05/23/2026
No one knows the day or the hour, but we can discern the season by what we see happening around us. Jesus warned us about the signs of the end and many of those signs are more evident today than at any other time in history. Christ warned us to beware of those who say, “The Lord delays His coming,” and use that message to encourage comfort, compromise, and carelessness rather than holiness and readiness.
Much of the modern church is preaching comfort without preparation. We constantly hear messages about not fearing, yet many are not equipping the church to endure, stay awake spiritually, and be ready for the return of Christ. Believing in the rapture should never produce spiritual laziness. Jesus warned us to keep oil in our lamps and remain watchful.
Years ago many pastors preached with conviction about eternity, repentance, holiness, and the fear of the Lord. But somewhere along the way, many pulpits exchanged conviction for comfort and discipleship for personality driven Christianity. A seducing spirit entered many churches under the disguise of “grace” and “new covenant teaching.” Bible reading became labeled legalism. Evangelism became labeled self righteousness. Spiritual discipline became mocked unless it involved building platforms or increasing influence.
Many churches today function more like personality cults than biblical churches. A personality cult elevates the preacher above Christ and opinions above Scripture. The local church was meant to disciple believers in the Word of God, not entertain them once a week with motivational sermons lacking biblical depth. A 45 minute sermon filled with opinions more than Scripture will never produce mature disciples.
The church desperately needs shepherds again. Pastors are called to love people, not just love preaching. Shepherds should smell like sheep. Many shine behind pulpits but avoid true sacrifice, correction, discipleship, and personal care for the flock. When pastors do not truly know and love their people, division easily enters the church.
We do not need celebrity Christianity in this hour. We need repentance. We need holiness. We need shepherds filled with tears, conviction, courage, and the fear of the Lord. We need believers who know the Scriptures for themselves and who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is coming. Let us wake up, trim our lamps, fill ourselves with oil, and return to our first love while there is still time. Repent and believe the Gospel.
