GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 377 June 22, 2011
REDEEMING THE TIME
"Continue in prayer...that God would open a door to speak the mystery of Christ...walk in wisdom toward them that are without, REDEEMING THE TIME," Colossians 4:2,3, 5.
Time is NOT an illusion. God's people have to learn to redeem every moment we have. Time marks off seconds, minutes, days, years, etc. Most importantly, time marks off the plan of God that is set within His Holy Word, the Bible.
Of course, God does not need time; He is ETERNAL! But, from the very "beginning" the Lord works within His plan of Genesis. Further, there is an end, letting us know that time won't go on forever.
Using His favorite time period of days, God shows the time limit that is placed on the first creation. It's a SEVEN DAY time-frame. Thus, when the Lord spoke the creation into existence, days were used. God called "the light day" (Ge. 1:5) and, after one day was completed, He created the "expanse" (Ge. 1:8).
For six days God logs His work. Then, on the Seventh Day, He rests. Again, God needs no rest. I think He spent the time enjoying what He had made. Genesis is to inform man about God's framework of time. But, take notice what the Lord says in the book of Peter. "One day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day," 2 Pet 3:8. Through the Apostle Peter, God wants us to "Get It." So, at the beginning of the verse, God adds, "But do not let this one fact escape your notice...
Then, Peter shows how one day equals a 1000 years. And, so we won't miss the notice ("escape the fact") Peter turns the verse around saying, "and a thousand years as one day" (3:8b). Did you "Get It?"
If you did, we can calculate man's time on earth to be 7000 years or, 7 days. Don't be confused, remember that Peter said, "One day equals a thousand years" (2Pe. 3:8). God's 7-day creation, when applied to the thousand years, shows us that 1 day = 1000 years. That's the total plan for man to be in the old creation; 7 days or, 7000 years.
Yet, even the 7000 years are harmonious to God's 24 hours and 7 days of creation. There is a day of rest coming when Jesus returns. It is just like God rested His 7th day.
But, we need to heed the word, today. Time as we know it, is about to end. Soon, the redeemed will enter the rest of God or, the millenium - 1000 year reign of Christ. Therefore, when we read of the Biblical verses that record the END-TIMES, LAST DAYS, LATER DAYS AND "THE END OF THE AGE," we understand that the days will end and, soon. While, prophets give dates - right or wrong - Jesus will return to earth, soon.
The Bible is before us, giving man an opportunity to get ready. So, the next time you hear a preachers "yell" about the day of Jesus, realize that He is concerned for your life. The preacher has good reason, too. He wants everyone to redeem the time at hand.
From this preacher's point of view, it is not to be a warning, only. I get excited about His return. Things are going to change. Let me ask the reader, "Won't it be wonderful when peace covers the earth?" Amen! And, the wars will end. Amen! All areas will be safe. Amen! No more killings. No more gang activity. Amen!
Before the change comes, we know that Jesus must come and reign on earth. That's the kingdom message. That's what we pray for; "Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" Matthew 6:10.
Therefore, what time man has left - the here and now - must be REDEEMED. Man has to realize that God's plan is sure. That all He said will come to pass. Do we have to understand His word before we obey Him? Amen! Understanding begins with the Word, Jesus Christ and then, we learn that He has a job for us. It's redeeming the time that we have left. See you in church, my friend.