As 2015 comes to a close, we look back at how much destruction, pain and misery have taken place. From natural disasters to terrorism, this world we are living in is getting more and more destructive, and we know that we are getting closer and closer to Christ’s Return. We find ourselves becoming much more aware of what is going on and how these events are aligning with what the Bible is prophesying. Based on the numerous requests for literature and questions we are receiving about what has been going on this past year and what the future holds, it is starting to become more evident that some people are “waking up” to the truth and what we have been preaching about for several years, in light of biblical prophecy. Our messages and programs are drawing increasing attention and it begs the question, “How much longer do we really have left?”
We are living in a godless society and the accessibility to weapons and violent activities of terrorists are unstoppable; that is, until Christ returns to put an END to all this violence. That is the only way. There will be no peace until He returns. Man’s futile efforts to bring about peace through his wars is IMPOSSIBLE. God is the One Who does the fighting for us (Exodus 14:14; Hosea 1:7). He is the One Who makes wars cease (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 9:6-7). And God will destroy all the weapons here on earth (Hosea 2:18; Isaiah 2:4; Ezekiel 39:9).
The times we are living in will get worse. By comparison, we haven’t seen anything yet. The events we have already witnessed this past year will occur with more and more frequency and with powerful devastation. The Bible tells us that when this happens, we KNOW that the time of Christ’s Return is near (Luke 21:25-28). As mentioned, some are beginning to realize that what the Bible has been stating since the beginning is in fact true, especially as the events prophesied are taking shape (compare Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 6:12-17).
What about us in the Church? What have we experienced this year? We have all endured trials but we, as a whole, have certainly stayed strong. We have come together to pray for one another, to pray for the success of the Church and to continue steadfast with doing the Work by preaching the true gospel of God’s Kingdom to the nations. What we are doing now is related to the potential for ALL mankind in the future. Some will listen and respond now. The hurt, the pain, the sorrow and death which this nation and the entire world have experienced this year will unfortunately continue to happen next year, and will continue until Christ returns. We know this! We know what to expect. Should we be surprised? It’s exactly what the Bible tells us; exactly what is prophesied; exactly what we are trying to convey to the world—to warn everyone and to simply point out what is to come. Those of us who understand the Bible and know what it says, know how to escape all these things – by doing His Will, keeping His Law, and watching.
1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that no trial that comes upon us will be too difficult to bear and that God will show us the way of escape. God has the confidence that we will overcome and there should be no reason then for us to doubt Him. By putting it all in God’s hands, we can be assured that He will take care of us. We need to remember this as we continue on, as we move forward and look forward to a time when there will be “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the meantime, we need to continue with doing the Work, while staying vigilant and preparing for what 2016 will bring.
