GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 386 August24, 2011
TIME FOR A STUDY ON THE "END TIMES"
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh," Matthew 24:44.
Jesus expects us to as aware of these last days. We might liken what He means by the game of baseball. If you are the "Third Baseman," your are thinking that the ball will be hit right at you on every pitch. Not only on the tip-toes, every player knows what to do with the ball once he gets it - throw to 1st Base? Double play? Yes, in any sport, every positioned player has learned to "watch" and be ready. Every one knows that he has to execute his position. He is always on guard.
Jesus is coming. We just don't know what hour it will be; therefore, He instructed to "Watch." What we watch for; what will happen; and, what our deportment is to be during these END TIMES days, are all vital to our Christian stand against the world and the god of this world. Thus, here's a number of facts about watching that comes from Matthew 24 and from Paul's writing to the Church of Thessalonica.
Number One: Don't be decieved. "Take heed that no one deceive you," Matthew 24:4. There will be, and has been, many prophets that are false. These, even say that Jesus is the Christ; "and shall deceive many" (Mt. 24:5). Concerning our time - the End Times - if others leave, we must 'stay put.' "...if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not," Matthew 24:23.
Number Two: Peace/Wars. While, wars and rumors thereof have always occured, I think that the second thought about the Second coming of Christ is that we should expect peace to come to the entire world to have a confusing effect upon people.
Paul taught, "For when they shall say peace and safety; then sudden destruction shall come upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape," 1st Thessalonians 5:3. We can't be caught up in the good times of the world; even, the peaceful times that are soon to come.
Number Three: Stay committed. Always be listening to Christ through your local New Testament Church. In the midst of sinful iniquity, remember your calling. Further, don't forget what Love the Lord gave you when you were saved. Don't allow this love to "wax cold" (Mt. 24:12). Stay committed because it is our positon to know the words of Christ in these last days. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Mt. 24:13).
Number Four: Daniel's prophecy. Jesus said, "When ye see the Abomination of Desolation; spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place..., Matthew 24:15. Comparing these words to those of Paul in 2nd Thessalonians, we determine that the Antichrist breaks the peace plan for the world, and the Mystery of iniquity comes to the forefront. "...that wicked be revealed...even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all signs and lying wonders...," (2nd Thess. 2:7-9). At this time, God shall send "...a strong delusion in them that they should believe a lie:" (V 11). Most don't expect this kind of action on God's part; but, it's what the Bible says.
Under number four, we expect to see the residents of Judea flee into the mountains (Mt. 24:16). However, even though times will be like no other, we cannot afford to listen to offers of safety. Those who say that Jesus is in the desert or secret places, "...believe it not," Jesus taught (Mt. 24:23).
Number Five: Look up! "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened...And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:" (Mt. 24:29a, 30a). And, we come again to the word, "WATCH." After Jesus presents a parable of the fig tree (Israel, I think), He says that it all shall take place within one generation. I think it means that those who were born at the time of the beginning of End-Times, shall continue to live unto the end of the End-Times; that is, there will be some of that time period who shall continue to live, from beginning to end.
It does seem that we are in the last days; world headlines give credence to this thinking. It is necessary to study the End Times. We must think about being a solid rock in the service of Jesus, the Christ. We are hopeful that some of these points will direct you hearts to not be deceived; to stay true to Jesus, alone, and not follow the world and it's false prophets.
Study, Study and Study some more. And, Pray! In the baseball analogy, let us take a strong look at the world as it swings and hits the ball our way. Are we ready? Do we know what to do, once we get it? Are we set in the way of the gospel and not afraid of standing for "the faith which was once (and for all time) delivered to the saints" (Jude 3).
Be on your tip-toes, Brethren; for, the time is at hand. It's coming!!! Study, Study and Study some more. And, Pray "To be ready."