PTNews

May 2017

Published 10 times annually

All Bible references are from the KJV

(Examining Current Events in the Light of Bible Prophecy)

P.O. Box 13006, Roanoke, VA 24030-3006

The Maranatha Mindset download the .pdf file

“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 unto all them also that love his appearing. “ 2 Timothy 4:8

By Mike Wingfield

If most professing Christians in America were honest, they would admit they rarely think about the Second Coming of Christ. And, most pastors in the United States would not think this is all that bad. For these pastors and churches, the teaching of the Second Coming of Christ is something that is not really relevant or significant. It is certainly not the subject of many sermons, and is not considered to be one of the core doctrines of the Bible. However, this kind of thinking is really at odds with the teaching of Christ’s apostles and the lifestyle of the early church.

It appears that many of the leaders of various church groups in the U.S. are attempting to reconstruct the church and its teaching so that it will fit into the modern culture and thinking of our times. It does not seem to matter to them that the Bible warns us that we do not have the right to do this. The Apostle Paul warned the believers at Corinth to be very cautious how they spiritually built the church. He said, “For we are laborers together with God: … ye are God’s building. … I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11) In another context, he declared that the church must be built upon “the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” (Ephesians 2:20) This means that the church must be built upon the teachings of Christ and His apostles. This is the New Testament Scriptures. All of the doctrines contained in the New Testament are considered to be the foundational truth upon which the church is to be constructed. In essence, we are commanded to mimic the teachings of the apostles. (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2; Titus 1:9) This truth is to be faithfully proclaimed (2 Timothy 4:2) and passionately defended. (Jude 3) We are to oppose those who teach doctrine contrary to the Word of God, and rebuke those who are teaching error. (2 Timothy 3:16) We are instructed to “avoid” those who are not following the doctrine of the apostles. (Romans 16:17)