Stay Calm and Strong in the End Times

Posted February 17, 2018 by Amy Wang

Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on googleplusShare on pinterestShare via mail


Photo: vip2807 / 123RF Stock Photo

It's easy to get distracted by end times prophecies and scares, and forget about the greater need for endurance in faith and obedience. We have a tendency to make unwise decisions when we are overly fearful or anxious. Thus, it's very important to study the Bible (a) to protect us from fearmongering and deception and help us recognize the real Jesus, (b) to protect us from falling away, (c) to give us hope when things get tough, and (d) to prepare us for Jesus’ coming.

1. To protect us against fearmongering

Do you remember the people who thought the end of the world was coming on a specific day, like May 21, 2011 or December 21, 2012, and made extreme life decisions based on their fears, even though the Bible says no man knows the exact day (Mark 13:32)? By taking heed to our own theology (1Thessalonians 4:16) and debunking incorrect views, we can protect ourselves and others from the irrational action that gives our faith a bad reputation.

Every now and then we may hear false prophecies of comets crashing to earth causing massive tidal waves or various other urgent scenarios. However, it is more important to prepare our hearts by seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Bible does not urge us to save our physical lives, but to be willing to lose it for the sake of righteousness (Matthew 16:25).

Paul Thigpen provides wise advice regarding discernment with respect to the private revelations of others. He says, “We should repeat here the important truth that Christians can spend a lifetime without ever delving into private revelations and still find all the grace they need to gain eternal life with God in heaven.” He recommends to spend at least three hours reading, thinking, and talking about solid material like Scripture for every hour spent dwelling on private revelations, because immersion is often used to brainwash people [1].

2. To protect us from falling away

What will happen when the church goes through the great tribulation which they have been falsely taught they would be rescued from? Will that not result in widespread apostasy (2Thessalonians 2:3)? Jesus warned that false prophets would deceive many (Matthew 24:11). We need the scriptures to protect us from the deception of false hope. Learn how to use Scripture to debunk the pre-tribulation rapture theory in the following two end times articles: "Debunking the False Hope of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture" and "Why the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Deception Thrived."

3. To give us true hope, endurance, and courage when things get tough

Perilous times are coming (2Timothy 3:1,13, Matthew 24:21). Although from God's perspective, the end is near (Revelation 1:1,22:20), from a human perspective, it will feel like a long time (Luke 12:45, Revelation 6:10, 2Peter 3:3-4). The gospel must first be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations (Matthew 24:14), and God is patiently providing people time to come to repentance (2Peter 3:9). We, too, must be patient.

The thought of enduring the tribulation might cause us to mourn and lose our strength (Daniel 10:16-19). However, the Bible encourages us to be overcomers by helping us to appreciate God’s sovereignty over history (Isaiah 46:10, Matthew 10:29-30) and to foresee the final victory and reward that awaits those who overcome (Revelation 2:7,2:11,2:17,2:26,3:5,3:12,3:21).

4. To exhort us to repent, prepare, and be alert

The Bible's book of Proverbs teaches us that a prudent man foresees evil and take steps to prepare (Proverbs 22:3, Zephaniah 2:3). The book of Revelation helps us to foresee evil and in particular, chapters 2 and 3 provide steps to prepare out hearts, urging the church to be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). In the trying times to come, we will need patience (Revelation 14:12,13:10), faith, hope, love, sobriety (1Thessalonians 5:4,8) and godliness (2Peter 3:11-12). We will also need the Word, the Holy Spirit, and the encouragement of fellow brethren (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Sometimes, a simple word of encouragement can give us strength. Daniel was strengthened by the words "fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" (Daniel 10:18-19). When dealing with the "thorn" in his flesh, Paul was given the words "My grace is sufficient for you" (2Corinthians 12:9). Other times, like the prophet Elijah, on top of spiritual preparation, we may simply need food, rest, and exercise (1Kings 19:1-10).

Extending the Days of Our Tranquility

Will we be ready and be found faithful when He returns (Matthew 24:42-51, 25:21, Luke 18:8)? Can we seek righteousness and mercy, if possible to extend the days of our tranquility (Daniel 4:27) or hide us in the day of His anger (Zephaniah 2:3) like the Israelites when they were in hidden in Goshen during the Ten Plagues of Egypt? Can we humble ourselves, pray, and repent for healing of our land (2Chronicles 7:14), similar to Daniel's prayer for Israel in Daniel 9:3-19? Blessed are those who will take heed to the book of Revelation and heed its sayings (Revelation 1:3).

Reference

  • [1]Thigpen, Paul. The Rapture Trap: A Catholic Response to “End Times” Fever. Westchester, PA: Ascension Press, L.L.C., 2002. p.235

Comments

Williambeago says on 2023-07-22T01:53:44-07:00:
Лучшие ветеринарные клиники рядом с вами - ветеринарнаЯ клиника кемерово: Вот несколько советов о том, как обнаружить и выбрать качественную ветеринарную клинику близко к вашему место

Williambeago says on 2023-08-12T07:26:50-07:00:
Best pipe inspection camera - plumbing camera with locator: When selecting a camera for pipe and plumbing inspection, consider the following aspects: 1. Image quality: Search for a camera with superior resolution capabilities (at least 720p) and good low-light sensitivity to ensure crisp images in dark pipes. 2. Waterproof rating: Pick a camera with a waterproof rating of at least IP67 or higher to shield it from water damage during inspections. 3. Camera head size: A smaller camera head will permit you to inspect narrower pipes, while a larger head may be required for bigger pipes. 4. Flexibility: Opt for a camera with a flexible rod or tilt function to facilitate easier navigation through bends and corners. 5. Length: Select a camera with an adequate length of cable or rod to explore the areas you need to inspect. 6. Light source: Ensure the camera has a sufficient light source, either integrated or detachable, to illuminate th

LavillRhymn says on 2023-08-17T02:25:52-07:00:
mouse brox gene orf cdna clone expression plasmid, n-ofpspark tag купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед Tegs: albumin, rat, fatty acid free, globulin& купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед albumin, rat, fatty acid free, globulin& купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед albumin, rat, fatty acid free, globulin& купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед mouse brp44l gene orf cdna clone expression plasmid, c-flag tag купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед https://chimmed.ru/products/mouse-brp44l-gene-orf-cdna-clone-expression-plasmid-c-flag-tag-id=1810176

LavillRhymn says on 2023-08-23T02:17:40-07:00:
sik3 100 ul купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед Tegs: морфолин, 2-r)-(2-этоксифенокси)фенилметил]-, (2r)-рел-,метансульфонат купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед морфолин, 2,2-диметил- купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед морфолин, 3-циклогексил- купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед sik3 antibody 100 ul купить онлайн в интернет-магазине химмед https://chimmed.ru/products/sik3-antibody-100-ul-id=498044

JerryHal says on 2023-09-02T16:09:02-07:00:
Лучшие отлеи рядом с вами - лучшие отели РјРѕСЃРєРІС‹: Лучшие выгодные предложения отелей всегда рядом - ждут. Вне зависимости от вашего бюджета, можно найти место для проживания, со

RNS-MO-lep says on 2023-09-03T03:13:43-07:00:
Разрешение на строительство — это публичный удостоверение, предоставленный полномочными ведомствами государственного управления или территориального руковоk

scholding says on 2023-09-13T11:04:42-07:00:
Быстровозводимые строения - это актуальные здания, которые различаются громадной быстротой установки и мобильностью. Они представляют собой постройки, образующие

Leave a Reply

* Comment:
* Name:
* Email:
Website:

Subscribe via Email

* Name:
* Email:

Related Articles

Topics

Problem of Evil | Faith and Science | Bible Evidence | Prayer | Salvation | End Times

NOTE: This website is not affiliated with the journal Faith and Philosophy.