‘Last Generation’
In the early
1960s, the West especially the US, was experiencing a period of prosperity
after the wars in Vietnam and Korea. The US, the champion of the Christian faith, alone financed more than 80%
of mission work worldwide but the emergence of human rights movement and the
removal of Bible and cane from public schools began to erode the Christians’
faith. Taking this opportunity, the devil silently crept into churches, deceiving
Christians into believing in distorted truths, lies and heresies (sowing
tares).
At the same time,
the Charismatic movement was having their revival and the split with the
conservative churches was irreparable.
2 Cor 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful
workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan transforms himself
into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also
transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be
according to their works.
The accusations
and hatred between them presented the opportunities for the devil and his
agents to masquerade as His apostles while exploiting their pride. The devil
taught them to blaspheme the Lord with these heresies:
To Non-charismatics
1. Tongues are demonic
2. Miracles are over
3. Once saved always saved
To Charismatics
1. Born again can be demonized or demon possessed
2. Prosperity gospel
3. Secret rapture (Jesus’ Coming is imminent or anytime)
We thank God that in the 1990s, the fear of rapture by the
end of the millennium made many Christians come back to the Bible. Bible study
groups were rampant so that just before Y2K, there was much love, concern,
helps, compassion and respect for one another’s work and ministries. For the
first time, some churches offered financial support to our mission work. Though
Malaysia suffered greatly during the Asian Financial Crisis in mid-1997, Christians gave sacrificially thus meeting
the needs in mission fields and charitable homes. Christians can truly say that
Jesus had transformed me to love my
neighbour instead of myself. This was possibility the most fruitful period
for Christianity since the days of the Acts of the Apostles.
2 Pet 3:3-5 knowing
this first: that scoffers will come in
the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the
promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things
continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” For this they willfully
forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing
out of water and in the water.
During this time,
there were also some scoffers; worldly, covetous and depraved pastors and
leaders, mocking those who believe in rapture, to prevent them from
understanding endtime prophecies and events.
