Dissension leading to civil strife

I want to talk about what is going down in the middle east, but first I want to talk to you about what’s going down in our own hood.

Currently, New Zealand is facing significant challenges. These include economic instability, security worries, a cost-of-living crisis, lawlessness, entitlement issues among some citizens, racial tensions, pervasive distrust, a disconnect between the government and the populace, strain on the healthcare system, dissent, poverty, and educational problems.

These issues are not unique to New Zealand but are prevalent in many Western democracies worldwide.

However, the most critical problem overshadowing all others is the widespread lack of trust among people. This lack of trust extends beyond the news media, especially during the Covid crisis when their credibility was called into question.

 This erosion of trust is evident in daily life, leading to increased security measures, surveillance, fear of strangers, and even suspicion within families.

The prevalence of mistrust is a significant concern, impacting not only personal relationships but also societal cohesion.

The escalation of tensions fuelled by mistrust, lies, and fear is creating a divisive atmosphere in the country,

There is so much unrest, the nations are stirring.

For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.” Proverbs 30:33

Have you noticed just how many individuals, groups, and organisations in this land are stirring up anger looking to produce strife.

Well before the change of Government in 2023 there has been tensions based on mistrust, lies, and fear which is motivating this country to become the Shakey Isles and I am not speaking about earthquakes, but the division they are putting between the people of the land.

Commentators in the United States have remarked that the country has never been so divided, but we cannot definitively claim that this is the true nature of the nation.

The prospect of a civil war in the US is a genuine concern, and I must caution that such a scenario is also very much a possibility within the borders of New Zealand, given the growing mistrust in certain parts of our country.

New Zealand may not face external invasion; rather, it could face internal collapse. Returning to the core issue at hand – mistrust – it is crucial to pause and reflect on it.

 Consider the news media that is no longer trusted, the politicians who lack trust, the diminished trust in authority figures; in this climate of distrust, whom can you truly rely on?

Discussing the situation in the Middle East, it is notable how many religious leaders have latched onto the idea of an impending apocalypse, particularly focused on the tensions between Iran and Israel as prophesied in the book of Ezekiel.

While acknowledging the significance of these events, it is important to avoid sensationalism and fearmongering.

Predictions of specific dates should be taken with caution as they can lead to disappointment and foster distrust when they do not come to pass.

The recent incidents between Israel and Iran, involving bombings and missile launches, are indeed concerning and could potentially escalate into a larger conflict. However, it is crucial to analyse the situation objectively and not jump to apocalyptic conclusions.

Without a doubt, war is imminent, but at this stage neither side have an appetite, but we know it will happen.

Jesus said he didn’t know when the end will happen, all these preachers screaming it is now, its happening, need to read and understand their bibles and start preaching like the end is coming.

Tell you what, if they written a book about the coming end, it’s kind of hard to accept its true unless they have been speaking about the need for repentance and judgement.

Yes, Jesus spoke of the time we are living, where You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed Matthew 24:6

And here is the kicker for all those pastors. verse ⁴⁴ So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  

Now I have to tell you, we started speaking about mistrust, to be honest, if you put a mistrust into a church leader who can you trust, I am concerned there are so many church leaders who cannot be trusted to speak out and prepare even their own congregations about the coming days.

Jesus said in the end V21For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equalled again.

You are right to mistrust, there is plenty of reason to feel that way, but let me end with this.

In an era marked by increasing threats and uncertainties, as the global economy continues its downward spiral, individuals worldwide are in desperate need of guidance and leadership unlike any other period in history.

The outlook for the future appears bleak and only seems to be worsening. It is widely recognized that a beacon of hope is required to navigate the mounting crises facing the world.

Renowned historian Paul Johnson emphasized the crucial lesson that prudent, strong, and courageous leadership is irreplaceable.

This essential element is currently lacking in the civilized world and must be promptly sought, as nations are poised to entrust their governance to any individual who can offer viable solutions to global challenges.

It is important to note that the individual who emerges in this capacity may exploit the prevailing atmosphere of mistrust; they may embody the Anti-Christ, the deceitful offspring, appointed by the father of lies.

In a world where trust is scarce, the Bible stands as the sole source of truth amid the increasing darkness.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of seeking guidance from the Bible and fellow Christians to navigate a world rife with mistrust and uncertainty.