Friday, May 9, 2014

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES

What’s happening to our world? With the increasing tragedies all over the world – the missing Malaysian aircraft, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the over 200 missing Nigerian girls, sinking of ship, bombings, terrorism, violence, natural disasters, falsehood, unthinkable immoral policies celebrated all in the name of freedom etc. All these put questions in the mind of every right-thinking individual. Why are all these happening? Would these ever stop or how long are they going to last? People all over the world are searching for answers to these questions and more. Well, it’s so easy for someone to come up with some religious answers like “only God knows...” But as nice-sounding as that might seem, it isn’t true. The Lord Jesus Christ expressly spoke about these events to His disciples in the days leading to His suffering, death and resurrection. We can see much about what He said when we study Matthew 24 and Luke 21:5-36 (Pls, study these Scriptures). We either stick with the Truth of the matter or we try to figure things out ourselves which, indeed, is futile. Jesus asks: “...ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matt.16:1-3). Is God concerned about what is going on in the world today? Of course, He is. He’s more concerned than we could ever know. But we must also understand that God is not surprised, in a panic mode or taken unaware. He’s not sleeping either. But then, He has it all figured out. Remember, He is God and this is His earth and ever would be! So why then is the Lord allowing all these? Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” While there are things which are known to God alone, there are things He has revealed to us through His Word. The Bible is the Book of Answers. The tragic events we are seeing and hearing about today are signs of the end of this age. We are seeing the highest extent of man’s wickedness and perversion fully expressed. This would lead to the Second coming of Jesus Christ to physically rule the earth for 1000 years (the Millennium) in which the devil would be chained and locked up in the bottomless pit for those years, evil would be conquered, etc (see Revelation 20). When you study the Bible you’d discover that there’s nothing happening today that has not been clearly foretold and explained to us. God never wants us to be in the dark about anything. It’s good to know that! We look to the Word of God, not to the media! In the beginning, God gave man a free-will (the freedom to choose). Everything was okay until sin came into the world through Adam’s decision to disobey God. What happened next? From that moment, man started using that free-will against his Creator God, being blinded by the devil who now had total control over him until Jesus came. This is the origin of the wickedness and atrocities in the world today! And that is why until a man freely wills to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, he remains under the control of the devil whose aim is to work against God’s original purpose and plan for the earth. I’ve heard many people say that the world would get better someday. I would have loved to tell you that too. I would have loved to believe so too, but it just isn’t true. The Word of God never said anything like that. These evils we are seeing today are signs leading to something. This whole thing is leading to something prophetic and historic. As long as the devil remains the ‘god’ of this world system or in control of the people of this world, nothing would change for good, it only gets worse and worse until the rapture (See 2Cor.4:4, 2Tim.3:1-5). God’s Word presents the assurance of hope and protection for God’s people, those who have received the Lordship of Jesus Christ – the only escape route! So, is there any hope? Sure, there is! The Good news is: The Believer in Jesus Christ is not hopeless! We are full of hope. Any believer in Jesus who is not hopeful in this season is only ignorant of the future God assures us of. The moment we come to terms with it, nothing in this world matters again. The Bible describes this hope: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Heb. 6:19-20). Hallelujah! The Lord Jesus says “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28). These are truly amazing days for the believer. These are the days of unprecedented harvest of souls! Days of our greatest opportunity to let the world know about the HOPE we have in Jesus Christ. This is the greatest moment in history where the world would be confronted by the Truth: Jesus Christ – The Way, The Truth and The Life! 1Peter 3:15 says “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” However, as believers in Jesus Christ, we must understand our roles and responsibilities in this prophetic hour that has come upon us. Yes, there’s going to be great persecutions and trials. It’s part of the Christian life (Phil.1:29). We must be faithful to Jesus even unto death (Rev.2:10). Never allow fear dominate you, stay in faith! Always stay in an attitude of prayer; it enhances sensitivity to the Spirit. Focus on the Lord’s agenda. Actually, these shakings all over the world ought to serve as an awakening for the Church, but as lamented by a woman of God, the Church seems to be less concerned and are still occupied with her selfish interests – the ‘me and mine’ stuff. We must wake up! There’s an urgent need for the Gospel to be preached all over the world. It’s urgent! More urgent than any other thing no matter how urgent they seem. The more we delay, the more souls are dying and being forced into eternal damnation. The world is searching for answers and is looking at the wrong places. We must point them to where the answer really is: JESUS IS THE ANSWER! This is the time to tell the world about the hope we have. Never be afraid, you are covered! “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24,25). Therefore, let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. Set your eyes on Jesus. Peace to you!