As someone who is often referred to as an end times teacher, the great damage these scandals will cause absolutely breaks my heart. The beautiful message of Christ's return and the renewal of all things has always been the focal point of all biblical hope. Does the Bible call us to die to ourselves and even embrace martyrdom if necessary? 100%. Will persecution drastically increase against the faithful in the last days? Yep. Things like the tribulation and the mark of the beast however, these are not the focus of the Gospel.

The primary focus of the Good News is the hope of a new world, one in which corrupt political leaders and spiritual principalities both cease. Instead the meek—humble servant leaders govern the earth under the leadership of the King of justice. It is a message about a time when things like addiction, premature death, and overdoses will no longer exist. No more sickness, no more death. No more mental health issues, body dysphoria, gender confusion, or suicide. No more election seasons. No political ads or even political parties.

The Bible does not teach the end of the world. It teaches the end of this current broken, corrupt world system. It promises a renewed earth, a restored, amplified Eden. Combine the Garden Paradise of Eden with something similar to the Kingdom of David or Solomon at the time of its greatest glory. This is how the biblical prophets envision the age to come. Peace among the nations. No more wars. Neighbors inviting neighbors over to "sit under their own vine or fig tree." No more anxiety or depression. Instead "gladness and joy will overtake them." 

Whether one believes any of these things or not, it is the most beautiful message that has ever been proclaimed. It meets the deepest needs of every man, woman, and child who has ever lived. Churches and ministries may collapse. Leaders may fall. Heroes may utterly fail us. Kingdoms and nations may wither and decay into irrelevance. This message of hope however, will remain. Down through the ages, the light will continue to shine and the truth will go forth.

"The Church" will look drastically different than what many of us expected. It will be far more real and humble than what many of us have grown accustomed to.

Celebrity Christianity is dead. 

What remains is withering on the vine and will soon fall to the ground. Many wrongly see the fall of great ministers and the collapse of ministries as the end of something. I believe it is the beginning of something far more beautiful. Come what may, let the Maranatha cry pour forth from our broken hearts. Until He splits the sky... -Joel Richardson