There is no question that we are in the end times.
From the signs in the heavens of the devil comet, blood moons and the April 8 eclipse, we’re already seeing the physical elements in the heavens proclaim God’s handiwork, and that He is coming again. We’re also seeing an abundance of earthquakes, like those in Taiwan, New York and New Jersey. The construction of an altar to sacrifice a red heifer also further points us toward the preparations in the building of the third temple.
There’s one place in particular that has the best insight into these events: Matthew 24. In verses 6-8 Jesus says:
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginnings of sorrows.”
While this part of Scripture can be seen as frightening, there’s comfort in Jesus’ statement, “see that you are not troubled.”
In a fear-based society, we can see the signs around us and completely forget that we are to stay encouraged. Instead of backing away into hiding, this is supposed to be the time when we see that the time is getting low, and we must use whatever is left to go and fulfill the Great Commission.
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Why would we spend the last days on this earth preaching the gospel?
The end cannot come without the gospel being shared with every nation, tribe and tongue.
Matthew 24:14 says: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Mark 16 talks about fulfilling this Great Commission by preaching the gospel to all creation, including the signs which will follow those who believe.
“In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will take up serpents; if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover,” (v. 17-18).
It is our duty to go and preach this gospel, to cast out demons and heal the sick. That’s exactly what we’re seeing with revival breaking out on college campuses and deliverance ministries doing miraculous works.
However, we cannot forget that deception will come, and there will be a great falling away, just as 2 Thessalonians 2:3 tells us. This point may be the hardest for Christians to accept because we all want to believe that every pastor, every church and every denomination will follow biblical principles at all times. But that’s not the case. This means spending time in the Word of God, in prayer and in biblical-based community is necessary to stay on the right course.
If you are unsure if you’ve given your life to Christ whole-heartedly, or you believe you’ve backslidden, I urge you to turn toward Him. The hour of His return is coming closer with each passing day. Do not find yourself in the position where you are questioning whether your eternity will be spent with Him or not. {eoa}
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Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.
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