Left Behind

Left Behind, Mark 13:5-8, Matthew 28:19, 20, 2 Tim 1:7, 2 Tim 3:12-17, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

I think we can all agree that the world is undergoing changes that none of us have anticipated or ever seen in our lifetimes (no matter how old you are), and many Christians are wondering if we’re in the end times.

Over the past few weeks my sermons have addressed the effects of the pandemic, the over reach of our government, the move toward a “Great Reset” or “One World Government”, as well as the signs that indicate that we may be approaching the end times, and what our response should be to all of this.

Remember this, our circumstances are from God. You are not a victim of chance. You are a child of God, and He has a purpose for you where you are.

Jesus appeared completely helpless, at the mercy of Pilate. But Jesus understood that Pilate had no power over Him, except that which was granted to him by God.

He appeared to be a helpless prisoner, but in reality, He had the power of God behind Him, a power far greater than that of Rome. Thus, even in today’s chaotic circumstances, you are not helpless. You are in God’s hands, not anyone else’s.

Even when it seems that others have a great deal of power over you (your employer, the government, vaccine mandates), they hold that power only at God’s pleasure, only in order to accomplish His purposes in your life.

Additionally, if we put too much confidence in the things of this world and a belief that our life will work out because of our own abilities and plans, we are going to be in for disappointment and lifetime of ongoing heartache.

We are not bodies that happen to possess a spirit; we are spirits who happen to possess a body. This body is dying, passing away. As a Christian, our spirit is as vibrant as the day it was made alive in Christ the Lord.

Due to all the events in the news and the pandemonium that we see on a global scale, many are asking the question, are we in the Tribulation?

Well, if you believe in a pretribulation Rapture (which I do) – that Christ will take us to heaven before the terrible things of the Tribulation start, then no, we are not in the Tribulation.

But, we may be at the beginning of the events that set up the necessary circumstances that will allow the antichrist to rise to power.

So, what’s going on? As we witness so much confusion in our world and even our nation, we can look to God’s Holy Word for the answers we seek.

Jesus tells us that what we’re seeing is the beginning of birth pains (Mark 13:5-8); there are signs we’re supposed to be watching for that herald the nearing return of Christ.

“Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.

The statement “take heed” (v. 6) is from the Greek word blepete, meaning “discernment concerning realities which lie beyond the observations of the physical senses.”

As Disciples of Christ, we will need uncommon spiritual discernment to be able to withstand the deceivers and to weather the storms of persecution.

We will need our minds focused so that we will not be led astray in the midst of crises and cries of confusion.

Commentator Warren Wiersbe applies these verses as a warning against anyone claiming to have all the answers to the world’s woes. He says,

“There is something in human nature that loves a lie and refuses to believe the costly lessons of the past. Mark Twain said that a lie runs around the world, while truth is putting on her shoes! How easy it is for spiritually blind people to follow popular leaders and gullibly accept their simple solutions for the problems of life. Jesus warned His disciples not to be deceived by these impostors, and that warning holds good today.”

God has entrusted to us who are saved with the message of life; and this message is to be shared with all people. Think through the various statements of Christ’s charge to the faithful.

Matthew quotes Jesus as saying to His followers, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” Matt. 28:19, 20.