And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:25-27)
No doubt we are living in dangerous times. Besieged by fear and terror, natural disasters upon natural disasters, wars and rumours of wars, all around us. World leaders are confused and perplexed. Millions of people are going through difficult, unbearable and agonizing circumstances.
Taking a look around the world, considering the turbulence and perplexing news we hear constantly, it’s time we wise up. It’s time to realise that the answer is not in us, that is, political leaders, institutions, or any power or strength from human beings. And there is no technology we can device to save us from this deep darkness settling upon us. The only solution is God Almighty. And, If there was ever a time to call upon God, It is now!!!
In the bible, Jesus told His disciples the events or the signs that will precede His Second Coming. Something very important we need to bear in mind is that, Jesus warned that all these things, that is, the signs or events that will precede His second coming are just the beginning of the intolerable things to expect on the earth. They are likened in the Bible to the pains of a woman at the beginning of labour or childbirth. (Matt 24: 3-8)
What we have experienced so far is only the tip of an iceberg. These occurrences will increase and become more intense in nature. The bible warns that, the impart of these frightfull events will literally cause men’s heart to “faint for fear” of things to come on the earth:
“For then there will be great tribulation (affliction, distress, and oppression) such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now–no, and never will be [again]. And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would endure and survive, but for the sake of the elect (God’s chosen ones) those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22)
We are now witnessing the beginning of the intolerable things to expect on the earth before the second coming of Christ. Yet, these signs are not judgement, but these are warning signs! God is allowing these warning signs as A WAKE UP CALL. We have to realise that time is short, and before it is too late, we must WAKE UP from our slumber. We are to WATCH AND PRAY!
Warning signs
What are signs for? Signs exist to guide and direct us to safety. Friends, these warning signs, allowed by God are for our aid. If we listen, they are there to guide us away from the coming danger on the earth!
When the disciples ask Jesus about how to know when His return is near. Note, Jesus was not casual about it, He sat down with them and explained to them carefully, layer upon layer, the signs that we precede His second coming. (Mark 13) Why? Because He wanted to prepare us. God clearly does not want us to be confused, anxious or fearful about any thing, and certainly, not even the turbulences we experiencing now. He told us exactly what to do. “Look up for your Redemption is near.” That is, Be Ready! Watch and Pray! (Mark 13:35-37)
God’s desire for us is not to be fearful but to be wise about all these things. He wants us to have an understanding of the Time we are living in, so that this darkness we not consume us.
“The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).” (Proverbs 4:7) Amp
I have included in this Post a Video clip below, from Irvin Baxter Ministries. It’s a ministry dedicated to sharing bible truth on Understanding the End Time. I hope it encourages and blesses you.
http://www.endtime.com/podcast/prophecies-fullfilled-being-fullfilled-will-be-fullfilled/
PS This video clip is Part 1, I will feature Part 2 in the next post.
amen., we are to watch and pray we don’t want the Lord to find us sleeping
Yes and amen my sister. Praise God for the opportunity He has given us to share this good news. Thank you & blessings to you!
Yes and amen my sister. Praise God for the opportunity He has given us to share this good news. Thank you & blessings to you!
Interesting video. Not sure I agree, but I am not prepared to disagree. I just think they have come up with some interesting ideas.
Are we are in the end times? Maybe. Based upon what I do know, not much has to happen before the events we associate with the Second Coming begin.
What we know for certain is that Jesus told us to live as if the Second Coming were near, but He did not tell us when the Second Coming will occur. He just gave us some signs, some much more obvious than others. With any luck, the rapture will occur (and believers will be raptured) before the manifestation of those signs become wholly obvious.
Consider the First Coming. We are in much the same position the Jews were in. When Jesus was standing there before them, they should have recognized who He was. Unfortunately, Jesus did not fulfill their preconceived notions. The Jewish leaders could not reconcile what the Bible said with what they wanted it to say. Therefore, when Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified, they willingly participated in His crucifixion.
So what are we to do? We get ready by doing our best to walk with God, and we use the prophecies we know have been fulfilled to help convince ourselves that God is running things. We need such motivation to help us live just as the Bible says we should.
So what do we do? We study the Bible and pray for understanding. With God’s help, we can and will find the Bible fascinating. We will enjoy studying it, and studying the Bible will aid our faith and give us comfort.
Thank you Citizen Tom for your comment. I so appreciate your addition and expansion on ‘What we are to do to be ready’. So true, you’re right, we don’t know the day or the hour, but I believe we should be discerning. It’s important to understand the Time and the Season we are in. This will not only benefits us as followers of Jesus Christ, but I believe it will also help us to communicate the gospel in a relevant way. As for me personally, I don’t subscribe to any End Time Eschatology, my ‘eschatology’ is, we should be ready everyday, every waking moment anticipating the return of Christ (1 Thessalonian 5:1-6). Thanks a lot for your brilliant contributions on this blog. God bless you!!
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. How very appropriate! Thank you.