Is there a remedy to the present hopeless situation?
A review of current world conditions should convince thoughtful people of the imperative need that some solution be found for the many problems which face the world of today. Affairs of nations are now so interwoven, and their interests so closely connected that events in one country involve in greater or less degree all nations of the world. The solution to all problems must therefore be one for universal application to be of any real benefit.
Although this is true, the greatest intellects in the world have failed to ameliorate the deplorable condition of things. The problem is unsolved, and conditions continue to get worse.
The great increase in scientific knowledge has not, for the most part, been beneficial; too often knowledge, which could be put to good use, is perverted, and today the realm of science is explored for more effective means of destroying life.
Atomic power has brought within realm of possibility the entire destruction of the human race.
It is admitted by all that the international outlook is not pleasant. All nations have found it necessary to arm upon an unprecedented scale. They are now engaged in putting off as long as possible that which they fear, and do not see any effective means of preventing, namely, a world war much more terrible and far reaching than anything previously known.
How hopeless then is the future, and if man has no solution – should not a people turn to their Creator?
THE FAILURE OF THE CHURCHES TO PROVIDE A REMEDY
How amazing that in a world for the most part professing godliness and Christianity, there should be no thought of God in these matters.
If it be true that the State churches and dissenting sects of so called Christian countries really belong to Christ and teach the truth of God, why is there such a dearth of knowledge of His purpose which provides the real solution to earth’s troubles?
It must be clear to all who quietly consider the matter, that what passes current as Christianity is vain. How often do we find “religion” a cloak, which hides an atheism of the worst description? And what of the effects?
Following the leaders of “religious” thought, the Bible is treated as of no real value for modern conditions.
It is openly declared that the Bible is not to be relied upon as the Word of God. The Creation (evidence of His supreme power) and the Flood (evidence of His judgements against ungodliness) are denied, and the prophecy is fulfilled that “in the last days” would come “scoffers” not only willingly ignorant of the Word of God (which teaches both the Creation and the Flood) but also denying the Return of Christ who alone can accomplish the solution of world affairs (2 Peter 3).
Jesus said, “as it was in the days of Noah so shall it be also in the days of the coming of the Son of Man” (Matt. 24 v. 37/39). From reference to the record in Genesis ch. 6 we are to expect total disregard for God, “every imagination of the thought of man only evil continually” and “violence filling the earth” as in Noah’s day.
THE CAUSE OF THE PRESENT EVIL FORETOLD
Disregard of God and His ways has brought great evil and has separated man from God (Isaiah 59 v. 1/4 & 7/15). The notion of inherent good in human nature is false and blinds the mind to the truth that “in the flesh dwells no good thing” (Romans 7 v. 18). Human nature unrestrained always leads to evil. Man’s natural desire is to please himself and follow his own inclinations, but the Scripture shows the folly of those who, while failing to honour God by obeying His Word, say “I shall have peace, though I walk after the imagination of mine heart.”
THE LAST DAYS
The Apostle Paul wrote of these last days and accurately foretold the moral state of the present generation-
“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, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” (2 Timothy 3 v. 2-5).
He continues to exhort Timothy as an example to those who would please God –
“Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and has been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3 v. 13-17).
How different from modern professors! Can we not recognise the seducers who deceive by nullifying the Word of God?
THE REMEDY IN THE HANDS OF CHRIST WHO IS TO RETURN
Paul teaches the Return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the setting up of the Kingdom of God –
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom” (2 Timothy 4 v. 1); and says (v. 3-4) –
“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.”
He tells us who will be accepted of the Lord Jesus:
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only but to all them also that love His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4 v. 8).
How many today love His appearing and have that event as the object of their hope?
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH –
That Christ is to return (Matt. 25 v. 31. Acts 3 v. 19-21; Acts 1 v. 11; Acts 17 v. 31).
That He is the anointed King of all the earth (Zech. 14 v. 9; Ps. 2 v. 7-9; Ps. 72; Rev. 11 v. 15).
That His throne will be Jerusalem (Ps. 2 v. 6; Zech. 14 v. 16; Jer. 3 v. 17; Matt. 5 v. 35).
That the nations will oppose Him; but that He is to take control of world affairs, destroy all governments of men and institutions not in harmony with the Word of God and establish the Kingdom of God. (Rev. 19 v. 19; Rev. 17 v. 14. Dan. 2 v. 44; Dan. 7 v. 13-14; Isaiah 2 v. 11-12).
That the effect of His Government will be Peace, unattainable by man, because of wickedness (Isaiah 57 v. 21) but possible with God (Isaiah 32 v. 1 and 17; Isaiah 2 v. 4; Ps. 46 v. 8-9).
That those among the nations who are prepared in that day to acknowledge Him and who therefore escape the judgements of Christ, will desire to walk in His ways and worship God (Isaiah 2 v. 2-3. Zech. 8 v. 21-23) and eventually all the earth will be filled with the glory of God according to His purpose (Numbers 14 v. 21).
That meanwhile the invitation in our day is to come out from the world and be separate (2 Cor. 6 v. 17-18) to honour God by obeying His word (Matt. 28 v. 20. John 15 v. 14) hoping for His reward of life everlasting in His Kingdom, to assist the Lord Jesus Christ in rulership of the earth (Dan. 7 v. 22 and 27; Rev. 5 v. 9-10).
SIGNS OF CHRIST’S COMING
and of the End of this World are given by Jesus as follows:-
Religious deception, many sects falsely claiming His Name, in some cases proclaiming His Return or claiming to do signs by His Power (Matt. 24 v. 4-5, 23; Luke 21 v. 8; Matt. 24 v. 24).
Whole nations in conflict (total warfare) not merely professional armies (Matt. 24 v. 7).
Fearful sights from heaven and the danger that no flesh should he saved (Luke 21 v. 11; Matt. 24 v. 22)
Restoration of Israel as a nation (Jesus used the ancient symbol of Israel – the fig tree. Matt. 24 v. 32).
Distress of nations with perplexity and fear (Luke 21 v. 25-27).
Jesus says “When ye see these things know that it is near even at the doors.”
The Apostolic Fellowship of Christ 