Thursday, 4/2/20 – Discipleship – Soon Return of Christ (& COVID-19)

Soon Return of Christ (& COVID-19)

No doubt you’ll be hearing all sorts of “end of the world” declarations amid this COVID-19 global pandemic. You’ve likely heard several already. And I’m not about to tell you it is or it isn’t the final few days before Armageddon. But it is most definitely one of the more severe “labour pains” of the end times spoken of by Jesus in the gospels (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). However, the fundamental fact remains that the final date and hour remains unknown to us.

“…that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matt. 24:36).

Our business in this day is, as it has always been, to be found ready:

Lamps burning, lights shining

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning… because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:35, 40)
“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16).

Doing the will of the Father from the heart

“…as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” (Eph. 6:6).

Loving God and neighbour

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37,38).

Living purely, free from bondage to sin

“…now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness” (Rom. 6:19).

Keeping ourselves unspotted from the world

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27).

Our Lord has told us the signs of the end times not to frighten us but to cause our hearts to draw ever closer to Him. Remember Jesus words to His faithful “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). The perils and torments of this world do not change the Father’s Love. They do not alter His greatest heart desire. He is still “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9)… still desiring “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4).

The soul of the Christian is secure. The counsel of Micah still stands

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8).

Not so for the rebel! Not so for the soul who runs from his Maker! For that soul there is nothing but the greatest fear indeed — “a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation” as says the author of Hebrews (Heb. 10:27).

Does this describe you? If so, what must you do? You must agree with God that you are indeed a rebel, stop running from Him, ask His forgiveness, turn about and obey Him, recognize that Jesus has paid for all your sin, believe that knowing there is nothing you can do for your own self. Christ has done it all. He alone is your Saviour. Determine now to follow His leading, making Him your Lord to obey.

This day forward speak often with Him in prayer, read, study and meditate up on the Word of God, find a Bible-believing church to grown by and learn to share and serve.

Here are some passages to get you started: John 3:16, Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; John 1:12. After that, begin reading the gospel of John… and keep going.

Want more help? Use the Contact page (see below) and we’ll be happy to help.

Press on…

Are you interested in being discipled one-on-one in the fundamentals of new life in Christ? Or, perhaps you would you like to begin this journey by turning from your current path and committing your path to Christ? — Use the Contact page and we’ll get you started.