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As I write this article, I contemplate the present condition that our world finds itself in. Evil men wax worse and worse and trouble surrounds us. There are rumors of war and conflict looms large on the horizon. Jesus prophesied that in the last days we would see these things.
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:3-8)
Many in our nation find themselves discontent and in distress. Men seek after riches and power but they are not satisfied . They seek fleshly gratification and worldly amusements but are left with unfulfilled lives and shattered souls. The apostle Paul also tells us what will transpire in the last days.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
The apostle John implores us: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” (1 John 2:15) Why does he say so? Because the world and the things to be gained in the world can never satisfy the human heart. There is only one thing that can bring peace and satisfaction to the heart of man: Relationship and Fellowship with the One who made us. John encourages us that, “…. truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3).
Thank God, we have been bought with a price! Our redemption is a reality! Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) These scriptures remind us that this world is not our home. We are simply traveling through. Like Abraham, we look for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:10)
Precious ones, do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the troubles that consume this world. We have a faith that overcomes the world! We have a glorious hope! We have what this world cannot give. No matter what, our citizenship is in heaven. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, (Hebrews 6:19)
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Gary Bailey is pastor at Light Ministries Church in Lewistown. Email Pastor Gary at gbmin@me.com