We Live In A Very Volatile And Violent World

As evidenced by the recent terror attack in Manchester, England (see here), we live in a very volatile and violent world; a world filled with murder, mayhem, and madness. Because of God giving man free agency, man is able to "choose" between good and evil; life and death (Deuteronomy 30:15,19; cf. Joshua 24:14-15).

Thus, our planet is plagued with evil and evil men (Genesis 6:5-7), and there will be no end to evil until God purges all of the defiling elements found on this planet (2 Peter 3:9-14). In fact, evil men "will grow worse and worse" (2 Timothy 3:13), but on the other side of the coin, there will no defiling element found in that heavenly city (Revelation 21, noting specifically vs. 27).

Knowing all of the above, as God's people, we should be striving every day of our lives to live in peace with God, "without spot and blameless" (2 Peter 3:14), focusing our attention "on things above" and not on things found on this defiled earth (Colossians 3:1-2). We should be looking for that "better country" (Hebrews 11:16); that heavenly country which contains heavenly mansions (John 14:1-4), where evil, sickness and death, will no longer exist (Revelation 7:13-17; Revelation 21:1-7).

Beloved, the above facts provides us the reason why we need to be found teaching the saving gospel of Christ to a defiled world (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:1-2), a world filled with people living in sin, so that they too can enjoy the benefits of heaven for eternity. Obedience to the powerful saving gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 6:16-18), and God's salvation plan, is the only means of attaining heaven.

While we mourn the loss of innocent lives in Manchester, England, let us, with greater intensity, mourn over and purge any sin that may be found in our lives (Matthew 5:4; James 4:7-10), asking God to forgive us, and to "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

And as far as evil and violent perpetrators are concerned, God will take care of them (Romans 12:19; cf. Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 13:1-6; Hebrews 10:30).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets