Given the current state of affairs in the world, it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the Lord may be returning soon. I’m trying to hold on to my confidence in God and live by faith, but there are those who are selling their homes, moving to remote desert or mountain locations, stockpiling food, buying weapons and ammunition – the list goes on and on. Is this right? Are we really supposed to run and hide as things get worse? Or should we stay where we are and continue to minister to the people around us?
Teaching people a healthy fear of God is fine, but teaching them to live in fear of the future isn’t what Christianity is about. Jesus taught us, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near (Israel is the fig tree and on May 14th 1948 became a nation for the second time in history). So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, THIS GENERATION will by no means PASS AWAY till ALL THESE THINGS TAKE PLACE. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matt. 24:32-35)
When all the signs accelerate at the same time, then God’s people are “to know” they are living in the generation of Christ’s return. In fact, Jesus actually commanded one generation to know that His return was near. This command was for the generation living when all 22 signs prophesied in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 occur. Jeremiah said, “The anger of the LORD will not turn back Until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In THE LATTER DAYS you will understand it perfectly.” (Jer. 23:20) Jesus warns us, “But TAKE HEED (prosechō: give attention to) TO YOURSELVES, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. WATCH therefore, and PRAY always that you may be counted worthy TO ESCAPE all these things that will come to pass, and to STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN.” (Luke 21:34-36)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham