I have never been one to spend a lot of time studying end-time prophesies or trying to figure out all the prophetic symbolisms in the books of Daniel or Revelation. It may be because my wife and I are just not called to that type of ministry like some people are. We have just been too focused on souls and ministering to the people God places in our care. So we determined a long time ago that the extent of our eschatology (study of end times) would be, “He is coming, and we are ready”.
I do however realize that some people are very concerned with all the events that have been taking place in the world over the last few years. Hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of wars have all escalated tremendously and Jesus had a few things to say about these situations so I thought it may be helpful to review some of the things Jesus told us in his Matthew 24 prophecy about the days that we live in.
Jesus told his disciples that no man knew the exact time (Matthew 24:36) that He would return, not even the angels. Any prophecies to the contrary should be discarded and we have had a lot of those over the last few years. We can however recognize the season that we are in and we are definitely getting closer to the time of His return.
There are several very critical things that Jesus spoke in his Matthew 24 prophecy. Remember, true prophecies are supposed to edify, exhort and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3) and the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). So how can Matthew 24 edify, exhort and comfort when it is talking about the escalation of deceivers, false prophets, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines,iniquity, hatred of believers, etc? I am glad you asked that question!!!!
The major comfort keys in Matthew 24 and the secrets to living in these tumultuous times, according to Jesus, are as follows:
1. Be not troubled (frightened)! (Matt. 24:6)
2. Be not deceived! Rely on His Word, not on what you see and hear. (Matt.24:4-5)
3. Be ready! (Matt. 24:44)
4. Be working for the Kingdom! (Matt. 24:46)
5. Be preaching the Gospel in all the world! (Matt. 24:14)
If it does not have eternal value, Cheryl and I are not interested. Our eyes should be set like a flint on the invisible and not the visible, the eternal and not the temporal. Do not get sidetracked with such things as anger with a preacher or politician, unforgiveness with someone that has done you wrong, or worry about current events. Pray for all those situations, but stay focused on helping people and sharing the Gospel whenever and wherever you get a chance.
We are back to a couple of very simple but powerful themes. He’s coming and we’re ready! We don’t go by how we feel, but by the Word that is real!
Our “Book of the Month” this month is “Heaven Is For Real“. This is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and a must read for everyone receiving this eblast. It will change your life!
In His Service,
Rev. Ed & Cheryl Henderson
New Life Network, Inc.
www.newlifenetwork-org-staging.smwnm894-liquidwebsites.com
