Current Events

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, 

of love and of self-discipline.   II Timothy 1:7
 

The kids and I were early to church this morning as only one of us needed to be there an hour before. We took a quick run to Dunkin Donuts for some coffee and hot chocolate, then back to church..still early. I offered the kids something to read and we talked about the book I had in the car, "Let's Roll." The book of Todd Beamer's story from the 911 tragedy. I have not read it yet, but the kids were interested as I explained what it was about. Someone posted on facebook today something pretty thought provoking. 

"Sept 11th (NY) Jan 11th (Haiti) and March 11th (Japan)....Luke 21:10-11"

We then talked about the tragedy in Japan, and how over 10,000 people (and rising) are feared dead. Writers have hailed it the "nations worst tragedy since WWII." The conversation then led to the talk about the end times. How there will be great signs and events. Those who know the warnings and prophesies foretold in scriptures will not be surprised. I can honestly say, I'm not surprised. I'm saddened to see and hear what is going on all around. We need to pray for the families in Japan. I wish there was something else I could do, like pack up and go help! I'm not sure I know what to do right now except to pray.  

I do know this earth as we know it, will one day be gone. We hear "global warming" and "the great balance of our mother earth," but it is not going to last as we know it.  As I hear about people saying, "Ahh the economy will turn around," or "It will all get better and be back to normal." I'm not quite sure about that.

We read Luke 21:5-38  It is clear that things are changing. That "events" and the "distress of nations" etc.. are happening more often. It is clear that we just need to be ready. 

What do I mean by "being ready?" Well, what do you believe? Are you truly saved? Do you know for sure? Check this link out if you are not sure! Pastor Ray Pritchard has an amazing FAQ section on his website called Keep Believing Ministries. He was our pastor for many years. We miss him dearly, and still love checking in from time to time. His site has a plethora of amazing information if you are seeking answers. There are many other sites that have explanations, but since he has so much explained through searchable sermons, FAQ's and such. You could spend all day..and months checking it out.

Here is Luke 21 5-38 -

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Watch Yourselves

34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

Some books of interest:

LEFT BEHIND 
I loved this series simply because of their perspective on the events and last days. No man knows exactly when, what will exactly happen other than what is in the Bible explaining through prophesies. This series explains the end times in an entertaining and thought provoking way. It causes you to seek further, be strong and steadfast in your faith, and wanting be ready!
Many amazing books by Pastor Ray Pritchard - take your pick!

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, 

of love and of self-discipline.    II Timothy 1:7