Are we fully aware of the spiritual state of the world in which we live today? We would have to be blind to not see that sin is abounding in every land and nation across the face of the earth much like in the days of Noah. People are pretty much doing their “own thing” not realizing that they are headed for death and destruction. The devil and his demonic forces of hell are working overtime as they take millions captive on a daily basis. Those being held prisoner by the “dark side” are not even aware of what is happening. Their minds have been blinded and their senses have been dulled to the truth that will set them free.
What exactly was happening in the days of Noah?
Gen. 6:5 – “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.”
The word intent means the state of mind operative at the time of an action.
The state of mind of the people in the days of Noah was continually evil. They didn’t know what it would be like to think a “good thought”. The thoughts of their heart were continually evil. Therefore, evil and wickedness prevailed. The Lord was grieved by both their thoughts and their actions.
Evil thoughts will produce evil actions.
I believe the Lord is grieved today as He looks at the state of mind of both the church and the world. We all know that sin prevails in those who are not saved, but what about the state of mind of those who are saved? The sad fact is that sin abounds in the body of Christ. Many who call themselves “Christians” are living in blatant sin, deceiving their own selves, because they still do not have a full understanding of the truth that will set them free. It’s one thing to confess Jesus Christ as Lord, but it’s another thing to “live” the Christian life in truth and holiness. Christianity is more than a confession; it’s a lifestyle.
The Lord is purging His church with holy fire. He’s burning up the chaff and causing the light of His glory to expose sin and darkness that resides within us. Judgment begins at the house of God. If we want to see true revival in our midst, we must allow the King of Glory to come in and transform us by His mighty power.
A word for five-fold ministers: We cannot afford to preach truth but not live it. We cannot afford to preach a watered-down gospel message that says it’s okay to live in sin because grace does much more abound. I believe we have brought great reproach to the name of Jesus because of the words we have spoken, and the manner in which we have lived our lives before the world. It’s time for us to “line up” with the word of God and get our lives in order, because we don’t know when the Master will return. When He comes, it will be suddenly. There won’t be time to have an altar call so we can repent and get right with God. Repentance must take place now.
Gen. 6:11-12 – “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
Does this Scripture sound familiar? Is the earth filled with violence today? Kids are killing kids. Terrorists are destroying and killing thousands including themselves. Gangs rule and reign in city after city. Rock music and heavy metal music is infiltrating the minds of our young people causing them to commit insidious acts of violence in every state and nation.
According to the Scriptures, all that we are seeing today is a fulfillment of prophecy.
2 Tim. 3:1-5 –“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying it’s power. And from such people turn away!”
Whether we are watching the news on television, listening to it by radio, or reading it in the newspaper, it’s the same message being proclaimed from house to house. The world in which we live is getting out of control. People are becoming brutal and violent. Many do not even understand what it means to have “self-control”. Their whole mentality of thinking is this: “if it feels good – do it”. It doesn’t matter if it hurts an innocent bystander. It doesn’t matter if someone gets killed in the process of our lack of self-control.
This word tells us to turn away from those who act according to the ways mentioned in this passage of Scripture. That’s a strong statement.
Many Christians today believe that it’s okay to run around with those who are undisciplined in their lifestyle and still be an example for Jesus. If we are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, this way of thinking could possibly be true. However, if we are not strong enough to say “no” to sin, we better get back to the prayer closet and get tuned in to God, otherwise we’re deceiving ourselves. If those whom we associate with are pulling us into sin, we need to cut off these relationships. We can’t play with fire and not get burned! If we are not influencing the lives of those around us in a godly manner, then something is seriously wrong with our witness.
Our godly influence upon others should be stronger than their ungodly influence upon us.
There’s an old saying that says, “We will become like those whom we hang out with.” Think about those whom you associate yourself with. Are they causing you to be drawn closer to Jesus, or are they pulling you away from the Lord? Are they causing your relationship with the Lord to become stronger, or is your relationship with Him beginning to fizzle out? If the latter is the case, it’s time for some much needed readjustment in your thinking. It’s time for you to seek the Lord so that He can speak truth to your inward parts.
I believe it’s time for the church to stop playing games with God. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back for a spotless bride. I wonder, “How many will be ready when He comes again?”
Matt. 24:44 – “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
