There are some crazy things happening in our world today. I’ve mentioned them before. You know what I’m talking about. Along with this craziness comes talk and discussion about the end times and how our world as we know it will soon come to an end.

I’ve had plenty of time to think and rethink my stance on how and what God’s plans might be in the end. I thought I’d share my conclusions with you.

Persecution

As we search the New Testament and secular writings, we find that the early Church was persecuted for their faith. If I read Scripture correctly, because of the persecution these early Christians faced, they were able to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to areas of the world who needed to hear about Jesus. The result? Unimaginable and immeasurable growth.

My simple question to you would have to be, are you as a believer in Christ ready for persecution? It’s coming at us quickly. Let’s be prepared to give an answer when asked about our faith and let’s be bold as we give our answers.

Views

You know, we can argue whether we Amillennialists, Premillennialists or Postmillennialists and I have found that there are folks who tend to dwell upon these positions. Folks, God is going to end this world the way He has it planned regardless of my end times position. With that in mind, I want to be ready for the day God tells Jesus to come get His Bride.

I believe that the evil one is hard at work in this area. He is keeping a lot of people focused on this topic instead of what they need to be focused on. To be ready for the Bridegroom. Do you recall the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25? Five virgins were prepared with oil in their lamps. The remaining five weren’t prepared and had to leave to purchase oil. While they were gone, the Bridegroom returned, they missed Him and the Bridegroom turned them away with the words, “I tell you the truth, I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:13 – NIV) These are not words I want to hear.

Just as we are to know Jesus by His Voice, Jesus will know us by our actions, our heart, our faith, and who we put our trust in. I’m sorry. I won’t argue end times views with you. I choose to spend my time getting prepared.

The Gospel

Which leads to this point. While I prepare for the return of Christ, my mission must be to share the Gospel as I go through my day-to-day life. I must be prepared to point others to Jesus all the time. Why? Because Jesus told me to. Matthew 28:19-20 wasn’t just for the disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 isn’t just for the pastors of our world. Matthew 28:19-20 is for every person who confesses to be a Christian.

Think of this word go like “as you are going.” Throughout my day, in the midst of everything I do, I must be making disciples. However that looks in your life, that’s what we are to be doing. When we are busy sharing the Gospel with others, there will be no time for arguing. The Name of Jesus should be continually on our lips. The Name of Jesus should be written on our hearts so clearly that others will see His Name. The Name of Jesus should permeate every breath I breathe and step I take. Jesus. Only Jesus.

And this leads to my next point.

Rahab

I’m leading a study right now on the biblical character of Rahab. There are so many facets of this story that I could share, but there just a few that line up with this blog post.

First, Rahab heard about God. She had heard all the stories of miracles, and Israel’s release from slavery, and rebellion, and punishment, and victories, and Rahab knew that Israel was on the doorstep of Jericho. Through all that she had heard, this foreign harlot believed that Israel’s God was the God of the sky above and the earth below (Joshua 2:11). She heard and believed. We must continue to share the message of Jesus with anyone and everyone. When the seed is planted, God will continue the work and lives will be changed. Keep talking about Jesus!

Second, the city of Jericho was melting with fear and no one could be found who had courage. The city was locked up tight because there was nothing else to do. The residents of Jericho knew their time was coming to an end and all they could think to do was be fearful. Rahab on the other hand took action. She hid the spies and declared her faith in God. Whether we like it or not, we are to become more like Rahab. Put your trust in God. Have faith in His plan of action.

And finally, just think of the moment when the walls around Rahab fell. She could have run. She could have tried to escape on her own. But instead, she stood her ground. She held to her faith in God. She believed that He alone would be her Savior. And that’s exactly what happened.

When the walls of our world (family, job, home, nation, security, etc.) begin to crumble, stand firm in your faith. Believe that your hope and salvation comes through Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. Don’t waiver from your position. Jesus is the solid ground upon which we can stand. Trust and have faith in Jesus. Stand firmly.

Friend, this blog post isn’t meant to frighten you, it is meant to light a fire within you. Maybe it’s about time for us, as Christians in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ to start doing something instead of arguing. Let’s get to work (preparing ourselves and telling others about Jesus), because that is the mission Jesus left for us to do.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna