"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things..." 2 Timothy 4:2-5
"We must tell people what we have learned. . . that no darkness can keep out God's marvelous light. They will believe us, because we've been here." - Betsie ten Boom (died in Nazi concentration camp)
"It is one of the greatest wonders in the world, how the church subsists under such fierce and frequent assaults as are made upon it by its enemies." - John Flavel
We live in a day when many Christian Right political leaders are telling people how to survive the difficult times that are coming. One recent evangelical presidential candidate, in a recent column, remarked that "we are on the precipice of some potentially catastrophic -- or at the very least, challenging --days." His practical solutions for preparation include "moving to a more rural location," stocking up on provisions, getting in shape physically, and preparing for self-defense with firearms. After many paragraphs describing various weapons, he concludes with a brief nod to faith:
"I strongly suggest that you seek to possess a personal relationship with God's only begotten Son."
If we could choose for ourselves, we would escape trials and tribulations. The glory and praise must be given to God, another difficult doctrine for those who want their ears tickled.
Flavel explains that: "Moreover, by exposing His people to grievous sufferings, G-D gives a fit opportunity to manifest the glory of His power in their support, and of His wisdom, in the marvellous ways of their escape and deliverance."
"Affliction is a furnace to separate the dross from the more pure and noble gold.
Multitudes of hypocrites, like flies in a hot summer, are generated by the church's prosperity; but winter weather kills them: Many gaudy professors [of the faith] grow within the enclosure of the church, like beautiful flowers in the field, where they stand during its peace and prosperity, in the pride and bravery of their gifts and professions; but the wind passeth over them, and they are gone, and their places shall know them no more."
The Truth:"
And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." (2 Corinthians 1:7)
