The fabric of society is unraveling.
The news is discouraging on so many levels & in so many ways.
Some days we feel like tuning out and giving up.
The Bible has been warning us for 2,000 years of what the future holds for this world & this world system, called in Scripture "the latter times" (1 Timothy 4:1-3) or "the last days" (2 Timothy 3:1-5), spoken of by the prophet Daniel, by our Lord Jesus, and by the Apostle John in the last book of the Bible, The Revelation of Jesus Christ.
But rather than getting discouraged, maybe we should understand the times we are living in, and redeem the time the Lord has given us. As we see Biblical prophecy aligning and casting a shadow of imminent future fulfillment:
- rather than being discouraged, let it energize & motivate us to really live for Jesus
- let's be the light & salt we are called to be despite the temptations, trials, pressure or persecution
- Instead of trying to fit in or impress this world, let's identify fully with our Lord Jesus: bear the world's reproach for His sake as a badge of honor (Hebrews 13:13)
I believe the Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is restraining the ultimate evil that will come upon this world, the time described as the "Time of Jacob's Trouble." (2 Thessalonians 2:7, Jeremiah 30:7) When He is taken out of the way, at the catching up of the Church, then all the prophesies of the end-times will come to fulfillment. For us then that believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles Peter and Paul's words should fill our minds:
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
2 Peter 3:11-14
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
Colossians 3:1-4
In light of all this, let's encourage one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), and look for and love the appearing of our Lord Jesus (2 Timothy 4:8).
Live for your King.
Maranatha!
Have A Warm Autumn!
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