Many people look at the news rather than the Bible to determine where we are in God’s great plan of salvation. History says that civilizations come and go, and we know that world wars come and go. Today, there is no end to bad news. The economy of the whole world has fallen. But look back at the pandemic of influenza in 1918. More than fifteen million people died in one year. Fearful events do not necessarily mean the end of days is near.
At this point in history, there is an abundance of evidence building that the Judge is standing at the door, and the appointed time of the end is drawing near. For example, when I consider the burden that eight billion people impose on Earth’s resources, when I see the idolatry, unbridled greed, and sexual immorality that contaminates every nation, when I consider the misery index rising in every nation, I cannot think of a better time for the appearing of Jesus than now.
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake. Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter. The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night. As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels! (Revelation 8:5-13)
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things [the great distress which has no equal in Earth’s history], you know that it [the Second Coming] is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation [the human race] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:21-35)
At last, at the end of the Great Tribulation, God’s children will be gathered up and will head for Heaven to inherit a glorious city prepared for them from the foundations of the world. The joy and awe of this event cannot be told. It has to be experienced.
Jesus said, “In My Father's house are many rooms. And if we’re not so, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will comCHRIST IS COMING SOONe and will not delay. (Hebrews 10:37)
And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. (1 John 2:28)
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. (Revelation 3:11)
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen, Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)
No comments:
Post a Comment