...wars, and rumors of wars...

 

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is sure to come. Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginnings of birth pangs."

Matthew 24:6

Eschatologists have studied this passage from the Bible for generations. With the re-establishment of Israel in 1948, many think the "clock is ticking". That the generation who was born in 1948 or later, will be the last generation. The end of days. The great battle which will pit nation against nation, so much so, it will be a total world war. And it won't last long. Maybe only a day.

I find it interesting that many who celebrate during the Easter Season, the season of the Risen Christ, have little interest in talking about Christ's return. He will come back not as a lamb, but as the Lion of Judah. And it could be very soon - or not. No man knows the day nor the time. But the Holy Bible is full of clues that we could be very close. When that time comes, it will happen very quickly. It will be a very good day, for those who follow Christ. 

What has happened at Asbury College, and is happening at other locations all over the world, cannot be ignored. I was at a men's ministry group last Saturday. It was at our church, and we collaborated with another church to put this event on. We flew in a guest speaker, who specialized in men's ministry. It was powerful ministry to say the least. How much so? Earlier this week, I received an email from the man who organized the event. Out of 170 men, 10 gave their lives to Christ at or after the event!  

Why is this such a big deal? Luke 15:7 tells us:

"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance."  

Wars, and rumors of wars. It is hard to watch the news as of late, without hearing more threats from China, North Korea and Russia. Our Secretary of Defense has recently put out a communication to the entire force that China was now our number one concern. When Iran has their nuke done this spring, expect to hear additional threats come from them - especially aimed at Israel. 

Two things we should know for sure. First, this world is like a powder keg right now, and the smallest spark could start the inferno. Second, Jesus is coming back. You can choose to accept that or reject it, but He is coming back. It will be the end of days. But for followers, it will be the best of days.