Wednesday, October 22, 2008

A Time of Trouble Such As Never Was...

The Old Testament book of Daniel (the prophetic hand that fits the prophetic glove of the book of Revelation) predicts the coming of ..."a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book. And of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." [Daniel 12:1-3].
Without sounding hyper anxious or paranoid, the thinking man and woman should consider the signs of collapse unfolding all around us:
1). Collapse of agriculture over the world
2). Collapse of sustainable fresh water over the world
3). Collapse of the environment
4). Collapse of the economy; world wide
5). Collapse of social and and political stability; world wide
One could site examples of each of these issues but it is sufficient only to read unbiased news reports and to peruse the opinions of those whom we hold as "expert" in each of these areas of the global economy; (used in the sense to mean more that money).
We read in Matthew chapter 24 that there will be wars, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes and it goes on to say that all these are but the beginning of birth pains. In other words, the labor pains have only just begun. The chapter talks about false prophets who will deceive many, lawlessness, the love of many growing cold (not caring for family, friends, neighbors, etc. Christ adds a thought (that sounds like an echo from Daniel),"..that there will be a great tribulation, such has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be,"
The skeptics among us are quick to remind that there has always been earthquakes, pestilence (disease), lawlessness, wars, rumors of wars, etc. They are correct. But that does not diminish the increase of frequency and intensity of these events.
Go to the Internet and plot the changes in frequency and intensity of natural events over the past decade. You shouldn't be surprised to find just what I described. Things are worsening in the world; even non-religious headlines declare that fact. But for those who are in Christ there is a promise that goes like this (paraphrased). 'Fear not, for I have overcome the world.'
Whenever Christ encountered his disciples, the prophets, etc., the first two words He spoke were usually, "Fear not." Will all that is ahead, if we are in Christ and He in us we need not fear nor be afraid. "Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh." That's right! It's getting closer; "..even at the door." God Bless, and stay tuned. e.c.

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