Many events are pointing to the Bible’s signs of the end time and reminding us to prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord Himself warned His Church to be wary as they see signs of His coming in their daily lives. Jesus first talks about signs that precede His coming and the very final one as can be seen in Matthew24: 3-14: ”As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
We can see most if not all the signs mentioned in this passage and also the very final one: the gospel of the kingdom being preached in the whole world as testimony to all nations. What are we doing about it?
Is the Church of Christ ready to receive Jesus if He should return today? What percentage of the Church that we see today is ready, without stain or wrinkle? (Ephesians 5:27).
The church of today appears to be sleeping or unconscious of the times we are in; that is why it is focusing on miracles, signs and wonders instead of preparing for the coming of the Lord. Sin continues to reign in our bodies and we live anyhow, expecting that when Jesus comes we shall go with Him.
The world system is gradually preparing the stage for the rule of the antichrist as stated in the book of Revelation 13:14-18 where a mark would be given to people to be able to trade or live comfortably.
These are scriptures that remind us of the times we are in. Some may be wondering how a mark could be put on a person to allow him do business on earth or live.
A careful study of the technological world should tell us that, through one system, a person can easily rule the world or control it from one location. The internet can easily be used to reach out to millions of people at the same time.
The world is fast moving into convergence where systems are easily integrated to ensure that we all work together as one people. That would make it easier for one person or leader to easily manipulate the system to get the antichrist operating without our knowledge or realization.
Today, our passports are going biometric so that when you place your fingers on a machine your details are all known. If the system wants to track you, it is far easier than it was some years back.
The devil is fast putting in place the mechanisms and channels to make the rule of the antichrist easier and more effective.
It is unfortunate that, in the face of all these happenings Christians are still playing around without going in for the things that matter, the things that put them in the right shape for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
This is the time for holiness, righteousness and commitment to God; the playing has kept too long. He that should come is coming. It is time for prayer and commitment.
We are dealing with a wild enemy who knows his time is near. We are dealing with eternity that has no end. How ready are we as Christians? We are truly in the end times; prepare to meet your maker!!!