‘‘If our hope in Christ is only for this life here on earth, then people should feel more sorry for us than for anyone else.’’ 1 Corinthians 15:19

Friends, if we’re going to church and have not understood what is happening, then it is a waste of time. The world is becoming harder, and as we get into the global village, we get closer to the closure. If your aim of going to church is just to be healed, have breakthrough and open doors, socialize, get job, riches, and prosperity, then you are missing the point. Your aim of going to church should be to make heaven at all costs.

We are all strangers in this global village and our time here is limited compared to eternity. So, we should be very careful and do what is right because we’re getting closer to the closure.

WHY MUST WE HOPE BEYOND THIS GLOBAL VILLAGE?

We should hope beyond this global village because perilous times will come in the last days and the causes are moral wickedness, carnal worldliness, and doctrinal waywardness.

Statistics show that the number of people who regularly attend public worship is steadily declining while those who watch football games, and other sporting activities keep increasing. Those who read Bible on daily basis keep decreasing while browsing WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram keeps increasing. The inspiration and authority of scriptures is openly challenged and dismissed. Bible preaching and theology are being replaced by entertainment, emotion-driven experiences, and self-praises.

Friends, when ‘good times’ replace the gospel, when hype replaces holiness, when rock music replaces the Rock of Ages, know that we’re in perilous times.

WHAT MUST BELIEVERS DO IN THIS PERILOUS TIMES?

1. Love God and love people: The greatest commandment that God gave us is to love Him and then to love others as ourselves. (Matthew 22: 36-40, 1 John 4:8).

2. Mind our thinking: Our thoughts should be on things above (eternal) and not things of the earth (temporary) 2 Corinthians 4:18.

3. Know our purpose which is to honour God’s name as holy, to see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven and for His will to be done. (Matthew 28:19-20).

4. Live holy life. If we are called by His name, we represent Him and should reflect His holiness to the watching world. (Romans 8:5, 1Peter 1: 15-16).

5. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that we can be empowered by God for the mission He has called us to. (Acts 1:8, Ephesians 5:18).