Birds were falling dead from the sky. Fish were dying. Floods.
Earth quakes. Wars. Financial crisis. Some scientist are now saying that an
asteroid will hit the earth in 2032 and destroy all of us. They use formulas,
world events, and Scriptures to determine their dates.
One of the first known predictions of the end of time was by
a man named, Ben Zakkai. He declared
that Jesus would return before his own death in 80 A.D. Since that time, over
200 predictions have been made about the end of time and the coming of Jesus.
Matthew 24:35-37
makes it clear that Jesus does not even know the time of His return: “But about that day or hour no one knows,
not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Furthermore, when Jesus does come, it will be
a total surprise to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 says,
“For you know quite well that the day of
the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.”
It is a biblical fact that Jesus will return according to Matthew 25:31-46. It is also a biblical fact that every person
must be prepared for Jesus’ return. Keeping oneself spiritually equipped and
spiritually clothed is key in preparing for Jesus’ return. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone
who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those
who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Being prepared isn’t mere words, but rather,
living out faith. Love. Works. Being
prepared is not keeping score of works either, but relying on God’s grace.
The Apostle Peter gives great advice in our preparation of
Jesus’ return. If you listen to Peter
and implement his advice, you will have the tools to keep you in readiness
mode.
Use good judgment
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and
self-controlled so that you can pray.” 1 Peter 4:7
The secret to maintaining the balance and calmness in life
is prayer. Prayer is what sharpens our
awareness so that we’ll be more perceptive than we would normally be.
Love one another
deeply
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a
multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
If ever there is a time to love one another to our inner
limit, it is now! Proverbs 10:12 says, “Hatred
stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” Someone once said, “We are most like beast when we kill.
We are most like men when we judge.
We are most like God when we forgive.” Words that have anger behind them will only
cripple the relationship and at times, destroy friendships. We must live by my motto: Love people for who they are, not what they
do.
Be nice without
complaining
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9
This does not refer to just those who are lovable, friendly,
or fun to be with. It refers to all who
are in the body of Christ, even the unlovable and unfriendly.
Serve others
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one
speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the
strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 10-11
Peter points out that the gifts we have should be used in
serving others in a way that gives total honor and glory to God. We can serve others by giving a cold glass of
ice tea or raking someone’s yard or visiting a nursing home or teaching someone
about Jesus or cooking a meal for a sick person or driving your neighbor to the
grocery store. All of the serving we do
is not for our earthly benefit, but rather our spiritual benefit. Our serving does not earn us heaven points,
but it does give us credibility to those whom we serve a putting our
spirituality into practice.
Jesus will come again, are you ready?
Remember, Be God
Controlled,
Brian