjects, some he knew and some he did not know. We then got into different discussions on theological issues. I had the impression that on certain levels he is not happy with the direction of the "church". At some level, most of us that are believers in Christ, are not happy with the direction of the "church".
Now the reason I put church in quotes is to differentiate between the building and the body. The building is the "church", and the body is the temple which as a group is the Church. Otherwise called the body of believers.
But we should not be surprised by the direction of the "church". Now here is why;
First, let’s look at 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-3;
2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2Th 2:3 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;
This phrase is used in verse three, "a falling away". This is a Greek word; apostasia (G646), "a defection, revolt, apostasy," is used in the NT of religious apostasy; in Act_21:21, it is translated "to forsake," lit., "thou teachest apostasy from Moses." In 2Th_2:3 "the falling away" signifies apostasy from the faith. In papyri documents it is used politically of rebels. Note: For "mighty fall, Rev_18:21, RV, see VIOLENCE.
We are in those days where the body of Christ, the true Church is turning from the teachings of the Bible. They are becoming more and more double-minded.
In Matthew 24 Jesus warned us what it would be like. He even told us that Lawlessness would abound or increase. Who is Jesus talking to in Matthew 24:10-14? Is he talking about the entire world? NO! He is Talking about the Church, the body of believers! How do I know this you may ask, because I have never heard a Pastor anywhere discuss this. Not saying someone has not, I just have not ever heard it.
In Matthew 24:10 it starts by telling us the context. And then shall many be offended, and we gloss over this part. and say, yes, the world is always offended by Christ. Is he talking about the world though? The answer is no. This relates right with 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 and the apostasy. The phrase "be offended" is distinctly talking about apostasy. In Strong’s, it is number G4624, and this means the following;
σκανδαλίζω skandalizō
skan-dal-id’-zo
To “scandalize”; from G4625; to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): – (make to) offend.
In Thayer’s Dictionary it says;
Thayer Definition: 1) to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall, metaphorically to offend
1a) to entice to sin
1b) to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey
1b1) to cause to fall away
1b2) to be offended in one, i.e. to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority
1b3) to cause one to judge unfavorably or unjustly of another
1c) since one who stumbles or whose foot gets entangled feels annoyed
1c1) to cause one displeasure at a thing
1c2) to make indignant
1c3) to be displeased, indignant
Part of Speech: verb
And then in Matthew 24:12, Jesus says that the Church will turn to Lawlessness. And, I can see that they are and have. I can go Into greater detail on this but I will save more detail for later time. God bless everyone.