Understanding the "signs of the times"...

(Romans 8:23) …as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”

Creation rumbles stirring from its sleepiness, “watchmen cry out and warn of the danger just over the horizon.” “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:22-23)  - Could the grace of God be drawing to its conclusion for all those who refuse to bend the knee? We are told to watch for the signs of the times; let us examine the scriptures, tick the boxes and then come to our conclusion …

Yesterday we had an earthquake in South Africa, something very foreign to our country; in fact, I have lived here all my life and cannot ever recall experiencing the shudder I felt yesterday. At first I wasn’t sure what it was, no damage done but still a sobering experience, people running out of the office just in case the roof caved in. We are told that the Epicenter was about 200km away and yet two hours later we were hit in Randburg. Could this be Gods judgment beginning to unfold? I am convinced of it! But you make up your own mind.

God the Holy Spirit inspired Matthew to pen these words; “And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, 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 various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”” (Matthew 24:4-13)

The Lord predicts a time in the future that is yet to come, could that time be now? Here then are the warnings to watch for…

·         "See that no one leads you astray” – there will be many voices with differing opinions and many will be led down the wrong road, be watchful! Examine the scripture to see if in fact those voices align with sound doctrine, if not run far from it!

·         “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.” – No need for the Christian to panic. Not yet anyway! We have been informed by our Great Saviour that what is now happening should happen.

·         It’s the “and” that must grab our attention; “and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” An earthquake in South Africa, really! What could that be about? You decide! Prior to a woman giving birth she experiences contractions and the closer she gets the nearer the delivery. “All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”

·         From here on in the trial of faith may take the believer through a time of true testing. The reason I use the word “may” is because some believe we (Christians) will be raptured before this happens; I am not convinced! Be that as it may here is the warning; "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.” The world with another voice, backing the enemy (Satan) will target the Christians and look to have them killed. The world in general will begin to hate the Christian like never before. Our lack of tolerance for false Gods will put us in the class of “hate speech”. “Hate speech is, outside the law, speech that attacks a person or group on the basis of e.g. race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation”. In other words if I was to say, that no person will make it to heaven outside of believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone, I will be classed amongst the “hate speeches” because I have not accommodated someone else’s belief. But for the Christian it is obvious that we must stand on the finished work of the cross and nothing else; any other message is a lie!

·         Because of this; “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” At this time the voices of differing opinion will boom!

·         Nevertheless if we are still here at this time. If the Christian has not yet been caught up into the air; “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” (1Corinthians 15:51-52) – As this period in history will be a treacherous time “for the love of many will wax cold”, “dog eat dog” (selfishness like we have never experienced it).

·         The rubber will hit the tar and only those totally committed to our God will make it; “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

It is time for the Christians throughout the world to lock hands as we pray for one another and set up watchmen to watch out for the prowling lion, he is on the scavenge and there will be tough times ahead. But be of good cheer; “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)   

Come what may our God will see us through, just hold on tight! And remember to buy the oil needed for our lanterns, let us be amongst the five wise virgins and not the five who were foolish.

Signing off

Tyrone