The message of Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel across the world is a testament to the power of divine influence, transcending all human boundaries. Yet, as we approach what many believe to be the end times, a concerning paradox arises: despite the clear signs of prophetic fulfillment, many remain indifferent or even dismissive. The hustle and bustle of modern life often overshadow the significant markers of these times, leading some to ridicule or ignore the evident signs of the approaching culmination of history. This very scenario was foretold in Scripture, as Jesus and the apostle Peter warned.
Crucial Point
In an intriguing and crucial point, Jesus emphasized that the end times would not just be marked by some prophecies coming true, but by the complete fulfillment of all prophetic declarations. This brings us to a profound question: Are we living in the last days? Based on the Bible’s timeline, from the onset of World War I in 1914 to the current state of global affairs, the evidence suggests that we indeed are.
Revelation and Prophecy
In these times of revelation and prophecy, our guide must be Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. It is through Him alone that we find our path to the Heavenly Father. In Matthew 7:22, the Bible reminds us that many will claim to have performed miracles in Jesus’ name, but without a sincere and humble heart, these deeds hold no value in God’s Kingdom. Wisdom is crucial for understanding the times we live in. The wise, with open hearts and minds filled with God’s word, will discern these signs, while the uninformed may miss the significance of these events.
Spirit-filled
We are called to be spirit-filled, spirit-led, wise, and watchful. Our lives should be aligned with the divine promise of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who promises salvation and hope. As John 14:2-3 reveals, there are many rooms in our Heavenly Father’s house. Jesus prepares a place for us, promising to return and gather us to Himself, ensuring that we reside where He is. This is a profound message of hope, indicating that God will halt the prevailing iniquity and guide us back to our celestial dwelling.
Promised Day Arrives
Until that promised day arrives, we are provided with clear signs to alert us of the approaching time. These signs, stable and unmistakable, serve as harbingers of the nearing end. The Scriptures warn us of individuals falsely proclaiming themselves as the Messiah. Rather than getting entangled in every global event or making a checklist of end-time signs, we should focus on seeking the divine, knowing Jesus Christ, engaging in prayer, and deepening our connection with Him. This pursuit should be our principal objective.
Awaken
The Scriptures call us to awaken, to become aware of the existence of Heaven and Hell, and the certainty of a Day of Reckoning. Heaven, as described in the sacred text, is a realm of unparalleled beauty and serenity, devoid of tears and sorrow, filled with boundless joy and tranquility. It is a place where we will be perpetually in the divine presence of the Lord, far removed from the afflictions and calamities of our world. In these trying times, let us devote ourselves to nurturing a righteous relationship with Jesus Christ, ensuring that when we meet Him, we will be greeted with His divine proclamation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This is the fulfillment of the Revelation, a culmination of all that we’ve been reading and hearing about.
Extraordinary Adventure
Life is an extraordinary adventure, and navigating it isn’t always smooth, especially in today’s world filled with endless distractions. Each of us faces unique challenges, much like warriors on a battlefield. As followers of Christ, we are not exempt from distractions; in fact, we may face more than our share. Jesus warned us about these distractions, particularly as we approach the end of time on Earth. But amidst the chaos, we have a steadfast anchor in the Lord Jesus. The Bible encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on Him, for with His guidance, we can conquer any distraction.
Reminds Us to Run
Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. The inspiring witnesses in the Bible who have gone before us testify that a life of faith is fulfilling, with immense rewards. Take Nehemiah, who, despite numerous distractions threatening his mission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, declared resolutely, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”
World Face Challenges
Today, believers around the world face challenges that threaten to distract them from their faith. It’s imperative to equip ourselves to navigate these turbulent times, focusing on Jesus’ warnings about end-time distractions. In Matthew 24:4-5, Jesus cautions us to stay vigilant against false messiahs and prophets who aim to deceive. Even the most well-meaning individuals could fall prey to deception, so we must guard against it.
Every Christian
Jesus’ caution extends to every Christian: Beware of false messiahs and prophets. In Acts, false messiahs like Simon the Sorcerer and the girl with the spirit of divination aimed to deceive many. We must remain vigilant and not be swept away by the distractions of these false prophets. Matthew 24:23-26 underscores this: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Wonders Alone
Signs and wonders alone don’t necessarily mean those performing them are sent by God. Their teachings must align with the Bible, and their miracles should not be mere deceptions. In today’s world, many are quick to accept miracles as evidence of God’s presence, but miracles must be coupled with sound teaching and righteous living. We must be discerning, focusing on sermons that glorify God and inspire us to become more like Jesus.
Love of Money
The love of the world and the love of money are major distractions that pull believers away from their faith. 1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world or anything in it, as this love comes not from the Father but from the world. We cannot serve both God and worldly desires. Similarly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, as 1 Timothy 6:9-10 explains. It lures us away from God and spiritual pursuits, shifting our focus solely to material possessions.
Sorrow and Misery
Chasing After Money leads to sorrow and misery, and it crowds out any room for the love of God. Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus was driven by his love for money, as John 12:4-6 reveals. The unchecked craving for money breeds evil, leading to spiritual downfall. To overcome these distractions, we must focus on Jesus and stand firm in the freedom He has given us. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to anchor ourselves in God’s word, ensuring our faith and lives are purified and safeguarded for His glory. Whenever distractions arise, we should turn to God’s word and seek His guidance to remain steadfast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, remain vigilant against false prophets, avoid the love of the world and money, and align ourselves with the divine truth. By doing so, we prepare for the promise of a new dawn, securing our place in the eternal bliss of Heaven.