Pioneer and Bell Church of Christ

It would seem, both in society and the church, there are many running the opposite direction from what the Bible teaches. In the body of Christ there are those questioning the authority of Scripture, reinventing the word of God to mean whatever fits their desires. It is no longer necessary to speak the utterances of God (1 Peter 4:11), but the feelings of one's heart instead. In both doctrine and practice, many are running away from New Testament Christianity to what is found in the closing words of Judges; "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25, NKJV).

In our American culture, founded on Biblical principles, many are also running away from the teachings of Christ. A neo-paganism is gaining momentum, witnessed not only in the increase of ungodliness, but in legislation being passed to promote such an agenda. The gospel of Christ is fighting a battle against the forces of evil for its very existence, before our own eyes. What Paul warned Timothy is occurring among us as well. "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, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, 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 its power. And from such people turn away!" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

We realize the word of God is the seed that can always be planted in good hearts and bear fruit (Luke 8:11). In the past there has been apostasy, but a faithful remnant has remained to once more preach and restore the truth. But what of a nation that turns it back on God? "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). When we seem bent on, no longer slouching but running, to embrace Sodom and Gomorrah, how will the righteous God respond? Of the iniquity of ancient Rome God said, "In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow" (Revelation 18:7). Do we have enough committed Christians, and enough good and honest hearts who desire truth, to stop a plunge into wickedness and perversion and the consequences they bring?

We have sown the wind and are now reaping the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). Can we return to holiness and truth, or will we see Christianity swallowed up by sin? "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked" (Nahum 1:3).

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy," "Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good," "Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;" "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

"How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow."

"The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."