Our world is obsessed with the pandemic crisis and the lack of peaceful coexistence among the various political points of view.  Rather than have civilized debates on social issues we have protests and riots springing up around the world leading to chaos and anarchy.  The Apostle Paul warns us in 2 Timothy 3:1 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”  And he goes on to say, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (Timothy 3:13).  These are indications of the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ!
   

   If you study eschatology, (the biblical study of end times prophecies) you’ll read about Christ’s warning, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:6,7).  This text is actually speaking prophetically about the events after the Lord removes His church body of believers, called the “rapture” and then begins the Tribulation period on earth.   Biblical prophetic signs are for Israel...  

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   However, I personally believe these things listed will not suddenly arise after some utopian world bubble is burst.  It’s not as if the world will be in peaceful harmony and then the Church rapture occurs, leaving a vacuum for wars and rumors of wars to arise, or the pestilences and earthquakes to suddenly appear.  No, I’m persuaded that we are seeing a precursor happening now as the church age is closing.  We can discern a coming storm from the gathering clouds...  The warnings Christ gave us are indicators in a minor form of that which is to come after His sudden appearing!  First, the believing church must be removed and then God focuses His judgment on Israel!  The “indicators” become signs for Israel as they are magnified beyond measure and intensify...

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   No one has all the answers about the end of times.  Jesus said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36).  Yet we do know certain facts!  We know that our world has changed through the centuries. “Wars and rumors of wars…” Obviously the weapons of warfare have changed considerably since the ancient era of Alexander the Great.  However, today, the young and old alike fear the possible catastrophe if a major war with modern technological warfare should break...  We pray this will be avoided!  (Greece & Turkey today i.e.)

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   Let me remind you of another Biblical fact.  Our world has an appointment with God’s wrath, when the earth shall be totally destroyed!  Just as we avoid the negative fears about a painful appointment with our dentist, we also reject the negative thought of our world as we know it coming to an end!  Study carefully 2 Peter and chapter 3, you will learn that, “... in the last days... people will say that all things will continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (vs. 3,4)  Peter warns us saying, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;  in the which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also... shall be burned up”  (vs. 10).      
   But born again believing Christians are not to live in fear, rather rest in God’s peace with comfort.  Living a life of godliness that will produce eternal benefits.  The Apostle Peter goes on to assure the believers with God’s promise of a “new heavens and new earth” (vs. 13).  Know that this destruction of the earth by fire is nothing for the Believer to fear!  The New Earth is an expression used in the Book of Isaiah, 2 Peter, and the Book of Revelation in the Bible to describe the final state of all redeemed humanity.

 

   A simple outline form of God’s plan is revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures.  First, Christ will return at an unknown instant to take those who have placed their faith in Him, to Heaven.  “The dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up... to meet the Lord in the air...”  (1 Thess. 4:16,17).  This is what all true believers are waiting for now!  

 

   Secondly, there will come the great seven year tribulation period, with catastrophic world-wide judgment...  Christ preached prophetically, “And for them shall be Great Tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be”  (Matt. 24:21).  Much of Bible prophecy is devoted to this shocking subject of God’s coming judgment upon the world...    

 

   This is reality, our world will not continue on its present course of anarchy, ungodliness, and immorality!  God’s cup of patience is almost full! Now is the time to be sure that you will escape this coming era of judgment.  Has there ever been a point in time that you surrendered your heart to Christ and trusted Him as your Saviour?  

 

   Yes, it appears our world is becoming more chaotic and fighting against God’s authority.  Denying, rejecting, and casting Christianity out of the mainstream of society.  One day soon, God in Heaven will say, “That’s Enough of That!”  Then those remaining in the world will see and experience the wrath of an angry GOD!
   Each nation has its own political and cultural agenda.  But every individual, in every nation can have peace in their hearts amidst the uncertain crisis if he or she is trusting in Christ!  God is still on His throne ruling and reigning over His universe!  Perhaps He has allowed these fearful days to gain and draw our attention!  If you don’t know for sure that Jesus Christ is your personal Saviour, you need to bow your head right now, confess your sins to Jesus Christ and receive Him into your life through honest prayer!   

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                                                                                                                                                          Tom Meador