Hello to all my friends at the Gathering,
I’m writing to you all about the state of the world today and what it means for us as believers. We know that Jesus is supposed to come back to the earth someday and in the time before he comes again, the world will become a crazy place. Well, I’m kinda thinking we’re there. It’s crazy out there! All of the things that are contrary to the example that Jesus gave us have become totally common. People have become so completely self-focused that their only goal is their own pleasure. They make money their god, they talk about themselves constantly, they think they can do no wrong, they’re mean and rude to everyone around them, they write their parents off as stupid or irrelevant, ignoring every wise word, they are totally thankless, and they live a life that is totally perverse, serving only their own desires. Wait, I’m not done! These people don’t even have feelings. They won’t cooperate with anybody long enough to be of value, they talk smack about everyone around them, they live despicable lives, they hurt people, they hate anything good, they’re backstabbing, reckless, conceited jerks who live for pleasure instead of living for God.
Here is what’s even more sick; many of them go to church, every Sunday even. Or, they try to appear religious by embracing “spirituality” which is really just “how good can I look” but the truth is, their religion is all fake and they deny the power of God in their lives.
If you come across people like this… RUN! Stay far away from them and don’t allow them to get to you.
You’ve probably heard of guys who will look for women who are weak. They will act all sweet to them so that they can get in their bedroom. And some of these women pretend to be involved in church, but never actually learn anything. They fall for the same sweet talking guys over and over again instead of holding out for a godly man who will treat them right. There were people in the bible like that who ignore God’s will for their life, their minds are sick, and their supposed religion is a joke. But, trust me… you can point these people out from a mile away, they’ll quickly become obvious if you’re on the lookout.
So, here’s what you should be doing to keep from getting caught in these traps yourself. It’s “common sense” but as we all know, it’s not that common any more. Continue searching for and teaching the TRUTH! Duh!
You know what kind of life I lived and how I study and teach the word. You’ve seen my faith in action and that I’m patient, loving, and that I don’t give in even when people give me a hard time wherever I go. God always intervenes in my live to save me from this stuff. Trust me, whenever you try to live a godly life according to Jesus’ example, people will give you a hard time. But, those people I spoke of at the beginning will just keep getting worse and worse and they’ll fool the people around them as well as themselves. So, keep following my example and keep living and teaching what you know to be true, because you know where you learned it. You’ve known and been taught the truth for a long time and it’s all in the bible. That book is a life-saver peeps… every word in there really is inspired by God and all of it is useful… for teaching, for pointing out sin in our lives, for correcting misunderstandings, and for training us how to live rightly, so that everyone who reads it can have a complete life and be prepared to serve the world around them.
So, as God is my witness, the God who judges the living and the dead and who is coming back again… here’s my final charge to you: don’t stop sharing Jesus with the rest of the world around you. You should be looking for ways to show his love and compassion to those around you so that they see Him in your life all the time, whether it seems convenient or not. When people ask you what’s different about your life, your answer is “I know Jesus.” Find time… make time, to be with people who need to know about him and stop making excuses like those people we talked about who are too selfish and just “act religious” but don’t really care. There are a ton of churches filled with people who just want to hear pleasant things and just as many pastors who will cater to them. Don’t be like that.
Well, my time is short. I’ve done all that I was supposed to do and I’m nearing the end of my journey. I kept the faith, I fought hard, and I’ll be leaving soon to be with Him. Keep your head in the game and don’t give up in what I’ve taught you.
Love,
Your teacher and friend
Paul
(paraphrased From 2nd Timothy 3 and 4)
