Looking unto Jesus

Dane received a disturbing email from Pastor Gabriel and was considering his next action.

“…For those of you still interested, there will be a change of venue for our fellowship from now onwards. I will be spending the next two weeks on a retreat to recharge in the presence of God and so, will be unavailable. When I return, I will be addressed as The Great Apostle Gabriel. Note that my wife will no longer be involved in this ministry as we recently divorced. I understand the significance of a woman leader for a church like ours, so, will be replacing her as soon as possible…”.

That was an excerpt from the email Dane received from his Pastor. Just as he thought of how to respond, Peter, his friend called.

The two friends had a lengthy conversation about the email.

Peter had already made up his mind to stop attending church services as he wasn’t sure about the religion thing. He was tired of the hypocrisy and deception among the church leaders, especially Pastor Gabriel.

Dane is very much interested in attending church services but wondering about the new direction for the church under The Great Apostle Gabriel’s leadership.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:1-3.

One of the devil’s strategies in these last days, is to cause divisions and distractions among believers so that we don’t have the time and energy to focus on the things that matter. The devil also attacks our faith and conviction especially as local and global leaders of faith denounce Jesus – in words and actions.

As Christians looking forward to a heavenly kingdom, we have Jesus as our Leader, our Master, and the Chief Shepherd. We are ultimately accountable to Him. He is the One that should determine our directions as we navigate this deceived and confused world.

Let us receive grace to continue to “… run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Let us hold on tight. It won’t be long. Jesus will soon be here for His church.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last”

Revelation 22:12-13.