Now is the Time to Speak out for Jesus

 

As you can tell by all the unusual events that have been happening for several years now, we are approaching the end of the end of the world as we know it today.   Matthew 24:6-8 lets us know we are currently in a time referred to by Jesus as "The Beginning of Sorrows." 

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:6-8

What this means to us as believers is that we know the tribulation is soon to follow in ten years or probably less, but I will not assume I know for certain when the tribulation will "officially" begin.  It could even be later, but I honestly doubt it. 

First, let me remind you that there will NOT be a rapture of the saints before the tribulation.  I scripturally back up this truth in a video I made, you can watch it at this link if you so choose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAb4dk0pv2M.  However, that does not mean we should panic or give up.  Now is the time to step up our walk with the Lord. We need to seek the Lord as never before. 

Jesus bluntly tells his disciples in Luke 21:26 that in the last days "Men's hearts" will fail "them for fear."  Which is another reason why it is so important to daily be fully clothed in the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18) so that we may guard our hearts and minds against the fear the end of this world is sure to bring.    

Now is the perfect opportunity to reach out to frightened people.  We can show them what peace in the midst of a storm looks like and why we have such hope.  Our calm assurance can lead them to the ultimate peace giver, Jesus Christ.

If you are shy as I am, being bold in the Lord will not be easy.  However, Jesus' last command to his believers in Mark 16:15 was,  "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."  You can teach as I do through the written word or through videos.  However, you choose to spread the gospel, do it with boldness and authority.  Not in your own power, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.  God has given me a boldness speaking out against ungodly forms of entertainment, and the occult as I never thought I could have.  When you humbly and sincerely pray for courage to preach within His will, He will graciously grant you a boldness for the sake of His kingdom.

Now is also not a time to slack in reading your Bible and spending time in prayer.  In fact, now is the time to increase your time with the Lord.  The more you know Him and what His Word says, the better equipped you will be in what to say and should be less likely to  lead others astray with a false message.  While you do not need to be a so-called expert on the Bible, I am absolutely saying you must know what it says on the issues of the free gift of salvation, true grace that comes with repentance, and holy living in order to keep from falling away from your walk with the Lord.  Do not rely on what your pastor tells you since most are only preaching a false gospel to make sure the offering plates are full.  Study on your own and read the words of Jesus Christ and His followers.  Might I suggest the books of James, I Peter, I John, & Jude to start?  And of course read Revelation chapters 2 and 3!

My point today is to encourage all of you to take these end of days seriously.  Now is not the time to be afraid to be bold for the Lord. Being wishy washy or conforming to the world is not doing anyone any favors.  When you fear that your friends and family will call you judgmental and so you stay silent for their sakes, you will lead them away from Heaven, not toward it. Let go of your ego and do not worry if your loved ones reject you.  True love does not keep silent, it warns of the dangers of sin and hell!  Point people to Romans 12:1-2, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Ephesians 16:23, and Revelation 20:11-12.  Do not be afraid to remind them what these verses mean. Break it down verse by verse and we can all learn what Jesus expects from us!

Time is shorter than most are ready to admit. So this message to believers today is to speak out for Jesus!  Do not wait until it is too late and we have all gone our separate ways when we are forced into hiding when the Antichrist begins his persecution of the True saints.  We need to speak up now while we still have the freedom to do so.  Now, more than ever is the time to be a light  and a life preserver that leads strangers and loved ones alike to Heaven.  Do not hesitate or procrastinate, because if you wait until tomorrow, it may be too late!