Love Has Grown Cold
As we begin looking at what I feel the Lord would have me share with you today, we need to look at some very pointed directives given to us in the Word.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 and 8 reads, "Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch (be vigilant, give strict attention to) and be sober (self-controlled). ... 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation."
Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." The word "wise" used here means: prudent, mindful of one's interaction, practically wise and sensible. Synonyms for the word, 'wise' include: be aware, perceptive, and knowledgeable. In giving us these scriptures, in regard to our preparation for the things which are to come, the Lord is saying, "Be ready! Be prepared! Do not be caught off guard!"
A description of mankind's behavior in the last days is given here in, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "But know this, that in the last days perilous (hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous) times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" This is not a pretty picture. Most of the people I talk with recognize that many negative changes have been taking place in our nation and in the nations around the world. Even unbelievers recognize these changes are something to be concerned about. Seeing these changes take place has prompted many to inquire: "Are we in the end-times?"
Today, we will begin with Scriptures which give us a good description of what will be happening as the 'end' approaches.
Matthew 24:3-14, "Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 "All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation (oppression and distress) and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 "And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 "But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." Note, that Jesus states in verse 6 that 'the end' is not yet, but be aware that what is happening is a sign that we are close. Verse 7 speaks of world conflicts, famines, pestilences and earthquakes (which we hear of often). Pestilence is defined as any virulent or fatal contagious or infectious disease, especially one of epidemic proportions. (which we also see today). The second half of verse 9 adds that believers in Christ will be hated by all nations, persecuted and even killed. [According to Open Doors USA, 2021 Watch List, "over 340 million Christians live where they experience high levels of persecution and discrimination." The report also stated that "4,761 were killed for their faith, 4,488 churches were attacked and 4,277 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned." Open Door's Watch List examines the 50 countries in the world where it is most difficult to be a Christian.]
I believe this persecution is quickly coming to our nation. I believe that many of our governmental leaders, because of their progressive ideology at this time, would like to shut down and eliminate the church altogether. We see daily that many are offended, betraying, and hating one another. I believe the agenda of the progressives is to destroy the United States and refashion it according to their own ideology. (One that eliminates God, righteousness and godliness.) They call it a 'reset'. In order to accomplish their agenda, they cause division in any way they can, because a united people would defeat their purpose. I have never previously witnessed such division, hatred, and so much offence being taken. False prophets, mentioned in verse 11 are rising up. They tell us they have a monopoly on how things should be and they are trying to convince many that there is no absolute truth.
We read in verse 12 that, “because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” For any living here in the United States, this lawlessness has been evidenced by the rioting that has been allowed and encouraged to continue in Portland, OR and in the tearing down of historical statues. We, sadly, also see the push to de-fund the police, in an effort to encourage lawlessness. I believe this is part of the plan to tighten the grip of the power of the ruling progressives. Without law, and with an absence of authority, there is pure anarchy. Anarchy is defined as - an absence of any form of political authority, political disorder, and confusion. Basically, with anarchy, every person is doing what is right in his own eyes or, whatever he wants to do.
Bear in mind, in order for man's laws to work, they must be based on God's righteous order.
Romans 8:7 (NAS), "because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so"
Judges 21:25 (HCSB), "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted."
Proverbs 21:2 (HCSB), "All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD evaluates the motives."
Romans 1:28-32 (Amp), "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, 29 until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them."
At this time, I want us to focus on verse 12 of Matthew 24, "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." When lawlessness abounds, there is no right or wrong, no justice, no protection, and no hope for safety. The scenarios that come about because of those conditions leads to fear and despair. Empathy will no longer exist. Righteous justice will no longer exist - and that, in turn, will cause love to grow cold.
In Isaiah 49:15, the Lord asks, "Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb?" Then He states, "Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you." In addition to the horrific numbers of abortion being performed, I have seen some news reports that are absolutely appalling. These actions which sicken me and go beyond my imagination are a sign of the times, giving evidence to, "love growing cold."
All across this nation (CA,NJ,WVA,WA,CO, and MA), episodes are being reported concerning parents abusing, torturing, and murdering their children. (an eleven year old son, a new born, a thirteen year old son, a four year old, and a fifteen month old). Then, there are reports of a twenty-one year old and a thirty-six year old, each, murdering their grandfathers. A male nurse, killed four patients in an attempt to make them sick enough to give him overtime. God help us!
The independent journal, Times of Malta reports that children killing their parents is the fastest growing type of homicide in the USA. Parents killing children is second in family homicide. Extremely shocking, isn't it?
Luke 21:16 and 17 (NASB20) tells us, "But you will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, other relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17 and you will be hated by all people because of My name." These divisions have and will come about for the sake of the gospel. They have been taking place for centuries in the church, and even now, in places like China, and Arab nations. Family members, in some nations, vow to kill other family members who accept Christ as Savior and Lord. I anticipate this will take place in the Western nations as well, and possibly, sooner that we think.
Our government is pushing hard, right now, to make CRT (Critical Race Theory) a part of every public school system curriculum in the nation.. Thank God, some states are rejecting it. This curriculum is causing racism to increase, enlarging the gender identity crisis, and turning children against their parents.
Is this the time of the beginning of the end? What Jesus called the beginning of sorrows? I believe so.
So, what do we, as believers, do to prepare? (If you have not already begun to prepare, now is the time.) As always, our answers are found in the living Word of God.
Matthew 24:42-44 (NASB20), "Therefore be on the alert (watch - give strict attention to, be cautious), for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 "But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 "For this reason you must be ready as well; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will."
Matthew 25:13, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6, "But you, brethren, are not in darkness (ignorance respecting divine things), so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober."
Hebrews 12:1 and 2 (NASB20), "Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let's rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let's run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." 'Looking', aphorao in the Greek, signifies: undivided attention, looking away from all distractions in order to fix one's gaze on one object. In Hebrews 12:2, aphorao is, having eyes for no one but Jesus.
Be Careful to Not Be Deceived
1 Timothy 4:1 and 2, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron," Deceiving spirits: the false teachers who are teaching doctrines inspired by satan.
Matthew 24:4, "And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives (to lead away from the truth, to lead into error) you."
Matthew 24:24, "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
There are many voices in the earth. Be sure the words you are hearing line up with God's Word, with a confirmation given by the Holy Spirit. In order for this to happen, you must spend a lot of time with both.
Here is the thing, the way to recognize counterfeit money is to be totally knowledgeable of the real thing! The only way you can recognize the false teachers, is by being intimately acquainted with the truth!
Fear God and Not Man
Proverbs 29:25, "The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe."Proverbs 14:26 and 27, "In the fear (respect, showing reverence and devotion to) of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death."
Psalm 34:7, "The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them."
Trust God Not Man
Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"
Be Separate From the World
James 4:4 (NLT), " You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God."
2 Timothy 2:3,4 (NASB20), "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him."
Spend Time with God, In His Word, and In Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17, "pray without ceasing,"
Romans 10:17, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
When we pray, rather than doing all of the talking, we should always allow the Lord time to speak to us. Spending time with Him, in His Word, and in prayer is the only way to learn to recognize His voice.
I cannot express enough, how vital prayer and the study of the Word of God is for you right now. You must know the "real", the truth, so that you will not be deceived and led into believing and following the lie.
TRIBULATION, PERSECUTION, SUFFERING
John 13:33 (NLT), "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Luke 21:12,16,17 (NASB20), "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. ... 16 "You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake."
2 Timothy 3:12, "persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (to harass, trouble, persecute)."
John 16:13, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.."
Romans 8:14, (NASB20), " For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God."
Proverbs 3:5 and 6 (NLT), "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
Isaiah 30:21 (NASB20), " Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left."
Stay Close to God
James 4:8, " Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Hear His Voice
Luke 11:28 (NASB20), " But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and follow it."
Proverbs 4:10 (NLT), " My child, listen to Me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life."
Psalm 85:8 (NLT), "I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for He speaks peace to His faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways."
God does speak to us!
Make it a priority to learn to hear Him!
Keep your eyes on Jesus, do not be drawn into the fear and despair that lawlessness brings about and do not let your love grow cold.
Keep the Faith! God is Faithful. He will never leave nor forsake you. Whatever comes your way, He WILL walk with you through it.
Thank you for reading to the end!