The Lord tells us through the pen of the Apostle Paul: “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 [that is, without self-control], fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…” (2 Tim. 3:1-5).

Where is the thinking Christ-believer who can legitimately deny that the above indictments aptly describe the society as well as the time in which we live?

In the aftermath of the Reformation celebration, we append to this “Cross Purposes” feature a brief but timely commentary by Pastor Fleischer. — Editor

When will They ever Learn?

“Pope John Paul II whipped himself with a belt, even on vacation, and slept on the floor as acts of penitence and to bring him closer to Christian perfection, according to a new book by the Polish prelate spearheading his sainthood case.” Read More

Furthermore, the same apostle said to the elders of Ephesus: “For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). Who is the faithful Christ-believer who–standing in awe of the Word of God and the manifold grace of God–will deny that that prophecy of St. Paul which came to pass in the early church is being fulfilled also in our day?

Can any true disciple of the Lord who trembles at the Word give a good reason why– except that the Heavenly Father is gracious and does not desire the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his wickedness and live–the Heavenly Father should stay the deserved judgment upon the nation and the church at large?