Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed…— 2 Thessalonians 2:3 AMP
In part 2, we said that people are overwhelmed by many problems, such as pandemics, natural disasters, terrorism, moral depravity, war, injustice, and so on. And due to the seemingly lack of solutions, people are ready to listen to and accept the leadership of anyone who claims they have solutions to their problems.
People are moving churches because they are seeking answers or solutions to their problems. Some church leaders, unfortunately, have contributed to the problem of church hopping with regards to the type of messages they preach.
Many people hear that a particular preacher performs miracles and that many are being healed. This false hope of miracles, healings, deliverances and the promises of a better life are often accompanied by requests to give a “provoking” offering, sow seeds and a requirement to attend special prayer and night vigil meetings.
Many of these miraculous healings and deliverances have been proven to be either pre-arranged fakes or the use of dark powers. Furthermore, these purported healings are never independently verified by qualified medical experts, just the words of the members of the church.
The more people with genuine disabilities or health issues attend these churches and seek audience with the preachers, the more they are frustrated when their situation remains unchanged. Having spent a lot of time and money with no success, many become disillusioned and then conclude that the church, the preachers, Christianity and God in general, are a scam.
We should not be surprised by these developments because Jesus pre-warned us. He said, “Then many false prophets will appear and fool many people.Such will be the spread of evil that many people’s love will grow cold.But whoever holds out to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:11-13 (GNT)
The gospel of Jesus Christ primarily promotes a personal relationship with God, and it restores us to a covenant relationship with God. This relationship is made possible through the union with Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and lived out in the community of believers.
The purpose of the gospel and our relationship with God are never meant to make our lives better materially, economically or socially. As believers come to fellowship and relationship with God, their lives may improve socially or economically, but it’s never the main purpose, reason, or intention.
Jesus came to reconcile man to God the Father by offering Himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. He is still in the business of rolling away those gravestones of sin, sicknesses, diseases, lack and depravity.
Believers need to take their eyes off men, no matter how popular and anointed they are. We need to have a firm foundation in Christ and in His Word alone. We need to place our trust, hope and allegiance on the One who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
Shalom and stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 