7 reasons to study end-time events and prophecy

7 Reasons to study end-time events

We live in a peaceful world, right?

Ha. You read that first sentence and probably chuckled, or perhaps teared up and took a deep breath. “I wish” quite possibly ran through your mind. In response to recent events and continuing unrest within our society, the hope and prayers for world peace continue to rise.

The motivational speakers encourage everyone to start finding peace within themselves and to make a difference by sharing that peace with others. Sounds good, right?

Well, not really, and here’s why. Although we should live peacefully with one another, and we should examine ourselves to make changes internally with our own thoughts and our heart responses toward the issues of life, the truth is that in our sinful nature we will be incapable of perfectly governing “sin” without submitting to the ONE who overcame sin on the cross.

In other words, people will admit that something is wrong with the world, they may perhaps admit that something is wrong within ourselves. However, unless one acknowledges that we have a big SIN problem and determines to Biblically deal with SIN through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then the “religion” that will be embraced by the world is the one that seeks to embrace peace without embracing Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Enter HUMANISM. 

 

(a focus on humans as prime importance; a love for humanitarianism above a love for God with an emphasis on the goodness of humans; in essence – a worship of humans above a worship for God.)

 

Enter modern-day Tower of Babel. 

(the Biblical example of humans worshipping their own efforts with an attempt to reach God “in their own way”… God allowed confusion through various languages while thwarting their humanistic attempt to unify on their own terms.)

What is the antithesis of life with Christ?  You know, anti-Christ. 

I’m not talking about one person called the “anti-Christ”… I’m talking about seeking a life on earth that closely resembles God’s ideal (some might call it a Utopia) without God’s idea: Jesus. In other words, God originated the idea of an ideal government and ideal Kingdom, but it starts with Jesus as the leader with followers that practice repentance from the sinful nature. True followers of Jesus choose to align themselves with Him, His truth, and His Biblical statutes.

The world; however, will try to replicate that idea of an ideal government without Jesus Christ. The ideas and plan will sound wonderful and almost God-like, but they will not include Jesus, and certainly not a Biblical worldview.

“And this, friends, is what we are dealing with in our present reality… a heart cry for peace without wanting the Prince of Peace. “

In the books such as Revelation and Daniel, Biblical prophecy is outlined and we are watching so much unfold before our eyes.

Will you study and become a good Berean and seek to understand the times so that you might be full of wisdom, understanding and comfort in times of unrest, or will you ignore the signs of our times while denying the Biblical realities of our present day and pretend that you can continue with life as usual? Is your hope that “it will all go away and get fixed if we embrace peace” or is your hope in Jesus, the Prince of Peace?

So, why should we (as Christians) study end-time events, prophecy (such as found in Revelation and Daniel), and solidify a Biblical worldview?

1. To grow in knowledge and help us make sense of unfolding events: As more unrest and cries for “peace” rise up, we must know what God says about all of it. His knowledge / fore-knowledge about world events is shared with us in His word. He does not leave us uninformed. God prepares us for upcoming trials. In the event that Christians were to face trials or persecutions, God would be faithful to strengthen and prepare His children.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”  (NIV)

2. To grow in wisdom and discernment: God’s word tells us what to expect and gives us knowledge so that we may use that knowledge and grow in wisdom. In other words, the more we know, the more we can apply what we know to the ways we choose to live. For example, we will discover that God’s word warns about great deception that will take place in the last days. In wisdom, we should conclude that there’s the possibility that we could be deceived and therefore determine to remain faithful to God’s truth and His word so that we might not go astray or fall into modern-day deception, such as humanism.

Proverbs 4:6-7 “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you: love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding.” (NIV)

3. To avoid deception: If we do not learn who Jesus is as explained by the prophets and in books such as Revelation, it is possible that we could miss vital information and perhaps fall into deception. The more we know about what God’s word says, the more we can discern what is Biblically accurate and what is not. For example, if know ahead of time that the world will cry out for peace, we will be able to discern that such a cry and “false” peace will be in error since God’s word says in

1 Thessalonians 5:3 “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction will come upon them…”

The Bible states over and over again “be not deceived” such as stated in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11.

4. To know Jesus more:  God reveals who His is through His word. The prophetic books in the Bible are part of God’s word and equally important to the big-picture of understanding and knowing God, the Holy Spirit, and the mission of Jesus. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (NIV). We must seek to know Jesus more and we will see time and time again in God’s word that Jesus is the answer for this life and all of its issues. We must know Him intimately to walk securely.

5. To be comforted and hopeful: As we study the prophecies and events to come, it can be overwhelming. However, we can grow in hope and rest in the promise of

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)

The world is at loss for understanding. When we understand the times, we can walk confident that God has everything under control. We can boldly and joyously share our hope and wisdom! Jesus is our hope and He will one day return. We can look forward to eternity in the presence of Jesus with great anticipation. We can find comfort in knowing that the time is near for the unfolding of prophecy in which Jesus will establish His Kingdom and the “government will be upon His shoulders” after He deals with mankind through the prophesied events that unfold.

6. To get ready for the return of Jesus: God’s word is clear that Jesus will return. We want to be living in anticipation for Him. Our lives should reflect our great love for Him through the way we choose to live in accordance to His word. (Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13)

7. To be blessed: Revelation 1:3 states,

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

Friends, we have been given an great peace in the midst of unsettling times. May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, comfort and strengthen you today.

The 1 test Christians need to pass… for the reward (part 2)

 

In all honesty, does anyone love tests? We all face them, though.

Please read part 1 of this post here: The one test Christians need to pass

Sometimes, we fail to realize that life is full of tests – daily. We have so many tests to pass.

Did I care for my loved ones in patience and kindness?

Did I find the way to let an offense roll of my back?

Did I surrender the burdens, concerns, and fears to God?

Did I seek God for wisdom when I felt someone was testing me?

Did I pray? Did I prioritize God’s word speaking into my life BEFORE I ventured into the tests?

On and on… testing…1,2,3,4… to infinity – so it seems.

We ace some. We fail others.

We accept average scores.

We’re not perfect; we can’t expect to champion them all. 

What is the 1 test we must pass?

We must please God.

Proverbs 16:7

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

[Tweet “We must let the rewards be determined by God.”]

[Tweet “The reward for people-pleasing will often look different from the reward of God-pleasing. “]

 

It was the last race of my high school sophomore year.

I already earned the required 15 track and field points for varsity.

The events of the day were odd.

I was our team’s #2 long-distance runner. Our team’s #1 long-distance runner became sick minutes prior.

She was out of the race. Odd. 

The race was on. 

The opposing team’s fastest runner charged ahead of me. I was in second place mid-way through the 3200m –  until I watched her fall.

“Are you okay?”  

“No, my ankle is hurt. I’m done. Keep running.”

She was out of the race. Odd. 

I was now positioned in first place, and my good friend Steph caught up to me. I knew what this meant for her; she had a chance to make varsity! She needed to take second place to earn her final two points to qualify.

“Steph, you’ve got this. Go for it!”

I told her that I wanted to stay by her side and cross the finish line together.

An opponent snuck up on us and we ran neck and neck. I could hear the team screaming for me from the bleachers. They wanted me to sprint and take first place.

They knew I could do it. I’m sure they wondered what I was doing. Why wasn’t I taking advantage of the situation?

For me, it was a test. I knew it. 

My dad hardly came to my track meets. This particular day, he came. Should I make him proud and blitz to take first place?

God, my heavenly Father, said

“No”

As my dad looked on, and the entire team stood in the bleachers screaming for me…at me … I had to please my Heavenly Father first.

I chose to run by Steph’s side.

Our opponent dashed in front of us and took first place. Steph needed to take second place…and I internally rejoiced for her as she crossed that finish line a brief moment before me. Steph turned to practically jump on me. She hugged me and kept saying, “thank you.” We rejoiced together in our win. Steph made Varsity. I passed God’s test.

The team wasn’t thrilled with me. I’m sure my dad was a bit disappointed (although when I explained the situation to him later… he said that I was a good friend).

My coach smiled at me.

I shared the gospel with Steph for several months prior. On that final race day, she experienced the love of God in action through me. THAT is an honor. Steph opened a wider heart to God’s love and truth.

 

running-track-1306518

We must prepare to let our rewards be determined by God.

 

The reward for people-pleasing will often look different from the reward of God-pleasing.

 

It is a test.

 

Job 23:10 “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

 

In some ways, it is the ultimate test.

Jesus was tested in the wilderness by Satan. He was tempted to surrender pleasing God, the Father. I’m sure Jesus’ disciples would’ve been well-pleased with an outcome other than the cross. I’m sure many would’ve been pleased with a powerful, victorious, miracle-working, “making dreams come true” Jesus. The cross; however, was the will of God. If Jesus embraced any of the other options, Satan would’ve been well-pleased.

[Tweet “Sometimes, we might look like failures in the eyes of men when passing God’s test. “]

We need to be okay with that.

So, are you passing God’s test… today?

[Tweet “Are you seeking to please man, or please God? “]

Jeremiah 17:10

“I the Lord search the heart

    and examine the mind,

to reward each person according to their conduct,

    according to what their deeds deserve.”

 

If you’re focused on pleasing God, then great is your reward.

What a delight to one day hear in heaven, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Mathew 25:23

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

 

1 Peter 1:6-9New International Version (NIV)

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

 

Please read part 1 of this post here: The one test Christians need to pass

Planting God’s Seeds of Hope

missionzera blessings

 

Brook Joy

Brook Profile-02062016*Brook Joy writes articles on Faith, Life, Culture, and her personal journey with Health (IBD). Brook is a chocolate-loving wife & homeschooling mama (and a Christian for 20+ years)… planting and growing God’s seeds of hope at missionzera.com

 

 

Treasure those who Treasure You

Treasure Those who Treasure You

This hot mess mama stumbled into a convenience store to grab a few cosmetics… and chocolate, of course!

My Zee and Zu (the nicknames of my littles) couldn’t make a quick decision on chocolate of choice. The wide-eyed teenager working behind the counter saw an opportunity to ask a question. God only knows why he chose to entrust me, a mere stranger with two distracted kids.

“Can I ask you for some advice?”

“Sure. What’s up?” I replied. 

He wore his heart on his sleeve and quickly explained that his “friend” continuously complained about her job. He politely asked her to stop complaining and find ways to appreciate her employment. She was infuriated. She asked him to never speak to her again. He was shocked and broken-hearted. She ended a “friendship” … just like that.

His question was simple,

“Should I try to work it out with her, or do I just move on?” 

I rambled for a few seconds while I prayed,

“God, what can I say to this kid? Give me something meaningful. In teenager vocabulary, please.” 

It hit me hard as simultaneously I spoke,

“Treasure those that treasure you.” 

I said it again. Sternly, loudly, lovingly, and with a smile,

“Treasure those that treasure you.”

He nodded and smiled. He got it. We both did.

He finished ringing up my items, and I encouraged him to remember those words, “Treasure those that treasure you” on Valentine’s day – and everyday. 

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I thought about those words for hours. I’ve been evaluating life’s demands and all of the characters that are in my story. I love every person that God chose to include in the chapters of my life. But, oh, those special few…

There are those special few, the very dear and close ones, that remind you in simple ways how much you are loved. Treasure those. Really, really, treasure those. 

You don’t need a romantic Valentine to appreciate the treasures.

No one knows what tomorrow brings. We have today.

This Valentine’s day, make a phone call (not a text), send a card, buy some chocolate… treasure the treasures…

(I feel like I just wrote a commercial.)

Honestly, though, why not? If you do, I can almost assure that your attitude of gratitude will guarantee a warm fuzzy on heart day.

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It’s still early in the year…I noticed others sharing their yearly aspirations in a sentence or word.

I have several words that I’m clinging to…(for me) TREASURE needs to trump them all.

Treasure those you love.

Treasure the day.

Treasure moments.

Treasure blessings.

Treasure life.

And most certainly…

Treasure those that treasure you

 

God’s seed: “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Treasure Jesus