[Scenic Overlook At Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii]
Have you noticed that the world has, by all appearances, gone crazy? Even some world leaders are not making rational decisions any more. It is all the signs of the end times. Yes, we are living in the last days of this wicked and perverse world. What is one to do? especially Christians who are admonished to be no part of the world and its desires?
(15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:15-17
The above verses are referring to the world or realm of sin which is controlled by satan and which is against God and righteousness.
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." - Revelation 12:9
The reason the world has gone crazy is that the devil and his minions are desperate, knowing their time is short, and they are stirring up the nations and peoples to provoke them to evil and destruction.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world." - 1 Peter 5:8-9
The above verses in 1 Peter 5 tell us what we can do to resist the devil: keep a strong and steady faith in the good Lord. And I will add, read your Bible daily and pray without ceasing, to help you to stay strong and to develop a close, intimate, personal, love relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son. If you have a close relationship with the Lord, you will not stray and be caught up in the wicked craziness of this old world.
"If you feel like you're out of step with the world, don't let it bother you. Just make sure you're in step with God." - Alan Smith
According to Charles Spurgeon, an old Proverb says: "He that speaks truth shames the devil."
So what can we do to cope and endure during these hectic and crazy end times we find ourselves in right now?
First, do not get all down and depressed. The fact that Bible Prophecy is coming true at a fast pace right now - a convergence of many signs of the last days happening all at once and at the same time now - that means Christians should be ready for the soon return of Jesus, when He will rapture us to heaven to be with him.
Jesus tells us at Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
Think of it, Jesus' return is imminent. It could happen at any moment now. That should put a fire in the spirits of true believers and get them motivated to witness to others who are lost souls, who need a Savior. It should also make us Christians elated and make us look forward with joyful expectation of our Lord's soon return.
For more on end times signs of the last days, read Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.
[Baby Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]
Christians should endeavor to live godly lives and to preach the Gospel, and to put God first in their lives. Think of what Jesus did for us by dying a sacrificial and cruel death on the cross; He took our sin upon Himself and became our Redeemer and Savior. All we have to do is believe on Him and we are saved for eternity.
"If we comprehend what Christ has done for us, then surely out of gratitude we will strive to live "worthy" of such great love. We will strive for holiness, not to make God love us but because He already does." - Philip Yancey
"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing." - Psalm 100:2
"God is the One Who enables you both to want and to actually live out His good purposes." - Philippians 2:13, CEB
If you are a born again (from above) believer, the Holy Spirit will motivate you and help you to do God's will by sharing the Gospel and living a life that is pleasing to the good Lord.
So Christians will, in these end times, be motivated to talk about Jesus and to win souls to the Lord . (The Holy Spirit is actually the one Who moves in the heart of an unbeliever and helps him to come to Jesus in true Faith). We are just the instruments to guide. We merely plant the seeds; God brings it to fruition.
Christians: Occupy! Be about the Lord's work. He will return soon.
[Rabbit Island, Oahu, Hawaii]
What should you do if you are not a believer and you have not been saved? Here are some Scriptures that will answer that question:
Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us: (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus. and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me , though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this? " - John 11:25-26
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
Believe and have faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus loves you.
He will welcome you with open arms of love and forgiveness.
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend.... and life !!
