“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” — Matthew 24:14 (NIV84)
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked recently, “Are we living in the end times?” This is understandable considering what we are currently facing: COVID-19, earthquakes (in Utah), protests, riots, racism, drought (and Utah wildfires), political unrest, anger, anarchy, assaults, hatred, murder, etc. Just like birth pains, the earth seems to be reeling in anticipation of what we know to be the return of Christ.
Are we living in the end times? YES! If it’s not here today or tomorrow, then it’s very near. When the disciples asked Jesus the same question, He revealed some key, future prophetic events to look for. Jesus wanted us to understand the signs of the end times, not so we become brainiacs and experts on Eschatology (the study of end times), but so we can be prepared to respond correctly to future events.
The Gospel Must Be Preached
There is one thing we know for sure must happen before The End comes. According to Jesus, the Gospel must be preached throughout entire world. This means we have work to do. We can’t just sit back and fret, or shrink back in fear.
Let me ask you two thought questions that have greatly challenged me over the years:
- “Do you believe the world needs to be reached with the Gospel message?”
- “If every Christian was doing what you are doing, would the world get reached?”
Wow! Those are convicting questions for me. If you are similarly convicted, you may be asking, “What can I do?” Here are three practical things to consider:
- PRAY. Get a “Top Ten” list of people you know who need to hear the Gospel and pray for them.
- WORK. Get busy sharing your faith. The world needs Jesus, NOT a better government.
- REPENT. If you’ve become lazy, start talking to people about Jesus. If you’re not sure about your salvation – get saved today. You don’t want to be left behind. Click this link to learn more.
And remember this about the end times — if it’s not here it’s near.
Praying and working,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor