In Times Like These

In Times Like These

A flash of light brighter than a thousand suns illuminated the desert sands of New Mexico early one morning in 1945[cite: 8]. One scientist shed tears as he watched, and exclaimed: "O God, we have created hell."[cite: 8] And the world has not been the same since that morning[cite: 8]. We entered a new era, perhaps the last era of the world[cite: 8]. Things are changing, and changing fast[cite: 8].

What does it all mean?[cite: 8] We are living in an era of fulfilling Bible prophecy[cite: 8]. Prophecies being fulfilled in the happenings of our day brighten the hope that we are very near to the coming of Jesus[cite: 8].

1. SIGNS THAT CHRIST'S COMING IS NEAR (Part 1 of 4)

Here are seven signposts along the highway to heaven which show the modern-day traveler that the coming of Jesus is near[cite: 8].

Signpost 1—Fear. Distress. Perplexity.

We live in an age of nerves[cite: 8]. People expect the worst[cite: 8]. They are tense with anxiety[cite: 8]. There is an almost universal affliction of jitters[cite: 8]. The Lord Jesus Christ foretold all this as a sign of His coming and the actual end of the age[cite: 8]. Here are His exact words:[cite: 8]

"There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth DISTRESS OF NATIONS, WITH PERPLEXITY; MEN'S HEARTS FAILING THEM FOR FEAR, AND FOR LOOKING AFTER THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE COMING ON THE EARTH: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken[cite: 8]. And THEN SHALL THEY SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING in a cloud with power and great glory[cite: 8]. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."—Luke 21:25-28.[cite: 8]

Sounds like the daily news, doesn't it?[cite: 8] Except that the newscaster offers us no practicable solution to the present crisis[cite: 8]. But Jesus tells us how to face this fear-fraught world[cite: 8]. In this tremendous age men of the world cry out in utter frustration, "Look what the world has come to."[cite: 8] But the student of Bible prophecy looks up and "lifts up his head," and cries out with hopeful voice, "Look who is coming to our world."[cite: 8]

Signpost 2—Peace Plans. War Preparations.

Our world plunges from crisis to crisis[cite: 8]. Nation after nation hurries to arm itself with the latest and fastest war planes and the most sophisticated arsenals[cite: 8]. This is just as Bible prophecy declared it would be in the last days:[cite: 8]

"Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles [the nations]; PREPARE WAR, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong."—Joel 3:9, 10.[cite: 8]

1. SIGNS THAT CHRIST'S COMING IS NEAR (Part 2 of 4)

While the nations prepare for war, they talk of peace[cite: 8]. This also is exactly what the Bible predicted, in Micah 4:1, 2, would take place in these last days[cite: 8].

The cry for peace is everywhere—certainly in the hearts of troubled people, the common man on the street, the father in his household as he looks at his growing sons, the mother who worries about the ceiling falling in on them in some great explosion or conflagration[cite: 8]. Yet the very nations that cry, "Peace and safety!" are, at the same time, arming themselves and supplying arms to others to the tune of millions and millions of dollars[cite: 8].

Signpost 3—An Awakened World.

The nations of the world have awakened, in direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy[cite: 8]. Speaking of the "last days," Joel predicted:[cite: 8]

"Let the heathen [the nations] be wakened,... multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision."—Joel 3:12-14.[cite: 8]

Not only are the nations of Africa and the Far East awakening to modern times, but the ancient pagan religions are having an astonishing new resurrection[cite: 8]. Non-Christian religions are launching a new assault for the minds and hearts of men[cite: 8]. Asia, unquestionably the birthplace of civilization and of great religious movements, is arousing from the sleep of ages[cite: 8]. Africa is filled with new nations that are beginning to feel their strength and a desire for better things and a place in the sun[cite: 8]. Among all the nations of the world we are witnessing the most widespread awakening in all of recorded history[cite: 8].

Signpost 4—Moral Decay.

The decay of civilization, the increase of crime and violence, immorality, the breakdown of the home, of the family and marriage, all stare us in the face[cite: 8]. Just as the Bible predicts:[cite: 8]

"In the last days perilous times shall come.... Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."—2 Timothy 3:1, 13.[cite: 8]

1. SIGNS THAT CHRIST'S COMING IS NEAR (Part 3 of 4)

The Bible warns of youth rebellion by predicting that children would be "disobedient to parents" in these last days[cite: 8]. (Verse 2.)[cite: 8] It warns of the new immorality when it predicts that men would be "without natural affection."[cite: 8] It warns of love-ins, a swinging society, and multiple divorces when it predicts that men would be "incontinent" (lacking self-control) and "trucebreakers."[cite: 8] (Verse 3.)[cite: 8] It warns of a breakdown of law and order: "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." Verse 13.[cite: 8] We are reaping the harvest of several generations with no Bible reading, no prayer, no regular church attendance[cite: 8]. (See also Matthew 24:11, 12; Luke 17:26, 27.)[cite: 8]

Signpost 5—A Secularized Christianity.

Paul also warns of worldly pleasure lovers filling the churches[cite: 8].

"Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."—2 Timothy 3:4, 5.[cite: 8]

The ecumenical movement, the rapid growth of a world church, has led to an almost universal letdown of faith in the fundamental doctrines of Holy Scripture[cite: 8]. The "new" theology, a religionless Christianity, is with us in terrible fulfillment of Bible prophecy[cite: 8]. (See also 1 Timothy 4:1, 2; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; 2 Peter 3:3, 4; Revelation 18:1-5; Matthew 24:11, 23, 24.)[cite: 8] Called in question are the personality of God, the deity of Christ, the effectiveness of Christ's death for us on the cross, the reality of His resurrection, and the hope of His second coming[cite: 8]. With the decline of belief in Bible fundamentals there is a rapid movement toward one world church, one world religion, supported by one world government, with all of the good things and all of the terrible consequences that such a situation would entail[cite: 8].

Signpost 6—Modern Progress.

Coupled with the mad, swift pace of modern life, there is a fantastic explosion of human knowledge both in the scientific and the spiritual realm[cite: 8]. Just as the Bible predicted,[cite: 8]

"[IN] THE TIME OF THE END: MANY SHALL RUN TO AND FRO, AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE INCREASED."—Daniel 12:4.[cite: 8]

1. SIGNS THAT CHRIST'S COMING IS NEAR (Part 4 of 4)

All aspects of living are speeded up in our generation[cite: 8]. Fleets of fast-moving jets carry us everywhere[cite: 8]. Missiles streak through the skies[cite: 8]. Nations vie with each other in space travel and exploration[cite: 8]. Increase of knowledge in this electronic age and the sudden ability of men to travel all over the world in a short period of time have made possible the fulfillment of this last sign:[cite: 8]

Signpost 7—The Gospel to All the World.

The most wonderful sign of all that Jesus is coming in our day is the sign of world evangelism, which Jesus Himself promised:[cite: 8]

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."—Matthew 24:14.[cite: 8]

These seven signposts indicate that Jesus' coming is near[cite: 8]. Jesus said,[cite: 8]

"When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."—Matthew 24:33.[cite: 8]

Do you discern the signs of the times?[cite: 8] Are you awake to world events as certain evidence of Christ's near return?[cite: 8] Are you ready for the coming of Jesus?[cite: 8]

"Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."—Matthew 24:44.[cite: 8]

What preparation is needed?[cite: 8] Accept Jesus into your heart and your life as your Saviour and your Lord[cite: 8]. If you have not already accepted Him, review guide 12 which clearly outlines the way of salvation[cite: 8]. Then live for Jesus every day[cite: 8].

2. HOW TO KEEP READY UNTIL JESUS COMES (Part 1 of 7)

1. Make God's Word your rule of life.

The Bible reveals the essentials of living a victorious Christian life[cite: 8]. The 66 books of the Bible were given to enable us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18.[cite: 8]

These inspired words will do us little good unless we study them and they become a practical part of our daily living[cite: 8]. Read the Bible every day, for:[cite: 8]

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4[cite: 8]

The Bible in the heart and mind will keep us from sin[cite: 8].

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:9, 11.[cite: 8]

Our faith increases as we study God's Book[cite: 8].

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."—Romans 10:17.[cite: 8]

2. Pray to God every day.

Make it a practice to begin your day with God in prayer—personal, secret prayer—and you will receive power for a day of victory[cite: 8]. Throughout the day keep close to God for strength and power[cite: 8]. The psalmist resolved:[cite: 8]

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17.[cite: 8]

Daniel maintained his connection with God by praying regularly[cite: 8]. "He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God." Daniel 6:10.[cite: 8]

Prayer is the breath of the soul[cite: 8]. The more we breathe of the divine atmosphere, the more vigorous our spiritual life will be[cite: 8].

3. Unite the family in prayer.

2. HOW TO KEEP READY UNTIL JESUS COMES (Part 2 of 7)

There is a comradeship in family prayer that can be found in no other experience[cite: 8]. Before beginning each meal, give thanks for the mercies of a heavenly Father who supplies all your needs[cite: 8]. Let the children join you in prayer at the table and in family worship[cite: 8]. In these days of juvenile delinquency and marital discord, family worship is the strongest possible protection for the home[cite: 8]. It is a safe home where prayer unites the hearts[cite: 8].

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children."—Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.[cite: 8]

4. Listen to your conscience.

Let your conscience be trained and educated by the light from God's Word[cite: 8]. Conscience, guided by the Bible and the Holy Spirit, will lead you to Jesus[cite: 8].

"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."—1 John 1:7.[cite: 8]

Follow all the light that brightens your pathway, and God will guide you into greater light[cite: 8].

5. Keep your heart open for truth.

Bible truth shines brighter and brighter the more we study God's Word[cite: 8]. (Proverbs 4:18.)[cite: 8] The wonderful prophecies of the Bible, when studied and correctly understood, strengthen our confidence in God[cite: 8].

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts."—2 Peter 1:19.[cite: 8]

Just as sunlight makes a plant grow, so the light of Bible truth helps us grow more like Jesus[cite: 8]. Never shut out the light of God's Word[cite: 8].

6. Turn defeat into victory.

2. HOW TO KEEP READY UNTIL JESUS COMES (Part 3 of 7)

Are you discouraged by yesterday's defeat or today's weakness?[cite: 8] Have you been trying to fight alone, and found the enemy too strong for you?[cite: 8] The devil's sharpest tool is discouragement[cite: 8]. He knows that a discouraged Christian will soon be a defeated Christian[cite: 8]. But Jesus will help you turn your weakness into strength, your stumbling blocks into steppingstones[cite: 8]. When you fall, cry to God as did the sinking Peter on the Sea of Galilee, "Lord, save me." Matthew 14:30.[cite: 8] Jesus waits to help you when you realize that you cannot save yourself[cite: 8].

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not[cite: 8]. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."—1 John 2:1.[cite: 8]

One great difference between a sinner and a child of God is that when the Christian stumbles into sin, he does not wallow in it[cite: 8]. He hates his weakness and longs for deliverance[cite: 8].

Are you struggling with evil habits?[cite: 8] Does tobacco have a hold on you that you cannot break?[cite: 8] Do the sinful pleasures of the world offer an appeal that you cannot resist?[cite: 8] Jesus was tempted in all points "like as we are, yet without sin."[cite: 8] (Hebrews 4:15.)[cite: 8] He reaches out His hand of victory to you today[cite: 8]. Place your weak hand in His strong one, and know that He is able to keep you from falling[cite: 8]. (James 4:7, 8.)[cite: 8]

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."—Jude 24.[cite: 8]

7. Have faith in God.

Often we find it difficult to understand why certain experiences enter our lives[cite: 8]. When trial and trouble stalk our pathway we at times question the love of God[cite: 8]. But God never forsakes a child of His, even in trouble[cite: 8].

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."—Hebrews 13:5.[cite: 8]

2. HOW TO KEEP READY UNTIL JESUS COMES (Part 4 of 7)

God watches over you even more carefully and tenderly when you are under trial and temptation[cite: 8]. In adversity you need Him most[cite: 8]. Do not despair and lose faith in the only One who can help you[cite: 8]. Remember the story of Job—stripped of his possessions and suffering from a terrible disease, tormented by his "friends," told by his discouraged wife to "curse God and die," Job cried out, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Job 13:15.[cite: 8] So hold on to God in faith, no matter how adverse the winds that blow on you[cite: 8].

In sickness have faith in God[cite: 8]. Note how carefully He guards your bed of pain:[cite: 8]

"The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness."—Psalm 41:3.[cite: 8]

You are of great importance to your Father in heaven, for He gave His only begotten Son to die that you might have abundant life[cite: 8]. (John 3:16; 10:10.)[cite: 8] It matters to Him about you[cite: 8].

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father... Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."—Matthew 10:29, 31.[cite: 8]

In delay have faith in God[cite: 8]. His delays have a purpose[cite: 8].

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."—Psalm 27:14.[cite: 8]

"Be still, and know that I am God."—Psalm 46:10.[cite: 8]

Moses waited forty years in Midian[cite: 8]. Elijah waited three and a half years in hiding[cite: 8]. John the Baptist languished for months in prison[cite: 8]. Jesus waited forty days in the wilderness of temptation[cite: 8]. Paul waited more than two years before he could begin his ministry as an apostle[cite: 8]. Are we better than they?[cite: 8]

In life's darkest hour, have faith in God[cite: 8]. The Son of God walked in the fiery furnace with the three faithful Hebrew children[cite: 8]. Is He less willing to walk with you in the "valley of the shadow of death"?[cite: 8] No, no![cite: 8] He is the "same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Hebrews 13:8.[cite: 8]

2. HOW TO KEEP READY UNTIL JESUS COMES (Part 5 of 7)

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."—Psalm 23:4.[cite: 8]

The "valley of the shadow" is not a fearful time for the Christian who grasps the hand of Christ, the Resurrection and the Life[cite: 8]. For He has conquered death[cite: 8].

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."—Revelation 14:13.[cite: 8]

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."—Psalm 116:15.[cite: 8]

"Jesus said... I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."—John 11:25.[cite: 8]

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."—Revelation 1:18.[cite: 8]

Are you suffering persecution for your faith?[cite: 8] "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."[cite: 8] (2 Timothy 3:12.)[cite: 8] But hold on to His arm of strength[cite: 8].

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you[cite: 8]. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world[cite: 8]. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."—1 Peter 5:7-10.[cite: 8]

8. Be a church-going church member.

In unity there is strength[cite: 8]. By association with fellow Christians, we gain strength and courage[cite: 8]. To all who long for the coming of Jesus, the privilege of Christian fellowship is precious[cite: 8].

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."—Hebrews 10:25.[cite: 8]

2. HOW TO KEEP READY UNTIL JESUS COMES (Part 6 of 7)

The Christian finds in church fellowship the very things that will lift his spirits and help him to press on in Christian growth[cite: 8]. So be a faithful attendant at church and Sabbath school every Sabbath, the time when Jesus promises to meet with His commandment-keeping people[cite: 8]. Jesus is coming soon[cite: 8]. You will be better prepared to meet Him if you are an active Christian and church member[cite: 8].

If no church is available where you can unite with God's people in worship on His holy day, let The Voice of Prophecy help you arrange for church membership for isolated believers[cite: 8]. Why not organize a home Sabbath school in your community?[cite: 8] Ask for further information if you need such help[cite: 8].

9. Share your faith.

One of Christ's last statements to His followers was the commission to witness for Him:[cite: 8]

"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."—Acts 1:8.[cite: 8]

Do you ask yourself, what can I do?[cite: 8]

I can live my faith.[cite: 8] Some people are too timid to speak in public, but they can preach sermons by simply living for Christ[cite: 8]. No more powerful message can be given than the life of the Christian who lives to bless others[cite: 8]. As Edgar Guest said, "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one, any day."[cite: 8] Your smile can preach for Christ[cite: 8]. Your cheering word to a discouraged sinner may lead him to Christ[cite: 8]. Your helpful service in an hour of need can be a sermon never to be forgotten[cite: 8].

I can share my faith.[cite: 8] As Christians we have a faith to share, "the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.[cite: 8]

Paul saw Jesus on the Damascus road, and it changed his life[cite: 8]. When later he told what Jesus had done in his life, sinners were stirred[cite: 8]. The simple story of his conversion softened the heart of Herod Agrippa[cite: 8].

2. HOW TO KEEP READY UNTIL JESUS COMES (Part 7 of 7)

The Holy Spirit can use your experience, if you tell it simply and humbly, to stir human hearts[cite: 8]. As people see what God has done in transforming your life, they will be convinced that He can help them too[cite: 8].

We can share our faith in Jesus as our personal Saviour from sin[cite: 8]. We can share our faith in the great doctrines of Scripture[cite: 8]. We can share our faith in the hope of Jesus' second coming—His near return[cite: 8].

There is a reward for loving service, the joy of seeing sinners saved by the grace of Jesus Christ[cite: 8]. Members of God's church will "find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless[cite: 8]. Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His name may be glorified."—Acts of the Apostles, page 12.[cite: 8]

Remember the words of Jesus:[cite: 8]

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."—Matthew 25:40.[cite: 8]

Dear Father in heaven: In times like these, when Your coming is so near, the great longing of my heart is to live a life of victory every day[cite: 8]. I need the power of Jesus in my daily life[cite: 8]. Help me every day to grow more and more like Jesus as I fellowship with Him and with other Christians in Bible study and prayer[cite: 8]. Help me to live my faith so that others will see Jesus in me and will want to know Him[cite: 8]. Give me spiritual power to share my faith with others[cite: 8]. I pray in Jesus' name[cite: 8]. Amen.[cite: 8]