"For Such a Time as This", #2

I have been doing a lot of thinking about the conditions of this world.

Since God did not call me to be a prophet, but a pastor/teacher, I don't have any new insights into the timing of our Lord's return. However, I still believe His return to rule HIS earth is very near.

I also believe the Holy Scriptures have given us many "signs" to help prepare His servants for His coming.

I am wondering what God is saying through the upheavals seen all around us. Here are some of my thoughts.

What some people are looking for as signs of Jesus the Messiah's return: wars, famines, earthquakes, etc., have been happening since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. It may be that they are becoming more common and devestating...or we may just be able to know about them, because of the great advances in technology. Time will tell. Personally, I choose to look more closely at other signs. I base this on Jesus' words: "All these are the beginning of birth pangs" [Matthew 24:8 NIV]. In other words, they will increase more and more as we get toward the end, but they are not the true indication of Christ's return.


Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 24:9 (NIV) that "you will be hated by all nations because of Me." I hear, more and more, of the hatred of the world for both Israel and the Christian Church. We are being tolerated less and less for our beliefs in God, His Word and His family of believers. Nations, states and cities are passing laws declaring it illegal to state what the Bible teaches regarding many issues, especially claiming that belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord is the only way to receive eternal life. I urge you to investigate this on The Voice of the Martyr's website and literature, as well as in the world and national news.
 
Second, Jesus boldly stated that people will "turn away from the faith" [Matt. 24:10]. This is a more important sign. I have been preaching and teaching, publicly, since 1963. I was ministering during the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the collapse of Russian and Eastern European Communism, the Gulf Wars, and the present "conflicts" with radical Islam sects. As I look out at my congregation, and especially out at the empty seats in our church building, the aging of our congregation; listening to the sighs and frustration of other ministers of the Good News, I am more and more convinced that it has now become popular to turn away from the faith, to listen to and follow false prophets, and to give in to the rising wickedness all around.
 
However, I am more concerned about the next sign of the soon return of King Jesus: "the love of MOST will grow cold" [Matt. 24:12b]. This I see even in my own heart! It is so tempting, some times, to just quit and run away. It is so tempting to just shrink into my little cocoon and not even watch the world going to hell.
 
But, the next verse keeps coming to my mind and heart: "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved [Matthew 24:13]. When I was younger, I would often tell God's people that their God-given task on this earth was not finished until they died.  Now, I see how easy it would be to give in to the same temptations I have seen in God's people, and just quit.
 
As you can see, I am writing this blog for ME! God the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me, challenging me, encouraging me, and lifting me up. He has been teaching me through His Word. Just like the saints of old, I must "keep on keeping on" until my Savior calls me Home.
 
As I write this blog, one of our dear saints is in her final hours/days on this earth. She has been such a blessing to me and to our church. She is keeping on keeping on. She still sang with me and prayed with me this day.
 
My maternal Grandfather, though he never went to college, was a very godly missionary and minister. He was preparing his next Sunday's sermon when he was hit with a heart attack that ultimately took him home.
 
In the week before my father died (also a missionary and pastor), my brother shared the joy he had listening to Dad's prayers.
 
God helping me, I want to follow in these saints' footsteps and keep on keeping on until I hear my Savior's call.  My ministry may change; but, the obedience to that which God calls me to do must remain. I have His calling, gifting, encouraging and strength behind me to keep being all that God wants me to be.
 
HOW ABOUT YOU?