Today, one of those has been made absolutely, beyond the shadow of a doubt loud and clear, in terms of the nearness of things to occur.
I was taken to 1 Thessalonians 5, and The Lord highlighted specifically verse 3:
"While people are saying, "There is peace and security", then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."
This verse has been on my radar for a while, but today...what a difference a day can make.
Please, please, please heed this warning. If you are in Christ Jesus, you know it, you see...humble yourself and pray that you may be found worthy to escape the things coming. We are ambassadors for Christ- this is not our permanent home. Don't falsely believe that life is just as 'normal' as it ever was.
We ARE at the close of the church age (Matthew 24). We ARE in the hour of wars and persecutions (Luke 21). The Antichrist is about to appear (Mark 13).
Let me share a sobering thought...When Jesus spoke of these things, they all point to the focus back to Israel.
Have you ever wondered why? The reason is that there is a time for us (The Gentile believers) and there is a time for them (The Jewish believers).
Let's here it in Paul's words:
"Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers:a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." -Romans 11:25
Our privileged, comfortable, blessed beyond measure time of being the church that the world looks at to define Christianity is coming to a close. The Rapture of the church is closer than we think. The Great Tribulation is moments away. The Day of The Lord is at hand!
Do we understand this?!
No one knows the day or the hour of His return. It could be tomorrow. It could be in a decade. We are not called to set dates about when Jesus is coming back or judge who will be left behind.
We are called to preach the gospel. We are called to fulfill the calling He puts on our life. We are called to live a sanctified and holy life before Him. And we are called to look for His coming. We are called to "Be always on the watch" (Luke 21:26). Other translations say " Stay awake at all times", "Keep alert", "So keep watch at all times".
What are we watching for? His coming, His return!!!
Unfortunately, the majority of the church has ignored or forgotten this part of sharing about Jesus- Our Blessed Hope!!!
We have been robbed of that part of the gospel. And now the church is ill-prepared for the times we are now in.
But while there is still light, there is hope. Don't wait anymore. Wake up! Look up! Our redemption is drawing near!
Read it for yourself: Matthew 24 (and 25); Mark 13; Luke 21.
Ask The Lord through The Holy Spirit to lead you into His truth. Pray for discernment. Seek His will for your life. We all have a calling and purpose.
There is much beauty that awaits us brothers and sisters. But there is also much work that must be done to bring in the final harvest. The Lord will tell you what He requires of you.
I know part of my calling is to warn the church of the coming tribulation. And for those who heed to share in the duties He has for us at whatever time He has.
I continue to write...about many of these things. I will post as The Lord leads and allows.
Let us all be found worthy to escape and stand before The Son of Man, by His grace and mercy.
But, if you find that you couldn't- while you have breath, cry out to The One, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Messiah, King of kings and Lord of lords and He will save you.
