SIGNS OF THE TIME
We are living in troublesome times with the signs of the time springing forth more rapidly than one can comprehend. We are seeing events transpire that are indeed disturbing. We always have had times of difficulty but also times of peace and security. These last two traits are seemingly disappearing and replaced with fear and anxiety. Jesus said, you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things much come to pass (Matthew 24:6). He continued in saying, they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake (Matthew 24:9). We are seeing this happening in many lands, as revealed through a monthly pamphlet entitled "The Voice of the Martyrs." Christians in many lands have to flee from persecution because of living in Muslim dominated countries that do not allow freedom of religion to prevail. Many Christians are being placed in prison simply for believing in the name of Christ and expressing that belief. There are other religions that restrict religious freedom but it is the Muslim countries that persecution seems to be more rampant. Persecution a RealityScripture tells us that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:13). We live in a society that encourages ungodliness, an ungodly lifestyle, and openly flaunts those who would live godly in Christ Jesus.As we see inroads grow toward removing the acceptability of the name of Christ, I thank God for organizations such as the "American Family Association" who are actively seeking to stop those who are attempting to take away our Christian heritage. Thank God for all who will stand for the truth of the Gospel, who rightly divide its truths, and are proclaiming those truths, even more so as the signs of the time flash before us. There is a new generation of believers coming into focus that have not had the sound biblical teaching of past generations. The silver platter containing the evils of the world is being passed around and is more appealing than every before. We are in need of a revival of a change of hearts and lives that one will be tuned into God's Word, and tune out the allurements of this world. False Religions and BeliefsWe are seeing the signs of the time appearing more rapidly than previously thought. We are seeing a great shaking in the world of leadership of nations. We are seeing turmoil amongst the people of the world who are unhappy with their current situation. There is the grasping hold of false religions and beliefs rather than that of a heavenly Father and His Son (Jesus Christ).An Invitation ExtendedAs signs of the time escalate now is not the time to play with the final resting place of one's soul. Today is the day of salvation, today is the day of reconciliation, today is the acceptable time towards the invitation given though a loving heavenly Father and that of His Son, the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under Heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). |
