Are We In End Times?

Today, I asked God what I could do to reach His people, realizing the urgency of the times we live in. I desire to be of service, to reach the confused, frightened believers. My heart weeps for the loss, and I need to share with those who do not know my Savior, the One who keeps me standing through good times, obstacles, and health issues.

 Quietly, I said, "Lord, I am retired, assist my elderly mother, and have few acquaintances during this season." The Holy Spirit then whispered, share what you have learned through your online presence. I then began with "But Lord," and Satan immediately filled my mind with doubts and fears. The Holy Spirit interrupted my thoughts; "Do not be concerned with the outcome, just be faithful."

I trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit wholeheartedly. He helps me study and meditate on scripture and reveals truths when I listen to teachings. I have heard many interpretations of the end times, but this post plans to keep it simple and manageable. Speculating that we are in "end times" can be confusing and frightening.

As we look around the world, we can see many signs. Every day in the news, one can read about earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, disease, famine, violence, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The earth is convulsing in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

"Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come." Matthew 24:4-8 NLT

The date and time of Jesus Christ's return are unknown; the Bible explicitly states no one will know the date and time. Many have thought we were living in the period of the end times in the past, but signs have not been aligned as they are today.

In addition to the Biblical signs listed, the attack on Israel undoubtedly indicates we could be close. One can ask oneself why now, but look at the corruption in our world. The Book of Romans, Chapter 1:21-32, accurately describes the heart of man today:

"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 

So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. 

Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too." Romans 1:21,24-26,28-32 NLT

God is love; however, He is also just. In the past, God tolerated man's sinful nature until it was appalling, and evil abounded. As with Noah and Lot, God took action. Are we at that time when God will step in? If so, your place in eternity is at stake.

God has given humankind a choice, a path to eternal salvation, through His Son, Jesus. Do you know where you stand? If one asked, "Do you know if you will make it to heaven"? Anything other than a confident resounding yes, you must commit or recommit your life to the one and only Savior, Jesus.

What can a non-believer or a believer who lost their way do?

• Ask Jesus to become a part of your life.

• Repent from poor choices and ungodly behavior.

• Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Savior. "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your  heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are  made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." Romans10:9-10

• Daily, begin to renew your mind by reading the Bible. The Book of

John is an excellent place to start. 

• Find a Bible-based church to grow and fellowship with.

• Pray daily for guidance and wisdom.

• Reach out to me for non-judgmental support.

What can we do as believers? 

• Share the saving grace of Jesus to the lost. 

• Repent for our ungodly behaviors and the nation's sins; walk in the love of Jesus. 

• Be mindful of thoughts and words. 

• Dwell in the Word, study scripture, and meditate on it day and night. 

• Live by scripture, speak, and walk in the Word daily. 

• Draw close to the Holy Spirit, who is your guide and comforter. Pray in truth and spirit, which is praying in unknown tongues.

• Walk through your day with an attitude of gratefulness and thanksgiving to Yahweh, God, creator of all. 

 We are living in a time of great deception. Society has veered from God, and self-gratification is the norm. We must take our authority as believers and bring hope to people, let the love of Jesus shine through our words and actions. We have been chosen and anointed for this age. Walk under the covering of Psalm 91 and watch God move. 

The teaching of the end of this age is quite in-depth, well beyond this little blog. I pray this post has reassured you. Place all your trust in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and He will lead your way. God loves all His children - saved and unsaved; His grace is never-ending. All will be well, in Jesus's mighty Name. 

God's blessings and peace ~

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