The 20th century is now part of history. We have ushered in a new century--the 21st. What can we expect as we enter the year 2000. Let me share with you some things I believe we have to anticipate.
- Satan will continue to work havoc on mankind. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:3) The century may be new, but the devil is not. He'll still be up to his old tricks--deceiving men and trying to convince them that his ways are better than God's. Satan's aim remains the same--to recruit souls into his army and away from God's. We must continue to resist. "Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
- The world's standards will continue to be different from God's. The world will always be in a state of flux--changing its understanding and values as it seeks to conform to man's desires. What the world thinks is wrong today, it may accept tomorrow. And what is today's acceptable behavior may be unacceptable tomorrow. The world will continue to feed mankind a steady diet of easy, accommodating values. However, God's standards and values do not change! What God said was immoral in the beginning will still be immoral in the 21st century! "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
- The majority of the world will continue to follow Satan and reject God. This is a sad, but true, fact. "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13, 14) The majority will continue to find the broad way attractive. Satan will continue to make it ever more appealing and desirable to the masses. Men will continue to be more concerned with themselves than with the things of God. Naturally, this leads down the wrong path.
- The body of Christ will continue to have issues. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in the 21st century, issues will continue. What will they be? I shudder to think. When men seek to gain a higher understanding than God, issues result. During the past ten years, four issues (the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ; Romans 14 and Bible fellowship; Sunday evening communion; and marriage, divorce, and remarriage) have caused great problems for the Lord's church. All of these issues, along with new twists, will accompany the Church into the new century. This is very discouraging and harmful to the Lord's cause, but things are not different from what they've always been. "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times, some will depart from the faith..." (1 Timothy 4:1) All we can do is keep our Bibles open, and study them to rightly divide God's word.
This may not sound like wonderful news, but take heart. God helped us through the past century, and He will continue to do so. Let's keep our faith strong, our focus clear, and our feet planted firmly on Him and His word. Good luck!