Howard

A Biblical Sense of Urgency :: By Howard Green

There are times in our daily lives when we get a sense of urgency. If I’m driving down the highway at 75 mph while the posted speed limit is 55, and I see blue lights behind me, I’ll get a sense of urgency. If I went through passport control and couldn’t find my passport right away, I’d feel a sense of urgency. If I woke up one morning and my wife says, “Happy anniversary,” and I forgot the date, I’d certainly have a sense of urgency!

As humorous and even frightening as those moments might seem now, they are just temporal, whereas the length of eternity is unfathomable. As we consider the stark reality of where people will go after they die, we need to have a biblical sense of urgency.

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells a story about the deaths of an unnamed rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. I don’t want to focus on the hows and whys of how they got where they are, but on the fact that both men have been in eternity, either in paradise or in torment, for a long time now.

The reality is that there are people in heaven with Jesus or apart from Him in a place of torment right now. How do we know? Many verses tell us, but Luke 23:42 describes the immediate transition in the location of the human soul after death. Jesus said, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

As we marvel at the Lord’s mercy to the thief on the other cross next to Him, I think it is often lost on us that the thief on the other cross, on the opposite side of Jesus, went to a place of torment right after he died. Ironically, it’s the same place the rich man went to, and they’ve been there for twenty centuries.

In Luke 16:23, we have a sobering conversation between the former rich man and Abraham. The takeaway is that the rich man is in torment and begs for mercy. He wants his tongue to be cooled by a fingertip amount of water. To me, the most frightening part of this exchange is that the man is conscious, has memories, and is aware that his brothers need to be warned, so they don’t end up where he is.

As humans, our thinking can be so compartmentalized. We throw around the words heaven and hell, but we must remind ourselves that there are real people in heaven or hell right now. Knowing this should stir every follower of Jesus to a sense of biblical urgency.

Paul epitomized a sense of biblical urgency when he said, “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men!” 2 Corinthians 5:11. Unfortunately, we live in a day when many preachers aren’t persuading people; they’re pleasing them. Why is this? Because filling seats and bank accounts has usurped the great commission among those who value upward mobility more than human souls. Preaching about God’s wrath, judgment, hell, and eternal destiny might not be popular, but it is certainly biblical. Paul warns in Galatians 1:10 about would-be shepherds who soothe itching ears rather than warn them.

People pleasing and false teaching aren’t new. In Jeremiah 23:16-17 and Ezekiel 33:7-9, we are told what happens when messengers aren’t faithful to the word of God, and the eternally tragic results for the people they failed to warn. The Lord takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked. In fact, His heart is love, mercy, and forgiveness. In Luke 13:34, Jesus expresses His love toward the people of Jerusalem, but they didn’t receive it. That is the prevailing attitude of most people in the world today toward the forgiveness Jesus so readily offers. In effect, they say, we don’t want, need, or have to have Him.

Many faithful preachers and other Christians have gone out into a broken world that’s hostile to the gospel and brought the good news to friends, neighbors, and strangers, so that people have the opportunity to come to repentance and saving faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, it seems that many other believers hide their light under a bushel and won’t share the good news. This may be the result of apathy, embarrassment, or even distraction; either way, it doesn’t negate our holy responsibility to witness about Jesus and to a biblical sense of urgency.

Thinking about warning people, can you imagine somehow knowing the events of September 11th, 2001, or the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the day just before these events? If we knew what was about to happen, wouldn’t we do everything in our power to go to those places and warn the people about what’s coming and to stay away? Of course, we would, because anything less is a dereliction of human decency toward others.

As tragic as those days were, just imagine a fellow man or woman being in a place of torment for countless centuries and knowing it never ends. Our resolve should be that much greater to go out and compel people to come to Jesus, knowing we may be the last ones to share the gospel with them.

The cultists, including the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others, go out and are incredibly bold while deceiving and being deceived into the lies that will ultimately lead people to an eternity in hell. We have the truth, and that should give us Spirit-led boldness to reach out to people that Jesus loves. It is a loving thing to warn people. Keith Green wrote a song, Asleep in the Light and he asked,

Do you see, do you see, the people sinking down? Don’t you care, don’t you care? Are you going to let them drown?” -Keith Green

I want us to consider the most sobering quote I’ve ever heard regarding the eternal tragedy of facing life after death without Jesus and what our response should be:

People on Earth hate to hear the word repent, while those in hell wish they could hear it just once more.” -A.W. Tozer

I’m sure many fellow Christians are salt & light and fired up for Jesus, as you compel people to come in. Others might be apathetic or worn down by the cares of this life or seemingly religious activity. Ask the Lord to give you a burden for lost souls or reignite it. By the Spirit, you can get it back.

You might be reading this article and didn’t have a sense of biblical urgency until this moment. Now you know that eternal danger is imminent, and this life is a brief moment to get out from under God’s coming wrath that will fall on all unrepentant people. Please take time now to repent and come to saving faith in Jesus today. God loves you, and if you make Jesus your Lord, you will no longer be His enemy, but an adopted son or daughter. Every blessing in Jesus as you walk with a renewed biblical sense of urgency.

All for Him,

Howard

Link to our YouTube channel and video of A Biblical Sense of Urgency:   https://youtu.be/ghiCyTAi10k

Link to the Concerning The Times podcast for a deep dive episode into A Biblical Sense of Urgency :

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-biblical-sense-of-urgency/id1565453348?i=1000764522517

 

The post A Biblical Sense of Urgency :: By Howard Green appeared first on Rapture Ready.

May 9, 2026 by Uncategorized 0

A Warning to America’s Lukewarm Church :: By Howard Green

On the surface, American churches appear to be thriving. They look successful, strong, vibrant, and spiritual. But nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is far more sobering.

Much of the church in America isn’t on life support; it has flatlined. We are witnessing something that resembles life but lacks the very thing that gives life: the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. If there isn’t a realization of how far we’ve strayed from what Jesus has called us to be, and repentance for what we’ve become, we run the very real risk of making Him sick. Ichabod is not a distant warning; it is a looming reality.

We have built gospel networks, church coalitions, and conventions centered around personalities, movements, and men. Massive worship concerts fill arenas with celebrity pastors and professional artists. Churches resemble corporations, complete with sleek buildings, meticulous branding, massive budgets, and religious professionals who know how to draw a crowd.

Many of these churches are rich, prosperous, and in need of nothing, at least in their own eyes. That should sound familiar. In Revelation 3, Jesus warned the church in Laodicea about being lukewarm. They were neither hot nor cold. They said, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.” His response was chilling: “I will spit you out of my mouth.” That is not just a warning for a first-century church; it is a mirror held up to the American church today.

The Worship

We have substituted the sacred for the superficial. What once was reverence has become a show. Lighting, fog machines, deafening music, and carefully orchestrated production have replaced worship in spirit and truth. We’ve traded doxology rooted in sound theology for emotion and repetition, “worship” that focuses more on felt needs than the holiness of God.

We gather in darkened auditoriums, staring at spotlit stages, surrounded by massive screens and countdown clocks. But in all of this, it has become increasingly difficult to hear the still, small voice of the Spirit. I’ve sat in services where the volume, lights, and atmosphere were so overpowering that there was virtually no chance to focus on the One seated on the throne. Warm feelings and goosebumps are not substitutes for true worship.

Just because we paste the words “Jesus,” “Savior,” or “gospel” on a screen does not make what we are doing pleasing to God. We’ve reduced worship to repetitious chords and emotionally driven lyrics, often making Jesus out to be little more than a companion to serve our needs rather than the sovereign Lord to whom we bow. There is no doxology without sound theology. We must return to worship that is anchored in who God is, not in how we feel.

The Machine

What many call “church” today has become a well-oiled machine. Success is measured by attendance and giving. Strategies, formulas, and systems ensure growth. Churches hire consultants and retain firms, paying thousands of dollars annually to help them cast a vision and expand their reach. Pre-packaged sermons are available for purchase, removing the necessity of seeking the Lord.

We’ve made it a priority to have something for everyone: events, giveaways, entertainment, and experiences designed to bring people back week after week. But somewhere along the way, the message changed. The gospel is no longer “Jesus came to save sinners.” It has become “God has a wonderful plan for your life.”

Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” The modern church says, “Come as you are, get plugged in, find community, and belong.” Instead of going into the world to make disciples, we try to win the world by becoming like it. This produces movements that look like revival but are born of hype, not prayer, and of entertainment, not repentance.

The result? Not holiness, but an increasing appetite for more experiences. We hang banners, craft mission statements, and fill our halls with spiritual language. But the focus is often getting people into our buildings, not to the cross.

The Men

We have also seen a shift in leadership. Where we once believed God equips the called, we now operate as though organizations call the equipped. Executive search firms, coaching teams, and vision-casting experts have replaced dependence on the Lord. Scripture says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain.” Yet we labor with every tool except reliance on Him.

Preaching has changed as well. Where sermons once dealt with sin, holiness, eternity, and repentance, many so-called “pastors” now offer TED talks masquerading as sermons, about becoming a better version of yourself rather than being crucified with Christ.

We have traded shepherds for hirelings, prophets for performers, and Spirit-led men for spiritual influencers. Pastors are often treated like celebrities, building platforms rather than pointing people to the cross.

Churches look for polished, gifted communicators rather than broken, contrite men who tremble at God’s Word. And tragically, many rarely speak about sin, judgment, hell, or eternity. It is an eternal tragedy, a watered-down gospel that comforts people on their way to destruction. As has been said before, if there’s no brokenness in the pulpit, there will be no brokenness in the pew.

Business as Usual

I’ve written before that there is no time for business as usual, and that truth has only grown more urgent. What we have done is tailor the church into a comfortable Sunday experience. A wide road that doesn’t alarm anyone.

You know the scene. Friendly greeters, a polished welcome, a countdown clock, lights dim, and powerful, emotional music swells. Then a short, encouraging message about living your life to the fullest. An invitation to connect, belong, and get involved, then a closing song. People leave, encouraged, entertained, unchanged, and unwarned about hell and eternity. We send attendees out to spread the good news about our church, not Jesus. This is happening in tens of thousands of churches across America, and collectively, we call it success.

A Call to Repentance

This is not a call to abandon the local church; it is a call to restore it. It doesn’t matter if a church is large or small. What matters is whether Christ is at the center and the Spirit is present. What would happen if we cleared our schedules? If we laid aside our programs, strategies, and events for a season?

What if we stopped striving for visibility, relevance, and growth and instead sought the Lord in prayer, fasting, and repentance? What if we humbled ourselves and admitted that much of what we’ve built has been in our own strength? Perhaps then, He would meet with us again. Perhaps then, our churches would once again become places where His Word is honored, His Spirit is present, and lives are transformed for eternity. This is a call to pastors, leaders, and every believer: Let’s get before the Lord on our knees, in humility, and seek Him.

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” -Jesus

Because if nothing changes, we run the very real risk of continuing to “do church” without the Spirit of the Church. Jesus made it clear: Without Him, we can do nothing. But if we return, if we truly return, He may yet revive us again. There is a remnant of true Christians and some local fellowships who make much of Jesus and His word. But for many American churches, this is an urgent call to repentance and restoration before it’s too late (Revelation 3:22).

All for Him,

Howard

***

Link to the original article on Concerning The Times:  https://concerningthetimes.com/a-warning-to-americas-lukewarm-church/

Link to our deep-dive podcast on America’s Lukewarm Church: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-warning-to-americas-lukewarm-church/id1565453348?i=1000756386953

Link to YouTube video of A Warning to America’s Lukewarm Church: https://youtu.be/JrQP7ZTcnbk?si=4LALDuIe_0jOUvTL&t=1

 

The post A Warning to America’s Lukewarm Church :: By Howard Green appeared first on Rapture Ready.

March 31, 2026 by Uncategorized 0

Living for Jesus in a World That Calls Evil Good… :: By Howard Green

…And Good Evil

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” When Isaiah the prophet spoke these words nearly 2,800 years ago, he warned the people of his day about moral and spiritual blindness. The moral compass becomes so distorted that people, in their pride and shrewdness, would mislabel good and evil. Here we are, nearly three millennia later, and not only is most of humanity in a moral free-fall, but it’s normative for evil to be called good and good called evil. Let’s explore the personal implications and how we should respond to a world full of people who think Christians are the bad guys (Isaiah 5:20).

Our society is full of agendas and narratives, many of which are false, if not downright evil. Given our days of unbridled wokeness, virtue signaling, and skewed morality, it would be easy to blame CNN, MSNBC, The View, BBC, or any other outlet, especially social media, for stoking hatred against Christians. That’s not to diminish the role of mainstream media and platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok in stirring up a mob mentality against anything deemed a threat to a morally decadent society, because that’s precisely what’s being done (1 Peter 4:4).

But mobs are made up of individuals who have a choice to make. These fellow humans have a heart, mind, and volition to act. The choice is simple: Do I think for myself and form an opinion about Christians based on evidence and truth, or do I allow my opinion of others to be formed by pop culture, social media, and ultimately controlled by the mob?

When a mob-ruled society is making decisions based on a distorted view of good and evil, it can decide who the good and bad guys are. They can also stir up bullies to shame, coerce, intimidate, or harm people who won’t go along with their worldview.

Here are a few examples of what the mob wants everyone to agree with, followed by what true Christians believe:

  • Love is love. – True Christians love all people, including everyone in the gay community.
  • Born this way. – True Christians care deeply for all people, no matter who they are, and believe children should be protected from indoctrination and gender ideology confusion.
  • My body, my choice. – True Christians care about the well-being of all women and unborn babies.
  • From the river to the sea… – True Christians love the Jewish people and the Muslim people but stand against antisemitism.
  • Globalize the Intifada. – True Christians believe all people deserve dignity and respect but see the reality of a concerted effort to destroy the Jewish people.
  • All religions lead to God. – True Christians love people of all faiths and want to share the truth about Jesus and the gospel, which leads to eternal life.

If you deviate from the script, you might be canceled, vilified, verbally and physically accosted, harmed, or worse. This is mob rule by a relatively small group of people who persuade an otherwise rational large part of the population to join (Romans 1:32). Take a biblical stand for marriage, life, the protection of children, love for Jewish people, or Jesus as the only way, and watch what happens (Matthew 5:11).

Every mob needs an enemy. The group of “tolerance” has nothing but intolerance for people of faith, and the primary object of their hate is Christians. When the mob wants to demonize believers, they whip up the masses against “right-wingers,” “conservatives,” or worst of all, “those evangelical Christians.” When the mob speaks of evangelicals, they make you exhibit A for everything wrong in the world. Recently, I saw an interview with Bono, the lead singer of U2. Here’s what he says about evangelicals:

I had grown up with more than a few bumps with evangelicals. I found it so difficult to be around evangelicals because they were just so literal about everything. On a tour, I ended up at Wheaton, a big evangelical college in Chicago. They were really helpful. I realized these were kind of, not to be at all dismissive of some incredible people, but it was like I felt they were sort of narrow-minded. –Bono, on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast -May 30, 2025

Bono talked about the literal vs. metaphoric Bible interpretation to be fair and contextual. His view of scripture is obviously flawed, and he overtly lauds the social gospel. But when a person with Bono’s influence says that it’s hard to be around evangelicals, and they are narrow-minded, he creates a false narrative about a large segment of Christians to his listeners. If Bono’s view of evangelicals comes off as uncomfortably tolerant of them, then author Stephen Geist is anything but tolerant. Here’s what he writes about evangelicals:

I call your attention to this movement within American Christianity because it plays a dangerous role in our politics and culture. I consider Evangelicals among the most fanatical religious groups in America today. And here is my ‘word salad’ to encapsulate Evangelicals: far-right white, hypocritical, ignorant, gullible, naive, bigoted, racist, intolerant, anti-gay, and anti-science — basically a large part of the MAGA minions. This is the subset of American citizenry who feels obliged to impose their bizarre beliefs upon everybody else — by force. –Stephen Geist article, America’s Pseudo-Christian Evangelicals

Celebrities, pundits, and authors are the tip of the iceberg, because countless millions of regular people make up the mob majority who openly despise true Christians. Space doesn’t permit me to list the thousands of hateful comments, but here are a few examples:

  • Evangelicals interpret the Bible literally. Talking animals, walking on water, a man living in the body of a whale, a 90-year-old woman giving birth…they believe this stuff literally.
  • Evangelicals are hypocrites – they will march against abortion rights but never to support the rights of the desperately poor.
  • Religious people publicly adoring Trump and calling him the most god-like president ever, and other total nonsense about his completely anti-Christian behavior, nauseates me.
  • They are cultists. They are delusional. They want to force their religion on others. They are welcome to their beliefs but should keep them to themselves.
  • They are an embarrassing blemish on the face of America, hating everything not themselves.
  • About 80% are hypocrites, and the other 20% are dangerous.

This type of inflammatory rhetoric is becoming commonplace on mainstream media, social media, and numerous other platforms, and it’s intended to spread the same hateful, false narrative consistently: Born-again Christians are the problem. If the mob is honest, the real issue they have with true Christians is our very existence. To the mob, authentic born-again Christians are a danger to modern society (John 15:18-19).

Many people are calling evil good. The mob says homosexuality is good. Abortion is good. The massacre of Jews is good. Brainwashing innocent children about their sexuality is good. Worldwide religious unity regarding the way to heaven is good. When Christians take a stand against aborting babies, antisemitism, brainwashing children, and spiritual deception, the mob calls good evil.

The world has a lot of false ideas about who Christians are. Many people have bought into the mob’s lies that we’re all Trump worshipers, want to make America a Christian utopia, hate gay people, hate foreigners, consider women second-class, don’t care for the poor, among many other fabrications.

Here’s the truth about real Christians: We vote pro-life and conservative values, and although I’ve seen many cultural Christians idolize Donald Trump, many true Christians don’t. Cultural Christians are consumed with enriching themselves by following the prosperity gospel, but true Christians care for the needy. Cultural Christians are very combative and vocal (especially on social media) about abortion and homosexuality, while virtually ignoring the greed, materialism, pride, gossip, and adultery that have invaded many Western churches. Let me give you a few more differences between cultural Christians and true Christians:

  • I’ve seen cultural Christians scream at women entering abortion clinics. On the other hand, I’ve seen firsthand true Christians pray with women outside those clinics and offer tangible help, biblical wisdom, and love.
  • I’ve seen cultural Christians say awful things about people with different political views. They become so mesmerized by trying to bring America back to Jesus and change the world through human efforts and politics that they ignore the great commission entirely. But I’ve seen true Christians vote for biblical values, render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and then continue focusing on God’s kingdom come instead of trying to create it in the here and now.
  • I’ve personally witnessed some of the most unloving, prideful, arrogant preaching directed at homosexual people and their supporters. I’ve heard cultural Christian preachers in churches, online, and especially in the public square say things so vulgar that have no place in the mouth of a preacher of the gospel. Far from being a loving warning and plea to repent and come to faith in Jesus, I’ve seen cultural Christian preachers bask in the commotion they were causing through inflammatory words.

On the other hand, I’ve personally known and witnessed true Christians preach the gospel to the homosexual community in the boldness and love of Jesus. Far from being combative, these preachers reasoned with them through the scriptures about sin, repentance, and forgiveness. They pleaded with them so respectfully that, whether the crowd agreed or not, there was no doubt that the motive was the love of Jesus, not having to win an argument.

To be certain, Christians here in the West haven’t had to deal with intense, widespread persecution like our brothers and sisters in Africa, Asia, and other areas. As we are literally entering a time of global moral collapse, I expect the intolerance of the mob toward true Christians will only worsen as we get closer to the end of the age.

Authentic Christians must either acquiesce to the worldly mob or stand firm in the faith. This means standing even if other so-called Christians betray you or side with the mob. It means lovingly warning people about repentance, judgment, and eternity. Standing for the truth will make you a target for the mob. This is how it was for the prophets, apostles, early Christians, and millions of other believers through the centuries. The mob has always been an enemy of the remnant church, and it has always called evil good and good evil. Our response should be love, the gospel of peace, and Holy Spirit-wrought boldness as we pray for and witness to them. Discerning the lateness of the hour we live in should encourage us to endure to the end and finish well (Philippians 1:28).

All for Him,

Howard

Podcast link to Calling Evil Good and Good Evil: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-for-jesus-in-a-world-that-calls-evil-good-and-good-evil/id1565453348?i=1000712016923

YouTube link to video, Calling Evil Good and Good Evil: https://youtu.be/pyRF3WSj_K0?si=S1orQ7gnoxcn4tQn&t=1

 

 

The post Living for Jesus in a World That Calls Evil Good… :: By Howard Green appeared first on Rapture Ready.

June 21, 2025 by Uncategorized 0

The Coming Global False Revival :: By Howard Green

Church history is punctuated by seasons of great revival that swept across the US, UK, Europe, and elsewhere. The First & Second Great Awakenings, the British Evangelical Revival, and the Welsh Revival were among the greatest because of their far-reaching and lasting impacts on the individuals, churches, and nations involved. These revivals were invariably marked by fervent prayer, fasting, sound biblical preaching, and repentance. God was the central figure in these authentic revivals, and He alone received the glory.

We are witnessing a growing number of spiritual movements in our time that are masquerading as authentic revivals but seem to originate from a different spirit. Let’s examine how this spiritual deception sets the stage for the coming global false end-time revival and for the worship of the Antichrist.

In recent years, numerous “revivals” have broken out in places like Asbury College, Auburn University, FSU, and on many major university campuses nationwide. I hope many young people come to repentance and saving faith. Time will eventually bear out all truth. It’s not my intent to determine the validity of such movements in this article. But it reminds us to examine the scriptures to see if what the movements’ leaders do and say in Jesus’ name is true and if what takes place at the so-called “revival” is biblical (Acts 17:11).

The Holy Spirit and the spirit of Antichrist are both at work in the world today. The latter is the spirit of deception who masquerades as an angel of light. While excitement, joy, and belonging are good things, we must carefully discern what is simply a prolonged pep rally, albeit with spiritual overtones, from an authentic spiritual outpouring from the Lord, which can and does still occur (Psalm 85:6).

Sometimes the so-called “revival” is such a religious side-show, any discerning Christian would quickly know it’s patently unbiblical. Here are some examples from recent history:

The Lakeland, FL. “Revival” of 1993 lasted four months and drew nearly four thousand people nightly. Each night, “worship” would be followed by a preacher who would come out, talk about being the Holy Ghost bartender, walk around, laugh, and stare at people until they began laughing. People would laugh, scream, roll uncontrollably on the floor, and run around the sanctuary. I remember sitting there as a young twenty-something Bible college student and discerning that it wasn’t the Holy Spirit at work in that place but a different spirit, and I knew I had to get up and leave.

The Brownsville-Pensacola “Revival” of 1995 was another prolonged event where, at times, people would scream and shake. They would even transfer this so-called “anointing” to others, and they would begin to convulse uncontrollably. People get “slain in the spirit,” bark, shriek, and hiss, which are manifestations not found in the Bible but readily available at Brownsville, Lakeland 1993 & 2008, Toronto, and other well-known “revival” epicenters.

Space doesn’t permit me to list all of the false revivals in recent years, but they are facilitated by those who are deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13).

I’m not a cessationist. I don’t believe the Holy Spirit retired in the first century; the gifts of the Spirit are at work in and through God’s people for His glory. But I don’t condone the nonsense that people call moves of the Holy Spirit, such as getting slain in the Spirit, convulsing uncontrollably, screaming, false prophesies, or miracles on demand.

Jesus mentioned spiritual deception at least three times in Matthew 24:4-28. The Apostles consistently warned about end-time deception. What makes spiritual deception so dangerous is that it is a counterfeit of the work of the Holy Spirit. While some false revivals are easy to discern, others are not as easy to determine whether they are authentic. It might be some of the pop-up, spontaneous mass baptisms that seem to be all the rage lately.

Baptisms are exciting and moving, but we are just following the crowd into the water if we don’t have a genuine testimony and lasting fruit in keeping with repentance. A false revival can be attending services where the deafening cadence of the music, lights, and professional worshipers on stage can evoke an emotional response from people. They can even move the crowd to tears by repeatedly singing shallow words, devoid of worshiping in spirit and in truth, for hours on end. Still, there is no repentance, almost no preaching, and no lasting change once the spotlights dim and the smoke clears.

“I contend that whatever does not raise the moral standard of the church or community has not been a revival from God.” A. W. Tozer

“The Holy Spirit, as the actual agent–the Word preached, and the prayers of the people, as the instruments–and we have thus explained the cause of a true revival of religion.” – C. H. Spurgeon

Why is it so important to discern between true and false revival? Because we are rapidly approaching a time when a world leader, the Antichrist, with the help of his religious leader, the false prophet, will deceive hundreds of millions and perhaps billions of people into worshiping him.

My intent isn’t to get into the timing of the rapture of the church because it is an absolute certainty. But we are quickly moving toward wholesale global spiritual deception. I aim to lovingly warn people and ask the question: If people, including many Christians, are being duped by false revivals and so-called Christian leaders now, how will they discern the truth from the lie when the deception will be so believable in the days leading up to Jesus’ return? He warned us to be alert to lying signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24).

When this world leader comes, he will seem like a great peacemaker, and for a time, he will bring false peace, albeit short-lived and temporary. Why does this matter in the context of discerning true from false revivals? Because, even now, the stage is being set for a global false revival and spiritual deception en masse that will unite religions under one false savior.

Can you imagine what will happen when the Antichrist is worshiped under the guise of a great revival and a one-world system of worship? The false prophet will perform great false signs and wonders by the activity of Satan and persuade scores of people to worship the Antichrist.

Will there be powerful, moving, soul-stirring worship music? Maybe so, but one thing is sure: billions of people will be so moved to worship that they will say: “Who is like the beast and who can fight against him?” It sounds worshipful, doesn’t it? This coming global false revival will last a few years but will conclude at the lake of fire.

How do we prepare our minds and hearts as we are living in this time of false revivals and growing end-time spiritual deception? Paul gives us the answer in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. We are supposed to love and believe the truth. Just as there are true revivals, spiritual leaders, and a real Jesus, many false ones exist. As people who love and believe the truth, we must discern the truth from the lie, and all the more in the days ahead as we near the climax of history.

Reading the Bible under the illumination of the Holy Spirit and praying will give us the discernment to recognize false revivals and growing spiritual deception, and help us endure till the end (John 17:17).

All for Him,

Howard

Here is the link to The Coming Global False Revival video:

https://youtu.be/fewkXYDB3hk?si=rVOV1uUjvg6LMGW5&t=1

Here is a link to The Coming Global False Revival podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coming-global-false-revival/id1565453348?i=1000708010970

 

The post The Coming Global False Revival :: By Howard Green appeared first on Rapture Ready.

May 14, 2025 by Uncategorized 0

I Am Not Ashamed :: By Howard Green

Almost everyone likes to make a good first impression. God made us highly sociable beings, and most of us don’t leave our homes wondering, “How many people can I offend today?” In an effort to be seen as kind and loving, many Christians refrain from going into all the world to preach the gospel because they fear it will offend people. Some believers seem to value their standing in the community and reputation more than the name of Jesus.

As we near the close of the age, the Bible says our faith will cost us more than our reputation. It might bring the loss of friends, family, finances, and even our life. The realistic possibility of losing everything for what you believe begs the question, Are you ashamed of Jesus? (Luke 9:26).

A disturbing trend has emerged recently in places that weren’t overtly hostile to the gospel. It is the trend of enacting legislation to silence a Christian’s right to free speech if their words are deemed hateful or offensive.

Recent examples include a street preacher in London who was threatened with arrest for simply saying, “God gave his only son, that whatever person, a homosexual, liar, drunk, or prostitute, believes in him, shall not perish and have everlasting life.” A young Christian lady was singing gospel songs recently on a London street. She was approached by five police officers and told that she couldn’t sing church songs outside of church. These are just two examples of many attempts to squelch the gospel under the guise of hate speech laws.

A newly proposed Canadian law, Bill C-367, would end free speech protection for faith-based groups, and they float the bill under the pretense of antisemitism and hate speech. Governments that were at least tolerant of free speech in years past are increasingly proposing and passing laws meant to silence Christians.

As the world turns increasingly against the gospel, I wonder who can stand as our faith begins to cost us something tangible. This becomes more evident in America and Europe when living for Jesus, for the most part, only costs us our reputation, and for many, that’s too much of a cost to bear.

It appears that sharing the gospel without the lure of a trunk full of Halloween candy, free lunch, spreading mulch, or a free Christmas show is deemed ineffective. Yes, we are saved unto good works, and Christians should be the kindest, most giving people in the world, but nowhere in the Bible will you find preachers earning the right to share the gospel. This is a spiritual bait-and-switch and the sort of charade that leaves would-be disciples distrustful of churches and Christians.

“If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on, and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.” – A.W. Tozer

When you take a look at a large segment of Christianity today, many so-called leaders have traded the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to reach lost souls for the convincing power of our own goodness. Here’s one example out of many I could give:

A fellow minister told me I wasn’t permitted to pass out gospel tracts or pray for people at our community ‘outreach’ function on the church property because there is a deep mistrust of churches and church leaders nationwide. The stated goal was to provide an opportunity for us to ‘know’ our neighbors, provide a safe space, and build bridges so we can eventually engage them with the gospel (Galatians 1:10).

This sentiment isn’t unique to that particular church because the sin of self-congratulation and promotion to the world is in many of our local churches. In an effort to be unique and relevant, they have become irrelevant to the Kingdom.

This unbiblical approach to the great commission is virtually everywhere you look in many so-called evangelical churches. Why is this? Simply put, by its very nature, the gospel is offensive and a matter of eternal life and death (2 Corinthians 2:15-15). In reality, many so-called ‘Christians’ would rather ingratiate themselves to the community by becoming more like the world to reach the world. We are told things like we have to earn the right, build bridges of grace, get them to trust us, and seek to know them before we share the gospel. This pseudo-evangelism is spiritual deception from the pit of hell.

If we wait to ‘eventually’ engage people with the gospel, it rarely happens, and most people we view as projects eventually go into eternity unsaved and unwarned. Here’s what A.W. Tozer said about our worldly efforts to win public opinion instead of lost souls:

“Religion today is not transforming people; rather it is being transformed by the people. It is not raising the moral level of society; it is descending to society’s own level, and congratulating itself that it has scored a victory because society is smilingly accepting its surrender.” – A.W. Tozer

I love the Church of Jesus and other believers. There is a true remnant church, authentic individual Christians in many churches worldwide that make up the body of Christ. How is it, then, that so many other professing Christians are afraid of the name of Jesus both inside and outside of church? Jesus explains why in Luke 9:25-26.

The people who are preoccupied with religion and standing in the world will be ashamed of Him. Jesus makes an interesting point because He knows many people say, “Lord, Lord.” So they might identify with Jesus on a surface, religious, church affiliation level, but not in public with what the Bible says because it might offend someone.

We esteem the praise of people more than pleasing God. Jesus says not only are you ashamed of me but “ashamed of my words.” This is why, in the context of His warning about being ashamed of Him, He tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and lose our lives for Him. Perhaps it’s time for personal and collective introspection among believers to ask the question: Are we ashamed of Jesus and His words?

Dear friends, we aren’t the first generation to witness nominal worldly Christianity, as if there is such a thing. True believers are marked by boldness and love. We should boldly proclaim the gospel, and our love for the Lord and lost people compel us forward to share it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

You would think that with the gift of hindsight and discernment, the tepid approach of groveling for the world to like and accept us, Christians would see that it doesn’t win disciples but makes false converts. Jesus said this world will hate you because it hates Him. Our job isn’t to reinvent the great commission with a supernatural version of Dale Carnegie’s Winning Friends and Influencing People. Instead, we must do what Jesus says and compel them to come in (Matthew 22:9). We must love people in word and deed, and a tangible way to do this is by sharing the gospel. It’s the most loving thing you can do for others, knowing they will spend eternity in heaven or hell. I am not ashamed (Romans 1:16).

All for Him,

Howard

Link to our ministry YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbYZKFUm5-klBGu8fufbDbw

Link to our ministry podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/concerning-the-times-with-howard-green/id1565453348

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May 2, 2024 by Uncategorized 1

Is End-Time Prophecy for Ego, to Entertain, or Equip? :: By Howard Green

Link to our YouTube channel: Concerning The Times youtube.com

Bible prophecy distinguishes our God from every other would-be god and religion. His track record in bringing prophecies to fulfillment has been 100% spot on. Since His words are truth, we can rest assured that any remaining prophecy yet to happen will be fulfilled to the letter. End-time Bible prophecy provides Christians an excellent opportunity to point lost souls to Jesus and encourage other believers as we see the Day approaching. A disturbing trend is gaining momentum, using end-time prophecy for ego, entertainment, or greedy gain instead of equipping the saints.

Let’s take a realistic look at the scheme of profiteering from end-time prophecy and how the remnant church should respond.

Before we continue, I want to distinguish between sound Bible teachers and selfish shepherds. I started Concerning The Times more than a decade ago, and over those years, I’ve been encouraged by many fellow Bible teachers who also focus on end-time prophecy, people and ministries like Dr. John Barnett of Discover the Book Ministries, Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries, Dr. Mark Hitchcock, The Berean Call, and too many others to mention here. They teach end-time Bible prophecy to show how to live as we see ‘The Day’ approaching and to glorify Christ alone, not themselves. 2 Peter 3:11. Moreover, these ministries don’t charge for end-time Bible prophecy conferences and to hear the gospel proclaimed. Their books and articles cause us to be alert, aware, and fruitful in light of current geopolitical events.

Unfortunately, there’s also a growing number of pseudo-shepherds using end-time prophecy for personal gain, including writing books to promote themselves and unbiblical sensationalism. Do you remember the blood-moon hype of 2015, the Y2K scaremongering of 1999, or, if you are old enough, the book 88 Reasons Why the Rapture is in 1988? I mention these because many well-intentioned readers were caught up in teachings and hype that brought notoriety and book sales to authors but often resulted in disillusionment, doubt, and even spiritual shipwreck to many readers.

Here we are decades later, and not much has changed because of a growing number of end-time prophecy teachers using the genre for greedy gain, selfish ambition, or conceit. Titus 1:7.

As mentioned, many end-time prophecy conferences don’t charge a dime for proclaiming the gospel and equipping the saints. Ephesians 4:12. I can certainly understand that there are costs associated with renting a venue and equipment, and asking for a love offering or even a nominal fee to help offset the cost of travel or expenses is one thing. As a self-funded ministry, I understand the costs associated with itinerant preaching. Love offerings, honorariums, and book sales are how many fellow Bible teachers have their practical needs met.

But why do many other end-time Bible prophecy conferences and teachers charge exorbitant fees to attend in person or online? It is a fact that many of these prophecy conferences charge upwards of $50.00 to $100.00. Dear friends, this isn’t a nominal love offering at the door; this is profiteering in the name of Jesus. I wonder how many Christians and curious non-Christians are missing out on solid Bible teaching because attending some conferences is cost-prohibitive. If we truly believe Jesus is coming soon and people must be warned, shouldn’t we examine the motives behind charging high fees to hear the gospel and equip the saints?

I’m exhorting us to re-evaluate having Christian conferences at posh resorts and re-direct our efforts toward hosting them at our local churches and other reasonable venues, available to all who want to attend.

Another disturbing trend is emerging. It is teaching and consuming end-time prophecy as an end in itself. Today’s focus on prophecy for the sake of acquired knowledge and not for Jesus’ sake is so prevalent today. Here’s a scenario I often encounter that usually goes like this:

I have a conversation about end-time prophecy, and the person I’m talking with is so fired up about the latest update from their favorite teacher. They can tell me in great detail all about Klaus Schwab, the WEF, potential candidates for Antichrist, and the Great Reset. These are all timely and important issues of interest to any believer who loves Bible prophecy and topics I love to teach and write about often. But the summit of their knowledge and interest seems to be in end-time prophecy alone, not the God behind it.

Some Christians will use this knowledge to show people that global events are lining up with scripture and point them to saving faith in Jesus in light of His soon return. Other people will get excited with more prophetic information but do nothing with it except share it on social media. There is no witnessing or co-laboring with other believers, just excitement about Jesus’ return, but with little or no fruit. Matthew 25:1-46.

 The point of Bible prophecy isn’t to alarm us but to alert us to the circumstances leading up to the Lord’s return. This alertness spurs us on to be ready, and the Bible says a lot on how to be ready for his return. 

A.W. Tozer -Preparing for Jesus’ Return

I mentioned several Christ-honoring ministries at the beginning of the article. A common denominator among them is that they teach end-time Bible prophecy to create a biblical sense of urgency. Many fellow ministries use prophetic teaching to fire believers up to holy living and reach the lost in the little time before God’s wrath falls on an unrepentant, unsuspecting world. Why is it that many other so-called ‘prophecy experts’ will publish numerous books, draw crowds, and give detailed teaching on world events but gloss over the only task we are called to? I can only infer it has much to do with selfish ambition, not humility or the gospel.

There’s nothing wrong with selling a book or speaking at a prophecy conference, but the focus must be on Jesus and the gospel, not ourselves. Revelation 19:10.

I want to address fellow Bible teachers and those who follow end-time prophecy teaching and ministries. First, to my brethren in Christ, I want to remind us collectively that we are to encourage fellow ministers as many of you do. What would happen if we made it a habit to reach out with an occasional email or note with the motive being godly affection and love for the brethren? I can tell you that when you take an interest in what your fellow shepherds are doing, it is being in one accord and having the same love with the motive of God’s glory. Philippians 2:4-5.

If you are a Christian and you love end-time Bible prophecy, I want to caution you about unwittingly drifting into eschatological sectarianism. I’m not talking about standing together against unbiblical teaching or ecumenism, because we all know that’s evil. Here’s what I’m addressing: it’s the bent of the heart to divide over opinions and trivial matters and not contending for the faith. Before we know it, we can find ourselves following only certain teachers instead of Christ, and if we’re not careful, we will cause divisions in the church that shouldn’t exist. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13.

Dear friends, let’s examine our motives in light of Jesus’ soon return and use end-time Bible prophecy precisely for what it is meant for. To bring a biblical sense of urgency to both the messenger and hearer. This urgency will motivate us to preach, teach, and witness like never before. It will also remind us that many people will be caught in God’s judgment, which will surely fall on unrepentant people. Let’s re-evaluate our motives for teaching and consuming end-time Bible prophecy; it’s the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16. If we use it to wake up an apathetic church and warn an unrepentant world, it won’t simply be acquired prophetic knowledge. It will induce fear of the Lord, producing wisdom and Spirit-led alertness in the remnant church.

God bless you as you make Him known. 2 Corinthians 5:11.

All for Him,

Howard

 

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March 13, 2024 by Uncategorized 0

God Will Get the World’s Attention :: By Howard Green

We live in a day when it’s hard to get someone’s attention. Research indicates a person’s average attention span is 8.25 seconds, which is 4.25 seconds less than in the year 2000. One common denominator in diminished attention spans is the constant bombardment of information via the internet, social media, and smartphones. People have become so distracted that getting or maintaining their attention is nearly impossible.

As people are exposed to increasing levels of graphic images and entertainment, society as a whole is going through a desensitizing process. As a result, we’re collectively losing our sense of fear and urgency about situations that should get our attention and response. Jesus warns us about the days ahead getting so bad that people’s hearts will fail them because of fear of what’s coming. God will get the world’s attention (Luke 21:26).

I’ve preached the gospel in ministry settings and on the streets. The glaring difference between the two is the response of the people, who generally want to hear the truth in a Christian fellowship. But in the public square, they range from apathetic to dismissive and sometimes hostile to our message. When I preach the good news, it should get the attention of people who pass by. Instead, the overarching response is avoidance.

Over time, I’ve learned this ignoring has less to do with the distraction of earbuds and smartphones and everything to do with a general lack of fear of God. When you tell them, “God’s wrath is coming,” they won’t accept it because they have a distorted view of God.

The God that’s widely presented is one of our own making. He is part Santa Claus, genie, and yes-man who exists to validate us and enhance our lives. The world’s concept of God is a Hallmark card version or a helpless plastic baby in a manger. For fear of losing crowds, many so-called ministries are reluctant to present the true Jesus, so they create ‘safe spaces’ to explore faith. They have festivals, programs, and attractions galore to win public opinion while presenting a false Jesus to would-be disciples.

It’s no wonder so many people have a distorted view of God when many churches don’t teach people to fear Him but present Him like a cuddly old granddad who winks at sin (Proverbs 9:10). Although many churches preach a different Jesus to fill seats, numerous remnant biblical churches won’t compromise the truth of God’s word. This is crucial gospel work because we must warn people about the wrath to come.

“It is a great mistake to give a man who has not been convicted of sin, certain passages that were never meant for him. The Law is what he needs. Do not offer the consolation of the gospel until he sees and knows he is guilty before God.” – D.L. Moody

As a follower of Christ, I think about the perilous times ahead for everyone in the world, and it compels me to warn them. I understand that as people go about their busy day, they are distracted, and most have given little thought to what is coming upon the earth or eternity. While it’s true that the god of this age has blinded their minds to keep them from seeing the gospel, apathetic ‘Christians’ have been complicit in this by not warning people about the bad news, that is, the wrath to come (2 Corinthians 4:4).

I’m calling this exactly what it is, a Christian’s dereliction of duty. If you are a follower of Christ, it’s because of the overwhelming probability that a believer shared the gospel with you. You came to the realization that you were on the way to hell because you were offensive to a holy God, came to repentance, and were born again. The miracle of heart transformation came because someone else was obedient to God’s command to preach the gospel to you, and the Holy Spirit brought conviction of sin.

Before God sends judgment, He will always warn people. He did it in Noah’s day, and Lot’s day, and when Jesus and the Apostles preached. The flood, fire from heaven, and Jerusalem’s destruction twice were all preceded by numerous warnings to repent. Our time is no different in that God is warning the people of the world through preachers and believers that judgment is coming. Simply put, He is trying to get the world’s attention.

Jesus said the nations would be in distress, and there would be pestilences, earthquakes, terrors, and great signs from heaven just prior to His return. God will get the world’s attention. I don’t know the day or hour of Jesus’ return, but I can discern our time and season like all remnant believers. Looking at the world’s current condition and the rapidly growing apostasy in many churches, I believe there isn’t much time left to warn people about what’s coming.

Dear Christian, I’m exhorting you to lovingly warn people about God’s wrath. Inviting them to an event, program, or church is not enough; you must share the gospel and invite them to follow Jesus today. You might be the last opportunity they have to hear the good news before judgment comes upon the earth or they go into eternity (Romans 10:15).

Share your testimony and tell them about how Jesus transformed your life. Tell them, plead with them, and try to persuade them, because you know the fear, or as some translations say, the terror of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11).

God will soon get the world’s attention, and there is not an earbud, smartphone, or distraction that will diminish people’s fear and foreboding of what’s coming. I hope you have a renewed sense of biblical urgency to compel people to come to saving faith, knowing it is His will that no one should perish. Every blessing in Jesus as you make Him known.

All for Him,

Howard

YouTube video & podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1vpSZDhxPk&t=1110s

Link to original article:  https://concerningthetimes.com/god-will-get-the-worlds-attention/

 

 

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January 27, 2024 by Uncategorized 1

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