Our age will soon pass away. Of that day, nobody knows, but I believe and will live like I will see Jesus come take us home. Why? Well, that's what this note is about. The fact that I’m writing this note should be some indication of the amount of time that we as Christians DON’T have. In my younger life as a Christian, I was a lot like many Christians are today – Jesus hasn’t come back yet, I’ve got time, witnessing isn’t THAT important, etc… - basically a general attitude of apathy. I know what it’s like to feel like this. But, I urge you to WAKE UP! The signs of Jesus’ return are all around. We don’t know when he’s coming true, but all the more reason to preach the gospel to everyone! He could very well come back 100 years from now, but he could also by the same token come back 1 week from now. Why would ANY born-again Christian want to take the chance? We must be busy winning souls to Christ. Jesus tells us that it’s honorable for the servant to be found working when his master returns. So, let’s read the scriptures and apply it!
“Signs?” you say? Yes, the signs are everywhere. Take for example what Paul writes to his son in the ministry, Timothy. (This is found in 2 Timothy 3.)
“But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away. for of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by diverse lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. and even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further. For their folly shall be evident unto all men”
If you tell me that you have not been seeing this in the past few years, I will know for sure you haven’t been paying attention. It’s time to stop being biblically ignorant as Christians (don’t take this wrong, I’m not leaving myself out of this. I have been convicted of my own lack of Biblical knowledge as well, I’m not trying to put people down or point fingers here…well, I am pointing fingers, but you know what I mean), and start digging into the world and letting God speak to us through it. Jesus said that this age will not pass away until certain signs have happened. I believe we’re seeing the “birthing pains”. It’s coming, and it’s coming soon.
This is all a lot of stuff to digest, but thankfully, we still have today. We can make a difference for God and impact the Kingdom NOW. Jesus tells us that we’re not supposed to be scared – we’re not supposed to worry. We as Christians are loved by God and will be protected and helped. But we must get busy with Jesus’ charge to us – The Great Commission. The Kingdom is coming rapidly and we need to be busy telling people about Jesus and his love for us, and his judgment if we don’t receive Him, and how much He wants US to LOVE Him with everything we’ve got. Like I mentioned earlier, we need to be found working for God when Jesus returns. I don’t want to hear Him tell me “you could have done better”. I don’t want to hear people doomed for Hell ask me why I didn’t tell them about Jesus.
I don’t really know how to wrap this up other than to challenge you to start reading scripture more often. Turn the TV or facebook off if you need to. Just get into the Word. Then apply it to your life and obey it. “Faith without works is dead.”
If you don’t know where to start – take a look-see at these books that I’ve been stoked on lately.
1 & 2 Timothy (I’ve been reading 2nd Tim. A LOT lately, go for it, it’s short and powerful.)
Matthew (Read Jesus' sermon on the Mount of Olives. (Chapter 5). It's amazing and powerful. This lays out the Kingdom principles and shows what it's all about. There's a lot here that will probably change your thoughts about things, but it's so good and will hopefully change your heart. Let's be Kingdom-minded!)
John (This is a great book. I love reading the words of Jesus in this book – it’s written by John, who had the closest relationship to Jesus – really portrays passion and love and amazingness. Just an all-around good book)
Obadiah (Very powerful little OT book. It’s short, but frickin PACKED to the brim with power and legitness. Holds a few truths for America today I think. Take it to heart and strive to understand God's justice!)
Isaiah (Probably my favorite OT book and prophet. I love the foreshadowing of Jesus and the power of this book. Read it and you’ll know what I mean.)
Ezekiel (Just great. All I can say is – WOW. Read this book and let me know what you think.)
Contact me if you have any prayer requests, questions, comments, or whatever. Love you guys, and thanks for reading my little note here. I hope it touches you and calls you to action and to a closer walk with Jesus.
Until next time.
Shalom and Love in Jesus Christ,
Jon Bolie
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