We live in interesting times to say the least. Since we are of the 21st century and have conveniences that no other generation could even dream about, we are special. We are modern and chic compared to those who lived before us. Our knowledge is unsurpassed over all previous generations. We have more foods available. We can travel farther and faster. But wait a minute. Do you suppose that each generation before ours has probably thought the same thing about their previous generations? Will not the generations succeeding us think the same things about us?

It is true that many of our modern conveniences are light years from what past generations could even dream about. Name almost any field and we are well ahead of the past, for example; medicine, travel, entertainment, schooling, agriculture, war machines, and on and on. There is one area of our lives though where we are getting dumber by the minute. That area is the most important of all, because it determines our eternal destiny.

This terrestrial world we live in is just a fleeting glance of our eternal existence. It is like a dream in the night, here and gone, never to return. A poof of smoke that evaporates in the air defines our earth bound lives, but after our body dies, we enter into an existence, just as real, actually more so, where we will live on and on and on, never having an end. Death does not end our existence as a person. The body may die, but the soul lives on forever. Just as a dream seems so real at night, everything we experience after death actually will be very real. For some it will be Heaven, and for others it will be hell.

The majority of our populace would laugh at everything I’ve said thus far, if they were to read this article. Why? Because we have become too sophisticated to believe the one and only God, the author of a book we call the Bible. But allow me to ask them one question. Are you sure you’re right and God’s wrong?

Our society is awash in what the one true God calls the murder of innocent babies; and perverted sexual practices like homosexuality, fornication, adultery, etc. Don’t tell me I am being judgmental because your god is all about love and tolerance. Don’t call yourself a Christian and try to drag the holy God of the Bible into the approval of your evil machinations. God says that these things are a violation against Him, so are you sure about that when you disagree with God?

According to what I see with my own eyes and others share with me, our churches have predominately become seeker friendly entertain centers of false doctrine and often no doctrine at all. It’s all about entertainment these days. Instead of the Bible, God’s word, being expounded and used as a road map for living, money is being scammed from innocent parishioners to fatten the bank accounts of those interested in their own well-being. Theatrics draws them in so they can be fleeced before they leave; more barns and bigger barns so the entertainment can be improved upon.

The world says the Bible is a living document that must be adjusted to fit the times. It’s old and out dated so we must reinterpret it. It really doesn’t mean what it says. Are you sure about that?

The world says it’s my body and I can do anything with it I choose. Sex of any kind is my business. If I am inconvenienced with pregnancy I have the right of abortion. Are you sure about that?

The world says marriage is not necessary. It’s just a piece of paper. It means nothing. We should live together first to see if we are compatible. Are you sure about that?

The world says I have faith in a supreme being. That’s all I need. Are you sure about that?

The world says there are many religions in the world, so there must be many ways to God, if there really is a god? Are you sure about that?

The world says if God is real, why is there so much evil? I don’t believe in God. Are you sure about that?

Now, we are exactly as those in the days of Noah. Men basically lived in the manner they thought to be right. Anything goes. The society of Lot was eaten up with perverted sex; decrepit souls given over to Satan. Both of these groups were evil to the core. Are we any different?

Just as Noah and Lot’s days, we think we are above God. We’re out for our own interest. We can do as we please, and we wish to please our lowest desires. We are so sure that we are right about all we do, and God’s ways are nonsense.

The intent of this article is to get those who are willing, to really think about their decisions concerning our eternal destiny. Once we die, that’s it. There are no second chances. No one will be able to say, “Hey wait a minute, I’ve changed my mind.”

Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again so that all who come to Him would be saved for all eternity. He provided the only way to be accepted by God. If we come to God through His Son Jesus, our eternity with Him is secure, and being one of His own, He expects us to act like it.

We cannot say we are saved but then live contrary to everything He stands for. If we are truly His, He will help us live to honor Him, because He sanctifies us. If we insist on pleasing only ourselves, apart from what He says, then we have no part of Him.

“You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16)

There are many thornbushes and thistles in our society and even in our churches, and there are no grapes or figs growing on any of them.

Eternity is a long time. Are we absolutely sure when we say we are right, but our life is in total disagreement with what the Lord God has made so clear in His word, the Bible? Somebody is wrong, and it isn’t God.

Think again.

Grant Phillips

I’ve heard several sermons preached fifty to sixty years ago about ‘straddling the fence.’ It seemed appropriate at the time, but nowhere near as much as it is today.

Now fifty and sixty years seem like a very long time, but to those of us in our waning years, it was only yesterday. (Whoever said ‘the older you get, the faster time flies’ was dead on.)

I recall vividly that in that era many, many things were so much different than they are today. There were still plenty of sinning and wrecked lives to go around back then, but today’s society has put on public display, in the bright light of day, what used to be hidden back then in the shadows of the night.

In those days the ‘un-churched’ had respect for God’s house and His ministers. The vilest of sins were anathema. Women were treated as ladies, and they reciprocated by acting like ladies. Men were gentlemen. Families were honored. Children were respectful to all adults. Work was honored and laziness was looked down upon. I could give a hundred comparisons if I chose, but this is plenty to get the point for now.

Let me repeat that the world back then had plenty of problems with sin, just as we do today. The difference is that those sins once kept in check or hidden in the dark are now on open display for any-and-all to see, and there is little to no shame.  Another difference is that there were by far fewer participants of rebellion against God and all He stands for in those days.

For example: homosexuality is like a cancer that started out as a small spot back then, barely visible, but today has metastasized throughout the entire body.

Another example: the pulpit was revered and respected as a special place to proclaim the Word of God. Today, the Word of God has been diluted and blasphemed by false prophets and charlatans. Most ‘church’ services are a sham that mocks the holiness of a righteous God.

Today, mass murder of unborn babies is legal; divorce is rampant; pornography is a cancerous fungus on society; lying and cheating is considered the norm; laziness is rewarded; respect for others has flown out the window; and there is no fear of God.

Now let us consider but a few Scripture verses.

“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21)

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matthew 12:30)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.” (Exodus 32:26)

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua (24:15)

“And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.” (Zephaniah 1:12)

Also consider the entire sixth chapter of the book of Romans.

Of just these few verses I have selected, we can readily see that we as Christians need to stop straddling the fence. We have an even greater opportunity today than yesteryear to stand up with God and be counted. You might say that God is like the marine slogan circa 1970, He’s looking for “a few good men.” (I mean no disrespect to our Lord by the way.) How many of us are ready to climb down off the fence and serve the Lord?

We are certainly in the last days of the Church age. The next event on God’s schedule is for Jesus Christ to come for His bride (the Rapture). He is already preparing the way for the Tribulation which follows the Rapture.

How many of us are letting others know that our Lord could come at any time? How many of us are sharing the Gospel of salvation to those who are lost? How many of us are standing against the tide of Satan’s destruction upon our families and our society?

I know there are many of God’s people who have separated themselves from the world, but there are many others, who call themselves ‘Christian’ who are serving Baal and not God. Most in our churches have their legs dangling on both sides of the fence, playing both ends against the middle. Are they even saved? I don’t know, but they certainly need to find out.

Our country is in a horrible mess, and it seems especially at this particular time that most people think a new President will solve all our problems. The general election will be this year, and all our problems will be solved. Right? Wrong! Our problem is a ‘sin’ problem that only Jesus Christ can fix. All the other ‘stuff’ is just the result of our sinful hearts. Until we get our hearts lined up with Almighty God, nothing will be solved.

We have gone so far in our open rebellion against God that judgment is definitely coming. Will Jesus remove His church before our downfall? I don’t know. I do know this. Whether in blessing or judgment, I would prefer to be on God’s side at all times. Many of you feel the same, and many of you could care less.

Millions of people have left this world via death not worrying about anything but their own desires while upon this earth, only to be shocked at what they face on the other side of the grave. They straddled the fence one moment too long.

Jesus is coming for His church and afterwards millions will be catapulted into the horrors of the Tribulation because they too straddled the fence one moment too long.

Galatians 6:7-9 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

How many true Christians are intimidated by ‘what society thinks?’ “What would my family think?” “What would my friends think?” Maybe we should ask, “Am I any better than Peter when he denied our Lord three times?” Maybe we should be ashamed and ask His forgiveness, then firmly decide to stand with Jesus even though it may not be politically correct. Read the Gospels and honestly answer this question, “Was Jesus ever politically correct?” Don’t stand for what is popular, but stand for what is right, and only God knows what is right, which can be found in His Word, the Bible.

Wouldn’t it be great if God could see thousands of people getting down off the fence and coming to His side? None would be disappointed.

Grant Phillips