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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
So goes the first words of the first chapter of one of most popular novels of all time. It seems to be a more or less accurate definition of our world today.
Where one is on that scale of "times" depends on one's physical location and one's financial condition. Seldom are spiritual conditions of the times considered to be a qualifying factor in the overall condition of a society. The spiritual conditions of the populace of any nation determine its position before God. In the 'best of times", and the "worst of times"
Our world today seems a contradiction. In some places, in certain areas of our world, it seems relatively calm and all is business as usual. For some, it is the "best of times" in their lives. For others, it is undoubtedly the "worst of times" imaginable.
Jesus makes it clear that there would be a time when conditions in the world would become chaotic and dangerous, that there would nothing to compare to that time before or ever again.
The world is shrinking because of unbelievable accessibility from one part to another. This is alluded to by the prophet Daniel as indicative of conditions near the end:
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." - Daniel 12:1-3
As a society, we as a nation are measured by God from year by year, month by month, week by week, day by day, and moment by moment. He is all knowing and measures us as individuals and as a society. God, being God all mighty and all knowing, at any given moment He judges where each stands in His sight.
Being almighty, and knowing every act and thought, he knows our intentions before they become plans or actions. He looks at our birth, our background, strengths a weaknesses.
Since this is so, we as Christians must view the world through the Word of God as He reveals it according to His time frame. At this writing, the world seems to be on the brink of evil activities that have never been seen before. For the first time the entire world system seems ready to explode in ways unimaginable a few short years ago.
Undoubtedly the "worst of times" are not over. There is just too much momentum in too many areas and in so many ways. Jesus commands us to be alert and not asleep. There is a time coming, perhaps in our lifetime, like the world has never seen before. The world is shrinking and events accelerating in stunning ways.
It is time to watch and pray, repent of our sins, and draw close to Jesus Christ.
"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened or troubled, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in place after place; All this is but the beginning [the early pains] of the birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish].Then they will hand you over to suffer affliction and tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred. And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity,
But he who endures to the end will be saved." - Matthew 24:6-13
Jesus' return is our only hope for "the best of times" again...
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