Guest Post
by John Doyle
“The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake… putting on the breastplate of faith and Love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 2,6, 8.
Have noticed that many who are going through difficult times in Lockdown are searching for signs indicating “end times” and “rapture”. Its very prevalent on Social Media as people try to interpret the stories behind the Coronavirus told Globally.
So what do we know about the end of the world? Just as importantly, what don’t we know? And how should we live in light of this knowledge?
Let these Biblical truths guide you as you pray for God to give you wisdom and peace in these difficult times.
Understand the Truth About the End Times
How is the world going to end? Can anyone predict when it will happen? How bad will things get before Jesus comes back? We don’t have all the answers but I do have just 2 points that I trust will encourage you in these difficult times.
1. Make Sure You’re Ready
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! And He Who sat on him was called called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war” – Revelation 19:11
Jesus Christ came to earth as a suffering Servant, He will return as conquering King. A day of reckoning is coming, and we are invited in Gods Word to be Ready – Matt 24:44 “Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh”. As believers let’s remind the people out there to give their hearts to Jesus in repentance and faith knowing that the King of Kings will come one day and “capture His bride away” and so we do need to encourage people to become part of that Bride that they too will be ready for that Day.
The Bible says it’s not “if” but “when” Jesus Christ will come back to judge the earth. By choosing to follow Christ now, you can ensure you’ll have eternal life in Heaven. That’s the most important message we can give to the peoples of this Earth at this time.
Know the Signs by reading Gods Word. While the Bible makes it clear that no human being knows when the world will end, it also says there will be signs that Jesus’ return is approaching. The best source for understanding signs of the end times is the Bible itself. Take a careful look at some of the things Jesus said about His return.
- Please read about signs of the end of the age in Matthew 24
- Read about the coming of the Kingdom in Luke 17
- Read about what Jesus foretold in Luke 21
Great passages of scripture that would be great reading for you at this time.
From the coronavirus pandemic to natural disasters, many people are asking whether specific events are signs of the end times. The short answer is we don’t know.
I am sure you know or have heard of Billy Graham. I was reading about the time he preached in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, on the night of a total lunar eclipse. Rather than pointing to the eclipse as a specific sign from the Lord, he used the moon and stars to illustrate the incomprehensible vastness of the power of God.
Billy Graham, said he believed there are Biblical signs of the end times visible in the world. He wrote, “We see the storm clouds gathering and events taking place that herald the second coming of Jesus Christ.”
On the last night of the 1969 New York City Crusade, Billy Graham preached that there will be “scoffers” in the last days. In 2 Peter, chapter 3, the Bible describes these scoffers as people who will follow their own sinful desires while mocking the truth of Jesus return as though it will never happen.
We as Believers will also face these kinds of “Scoffers” in these days but let’s:
2. Choose Hope, Not Despair
In the same message from New York City in 1969, Billy Graham said people tend to react to the idea of the end of the world in one of three ways: with pessimism, activism or hope.
As Believers we belong to that group that has a theology of HOPE. Because our hope is not centered in this World or in what man is going to do or not going to do. Our HOPE is centered in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, who the Bible says is going to come back someday and rule over us as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
As a follower of Christ, we have HOPE, especially when it comes to end times. The idea of the end of the world may seem frightening, but those who are in Christ have nothing to fear. When events at home and around the world cause you to despair, remember that Jesus has overcome the world, and He will come back for His Bride. Billy Graham said “I have read the last page of the Bible. It is all going to turn out all right.”
God’s Word says “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Have a blessed day and don’t forget to sing this song with me.
In the Love of the Lord Jesus.
John and Barbara
SIGN OF THE TIMES
Years of time have come and gone
Since I first heard it told
How Jesus would come again some day
If back then it seemed so real
Then I just can’t help but feel
How much closer His coming is today
Signs of the times are everywhere
There’s a brand new feeling in the air
Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky
Lift up your head redemption draweth nigh
Wars and strife on every hand
And violence fills the land
Still some people doubt He’ll ever come again
But the Word of God is true
He’ll redeem His chosen few
So, don’t lose hope for soon Christ Jesus will descend
Signs of the times are everywhere
There’s a brand new feeling in the air
Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky
Lift up your head redemption draweth nigh
Oh, keep your eyes upon the eastern sky
Lift up your head redemption draweth nigh (draweth nigh)