It was a year of war, natural disasters, personal tragedies, and economic crisis.
Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ….”What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
And Jesus answered and said to them: Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ” and will deceive many.
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nations will rise against nations, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these things will be the beginning of sorrows. …..But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the entire world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
As we look at the world today all the signs predicted by Jesus are coming to pass. The war in Iraq, the rumors of wars as US talked with North Korea and Iran in regards to their nuclear developments. Syria represents a threat in the Middle East. Major earthquakes hit Pakistan and Iran where thousands were killed. The devastation that brought the Tsunami along the Indian Ocean where more than 230,000 got killed. The natural disasters like Katrina and Wilma devastating many cities along the coast of USA leaving thousands of people homeless. Last year alone, there was more hurricanes’ devastation than any other period in history.
Another sign that Jesus gave was the birth of the Nation of Israel. As you know in May 14, 1948 Israel became a nation according to the ordinances of the United Nations. In the Six day war in 1967, when Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Palestinian guerrilla group actively supported by Syria attacked Israel. Israel defended their sovereignty captured Jerusalem. Another fulfillment of bible prophecy predicted by the Prophet Ezekiel. Jesus predicted that this generation will not pass away until all these are fulfilled.
I am not here to write you a doomsday story. But on the contrary we are living in exciting times when we will soon see the Glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming. As we see all these things coming to pass, lift up your head that your redemption is drawing near.
The whole earth is groaning but our heart is longing for Jesus’ return.
What then, what manner of person ought you to be in these last days? The apostle Peter said, conducting yourselves in holiness and godliness. Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. What you have read may very well challenge you to take biblical prophecy more seriously and perhaps give you the urgency to search the scriptures for yourself. But even more importantly, may it move you to examine your heart deeply, be assured of your eternal destiny, and direct your sight to the blessed hope of the Lord Jesus Christ’s second coming.
What then? Are you ready for that day? Because regardless of whether you are ready or not, He will come again. God’s plan of Salvation has been unfolding in front of our own very eyes. God sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to save us. That whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. In the process of Jesus’ second coming seek to live a purified life. I challenge you to make your house, a house of prayer, a house of power, a house of purity. There are four things that you must do in anticipation of His imminent return: Occupy until He return, be watchful in all things, wait and worship Him.
In a letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8 Paul is saying that on that day, God will give you a crown of righteousness.
May this new coming year 2006 be the most powerful experience and encounter with God that you will ever have. May you grow deeper in His love and His mercy. May your faith increase that nothing absolutely nothing will shake you or move you because you walk by what you believe and not by sight. May He grant you the boldness to share with others the wonder of His love, the gospel of the kingdom of God. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
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