The End Times
By Daniel Carandang
The end times is no doubt a hot topic these days. There are songs and movies dedicated to the so-called end of the days. Almost everyone is interested to learn the mystery of the grand finale. There are already various theories to how this world will come to an end.
Meteor hitting the earth?
Ground breaking into two, swallowing everyone?
A zombie apocalypse? (Most intriguing!)
We are also familiar with 'end of the world' claims. According to the Mayan Calendar, the end of the world will happen on the December 21, 2012. So much for Christmas! :(
Remember the news of Harold Camping predicting the return of Jesus, not once, but thrice? His most infamous prediction was that of judgement day happening on May 21, 2012. His followers immediately believed and sold their possessions in order to create fliers announcing the 'end of the world.' But May 21 passed and nothing happened. Camping announced that there was some sort of spiritual intervention and proclaimed that judgement day had been moved to October 21.
It sounds silly but these predictions are happening worldwide. The end of the world's date has been predicted for almost 155 times!
There are two unhealthy responses to this issue:
1. Obsession: Some of us are really desperate to know when will the end come. We use all means that can aid use in predicting the future.
2. Apathy: we might not be that interested. So the end of the world is near? So be it. The phrase party like it's the end of the world becomes a reality. Since everything will be gone, why worry now when you can eat, drink and be merry?
Let's think about it. We can't respond just like that.
Why?
Because JESUS WILL COME BACK! :)
Yes, you read right. Jesus will come back.
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
Revelation 22:7
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
Revelation 22:12
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20
The book of Revelation, written by Apostle John, is filled with glimpses of the future. Jesus' assurance of His return was repeated thrice in chapter 22.
Jesus fulfills His promises. His return is one promise He is absolutely sure to fulfill!
How are we to prepare?
"You also must be ready ALL the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected."
Matthew 24;44
BE READY ALL THE TIME!
In Matthew 24;36-40, Jesus tells his apostles that no one knows the exact date of His return. He likens it to the Great Flood experienced by Noah and his family. No one knew what was coming. As soon as Noah closed the ark, it just happened. With a blink of an eyes, everyone was swept away. The very same will occur when Jesus returns. It will be UNEXPECTED.
Sadly, instead of being ready the right way, most people chose to enjoy it while it lasts. They party all night, drink as much as they can and basically enjoy because as they say 'life is short, enjoy it while you can.' Some are desperate to know when it'll end so they would have an idea of the expiration date of the partying days.
It doesn't work that way.
In the Bible, God has laid out signs through John. These signs will point towards the end.
1. There will be FALSE TEACHERS (Matt. 24:4-5)
We live in a world filled with false teachers polluting the minds of our fellowmen. Near the end, more will come. More will claim that they are Jesus. the Messiah. Sadly, a large number will also believe in them and will be led astray.
2. There will be wars and rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6-7)
As of today, we have heard news of wars. Most of these battles involve God's chosen nation, Israel. We are no stranger to wars as our nations have faced multiple battles such as World Wars 1 and 2, the Cold War, etc.
3. Strange Natural Occurrences (Matt. 24:7-8)
Out of season storms and famines are no longer new to us. The intensity of the sun's heat can be sometimes unbelievable. It's also evident that natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis are becoming more alarmingly frequent than before.
All of these are described as BIRTH PAINS. When a pregnant woman is in labor, the contractions she experiences become more frequent and painful as the nearing of the birth arrives. This is similar to the end. Disasters will become more frequent and more tragic as we come closer to the grand finale.
4. Christians persecuted (Matt. 24:9-11)
Those who proclaim their allegiance to God are pursued, arrested and eventually, killed for their faith. Such is happening in countries such Saudi Arabia and in some regions of North Africa, where Muslims hunt down Christians. In some countries, followers of Christ are forced to meet and worship in secret in order to avoid arrest.
5. The Gospel PREACHED all over the world (Matt. 24:14)
EVERYONE will hear the Gospel.Before, this idea was unthinkable. But now, with the Internet and Media, sharing has never been easier. There have also been instances when Jesus appears to unreached tribes and unbelievers for them to believe.
The end can happen any time. WE HAVE TO BE READY!
"So be prepared, because you don't know what day your Lord is coming."
Matthew 24:12
BE READY!
"But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day."
2 Peter 3:8
The unthinkable can happen in just ONE DAY!
Why should we look forward to it?
- Those who believe in Christ and faithfully waited His return will be 'snatched' or taken away by Jesus in an instant. They will not have to go through the 7-year Tribulation, where those who witnessed their disappearance and believed in the reality of Jesus would have to endure seven years of persecution for their new found faith.
"28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
Hebrews 9:28
- When we are back in the arms of our Father, there will be no more pain nor suffering. Only the joy of serving the One who created us all.
"4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:4
Always keep in mind that the greatest reward we will receive when we come home in the end...
IS JESUS :)
Brace yourselves! Are you ready for the END?
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