It may not seem like it to many of us, but these are exceptionally exciting days for Bible Believing Christians. For a while we have been watching the news as things shape up and begin to set the stage for the final act of this age. The age of the Church, the bride of Christ.
What does the end of this age look like?
In Matthew 24 Jesus teaches His disciples, and us, about the events that will take place throughout history, and those events leading up to His return for His church and following a brief period, his return to rule on earth for 1,000 years as spoken of repeatedly in the Prophets.
Many point to verse 36 in that chapter where Jesus says:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
This passage is often referenced to point to the futility of watching for the return of Jesus, because no one can know. But just because we cannot know the day nor the hour (making date setting a foolish practice) we are told that believers who are alert and watching for our Saviour’s return will know the season as it approaches.
In 1 Thessalonians 5, possibly the earliest book written of the New Testament, Paul tells us that ‘the Day of the Lord’ will come upon the world as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) But Paul continues in verse 4:
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4 – 6)
The day of Christ’s return, and His judgment on the world will catch many by surprise. But there is no reason that it should surprise any watchful believer. So many events are happening in our world right now that point to Jesus’ soon return. As a church we take seriously the command of Jesus to watch and be ready for His return.
The more people I speak to about it, the more I realise that many people have very little understanding as to what is really going on. Pastors and Biblical Scholars have shut themselves off to many of these things, and we are all the poorer for it. It is time for us to be awake and aware, and I will be doing my best effort to keep people informed.
But what it means for each one of us specifically is what we read about in the Great Hall of Faith in Hebrews chapter 11. It speaks of the heroes of the Bible and their faith that saw God work in wonderful ways.
The point of this chapter is not for us to be impressed, but to realise that THIS IS OUR TIME! We have been born for such a time as this. Our acts of faith will testify to God at work in His church right now. They may lead some to faith! They will certainly bring us rewards. Most importantly they will glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who is soon coming to take us to be with Him.
My friend, if you are reading this, then this is your time. If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Saviour, and want to learn what it means to be a Christian, you will find video’s here to help you.
https://oakleighbaptist.org/next-steps/
If you wish to speak with someone or have someone pray for you for any reason please contact me:
brad@oakleighbaptist.org
FURTHER RESOURCES
Video’s on becoming a Christian, Baptism, and being a part of a church community
https://oakleighbaptist.org/next-steps/
Article on the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church
https://oakleighbaptist.org/why-have-we-lost-hope/
