EndTime Church

ETC is an online church with global reach, pioneering online ministry since 2018. Services are on Sundays at 6 PM EST, streamed on any internet-capable device.

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

A Rejection of God: The LGBTQ+ Agenda in the Church

Each morning, I take time to read one to two chapters in scripture. Beginning in January, I make my way through the New Testament, intentionally reading and contemplating the day's chapters. Often, I find that the scriptures prove themselves just as relevant in the post-modern world as in antiquity. The truth is, though society, culture, and politics may change, the hearts of mankind remain darkened by the same sins introduced to creation when Adam and Eve fell. As many of you may agree, the problem is not culture, society, or politics; it's the sin-corrupted heart. Sin corrupts society, culture, politics, and religion, which are the four pillars of any nation. In June, the sin-corrupted social agenda being championed is the LGBTQ+ movement.

Today's reading came from 1 Thessalonians 4-5. At End Time Church, we are all intimately familiar with the passages regarding the Last Days, Resurrection, and Christ's return in these two chapters. But there is another series of verses that speaks directly to the social, political, religious, and cultural sins of the Pride Movement today.

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should konw how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do now know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore, he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit". -1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NKJV)

This passage of scripture reveals God's will for all our lives: we are to be sanctified. This term comes from the Greek word 'hagiasmos', meaning "set apart". But in a Christian context, especially here, we are set apart unto God for His special purpose in each of our lives. This tells us that without sanctification, we cannot be effectively used by God. Think about that for a moment. Every genuine Christian seeks to be pleasing to God and used to advance His kingdom. Many find themselves hindered, almost like they're facing a brick wall. I know I have experienced this very phenomenon. The reason for this resistance has less to do with being outside of God's timing (as many people claim) and more to do with a lack of sanctification. And the biggest hindrance to sanctification in the Post-Modern world today is sexual immorality, especially within the church.

The divorce rate among church-goers is the same as that of those who do not attend church, per multiple Gallup and Pew polls widely available online. The rate of infidelity among pastors is between 25% and 35%. Well over half of all church leaders view pornography. Movies and television programs have normalized adultery and fornication and are heavily normalizing homosexuality. Elementary schools are hosting sexual education classes, teaching all manner of sexual intercourse and the safe way to engage in such activities. Talks of absence before marriage are viewed as the product of a bygone and uneducated era. Sexual liberation disguises sexual slavery. Progressivism truly is a regression into paganized sexual norms.

To make matters far worse, many denominations and churches have openly embraced the LGBTQ+ agenda, namely the liberal churches. In the name of "love", they host drag queen shows in their fellowship halls, sponsor Pride parades, and fly a tapestry of rainbow colors from their buildings, signs, and clerical garments in a show of "equality, love, and acceptance". Though such religious institutions think they are demonstrating God's love, they are rejecting God openly, brazenly, and boldly. Furthermore, they've codified their divine rejection in church bylaws and plastered their apostasy all over social media.

It is the responsibility of church leaders, regardless of denominational affiliation or ecclesical title, to approach such sinful church leaders one-on-one. If they do not hear, then take a few other church leaders to address the matter. If that does not lead to repentance, then openly address the issue to the collective Body of Christ in whatever fashion or outlet possible. If that does not bring change, then publicly declare such leaders and institutions apostate and outside of Christ. This is a necessary and proper method, biblically prescribed, to confront such sinful matters in the Church. We are One Body under One King, who is Head of all His Church. It's time we start acting like it.

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

The Gospel of John 6: Feeding the Body and Soul https://t.co/BboTcOX9nM

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A Miracle and Defense: John 5 https://t.co/gCrJNsaqXd

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Join us at End Time Church on Sunday at 6 PM. What was the heart of the Pharisee's rejection? Was it religion, tradition, or something more? Could it be that the Church has more in common with the ancient Pharisees than we think? Join us at 6 PM.
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The Well that Never Runs Dry: A Study of John 4 https://t.co/ULsUkEh26i

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The New Birth: A Study of John 3 https://t.co/U5bPlvBGS4

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Reminder, Church Service is Tomorrow Night at 6 PM EST

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"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one, we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life." -2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJV)

The Apostle Paul compared his ministerial work, evangelism, to incense. It was a fragrance of life and death: life to those who will accept the Gospel and death to those who deny Christ. Everywhere he went, this incense came out of him. His preaching was the fragrant smoke, and he was as the thurible (container that holds the spices burned to create the smoke). The burning incense is itself symbolic in Paul's imagery as the indwelling Holy Spirit that sets fire (zeal) to Paul's reborn spirit. The thurible is as Paul's physical body. In this picture, the Holy Spirit's fire in Paul's regenerated spirit produces the spoke of His message that emanates out of him, impacting everyone around him. In traditional and Apostolic traditions, the thurible is swung by the priest, correctly symbolizing the saint's prayers ascending to God. In Paul's example in this section of scripture, it is God who swings Paul. That is seen in Paul's 3 missionary journeys, where Paul traveled back and forth establishing the Church among Gentiles. Those who accepted the Gospel were impacted by the smoke of Paul's message in life. Those who rejected the Gospel led to death, but also persecution.

Why is this important for us today? Just like Paul considered the message he preached to be like fragrant incense, the lives we live before others can also produce life or death to those around us. Are we living in such a way as to reflect the Gospel properly, so that others are drawn into a salvific encounter through faith in Christ, or do we repel through sinful behaviors? Paul's message, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, only had effect when he was "swung" by God. He had to go. Every day, we go into the world. This is how God swings us. Is what the Holy Spirit burns (zeal for Christ) radiating outward in what we say and do?

The triumph of Christ is the victory He won at the Cross over death, Hell, and the grave. It is the reconciliation He paid for by His blood for all who would believe in Him. Triumph in Christ is the daily choice we make to die to sin, for even Paul states that he daily dies to sin (1 Cor. 15:31). I encourage you today to crucify sin. Put to death intentional sin. It is a daily choice, sometimes minute to minute, other times it's situational. But make no mistakes about it. We have the choice every day to intentionally sin or reject it. Christ's triumph at the cross empowers us to be triumphant over intentional sin. And we also have the choice to allow the Holy Spirit to ignite renewed passion and zeal for Christ in us, which will radiate to those around us.

The choice is yours. Who will you serve? Will you, like Paul, radiate the fragrant incense of Christ to those around you, or has the fire in your life burned itself out? Read and apply the bible. Pray daily. Fellowship with other believers. Attend church services regularly. Fast as often as you are able. Participate in corporate and personal worship. Find time for silence and solitude. These, and more, are the spiritual disciplines that will reignite the zeal for Christ in your life again, reigniting the fragrant incense that will come out of you through thought, word, and deed, impacting those around you with the knowledge of Christ.

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

Jesus Christ of Nazareth, YHWH in the Flesh, Proven At the Resurrection

"So the Jews answered and said to Him, ' What sign do You show us, since You do these things? Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." -John 2:18-19 (NKJV)

During our service last week, we saw this account from the Gospel of John. Today, 1993 years later, we commemorate this prophesied day. What sign did Jesus show that He is the Son of God? What event definitively points to the divine nature of this Nazarene? It was the resurrection. Jesus stated it clearly: He would raise Himself from the dead. Many miraculous things took place in the life of Jesus, from His virginal conception to His sacrificial death. But all of that would have been for nothing if He had not risen from the dead. Let's not forget, there is a clear difference between a sign and a miracle. The Apostle John specifically uses the term 'sign' throughout his Gospel to point to the divinity of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-34, Paul is pointing to Christ's resurrection as the great hope we have as believers. Some in the Corinthian church had been denying the resurrection (15:12), and the Apostle Paul sets them straight. Not only does he demonstrate that Christ had risen, but he drops names and challenges them to speak to those who, like him, had seen the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes (15:5-6). But he takes it a step further. He summarizes that the entirety of the Gospel message and the hope of salvation rest on affirming, by belief (belief necessitates action), that Christ has risen from the dead (15:14). Paul beautifully shows the reader that those who are in Christ do not die but have fallen asleep. They're like a seed planted in the ground that will be transformed into the same resurrection likeness as Christ at His return. Though their body is asleep, their spirit is in heaven (John 14:1-4). What a great comfort! This is why I tell my patients and their families that when we are born again, we will not die. We pass from life into eternal life, and our bodies will be raised again on the last day, as Christ was raised and is the first fruit of the resurrection.

Our faith is in Jesus Christ. But most importantly, in the events that occurred 1993 years ago this week. That there is a God who wrapped Himself in flesh, dwelled amongst men, offered His life as a ransom to atone for the sins of the many by crucifixion, was laid in a tomb for 3 days and nights, raised Himself from the dead, walked among men for 37 days, and ascended to the Right Hand of God, where He interceeds for us even now. In the same manner that He ascended, He will descend to judge the living and the dead. When that day comes, those who are asleep in Christ will rise out of the ground, and those alive and remaining will be caught up to Him. In that moment, that twinkling of an eye, both those who sleep and those who do not will receive a resurrection body just like the one Jesus has. We will be like Him. That day is closer now than it was yesterday.

So as we celebrate this day, let us do so in complete knowledge that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is YHWH in the flesh. He is the same one who created all that is seen and unseen. The very one who spoke with Abraham, ordered the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, walked with Enoch, spent time with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and led Israel out of Egypt as a pillar of fire and cloud. That is the God we worship. He is the God who chose to tabernacle with men. The one who chose to sacrifice Himself to redeem all who place their faith in Him.

If you do not know Him, don't let this day pass without asking Him to lead you to His truth. Repent of your sins, believe the truth above in your heart, and confess the risen Christ to everyone. Find a church and be faithful in attendance. Be baptized in water. Celebrate communion/Eucharist. Be mentored by another strong Christian whose life demonstrates Christ's character. We would be happy to help you in this process. Send us a message.
#ResurrectionPower #jesusiscomingbeholy #endtimeunfoldings #saved

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

John 2: Christ's Passion in the Wedding Wine https://t.co/an23rRmh9I

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CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

Romans 8:28-30 (NKJV): "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."

There is a lot to consider when we ponder these three verses in Romans 8, as there is with all Scripture. But for today's point, we are looking at the concept of being conformed to the image of Christ. This is what theologians may term Cruciformity. It is living a life that is shaped and formed by the crucified Christ. It defines a life that is self-sacrificing (agape) and is conformed to the death and resurrection of Christ (dead to sin, alive to God through Christ). But there is more to the cruciform life than these things.

As we think about the various aspects of character demonstrated in Christ's obedience in death, we think of humility, sorrow, grief, humiliation, suffering, rejection, betrayal, forsakenness, innocence, and compassion (to name a few). These traits are evident in conformity to Christ's image as well. The Apostle Paul clearly illustrates this both in his personal suffering and the admonition that believers will likewise suffer for the cause of Christ. Just like Jesus when He cried out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me", we may feel at times forsaken by God because of His silence in answering our prayers or in the seeming lack of divine intervention in our circumstances.

But what was our Lord's ultimate response? Trust. He replied at the very end, "into Your hands I commend My spirit." There are times in our walk of faith when we feel forsaken by God, and our faith may be shaken. It is ok to have those feelings. But through the trying of our faith, we can still come out on the other end trusting God fully, even if it means the cost of our lives. Perhaps even doubt, when it leads to ultimate trust, is also cruciformity. Do you trust God?

In today's verses, we see a type of conformity to Christ that explains something deeper. God knows who will ultimately be saved and who will reject the Gospel. Each of us has free will to choose Christ or not. Some folks repent and believe on their deathbeds (I have seen this). It is not for us to judge why God allows this to happen. Yet all Christians are called according to God's purpose. He has a plan for each of us. Even if it is to demonstrate His unfathomable grace through a deathbed conversion. Through our salvation, we become God's children, family with, through, and in Christ Jesus. Through this salvation, we are predestined, called, justified, and glorified. These are stages in the life of a believer. God knew our free will chose for or against Christ (Predestined). Those who would come to faith in Jesus were called, or convicted by the Holy Spirit, and responded appropriately (Called). Those who respond to the Spirit through belief in Jesus and repentance are justified (declared righteous by faith in Jesus. Such a person is no longer guilty of sin, but clothed in Christ's righteousness on their behalf. God doesn't see a sinner, but Christ, when He looks at the justified individual.) The ultimate destiny of those justified by faith in Jesus is eternal life in heaven (Glorified). To be cruciformed is not a singular event, but a progression of daily submission to Christ's cross and also the cross we bear for His name (Matt. 16:24). Are you obedient to Christ?

Yet in between Justification and Glorification is Sanctification, where the believer is conformed to the image of Christ. In Paul's words, he assumes the process by terming it conformity to Christ, who through Justification is superimposed (as it were) into and onto the believer. Yet throughout most of Paul's Epistles, all four Gospel accounts, and in the various other letters, we see the importance of choosing righteous living over unrighteous. Why? If the Son of God is "superimposed" into and onto the Justified believer, then the name of Christ is either blessed or cursed by our action. Thus, being conformed to the image of Christ carries a great responsibility to walk in holiness. God is holy, and we must be holy (1 Peter 1:15-17). Cruciformity is a daily choice to live in holy conduct, thought, and intention. Such holiness cannot come through our own efforts, but is dependent on co-laboring with the Holy Spirit, as our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit's guidance (and our submission to His lead), we cannot hope to live fully in the cruciformed image of Christ. Are you submitted to the Holy Spirit?

Joshua 24:15 (a,c), "Choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

Reading through scripture this morning, I came across 1 Corinthians 5:9-11. The Apostle Paul points to a previous letter he sent to the Corinthian Church, a letter not preserved by history. In that letter, he admonished the believers not to keep company with sexually immoral people. At the beginning of chapter 5, we see Paul continuing to call out sexual immorality among the Corinthians. He highlights incest between mother and son, specifically, an act that even the Gentiles/heathens/sinners do not accept as normative, yet it was tolerated within the church. Paul clarifies that believers are not to have fellowship with others who claim Christ but are in any form of sexual immorality, idolatry, covetousness, extortion, drunkard, revilers, and so forth, not even to eat at the same table as them. What would Paul say to the Church today?

Some denominations not only openly embrace the LGBTQ+ lifestyle but willfully ordain ministers who are of that orientation. Other ministers and church leaders are the most covetous people one would meet, seeking after earthly wealth, power, and influence rather than preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Still other ministers, some of whom have been caught and sent to prison for embezzlement, are leading ministries again despite being extortionists. Even worse, some ministries embrace Universalism, erecting statues of Hindu deities and Buddha statues in their buildings, and others place the Quran in a place of honor next to the Holy Bible.

This is what happens when sin is tolerated within the Church. If unrepentant sinners who are willfully living in disobedience to Christ are openly embraced, welcomed in without boundaries, and whose sins are whitewashed by social and political norms (subjective truth over absolute truth), then sin becomes like leaven among the people of God. This is not a parishioner problem, but a clergy problem. And yes, there is a major difference between intentional, willful sin among believers versus a believer who is actively wrestling with sin yet failing. One implies complete surrender to the sinful state, while the other is in active conflict with sin. Sanctification is not an option; it is a requirement. Grace and mercy give room for the one struggling against sin but failing, as we all do. But grace and mercy are also a warning to those who refuse to fight, but surrender fully to their past sinful conduct without guilt or remorse.

Do you tolerate sinful behavior conducted willfully and freely among your friends who claim Christ, or do you speak against their sinful conduct? Do we allow "iron to sharpen iron" among our family in Christ, or sit back and watch others embrace their sin out of a false "once saved always saved" paradigm? The burden of responsibility for today's reality rests squarely on the shoulders of clergy, who have been inwardly and outwardly called to lead in the Church and placed in positions of authority. But change can happen when the laity individually begins to realize that they should not fellowship with willfully sinning members of the Body, not even sharing a meal with them. True love is not tolerant of sin, which leads to death and destruction. What parent would allow their child to play in the road with oncoming traffic? Rather, that parent would be yelling and screaming at the child to get out of the road, even physically snatching the child out of the street. This is love. It does not tolerate sin, but corrects behavior for the other's well-being.

We cannot tolerate willful, intentional, and flagrant sin among those who claim to follow Christ. We cannot condone unrighteous behavior in the Church to maintain social relevance. We cannot accept compromised faith for the sake of political affiliation.

Change starts with you and me. Perhaps we must look into the mirror of Scripture and see if maybe we would fall into the category of intentional, willful sinners in some aspect, then repent. May we tolerate sin among those who claim Christ without bringing biblical correction. Perhaps our love has been shallow in that regard due to a fear of being rejected, labeled as judgmental, or losing a friend. I assure you, no loss can compare to the sacrifice of Christ for all of us. No loss is worth losing a heavenly reward.

Change begins with you and me. It begins today. It starts now.

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

The Gospel of John: The Word of God Made Flesh https://t.co/nFuaTkRVwW

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"God made me this way..."

As we go about our daily lives, sometimes we hear people justify their lifestyle and behavior with the expression, "God made me this way." Such an expression relieves the individual of their responsibility toward morally and ethically wholesome conduct (in most cases), casting blame on God's design. Of course, Christians often scoff at this notion, but what if there is a measure of truth in the sentiment?

In Romans 9:14-29, we see a very similar question asked regarding Israel's rejection of the Gospel. Specifically, Paul gives the example of Pharaoh's rejection of Moses's demand to let the Hebrew people go (v. 17). What is the implication, then? Pharaoh was raised for the purpose of demonstrating God's wrath to the world, for him to live in infamy as a cautionary tale for people who refuse to obey God, and for the glory of God's holy name in the earth. Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ so that the message would go to Gentile nations freely, where the Gospel is largely accepted (v. 22-26). What would have happened if Israel had not rejected Christ during His first advent, but embraced Him as Messiah and Son of God? Of course, that would be speculative only, as a "what if" question, but not worthy of theological debate since it didn't happen. Instead, we face the question of what if "God made me this way"?

The biblical text in Romans implies that, as the Divine creator, God does create vessels of wrath made for dishonor to demonstrate His glory to the world through their destruction, just as He creates vessels of honor (v. 22-24). Maybe there is some measure of validity in some people's hardened hearts, justifying their LGBTQ lifestyle by boldly proclaiming, "God made me this way." Yet this is not the end of the story.

Peter tells us that God's desire, His will, is for all to come to repentance, revealing God's heart for all people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). God loved the world so much that Jesus came to be the substitutions sacrifices for sinful man's atonement, so that condemnation would pass to eternal life for those who believe (John 3:16-17). While we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Such salvation is blind to ethnicity, previous religious affiliation, nationality, gender, sinful conduct, atrocity, or anything else we could create a label for. This salvation is transformative, whose end result is perfection. Justification, sanctification, then perfection. That is God's desire for us all. He desires it so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for it through His death, burial, and resurrection. Who are we to deny so great a salvation to someone else by walking away, keeping silent, or blatantly refusing to share the Gospel with them because of their current sinful condition?

So, does God create people for wrath who reject Him? Yes. Does God desire all to be saved? Yes. How do we know the difference? Perhaps the question isnt how we discern the difference, but that our obligation is to speak and live out the Gospel daily. Perhaps we can respond to folks who say, "God made me this way" by proclaiming, "Maybe He did, but He also desires your salvation. He changes hearts, desires, and intentions," then share the Gospel.

Today, somebody is waiting on you to speak or demonstrate the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Choose to show them Jesus, pointing them to Calvary's Cross, where the ultimate price was paid for sin's atonement and eternal life.

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

Blessing and Burden: A Call to Holiness https://t.co/frQPX79iJd

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Join this Free, Online, Self-Paced course to help you reclaim Gospel integrity in your faith journey today. Click the link below to get started.

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Live on March 1 — Blessing and Burden: The Call of Holiness, 6:00–7:30 PM EST. Join us online, share prayer requests, and have communion elements ready. Watch here: https://t.co/miQfrr5rRW

#EndtimeChurch #LiveService #Prayer #Communion

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

This is a great video. We supported the "He Gets Us" group years ago. Sadly, they've become far too liberal and frankly, unbiblical with poor theology. But this remake is a much better version.

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No superbowl ad will ever beat this alternate 'He Gets Us' banger

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

Sin is sin, destructive and against the Kingdom of God. Overlooking intentional sin in the Church, especially in leadership, is worse because of the influence leaders have in the community. It does not matter if it's Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or any branch thereof. There is no justification for intentional moral, ethical, spiritual, or professional failure among clergy.

Exposure in the Charismatic Church is necessary. But exposure alone is not enough. Entire ministries and churches must shut down. Its leadership causes irreparable damage, whether in deed or covering up sinful behavior. In some instances, criminal charges must be filed, and the offender held legally accountable for their gross sexual and financial misdeeds. Further, those "ministers" are forever disqualified from any ministerial role.

[EndTime Church @EndTimeChurch2]

The Jerusalem Council and Covenant: Unity, Debate, Faith, and Covenant https://t.co/BvCN3SfjIT