Webster
“1:a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind. 2: a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind specifically : any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment”
When you look at current events, it’s difficult to NOT believe we are living in these days – violence and hatred seem to abound wherever we look. For me, I’ve always been intrigued about these issues.
What does scripture say about End Times. Quite a lot. Actually, if you look at this question you’ll discover references throughout the Old and New Testament. However, we also have a greater understanding of what the times will look like, what we will see.
“At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:10-12, AMP)
“But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God,” (1 Timothy 3:1-4, AMP)
Certainly describes the times we’re living in! As fascinating as a study in this is, what I’d like to have us look at is – what should we be doing. Regardless of whether or not we are living in these times, how should we respond. We get a clue from what Jesus was doing at the time right before His Crucifixion.
He obviously wasn’t surprised. He was fearful. He knew what would happen and though He asked that it be removed from Him, yet – the Father’s will was what was important. Granted, His situation was decidedly more difficult and more important, but what was He doing!?! He prayed. He spent time trying to teach His apostles what was going to happen to Him and what they would experience. He healed. Does this give us a clue as to what we should be doing? It certainly isn’t hiding away. I believe it’s crucial for us to be about our Father’s business. To continue acting in the call on our lives. To be salt and light. Remember… we DO have the answer.
This is far from an exhaustive study of End Times… it barely scratches the surface. And regardless of when you believe Jesus will return for His church (whether it is pre, mid, post Rapture) – we have a mission now. It’s found in Matthew 29:18-20 (AMP)
“Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
Even though this is only a cursory, introduction to Prophecy and End Times, in case anyone wondered what we should be about… this is it. However… be aware of what’s happening, continue to learn and understand what the times are, and – don’t put off tomorrow what’s at your hand today.
