Signs of the Times

There is a future day which is written only on God's calendar. Though its specific date is unknown, God has made clear many details about the coming of His Son. Have you ever had the feeling that the Lord had returned and you had been left behind? The church in Thessalonica thought that the Lord had already come. Paul taught them to not worry, for certain things must take place first. In 1 Thess.2 Paul said that a great falling away would occur first. We are in essence, seeing a falling away on greater proportions than ever before. Society has rejected values and principles based upon God's Word. One aspect of this is seen in rejecting the Divine order established at creation. God made man and woman in His image and presented the woman to the man. The breakdown in marriages as well as the acceptance of gay marriage reflects societies rejection of the order God established.

Paul went on to say that the man of lawlessness would be revealed. We do not know who this individual is, but the Bible says that he will be working in concert with Satan and will set himself up as God in God's temple. The temple was destroyed about 2,000 years ago. However, orthodox Jews are preparing for the rebuilding of their temple now. It may sound strange, but utensils and the altar table have been prepared for use in the new temple. Paul said that the Anti-Christ would set himself up in the temple and declare himself to be God. The temple being planned for now is the temple that the Anti-Christ will use.

Paul goes on to say that the restrainer will be taken out of the way. If this is the church, then the church will be sidelined or as many believe, will be raptured and taken to heaven. If the restrainer is God's blessing and protection, then we see His hand lifting as more and more weather events and worldwide crisis erupt. The European nations are in crisis as their economies nosedive. US currency is not far behind. Our government has placed our country on the threshold of bankruptcy. What would emerge from a world economic meltdown? John taught in Revelations 13 that the Anti-Christ would make everyone receive a mark in order to buy and sell. Those that reject the mark will not be able to buy anything.

The prophet Zechariah said in chapter 14 that the nations would rise up against Israel and before the Day of the Lord, the nations would attack Israel. They will be supernaturally destroyed. Ezekiel 38 predicts this event and names the people groups who reside north of Israel. Israel is surrounded by nations that want to destroy her. Their hostility will build up until the day they attack and God intervenes.

As we watch the worldwide crisis continue, what is it that we should do? We are to keep watch and pray. We should keep looking up, because our redemption is near. Whether the day is close or still far way, the times in which we live present us with unique opportunities. The prophet Malachi said that the distinction between good and evil will become more evident. Live the life that God has called you too. Believers need to stand firm and be the church that God has called them to be. As people struggle and look for answers and hope, we have the answer, Jesus Christ. May we exalt Him until that final day when He returns to take us home.

Blessings,
Pastor Pete