Are We Living in the Last Days?

 

Non-Christians find it hard to believe we are living in the last days.  It’s even hard for some Christians to believe it.  They say that people have been saying this for years and He hasn’t returned yet.  Remember in the last days there will be scoffers and those who will do every wrong they can think of and even laugh at the truth.  (2 Peter 3:3-4).  Are you a scoffer?

Are we living in the Last Days?  Absolutely!  1 Peter 4:7 tells us, “The end of all things is near.”  The word “near” means soon.  Just look around.  We are closer than ever before.  There are massive problems for everyone, especially believers.  There are insults, hate, all kinds of mocking, and persecution.  There are even murders just because of someone’s faith.    

We are constantly hearing of all kinds of disasters all around the world.  There are many fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and we just experienced a pandemic with this Covid virus.  There is disunity everywhere.  People are so restless and dissatisfied that they don’t really know just what they want.  There is hate and anger causing riots and destruction.  Protestors are attacking those who put their lives on the line every day to protect them like First Responders, EMTs, and Paramedics, and police.  There are killings of the most innocent, unborn babies.  Like the Bible says, people are exchanging good for evil and truth for lies.  “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie…” – Romans 8:25.  It may be bad in our world now, but it will get worse.  Just read the book of Revelation. 

Sin and evil are everywhere.  It has become the norm to live together as man and wife without marriage.  It’s common to have sex with multiple partners.  Anymore going on a date includes sex.  Same sex partners and spouses are displayed as part of a normal lifestyle.  We are influenced daily by this immoral behavior in movies, magazines, and TV.  What is just as bad, there are those who condone this kind of behavior.  Romans 1:32 – “… those who continue to do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” 

It’s hard for us to understand just how God can let all this evil keep going on and on.  The devil has been causing sin from the beginning.  That’s why God sent Jesus to destroy the devil’s work.  So why does God allow this to continue?  “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9

Don’t get into the thinking that since the end hasn’t happen that it won’t happen.  It will and it may be tomorrow.  Tomorrow may be the end for you.  “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” – 2 Peter 3:10. 

No matter what you believe, how you believe, or when Jesus is coming.  He is coming whether you are ready or not.  It will be like the days of Noah before the flood came where everyone will be going about their lives.  They will be eating and drinking as usual.  “No one knows about the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matt. 25:36. 

There will be major events in the last days.  “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences...” – Luke 21:11. 

Are We Living in the Last Days?  The last days will be marked by change in human society.  “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather that lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power.” – 2 Tim. 3:1-5.   Does this sound familiar with how people are acting in today’s world?

So how can you live in these last days?  “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” – 2 Peter 3:11-12.  Tell others of Jesus and live confidently without fear.  Live as an example for others to see.  Focus on where you are going and make your life match that.  Wait patiently.  Be encouraged as you wait.  Live urgently, stand firm, and be ready.  Don’t be ashamed of your faith.  Don’t listen to the enemy.  He wants you to doubt and turn you away from the Lord.  Don’t listen to the so called “norm” of the world.  The world wants us to be tolerant of all things.  Being tolerant does have it place, but don’t be tolerant if it goes against God’s standards.  Don’t be concerned about what the world thinks of you, but look forward to your new heavenly home.

What are we to do when we see these things taking place?  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this:  If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Matt. 24:42-44.

Many people may look spiritual, but only half that claim to know Jesus really know Him.  They have never been born-again.  People in church seem prepared, but many are not going to heaven.  Just because they talk about Jesus doesn’t mean they know Him.  If you are one who isn’t sure, it’s not too late.  Don’t let another day go by without knowing for sure you belong to Jesus.  He is just a prayer away and He is waiting for you.

So think about it.  Are We Living in the Last Days?

Principle:  Live in faith, not in fear because Jesus is coming soon!

Don't look for the sign of the times.  Listen for the sound of the trumpet!

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Christ Alone is Our Cornerstone

A cornerstone is traditionally the first stone laid for a structure and all other stones then aligned with it so the building is built correctly.  A cornerstone or capstone marks the geographical location by orienting a building in a specific direction.  Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith.  Everything that Jesus did or taught is verified by the resurrection.  He is the foundation of the faith.

The Word of God brings the dead to life.   If you are having a bad day, a bad week, or a bad year – and we all know that 2020 was a bad year!  2021 is a little better but we still have a way to go.  Put your trust and faith in that there will be a better day ahead.  Hold on to your promised outcome - our heavenly home where there are no tears, no pain, or sorrow.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you,” – 1 Peter 1:3-4

Peter calls Jesus, ‘Lord Jesus Christ’.  ‘Lord’ means that He has complete authority and is head over everything.  ‘Jesus’ is His human name and means ‘God is the one who saves’.  ‘Christ’ means ‘the one whom God has anointed’.  There are many who were suffering because they were Christians and Peter is reminding them why they should praise God.  Many Christians suffer today, but we have hope in God to expect all He promised for our future.  We don’t have to guess what He will do.  We have to trust Him.  This is a living hope because God raised Jesus from death and God will raise us too.

If you are a Christian, you are born again to a living hope because you have eternal life in a Savior who conquered death Himself.  Our hope lives and can never fade away because it is reserved for us in heaven.  It’s called a living hope because it is imperishable.  Our inheritance is too great to describe, but we know it can never perish or fade away.  We suffer through all kinds of trials so that our faith will be refined and prove it to be genuine faith.

There will be trials in your life as you wait for that promised day.  How do you endure until that day?  By knowing whose you are.  1 Peter 2:9 tells us we are chosen, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.  He has called us out of darkness.   We are built on an indestructible rock, Jesus. (1 Peter 2:6).  All you have to do is trust in Him.  He is the indestructible cornerstone.  He is either your cornerstone or your stumbling stone.  We stumble because we disobey His message.  You believe or you don’t.  What matters is who you think Jesus is. 

Who do you think Jesus is?  You say He is the Christ, but is He your Savior?   The message of 1 Peter is there is a cornerstone, a living stone who is Jesus.  We as Christians are part of a living religion in Jesus.  The church is built on Jesus our living rock.  We all worship something or someone whether we realize it or not.  We should not worship material things which are not living.  We should worship the living Jesus.

We have to make the choices daily.  Do you bow down to things and choices that are not of Jesus?  In Daniel 3 King Nebuchadnezzar tried to force Daniel and his friends to worship his image.  They had to make a choice to worship him or be put into the fiery furnace.  They didn’t know if they were going to die or not, but they for sure were not going to bow down to an idol.  The three went into the fire, but four figures were seen in the fire.  It was Jesus who was there with them in the fire.  As you go through the fiery trials of this life, hold on the confidence that Jesus offers.  Don’t worry He is standing there with you.  

Are you bowing down to something other than Jesus?

What fiery furnace of life are you going through?

We were born in sin and we live with sin all around us.  We’ve been influenced by our parents, grandparents, our friends, our environment and the sinful world we live in.  Some are good influences and some are bad.  We can break free from those bad influences.  We can break free from bad attitudes and traditions that are passed down to us.  We can be made free by being born again.  By being born again we are freed of our past.  We are all sinners, but have been made holy.  We are saints of God, we are living stones.  “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” – 1 Peter 15-16.

To be holy we need to put off all evil things listed in 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  Are you holy?  As a believer in Christ you are holy.   He has made you holy, now act like it.  Being holy doesn’t mean you are perfect or better than others, but it means you are set apart.  You are different from all other stones.  You are a living stone. 

People notice how you act.  Do you act different from others?  The world needs to see you are different.   God put you where you are for a reason.  He put you in your family, your neighborhood, your office, your classroom so others can see you are different.  So act different.  Act like you are a child of God.

All Christians are living stones when we put our faith in Jesus.  We’ve been bought.  Jesus paid the price for us on the cross through His death.  He paid to free us.  “but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.  Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” – 1 Peter 1:19-21.  

Jesus said Himself that the only way to God is through Him (John 14:6).  Many religions say they believe in God, but if you don’t’ believe in Jesus you are not Christians.  Christians have a sure living hope in a living God.

 I love this song from Hillside Worship. - Christ Alone Cornerstone

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus' name

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus' name

Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior's love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all

When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil

Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior's love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all, Christ alone

Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior's love
Through the storm
He is Lord…

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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How Should Christians Respond to Modern Times

These times have been the most challenging we have ever seen.  Our world has been rocked with the global pandemic and unrest with mobs, riots, chaos, rebellion, looting, and destruction.  It seems there is no law and order any more.  Our freedoms are at risk.  Even Christianity is a target of oppression.  It’s safe to say that our world is broken.  Lives have been lost, economies have been shaken, and there’s division between races as well as nations.

God permits this evil because He gave us free choice.  God’s nature is love and since we are made in His image, we are to love.  In order to be capable of love, we must be free.  Love can never be demanded.  If it was, it would not be true love.  Therefore, everyone is free to make their own choices.  It may be good choices or bad ones, but it is a choice.

There are lessons in these choices.  God is sending us a message which should challenge us to respond morally with compassion for the victims.  He wants us to work to remedy any wrong that has been committed.  He wants us to be forgiving and pray for those who do evil like Jesus did in Mark 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  The Bible teaches that through suffering, we grow spiritually.  It produces courage, perseverance, patience, endurance, character, love, and compassion.  Through suffering we turn to God which can deepen our faith and hope.

It all boils down to SIN.  Maybe God is trying to stir our conscience and wake us up telling us we need to repent, because Jesus will be coming soon. 

Despite God’s mercy, the world was filled with violence in the book of Genesis and it’s getting worse today.  God wiped the slate clean through the flood and ultimately God sent His Son, Jesus to rescue his people from their rebellion and sin. 

One thing remains.  God has remained faithful.  He is our Rock, Redeemer and Friend.  He is always with us even when we can't see or feel Him.  We may not understand what He is doing or allowing, but He is in control and has a plan.  Even though our world seems to be falling apart, we can always find comfort and peace in Him.  He knows exactly what each of us is going through and His plan is still in place.  He still moves in hearts.  He still loves us.  His plan is continuing and will come to fruition.

How Should Christians Respond to Modern Times?

Don’t forget to thank God for His sovereignty and His faithfulness.  His Word is still making an impact in the lives of countless people around the world.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will awaken the hearts of those who are discontent and discouraged.

Pray that Jesus will help us stand firm, be patient and be watchful as we wait for His return.  We can stay focused on Jesus and keep our eyes on the prize of eternal life with Him.  A relationship with God should be above all else.  Don’t let the world influence you, frustrate you, or break you.  “What good is it for man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” – Mark 8:36.

Recognize there are those who don’t have your same beliefs by showing love and don’t be judgmental.  Show love and not hate.  Stick to your morals and don’t give in to what the world calls normal.  Don’t relax your views on issues the Bible states clearly are forbidden.  Expect resistant toward your beliefs if they don’t line up with the worlds.

Keep going to church.  Church is a safe place.  There you will be encouraged and have support from others who are like-minded and love God.   They will understand your struggles; they will pray for you; they will lift you up when your feel down.

Stay in service to others.  You can work in your church, volunteer in your community, mentor someone, and help the less fortunate.  This is a witness to others showing God is working in you to make the world a better place.

Learn to be forgiving.  No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes.  People are human and words can hurt others.  Everyone wishes they could take back something they’ve said in the past.  You can control how you respond.  God calls us to forgive just as He has forgiven us.

Pray regularly to strengthen your relationship with God.  Make a habit of reading and studying the Word of God.  Stay away from temptations.  True Christians are loving and kind.

We are to continue to work tirelessly for the salvation of souls.

How should Christians respond to modern times?  The answer is given to us by Jesus, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” – Luke 6:27-28.

Please join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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