Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

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“He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it” (Isaiah 44:14).

Imagine if you will, a party of men and women at a campout. They’re sitting around a blazing campfire stoking the coals with what’s left of some very nice pieces of cedar, cypress, and oak wood. They are busy in their conversations and preparations of the evening’s meal.

“Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread…” (Isaiah 44:15).

As the fire gets hotter they comment to one another on how the evening has turned damp and cool, but how nice it is to be able to warm themselves by the fire simply by utilizing a few pieces of old dry wood. They continue to prepare bread and meat, perhaps roasting hot dogs and toasting buns. They use the burning wood embers to cook their evening meal all the while keeping warm and dry by the fire.

“He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire” (Isaiah 44:16).

Then the dinner is ready; they all partake of the meal, and are warm and full.

“But there remains a piece of wood sticking out of the embers which was not burned up in the fire. “And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, deliver me; for thou art my god” (Isaiah 44:17).
Suddenly one of the men grabs for the stick, pulls out his carving knife and begins to form the leftover oak into the image of a man. Once completed all the men and women at the campout join together in a semicircle around the newly formed image, they bow down before it, and begin to worship that small piece of oak now carved into the image of idol. Just a moment before this same stick was destined to become ashes. They speak to the carved image as though they were speaking to a living image requesting that piece of wood to bless them and their endeavors.

“They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand” (Isaiah 44:18).

Is the above scenario not the epitome of foolishness? Yet this is the course that has been taken by many individuals throughout history. People will go to any length to construct for themselves a god in lieu of worshipping the one true God of all creation. How can people become so deluded that they can’t see the foolishness of placing their faith and trust in a simple half-burned piece of wood? Many people today place their faith and trust in inanimate objects. Still, others will worship whatever it is that brings them what they perceive to be peace and joy. Even a moment of joy can lead a person to worship as their god that thing that brought them that one moment exaltation.

“They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed” (Isaiah 44:9).

It will profit these foolish people nothing as they bow their heads and worship graven images. They are their own witnesses to their own destruction. These idol worshipers haven’t the common sense to be ashamed of their own foolish actions. The God of all creation views these people as willfully ignorant.

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6).

God makes it abundantly clear that He is the first and the last “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).

All through the Bible we are told there is only one God and His name is: Jesus. And He is the Almighty─the first and last, the Alpha and Omega. But foolishness abounds and in these extreme last days it seems to be burgeoning at a phenomenal rate. There are many people who will worship anything but the one true God.

“And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? And the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them” (Isaiah 44:7).

This is a challenge put forth by the one true God of all creation. He says go ahead bring your god forward and let him make his power known to all. God says: “Let’s see your god tell the future of all creation.”

“Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any” (Isaiah 44:8).

Sun god (Apollo), moon god (Allah), or created images such as birds, reptiles, snakes, as well as all inanimate objects have no spirit save the spirit of demons. God says try every spirit to see if they confess Jesus as the Christ.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits where they are of god: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of god: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1 John 4:1-3).

None of those false gods and idols listed above will confess Christ as Savior and Lord. Yes, the spirit of antichrist has been around for a long time. It was already in the world when John wrote these words, and it is still causing much grief today.

What is the result of worshipping false gods and idols? Those who are caught up in idol worship sometimes seem so wise. But is that really the case?

“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of god into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:22-25).

God has given us the freedom to choose wisely and follow Him, or to be foolish and worship pieces of wood. We can see the result of this idol worship all around us. The worldly way of lusting after carnal desires is creeping into the lives of Christians. Instead of worshipping the Creator, it is the creature that is being worshipped, even by some who profess to be Christians.

“And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?” (Isaiah 44:19)

Those of us who know the truth should be pricked in our hearts as we watch these foolish people who can’t seem to come to the conclusion that what they worship is…nothing. It’s empty. On the other hand, Jesus is alive! He loves us and died for us. But our God is a jealous God. Take time to read through the 10 Commandments (notice they are not the 10 suggestions) found in Exodus chapter 20. God does not share His Kingdom, glory or Throne with demons or snakes, nor does He placate fools.

Make no mistake: It isn’t only images of creatures that are idols. Anything that holds a higher place in our life than God is an idol. Anything. Television, music, jobs, hobbies, the list goes on. There is absolutely no other God besides the God who created the universe and everything in it. He is the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. He is the Messiah of Israel. He is the Savior of mankind. In the Hebrew He is Yeshua Ha Mashiach. He is our brother and He is our friend. He is Jesus the Christ. He is the only way of salvation. He is my God. Who, or what, is yours?

God bless you all,

Ron Graham

Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

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“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many wax shall cold” (Mathew 24:12). This seems like a simple passage, but when it is dissected it takes on a deeper meaning. First let’s dissect this verse then look at the context. What is “iniquity?” The Greek word is anomia and Vines Expository Dictionary tells us it means: lawlessness, wickedness, and unrighteousness. Jesus says because of this iniquity, the “…love of many shall wax cold.”

There are many Greek words with rich meanings that are given the blanket translation into English as “love,” but the meaning is deeper when we look deeper. In this case, the Greek word used is agapē. This is a sacrificial love…the love of God. The next group of words to look at is “wax cold,” the Greek word “psucho” is used and Vines Expository Dictionary describes it this way: “to breathe, blow, cool by blowing, grow cool is used. In Matthew 24:12, in the sense of waning zeal or love.

Putting it all together the above verse means that lawlessness, wickedness, and unrighteousness will abound because people will allow God’s love in them to grow cold. Do we see that happening now? Are we allowing His love in us to grow cold and could that be why the news headlines are so horrific? I see a connection, don’t you?

It is never wise to take one Scripture and interpret it without looking at context. The disciples had asked Jesus “And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and the end of the world?’” (Matthew 24:3)

Remember, these men were Jewish. The Ekklesia hadn’t been called out yet, and it wasn’t time yet to reveal the Rapture to them. These men were still looking for Messiah to come as the conquering hero and save Israel from all oppressors. He will do that one day but many things must happen before then. The disciples question really concerned Israel and the end, as they understood it. Although they, in fact, were asking about the Second Coming of Jesus, they thought it was all part of this first coming. Jesus told them what will happen in the years from that point until the “end of the world.”

The Greek word aiōn is better translated as “age” instead of “world” and many translations do that. The focus of Jesus’ explanation is pointed at the last seven-year period known as Daniel’s 70th week. He says that this period of time will be unprecedented in human history and describes the events leading up to that time. Basically He says that things will be bad, they will get worse, and then unimaginably bad. “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars…” (Matthew 24:6).

Wars will happen, but we can see the weapons of war have become increasingly more devastating. “…And there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:7). These things have always been around, but they are increasing in strength. Disease is getting worse (super-bacteria, AIDS, fatal strains of flu, etc.) and earthquakes are increasing in intensity. “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). It’s going to get worse!

Jesus goes on to paint an even drearier picture. The disciples would be hated and killed. Foxes Book of Martyrs tells how each of them, with the exception of John, was martyred. Was Jesus just talking to those few men? No, He is talking about what would happen throughout the ages. History shows extreme hatred toward the Jews as well as Christians. Muslims in particular hate both Jews and Christians with satanic vengeance. This hatred is growing. “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

Can you think of any false prophets that have deceived many? How about Mohammed and Joseph Smith to name just two? We could add Buddha, Rick Warren, and Beth Moore to that list, as well as all promoters of the Emerging Church and New Age movement. The list is long. Deceit abounds, but Jesus started His talk saying “…Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4). Pay attention to these words. The only way to not be deceived is to prayerfully study God’s word. Understand what it says and eschew all teachings, ideas, actions, etc. that are not biblical.

Paul also talked of the last days:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

Does this sound like anyone you know? People are becoming more and more rude, unpleasant, and verbally abusive. Tempers are out of control. As I read news sites online I see that iniquity abounds and people’s hearts are growing colder and colder. I wonder how much worse it can get. The venom that is spewed in blogs, even Christian toward Christian, is sickening. Iniquity abounds in every sector of our society. Where will it all lead? To the end of the age.

In these days leading up to the Rapture, Christians will undoubtedly have much of the hatred aimed at them. Why? Simple. In the above verse, the apostle Paul is speaking to Christians about the last days. The last days have been coming on since Jesus ascended into heaven. Therefore just as the early Christians endured under extreme persecution so shall Christians in these days before the Rapture endure much of the same persecution. As men turn from God’s love and their hearts grow cold, iniquity will abound.

I know you are thinking right now that we’ve had hatred, bloodshed, and death since Cain killed Abel. Wars have put multitudes in their earthly graves. But what’s coming is far worse than any world war. Daniel’s 70th week, and more specifically the last 3 ½ years of that week, will be more horrific than anything mankind has ever seen. There will be no let up of bloodshed. It’s easy to see how this evil is coming about as our population turns away from God’s love.

There are many indicators exploding on the scene that prove we are in the end-times, but the lack of God’s love in us is certainly one of the most frightening. Sadly, there seems to be a general acceptance of this cold heartedness. Movies, music, video games all seem to glorify killing. Everyone can see we are living in very perilous times─an era where hopelessness abounds. Where there is hopelessness love is easily forgotten. Hate is being promoted from just about every sphere of society today, and yet the Christians are still here. When Christians are taken home to heaven the level of hate will reach a crescendo, and I promise you, you won’t want to be on planet Earth when this prophecy of Jesus Christ’s becomes reality.

Christians who diligently try to show the love of God through their lives and through their speech will be the brunt of much of hate as we near the Rapture. Satan will be right in the middle of this violence to guide the feeble minded lost souls toward full- blown hatred of all Christians.

While the Ekklesia, which is an extension of Jesus Christ, remains on earth we should be combating this insane cold heartedness at every turn. Sadly the apathy and ignorance in the Ekklesia today is obvious. Even many so-called Christians spew hate, which hurts God’s message and does nothing to hinder this growing problem of cold heartedness. As Christ’s followers we’ve studied our Bibles and we know how destructive words can be. So then, how can we Christians continue with unbridled tongues?

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell… Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:6, 9-10).

Solomon put it this way “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

Let’s not allow the love of God to grow cold in us.

According to Jesus’ words, many coldhearted people will soon be coming on the scene. We are certainly in the last days just before Daniel’s 70th week begins, but those days of Tribulation are not here yet. Those days will be much worse in terms of iniquity. Being on the cusp of those times can be discouraging as we who await the Rapture hold fast to each day anticipating His inevitable call for us to join Him in the clouds. While we wait we have work to do, and no matter how much persecution comes our way we are to hold fast to the faith and allow God’s love to flow from us.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

If you are a born-again believer in Christ and you’re not involved in fulfilling Christ’s command for you to spread the gospel then you best get involved. Time’s a wasting. Certainly, you can’t possibly want to meet Him face to face and tell Him you were just too busy, too distracted, or too fearful of people’s response so you decided to just wait for the Rapture instead. Or can you? Many Christians are doing just that, and that’s why the love of God is waxing cold. Christians are apathetic. So who is out there showing God’s love? Iniquity abounds.

Right now, while the church remains a force on earth, cold heartedness can be combated. Yes, it’s going to get worse, and perhaps someday we will need to run and hide to keep from be slaughtered. Then again, perhaps we will be given the same courage the first century saints were given and as we stand in the face of certain death we will smile as we see Jesus standing before us. Remember Stephen and his words as they stoned him for standing boldly on God’s Word, “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59).

There was a young man present when Stephen was stoned for presenting the gospel to the Jews. He consented to Stephen’s death and went on a rampage against Christians. His name was Saul, a man in whom the love of God had waxed cold. As Saul was on his way to Damascus to wreak more havoc he had an encounter with Jesus. Do you think Stephen’s words came into his mind during the following days, as he was blind and alone? Saul, later known as Paul, became zealous for the Lord. What if Stephen had kept silent? We all need to speak of God’s love and not allow it to wax cold.

We who are born again enjoy the residing presence of the Holy Spirit living within us, and He is an awesome convicting Spirit. Jesus will use us to attract the cold hearted, the lost, the loveless unsaved. Reflecting His love through our actions will speak louder than words. In these last days the Holy Spirit is working overtime to convince as many as possible to join us when we are called home at the Rapture.

On a final note, there are those who will try to tell you that you can lose your salvation. One of the proof texts they erroneously use is this:

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Remember the question the disciples asked Jesus? It was about the “end of the age.” They had no idea about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit nor did they know anything about the Rapture. As Jesus explained the progression of the birth pains to them He told them how things would get progressively worse. It was after Christ’s resurrection that the Holy Spirit came to live within them. Until then, the Holy Spirit had been there, but did not indwell a person permanently.

Once a person accepts Christ’s finished work on the cross he is sealed by the Holy Spirit and that cannot be taken away. No, this isn’t a license to sin more, but a responsibility to choose to turn from sin. Now we must reflect God’s love and not allow His love to wax cold in us. Once Christ’s followers are raptured there will be no more manifestation of the Holy Spirit. That time in history will horrendous.

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12).

Accepting Christ during the Great Tribulation will mean death. Accept Christ today before the Rapture and you will not be left here to try to endure until the end of the Tribulation. Share His love so others will come to choose life over death. Don’t allow God’s love to wax cold. Don’t allow iniquity to abound.

God bless you all,

Ron Graham