Syracuse University – Hall of Languages (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I went to a graduation ceremony up at Syracuse University tonight. One of the speakers discussed the current state of the United Nations. She also spoke about our individual responsibility to support this new global citizenship currently overtaking our world. I was particularly interested, because Pastor Carter spoke on the same topic Friday night in his message on The Mystery of Lawlessness. He discussed current worldviews, and the coming globalization of the economy and religious ideology, as pertaining to the end times, and the second coming of Christ. The text was taken from II Thessalonians, chapter 2, regarding the events that will precede the return of the Lord to the earth. There is more to this teaching than I can go into at this hour, but I would encourage anyone who missed it to get the CD and listen to it; preferably with a notebook handy.
In the book The Second Coming of Christ, Yogananda said, “In titling this work The Second Coming of Christ, I am not referring to a literal return of Jesus to earth. He came two thousand years ago and, after imparting a universal path to God’s kingdom, was crucified and resurrected; his reappearance to the masses now is not necessary for the fulfillment of his teachings. What is necessary is for the cosmic wisdom and divine perception of Jesus to speak again through each one’s own experience and understanding of the infinite Christ Consciousness that was incarnate in Jesus. That will be his true Second Coming.”
There are many, many people who believe this today. People who believe that in the ever-increasing improvement of the Self is the answer to their deep-rooted dissatisfaction with themselves. This is what we’re up against as
Christians; how do we answer those who have educated themselves into oblivion when it comes to eternal truths regarding the nature of Christ, and the Word of
God? That all religions are not the same, and we do not all serve the same God?
While I was driving around campus trying to find a parking place, I passed (several times) a man holding a huge sign that read “Are you Ready?” He was leaning against the wall of a building, and looked exhausted; he certainly didn’t look ready for anything, much less the second coming of Christ.
Jesus will return to earth; quite literally, as prophesied in the Bible. Study to show yourself approved. We are called to do two things as Christians: defend the Truth, and overcome evil with good. In the days to come, deception will so mirror truth, that even Christians will be easily confused if they don’t know the Word. Satan seeks to build strongholds in our minds; this way he can influence a culture, and ultimately the world. Many well-meaning people have rejected the Truth of the Bible for the lies of world religions; swayed by the seemingly innocuous teachings of kindness and tolerance. Today’s thought leaders and gurus are tomorrows’ Antichrist, in spirit if not in person. The fact is, someone will be, and Jesus will not be his assistant. On the contrary, Jesus will triumph over him. (II Thessalonians 2:8) And I intend to be ready.
“Sanctify them by the Truth, for Your Word is Truth.” ~ John 17:17
