The church world that we know, particularly the Charismatic world, is going to be divided, I believe. There will be a despised remnant whom the majority of the churchgoers, as well as the secular population, will not understand. The majority will become the False Prophet mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the beast coming out of the earth. One of the characteristics of the despised remnant will be that they are seeking to meet the needs of God rather than the needs of man.

I have been very concerned, and I know you have too, at the turn things have taken in the Christian churches. We have become man-centered. The Gospel of the Kingdom, which is a hope for a glorious future, especially for those who are suffering, has become a way of helping us have a prosperous, successful, fulfilled life in the present world.

Can you remember some of the old hymns, how they spoke of patiently following the Master: "Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No, there's a cross for everyone and there's a cross for me"; "I'm going through, Jesus, I'm going through. I'll take the way with the Lord's despised few"; "I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me, still I will follow."

Can you remember these? What has happened to them?

The popular Christian books of today are those that offer formulas for a happy marriage, how to have an improved love life, or how to make more money. I do not say there is no need for advice for married people, anger management, or financial counseling. But how many books and seminars have as their topic the happy, successful person as compared with those that tell of God's need for His people to come to maturity as measured by the stature of the fullness of Christ? How many stress the need for patient, stern obedience to God?

Would such books and seminars attract anyone?

God was not created to meet our needs. We were created to meet God's needs. God needs a living temple. God needs a helper suited for the Lamb. God needs a body for His Christ. God needs brothers for the Lord Jesus. God needs people who can judge mankind and the angels as well. God needs a material expression of Himself, a fullness of Christ. God needs! God needs!

How concerned are you with God's needs? Or do you see Christ as the means of getting what you desire?

God has a huge plan, a blueprint for bringing into existence a world of perfect, total love, joy, and peace. I think God envisioned the new world of righteousness even before He created, through Christ, the angels and cherubim.

To be continued.