But I do think it is vital for believers to be aware and be alert to what's going on in the world around us and to be prepared for Christ's return.
Many people have told me they rarely read the Book of Revelation and would prefer not to think about it.
Considering the times in which we live, that's probably not the wisest course of action.
Think about all that's going on in the world right now.
Jesus is coming soon. He said no one knows the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36), but He did give us signs to watch for (Matthew 24:3-13).
This, the 21st century, is unique among all those times that have gone before.
The advances in science, computers and communications we have witnessed have helped to set the stage for the one world government we're told of in Revelation.
Why do I say that? Now, for the first time in all of human history the technology is in place for global control.
No matter where they are in the world, the leaders of this coming government will have the ability to instantly quell any rebellion or eliminate anyone, such as Christians, who will oppose them with just a push of a few buttons. Drones are the latest in instant hands-off attack. They can be precisely targeted down to a meter or less of accuracy.
I'm not sharing this information to scare anyone, but to let you know we are living in troubled times. I encourage you to read all of Matthew 24. Jesus gives a detailed outline of what we can expect to come.
The signs of His return include persecution, war and famine. Will it really happen here?
Persecution. If you've paid attention to the news lately, you will be aware that right now, as I write this, Iraqi Christians are being raped, tortured, beaten, shot and beheaded because they refuse to denounce Christ.
Those of us in America have a tendency to be lulled by a false sense of security within our own borders. As we have seen very recently, those borders are no longer secure. We're not talking about just a handful of illegals sneaking across our border anymore, but MILLIONS.
Many of those coming across are not Mexican nationals. From all over the world, drug smugglers, violent criminals and terrorists are taking advantage of our porous borders and lack of security.
This isn't just some conspiracy theory. As I said above, I have never been a "prophet of doom." This stuff is really happening right now. It's time to pay attention.
Wars and rumors of wars. Remember 9-11? Terrorists hijacked planes and slammed them into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. We never thought that would happen here.
The persecution suffered by Christians in every Muslim country across the globe, you think that won't happen here?
Terrorism is no longer confined to the Middle East. Remember the U.S. policy that said, "If we fight them over there, we won't have to fight them here"?
That policy failed because we never finished the job - in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Famine. According to Action Against Hunger, more than 40 countries are facing severe famine right now, including many African nations, India, Syria, Lebanon, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Most of us in America have never faced real hunger, living on the brink of death by starvation.
Iraqi Christians who fled to the mountains are suffering as I type because they have no food supplies or water to sustain them, in over 110 degree heat.
Will it really happen here? Many Christians tend to say, "Well, I don't have to worry. I'm gonna be raptured out of it all."
The rapture is going to take place very soon, I believe. But we don't know when and we don't know how much suffering we will have to endure before it begins.
Anti-Christian sentiment is very much on the rise in America and all around the world. With the number of extremists already here and the number that keep coming, combined with anti-Christian government leaders, how long do you think it will be before those who follow Christ will be faced with a life or death choice regarding our faith?
Again, my point here is not to scare you. Remember, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27 ESV).
Beginning right now, today, we need to think seriously about what we will do, WHEN (not if) persecution comes.
Someday, and possibly soon, we may be faced with an awful choice: a choice to renounce Christ or die.
Will we take a stand for the Lord Jesus Christ who gave His life for us, even if it means giving ours for Him?
Although we may think we live in trying times, it will get worse. Again, that's not doom and gloom. The Bible says it will happen and I believe the Word of the Author. I also believe the Author who tells me He has already overcome the world and that is a great source of peace.
Jesus said, "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 ESV).
Jesus is coming very soon.
It is time to wake up, be aware, be at peace with God and be ready to stand.
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