Last Day – Last Hour – At Hand, Part 4

The teaching discusses new biblical perspectives regarding 2nd Timothy 3:1-5, emphasizing that Paul, Peter, John, and the writer of Hebrews believed their contemporaneous era to be the "last days" as indicated through various scriptural passages. It highlights that phrases like "the time is at hand" and "I come quickly" found in Revelation, Acts, and Peter's epistle suggest an immediate or imminent timeframe rather than an extensive period, urging believers to recognize and respond to these final times with vigilance and prayer.

In Shawn's teaching, he emphasizes the significance of recognizing that Jesus' promise to return to His followers was fulfilled in the context of the early Church as described in the Book of Revelation, highlighting how many today misinterpret the scripture by projecting this event into the future rather than understanding it within its historical setting. He argues that while the specific traits of society Paul described to Timothy were evident in those last days, similar characteristics can still be observed today, and thus, he challenges believers to reconsider their views on Christianity, the apostolic records, and the role of organized religion in the light of the Age of Fulfillment that has been ongoing since that time.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the idea that being a Christian transcends external symbols like wearing a cross, focusing instead on embodying faith in Christ, demonstrating works as fruits of belief, and providing honest testimony. He challenges the literal interpretations of religious texts, urging followers to seek deeper, more authentic understandings and connections with their faith rather than relying solely on conventional readings.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the necessity of returning to God with all one's heart and following His commands as a path to experience compassion and restoration, especially highlighting the transformative power of obedience. He addresses various theological debates, including the context of biblical passages on homosexuality, the role of grace, and the ongoing presence of evil despite the concept of demonic confinement, stressing the need for love, truth, and freedom in understanding Scripture.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes God's omnipotence in shaping history and guiding leaders like Cyrus without their prior knowledge of Him, illustrating that faith in God's unique power can lead to miraculous outcomes, as seen in the healing stories of the centurion's servant and the Canaanite woman's daughter. The message also cautions against idolatry and senselessness, underscoring the negative societal consequences when people abandon their spiritual and moral senses.

Shawn addresses the controversy surrounding Romans and homosexuality, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture in context without condoning any form of sin, arguing against the misuse of biblical texts by those who draw unconditional lines of condemnation. He stresses that traditional interpretations often lead to moral tyranny within Christian communities and advocates for a balance of scriptural integrity with the teachings of love and liberty brought by Christ.

Shawn's teaching suggests that the Jewish nation faced destruction due in part to their actions against Jesus, as supported by early Christian writers such as Origin, Tertullian, and Eusebius, who cited events like the crucifixion and the subsequent fall of Jerusalem. Additionally, following God's law as a demonstration of love for Him is emphasized, even when salvation does not require adherence to rules, highlighting the selflessness and commitment to God’s ways over personal desires.

Understanding the essence of the Reformation reveals that scholars found no scriptural basis for claims of human authority over divine matters, emphasizing that intervention doesn’t require a mortal intermediary and apostasy of any church is reconcilable through God and man’s covenant. This teaching also underscores the core Christian principle that grace is an unearned gift, emphasized by the reconciliation offered through Christ’s sacrifice and the belief in forgiveness through faith.