The church was birthed in great joy and resurrection power of the Holy Ghost; a new kingdom was established upon the earth. But as Jesus had told the disciples in Matthew 11:12 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” [@more@] Years later, after Jesus’ ascension, the Apostle Peter penned these words to the church. “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” 1Peter 4:7 Sounds pretty somber and final.
But cheer up! It ain’t over till the “calorie sufficient female homosapien sings!”
Sing on church! Lift your voice without fear of finality! It is not the “end”. It’s not termination or death, but a goal reached or the consummation of a thing; a completion or fulfilling; a new beginning. 1Peter 1:3-5 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Our inheritance is not perishable. It won’t pass away. This earth may pass away, but the Word of God will stand. Yes, judgment is coming. Peter said that it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. Chapter 4 verses 12 and 13 of 1 Peter tell us, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you my also be glad with exceeding joy.”
As a Christian, I allow Christ to be formed in me and grow in His grace and knowledge. I am to grow up into Him. It is the walk of an over-comer. From glory to glory, we are being changed into His likeness. “Being filled up to all the fullness of God.” There is a shaking in the earth so that those things that are not of God will not remain. Paul wrote to the Romans these words, Romans 8:18-22, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
Jesus referred to signs of the last days as birth pangs. He told the disciples to “lift your heads for redemption draweth nigh.” Rejoice! He is coming to bring us unto Himself.
But what do I do in the meantime? How am I to conduct my daily life with such seemingly ominous happenings swiftly approaching?
This message isn’t over…
Rev. Tura Zapata, Texas, USA