Home Tags Posts tagged with "Apocalypse And The End Times"
Tag:

Apocalypse And The End Times

walking in joy in end times
ArticlesFaith

My Prayer To Walk In God’s Joy In The End Times

by Debbie Przybylski
written by Debbie Przybylski

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Lord, I pray for a victorious prayer life. I ask that You would help me to walk in Your joy in the end times. When life is difficult, help me to see from Your point of view. You are the God of hope, and I can overflow with Your joy and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Teach me to pray diligently and wholeheartedly with a good heart attitude. People around me are stressed and worried without hope about the future. Their hearts are troubled, but I choose to walk in Your peace and joy. Your joy is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). You are returning soon to earth, and I rejoice in my Bridegroom King. I anticipate this joyful time and all the joys of Your eternal reign. I fix my eyes on You.

You have an answer for every problem, even when I don’t see it through my eyes. You know the beginning from the end. Lord, I choose to link with You and not let the world squeeze me into its mold. You know the way that I can walk through my circumstances victoriously. I choose to obey Philippians 4:4-5, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.’

Help me to re- joice in You always. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not something that I can create myself. Your joy is supernatural, and remains deep and abiding even when I am in the midst of hardship. Help me learn to let Your Spirit fill me with Your unquenchable joy, regardless of what is happening around me. I want to let Your light shine from my life to a world looking desperately for hope. I want my life to be a testimony of Your light.

Psalm 16:11 says, ‘You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.’ There is joy in the secret place of prayer and in Your presence even in times of darkness. There is joy as I choose to center my life on You. I choose to make You my highest ambition, my deepest desire, and my greatest goal. Give me Your spirit of joy as I walk through the turbulence of the end times with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

“Jesus did not pray that you would merely be happy or even that you would escape grief. He prayed that you would have the same joy that the Father had given Him: a divine joy, a joy that comes from a deep and unwavering relationship with the Father. It is a joy that is grounded so firmly in a relationship with God that no change in circumstances could ever shake it. This is the kind of joy that Christ is praying will be in you.” Henry Blackaby

https://intercessorsarise.teachable.com/p/the-5-day-free-preparation-for-the-end-times-challenge/

By Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
_______
Read more on the GOD TV blog here

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Birth Pangs
Articles

Get Your FREE Copy Of Birth Pangs Today

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

Jesus said that the end-times would be marked by a series of birth pangs. Few prophetic people saw Coronavirus coming. While many so-called prophets were predicting its quick demise, none of them saw the racial riots that would not only shake America, but the world. Social media offers us a plethora of opinions, but what is God saying to us during this crucial hour?

  • Will you be ready for the last days before Yeshua returns?
  • Where are the true prophets of God?
  • Does God still judge?
  • Can you hate Israel and love Jesus?
  • What is God saying through the racial tensions?

Ron Cantor seeks to deal with these questions and many more using Yeshua’s Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) as a guide. Yeshua forewarned us so we would be ready. Are you?

How To Get A FREE Copy Of Birth Pangs

ShelanuSince GOD TV started 25 years ago, one of our core objectives has always been to support the State of Israel. As a global broadcaster, we aim to defend the land God calls His own; to rally the Church worldwide to bless the Jewish People and to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. This is why so much of our programming is Israel-focused and why we take regular tours to the Land of the Bible.

More than ever before, Christians around the world need to stand closely with our friends in Israel. We must be ‘watchmen on her walls’, her defender, advocate and intercessor. We will never stop speaking out against anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions BDS Movement.

Join Ron Cantor and GOD TV in blessing the Jewish people through our humanitarian projects on the ground in Israel, but also through our new Hebrew language channel, Shelanu TV.

So where does the FREE ebook come in? Anyone who gives any amount towards Shelanu TV will receive a FREE ebook version of Birth Pangs!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
legacy
Faith

Leaving A Salt Free Legacy

by Corine Channell
written by Corine Channell

“Remember Lot’s wife.” Jesus spoke these three words in Luke chapter 17, in speaking to His disciples about the end of times. Lot’s wife’s final tragic longing and looking back stopped her dead in her tracks, for real. She missed her most precious defining moment. We all know her horrifying ending – she turned into a pillar of salt.

I wondered if somewhere in history there was a reference to her having had an actual name. Yes. In Jewish traditions her name was Edith. Edith means: blessed. How tragically ironic or ironically tragic. Her name was her curse. There is nothing or no one worth sacrificing eternity for.

I wonder if Lot’s wife could represent America, not just individually but collectively. We are being called out of blessing and riches and prosperity, asked to leave it all behind for the sake of eternity, for the love of remaining with your family, for the love of something bigger than what you thought was your all in all.

The things that we cling to in America are the same as the blessings and riches of Sodom and Gomorrah. They were the fruitful lands chosen by Lot because of their outward beauty. Genesis 13 describes Sodom and Gomorrah as “well watered, like the garden of the Lord.” In other words, it was just like the Garden of Eden, before sin entered and destroyed its beauty. Those two cities, though beautiful to behold, were full of sinful men. Blessing and riches do not mean purity and goodness. Usually it is a far cry from that.

If you are full and have no need, you are a target for complacency and apathy. Blessing is not necessarily due to being rewarded. Lot chose with his eyes. It cost him greatly.

So if we are warned NOT to be like Lot’s wife, what did she do that we are warned not to follow suit in the end of times?

What Is Our Legacy?

There must be something incredibly deep here. (And more than just salt free.) Could it be that we as a blessed nation, and having embraced sin fully, could miss our final chance to find redemption, in our last moments? Could we not be able to go of our riches, our schedules, our careers, our blessings?

What if we have been just sailing along, thinking all is well because, well – all IS well. Then the day of fire comes and we can’t let go of our blessings. We can’t bear it. How awful and tragic to lose the only blessing that truly mattered and truly could survive the fire of God. Knowing HIM. Following HIM. We can love our blessings more than life itself.

Remember the Bible story of the rich man and the beggar? The beggar was clearly not deemed ‘blessed’. He had nothing. I mean, come on, he was begging. The rich man however was riding high on his own success, full of riches and glory, and appeared to be the one blessed in this story. He couldn’t have cared less about the beggar on the side of the road, who was broken and hungry. Did his worldly blessings get him a golden ticket to heaven? No. “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done (or the riches we have acquired) lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

The rich man could not buy his way into heaven, and he looked up from hell and saw the poor man in heaven. Can you even dare to imagine his horror as he realized all he had put his hope and breath into, did not matter when it was all said and done. It did not matter in the light of eternity. He had the blessings of this world, but it wasn’t enough to get him into the next world; into heaven.

Lot’s wife faced this same thing. Sodom represented blessing to her; all the beloved people and things and desires and longings. She couldn’t leave it behind her.

I have longings and things I know I am holding on to. I am working hard at not being blinded by what feels important or what feels right, or even feels like a blessing. Who was Edith before she was addicted to her sin and longing? When did Sodom get such a hold on her that in her moment of rescue she couldn’t stop looking back ? I am wondering if we are all a little more like her than we want to admit. I wonder if I am. Are we so bound to a concept or to something or to someone that we have slowly but surely allowed our foolish heart to begin to crystallize like salt?

I don’t think she just turned to salt in an instant – I think it was a slow but sure process that had been ongoing. Salt was the final outcome of the hardening of her heart.

A Sad Legacy

God was still trying to save her – He gave her a chance to flee – her day came with a plan of escape – but she couldn’t let go of her sinful longings. Her choice became her sad legacy.

We all struggle with something that constantly tries to pull us away from God. I know what mine is – I bet you know yours. I don’t want to be running for my life and have anything that gives me pause or longing to risk it all and look back. I definitely feel the pull. It’s scary to realize your own humanity and your own sin nature you’re bent to.

The sad reality of these simple words: “Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26).

I’m terrified of only being remembered for my failures. Don’t we all want to defined by more than the sum total of our mistakes? Lot’s wife may or may not have felt the same way – the Bible doesn’t say. It really only says when her day to flee her own destruction, she chose not to obey. One command . One rule at the moment – RUN! Don’t look back! Horror of horrors this is where it ends for her; story over. A no name pillar of salt. Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13,14)

“Remember Lot’s wife.” (Luke 17:32) While there is no hope for Lot’s wife those three words could serve to save millions of souls from following her. Her legacy of salt offers us a salt free legacy, and the chance to choose wisely.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
apostacy
Faith

Apostasy In The End Times

by Jordan Wells
written by Jordan Wells

Many are shocked in recent weeks as two previously known Christian leaders declared apostasy, that they would no longer be practicing the Christian faith. For many, this was a great shock, and disappointment as it was for me. I really began to pray into this and received revelation on this subject from The Father.

In the subject of bible prophecy, there are many signs concerning the second coming of the Lord. Those that have usually heard any teaching on the subject, which in our generation is a rare occurrence being that most leaders refuse to prepare the people for the end times, have focused on signs such as wars and rumors Of wars! However, there are signs that are even more evident in the study of end-time events.

The devastation of apostasy

Over the years as I have studied intensely the subject of the end times. One of the greatest signs of the second coming is found in several verses below that I want you to look at:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (KJV) “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first.”

Another verse that I want you to look at is found in Matthew 24:3-4,  “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”

 I believe based on all my years of studying Bible prophecy, one of the greatest signs that we see, is that of apostasy or deception.

The Bible predicts a global revival of God’s Glory. While at the same time warning that many would be deceived and would leave or defect from the faith. Jesus in Matthew 24 is about to give the disciples his end-time theology concerning what he called The End Of The Age, and the first sign that he gives us is to not be deceived!  This means that as we approach the end of the age, there will be an increase in global deception. Many false prophets are prophesied in scripture to arise and deceive many. We know that there will be, according to the scriptures, doctrines of demons that will increase in the last days.

Keep your mind strong

1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV tells us, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons”

I believe there have been a few times in church history where we have seen an increase in heresy and false teaching. Doctrine are being preached that have removed hell, and core tenants of the Christian faith. We also see that in 2 Thessalonians 2 that as we approach the second coming many would fall away from the original faith that they had once believed.  Many are being led astray in these days according to the scriptures and veering toward apostasy.

As God’s people, we should not be overtaken by these things because the scripture warns us that these things would happen.

Again, my purpose in writing this article is to encourage the body of Christ. I believe the second coming is still the blessed hope of the church. Based on the signs of deception all around us, we are drawing closer to the second coming of Jesus Christ! The Bible warns us that some would fall from the faith, so do not be discouraged we are drawing closer to the return of our savior.

In the midst of the falling away of many, I believe we will see even more of those that once were giants possibly fall from the faith. Though we are promised a great end-time outpouring of God’s Glory, we are also promised an increase of darkness as well. Nations are truly being touched by the power of God. In the midst of great deception, God’s people must hold onto the truth of God’s word and his presence must become the very air we breathe.

The church walking in God’s Glory is the only way we will be able to walk in victory in these times.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
UK Brexit
Articles

UK Brexit Chaos As France And Germany Merge!

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

Brexit Chaos?

While here in the USA we are celebrating a victory of democracy and fairness with the conclusion of the Mueller Investigation, in the UK things are very different. The exact opposite in fact. Two years ago the British people had a referendum to determine if the country wanted to remain part of the European Union or not.  The UK voted to withdraw and become an independent sovereign nation once more. However, PM Theresa May, who took over the premiership with the resignation of David Cameron following the referendum, could not negotiate a withdrawal deal with the EU that would benefit her country. The UK Government was henceforth plunged into turmoil.

With different factions within government vying for supremacy, the UK Parliament last night voted to pass the ‘Letwin Amendment.’ This is essence overrides the UK Government’s control over the Brexit Referendum and empowers those who oppose Brexit to negotiate a watered-down deal that could mean a partial withdrawal from Europe as opposed to a complete severance.

In other words the UK could be ‘punished’ or penalized for leaving. An incredible scenario given that the UK has paid billions of pounds into Europe each year. According to the UK’s Independent Fact-checking Charity – Full Fact, in 2017 the UK’s EU membership cost 18.6 billion GBP. However, the UK received a rebate of 5.6 billion, therefore the UK paid around 13 billion per year, or 250 million a week. A staggering sum. In fact out of a total of 28 countries, the UK ranks third with 13% of the total contributions – one of the biggest contributors. Surpassed only by France and Germany. The UK is also one of 10 countries that receives less than it contributes.

UK Brexit

Leaving Europe – The Agreement

So leaving the EU can only be a good thing, right? Well a couple of the years ago the British people had a defining moment in history by saying a resounding ‘YES’ to leave. However, the EU insists that the UK pay around 39 billion to leave. A kind of ‘divorce settlement’. So what is the problem with PM May’s agreement with Europe? The ‘settlement’ agreement they came up with covers three main areas:

  • Britain’s financial ‘divorce’ settlement with EU agreed commitments.
  • Rights of UK citizens in the EU and EU citizens in the UK
  • The ‘hard-border’ issue in Ireland/Northern Ireland.

The main problem is the border issue in Ireland. Not only has this been contentious in the past for regional / national identity reasons, but with Brexit occurring it would automatically become an EU border. This is apparently too ‘sensitive’ to deal with because of a troubled past. Therefore a ‘backstop’ agreement was reached. The form that this backstop should take has been the sticking point.  Because Northern Ireland is the only ‘land border’ with the EU, it would have to be treated differently than the rest of the UK.

Democracy – A Distant Dream?

Now the UK Parliament has voted to take over the Brexit negotiations.  With many differing viewpoints held regarding Brexit within the UK parliament, one has to question the integrity of the concept. The Prime Minister and his/her cabinet and party are voted in by the British people to ensure that the will of the people is accomplished and the proper running of the country occurs and hopefully benefits the people. With the vote within Parliament last night to take the power from the leader’s hands, one has to question if we are actually witnessing a breakdown of democracy itself? It smells a lot like a coup d’état. But there’s more…

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

Merkel Macron Dream of European Army!

This week France and Germany, the top two EU contributors, signed an update to the Élysée Treaty to restate their commitment to the EU. The 16-page update to the 1963 treaty was strategically signed in the German border city of Aachen at the residence of Charlemagne, the ‘Father of Europe’ who historically managed to unite most of the western continent in the ninth century. The agreement promises:

“German-French economic area with common rules” and “a common military culture.”

Merkel referring to the ‘common military culture, stated it could: “contribute to the creation of a European Army.”

This alliance comes at a time when other leaders in other European countries are questioning and speaking out about this new ‘marriage’, including the far-right in France and Germany. National sovereignty is being signed away in their eyes, to the point that other leaders are accusing Macron of bordering on treason.

The Guardian newspaper reports: “…while Alexander Gauland, of Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) said Paris and Berlin were trying to create a ‘super EU’ within the bloc. As populists, we insist that one first takes care of one’s own country,” Gauland said. “We don’t want Macron to renovate his country with German money … The EU is deeply divided. A special Franco-German relationship will alienate us even further.”

The Barry Smith angle

As stated in previous writings, Evangelist Barry Smith foresaw a lot of what we are witnessing in these times. Specifically a United States of Europe and a one world government and religion. I thought of his teachings when I read the above and believe we should all listen to his teachings with today’s events in mind. And as Barry would say – ‘Jesus is coming…’

In 1995 – 24 yrs ago – Barry talked about the new World Order and the EU…I encourage you to listen…

Barry Smith World Order & the EU 1 of 2

Disclaimer: This post is the personal view of the writer and doesn’t necessarily represent the views of GOD TV as a ministry which does not involve itself in politics.

 

1 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Video

Revelations – That One Day

by Corine Channell
written by Corine Channell
”No man taketh my life from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down,“ (John 10:18)

Just another day

Of facing the unknown.

Struggling to survive,

Sometimes feeling all alone.

My heart keeps beating faster

As I pray Your will be done.

All the while not knowing

If today would be that one.

That one day.

The day that changes everything,

When my life becomes an offering

To You, to You.

And that one day

When time will not be on our side,

And there will be nowhere to hide.

Is today that day

Is today that one day?

I awaken every morning,

Fighting to be strong.

Crying out for strength and wisdom

Knowing my time’s not long.

Our faith will be tested,

As we pray Your will be done.

We will stand unshakeable,

If today should be that one.

That one day.

The day that changes everything

When my life becomes an offering

To You, to You.

And that one day

When time will not be on our side,

And there will be nowhere to hide.

Is today that day,

Is today that one day?

I wont hold back,

Won’t keep what isn’t mine.

I will lay down my life for You,

For You.

If today is that day;

The day that changes everything.

When my life becomes an offering to You,

To You.

 

Song lyrics from  “That One Day” written by Corine Channell

 

Short Film  “Revelations – A Story of Modern Day Martyrs” written and produced by Joseph Channell/ Jack Morgan Productions. Although this film was produced  8 years ago, it’s message has never seemed more of a likely scenario.

 

Whatever you choose to live for, be sure it is also worth dying for.

 

And THAT will be the difference should you ever have to make a choice.

 

*Special thanks to all those who worked with us on this short film.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Articles

Microchipping: Is Sweden Taking Us Closer To A Big Brother Existence?

by GOD TV
written by GOD TV

Big Brother is watching

As we watched yet another Cyber Monday come and go, for many Swedish citizens a new age of how to buy and sell things has begun – in earnest. For years many have prophesied regarding the Mark of the Beast, including the late great Barry Smith from New Zealand. I was saved at one of his meetings and was fortunate to meet him in person.

Barry predicted in the 1990’s that the devices used to ID canines would one day be used on humans. For many this was unbelievable and unthinkable. Barry, like many others with a prophetic gift, believed that this could be a forerunner of the Mark of the Beast as spoken of in Revelation 13,

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

Now Sweden has started branding their citizens with the human micro-chip…en masse. This month the Daily Mail has reported the alarming increase. More than 4,000 Swedish people have now had the device embedded in their hand. This implant allows them to enter buildings, access concerts, operate printers, buy food and drinks, use vending machines, and share on social media. While it is being ‘sold’ as a great new thing, I believe that it has sinister undertones that we must all be aware of.

Mandatory?

BioHax is the company behind the technology. It was founded by Jowan Osterlund (former body piercer) and BioHax are able to offer the procedure for only $180. The low cost is proving to be an incentive for several companies in Sweden who are now offering the procedure for FREE to employees.

Embedded within each microchip are details regarding the person’s identity. This feature enables the person to pass security into a building, for instance, without the need for other checks.  In Sweden cash is also fast becoming a thing of the past. This fits in perfectly with the prophecy of the Bible that states that the Mark of the Beast will replace currency, as one will not be able to buy nor sell unless one has the Mark.

In addition, many believe that this Mark spoken of in Revelation, will be imposed or forced upon people – at the moment micro-chipping is voluntary. However, it is also widely agreed that the ushering in of the Mark in the future, will be preceded by a global economic crash. Already the financiers and economists are predicting the next crash will be worse than 2008 – The Irish Times. 

Microchipping – The Pilot

In 2017 in Sweden, a pilot scheme offered around a hundred commuters the chance to use the implant. However, the implant is a permanent device injected under the skin of the hand. So the commitment level by the subjects has to be high.  The RFID implants, which were developed in the USA, are less than the size of a grain of rice. For many years we have been micro-chipping our pets, now the “test” has become a reality in human beings. The train driver simply uses a smartphone to read the chip, the payment is confirmed from the passenger in a millisecond transaction – totally cashless.

It is safe to say that Sweden has always been considered a “liberal” society and it is the author’s belief that this  ‘no boundaries’ mentality allows decisions like this to occur. It is also safe to say that Sweden goes further than the American companies in Wisconsin. Last year they implanted microchips in voluntary employees so that they could access vending machines and the like. The Swedish version enables the person to access work without the need for keys, credit cards become instantly obsolete, and transportation is so much easier. So what other data can be stored or should I say is being stored?

UK – A “Brave New World” Too?

While the scheme is exclusively in Sweden at the moment, the travel company utilizing the program uses the same bank cards as London’s Oyster cards, which many suggest the implanting could be used there in the near future.

However, there have been several problems with passenger privacy. A discovery by the train company in Sweden revealed that instead of displaying the person’s ticket details, their LinkedIn profile would pop up. This is being classed as a “hiccup”.

This all begs one major question: WHY?

Tracking of a Different Kind

With companies and firms racing to expand the usage of this technology with suggestions of  “revamping the Healthcare system” one must be on full alert. Imagine your entire medical history stored on one microchip alongside all your banking details, relationships, connections/contacts, holiday info – the list is endless. Apart from the obvious privacy concerns, there has to be acknowledgement that misuse could occur. Man is a flawed being, who is easily tempted and loves to control others.

RFID, the makers of the chips, insist that they have not enabled or activated “tracking” within the human microchips. Oh, really? Well, if I’m not mistaken, I thought that the main purpose of having canines and animals chipped was so that they could be tracked if they ran off, wasn’t it?

Refuse it or accept it?

Therefore, a plethora of questions and dilemmas remain unanswered. The privacy issue is also expanding. What people are finding out now is that what they buy, how often they turn up for work and how often they travel a certain route is being generated as data and stored.

Another consideration is the danger of hacking. What if the wrong people hack and track YOU? The Swedish seem unconcerned about these ethical and moral dilemmas. For now you have a choice to join the “Chip Party” or not. However, what if someday a leader decides this is a great way to “secure a border” or “keep an eye” on you to “secure your safety?” Then what? I guess by then it will be too late.

I recall Barry Smith’s car stickers and I wish I had one now – REFUSE THE MARK!

Always remember…1 Corinthians 10:23,“I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive.”

 

3 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
End Time Prophecy
Faith

Does your pastor preach on End Time Prophecy?

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

Growing up, I remember watching movies on End Time Prophecy including‘Thief In The Night’ which started my life-long fascination with Bible Prophecy or Eschatology as it is termed. This ground-breaking film was, at the time, a shocking dramatization of the Rapture of the Church and the rise of the Antichrist which caught my imagination and I was keen to find out more! Before then, I didn’t know the Bible was so full of prophetic writings and I found reading these scriptures fascinating.

Since then, there’s been many more films, including the well-known Left Behind series and I’ve heard countless sermons on the Signs of the Times, but, not so much anymore. It seems many churches have gone silent on the subject and I wonder why. Churches today seem to focus on spiritual growth, personal development, and community service, with little or no teaching on the Second Coming. This is such a pity as Bible Prophecy can be such a potent evangelistic outreach

A former pastor of mine once jokingly said, “The reason why there will be half an hour of silence in Heaven (as mentioned in Revelation) is because the Bible Prophecy experts will be lost for words when they find out what actually happens!” He may well be right, especially when we consider the likes of Harold Camping who has brought ridicule to the topic due to his inaccurate date-setting. But, the fact that some have let us down doesn’t mean we should shun eschatology altogether.

Thessalonians 5:1-5 clearly tells us that we can’t predict the date of the Lord’s return, but that true believers will not be caught unaware of its timing.“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly… But you are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”

As believers we are called to keep watch. In Matthew 25 we read The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Five were foolish and five were wise. We need to be like the wise virgins who were equipped for the coming of the Bridegroom, so that we can be certain of our place at the wedding banquet. This is why Jesus repeatedly admonishes us to keep watch, because we do not know the day or the hour. (Verse 13)

Keep Watch

What does it mean to keep watch? Yes, this means living right and being ready, which is where the teaching of spiritual growth and personal development is essential, but there is also a level of expectation that the Lord wants us to have and that comes from learning Bible prophecy. We can’t just gloss over the scriptures of Jesus’ accession into Heaven and His promised return to earth in the same way and just get on with our lives. We need to be expectant of our Lord’s return in keeping with the many scriptures that talk about the day of the Lord’s coming.

1 Corinthians 1:7 tells us to eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed; 2 Timothy 4:8 refers to all who have longed for His appearing; and Hebrews 10:25 instructs us to encourage one another, and all the more as we see the day approaching. In fact, every time we have communion, we remember what Jesus has accomplished for us ‘until He comes’ (1 Corinthians 11:26). We also have a warning from 2 Peter 3:3 about mockers who will scoff at Jesus’ promised return. Let us not be found in their ranks.

Study the Scriptures

Instead, let’s keep watch by being Biblically literate concerning our future and the future of mankind as outlined in the Bible. We can do this by studying the many scriptures that pertain to the Signs of The Times, including the words of Jesus Himself. We can also read books on End Time prophecy and watch End Time programming via Christian media, which examines the topic from different viewpoints.

We don’t have to agree with all that is being said, but it’s good to know what different Bible teachers are saying and make up one’s own mind. A working knowledge of Bible prophecy in line with current events makes for interesting conversation with others and can often be an evangelistic tool to share the Gospel.

This is why I appreciate broadcasters like GOD TV who are prepared to go against the flow and make a bold stand, airing a variety of End Times programming that inspires viewers to question what they believe and instilling an urgency to reach others, while there is time. GOD TV has an extensive archive of End-Time programming including the network’s original series Apocalypse And The End Times.

Apocalypse And The End Times

Hosted by Paul McGuire, Apocalypse And The End Times, is particularly insightful, featuring interviews with diverse End Time experts from Kevin Clarkson of Prophecy in the News to Bill Salus of Prophecy Depot Ministries; best-selling author, Rabbi, Jonathan Cahn; Donald Perkins of According To Prophecy Ministries; and many others. The series covers a variety of topics, challenging Christians to be informed about what is going on in the world today and can be watched on air as well as online.

I was particularly interested to hear PaulMcGuire and Donald Perkins discuss Reasons Why Churches Don’t Teach Bible Prophecy and the Book of Revelation.  I think it’s sad some pastors belittle the role of Bible prophecy. They don’t need to get into such intriguing or controversial topics as the New World Order; One World Religion or the Mark of the Beast, but they can at least acknowledge that Jesus is coming back and we need to be ready!

We must occupy until Jesus Returns

I don’t believe the world is going to end tomorrow, or that we as Christians should give up and just wait things out until Jesus returns. We are called to occupy until Jesus comes back and that means being ‘salt’ and ‘light’ wherever we find ourselves. I am also expectant of Jesus’ return and one of my best choruses of all time is I Lift My Hands To The Coming King by André Kempen.

“I lift my hands to the coming King, to the great I AM, to You I sing, for You’re the One, who reigns within my heart. And I will serve no foreign god or any other treasure. You are my heart’s desire, Spirit without measure, unto Your name I will bring my sacrifice.”

Let us be informed, as the Church of Jesus Christ, knowledgeable about His return so we can share our expectation with others and consecrate our lives to Him alone. As the Apostle Paul ended his letters… ‘Maranatha… Our Lord is coming!’

 

 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail

GET YOUR DAILY
DEVOTIONAL