I was recently asked by a lady: “Are we approaching the end times or are we in them?”
My question back to her was “Why are you asking? What difference does it make to you where we are in God’s timeline?”
As far as end times goes the big problem is that we try to figure out when it's going to happen. Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 not to be concerned “about times or dates – for you know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
As if this special knowledge will gain us greater insight into the Scriptures. It would be better to be faithful in doing what God commands - Love God, Love others and Serve this World as Christ did.
When the Bridegroom comes what's important is that the bridesmaids are found faithfully obedient, not looking for God's secret into understanding the end times. (Matthew 25:1-13)
While it's interesting and even fun to speculate on what is happening and when it's going to happen, remember that every generation, for many generations, have believed that the Lord would return during their life time. In fact we are commanded to expect his imminent return. I'd rather be found serving God as He commands rather then worrying if the end times are here.
After all don’t most Baptists (but not all) believe in a pre-tribulational, pre-millennial rapture of the church? If this is true, then we won't be here anyway – so, so what if the end times come? Even if we are here we are still commanded to be faithful in our quest to advance His Kingdom until He returns.
On the other hand, suppose the end times are right around the corner - how should we prepare for them? And more importantly how does this differ as to how we are commanded to live, especially we are to be anticipating His return at any moment! Be prepared! (Matthew 24:44, Luke 12:40)
So the secret to the end times is simply this be watchful for His return and be faithful in His service. For truly, he comes as a thief in the night and no man knows the hour or the day except the Father. (Matthew 24:36)
Even so, Come Lord Jesus!
Counting the days
Pastor Val
On the other hand, suppose the end times are right around the corner - how should we prepare for them? And more importantly how does this differ as to how we are commanded to live, especially we are to be anticipating His return at any moment! Be prepared! (Matthew 24:44, Luke 12:40)
So the secret to the end times is simply this be watchful for His return and be faithful in His service. For truly, he comes as a thief in the night and no man knows the hour or the day except the Father. (Matthew 24:36)
Even so, Come Lord Jesus!
Counting the days
Pastor Val