SUBTITLE: TELLING THE TRUTH IS THE LOVING THING, 5

Maybe I can wrap up this “sign of Jesus return” topic today with pointing out these signs: Increased knowledge (Dan 12:4); falling away (2 Thes 2:3); lukewarm (Rev 3:16); rich and prideful (Rev 3:17); congregate for the show (Ezekiel 30:32). I’m not going into details about these but I think most of my readers will acknowledge the truth in my charge that we can find these conditions present in far too many of local churches.

Now for the ones that are most scary to me. Me—one who dearly loves her church, her denomination, and The Church. One who loves songs, singing, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

God is speaking, Amos 5:21-23 “I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies….Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.”

And then, most heart-breaking “ Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers!’”

I end this series of posts in tears. But rejoicing that Jesus is coming soon for his church “the glorious church without spot or wrinkle, or any other blemish” (KJ) and as the song says, “washed in the blood of the Lamb.”

It is quite fitting that I end this series on Saturday. It gives me a chance to hand out the chocolates to the Church tomorrow, Sunday. Get ready to celebrate.