"Now Is The Time To Stand Up Stronger"

Don't let the recent events of the weekend run you off the truth. The Church is still here. Harold was wrong (as any true believer knew beforehand).

Believers are going to face the brunt of the jokes for awhile. All Christians are lumped in together with Harold by the ignorant and uninformed. To be truthful, they didn't need Harold Camping to hate us. We are already hated just because of Jesus. He told us that because they hated Him they would also hate us (John 15:18).

Look, here's the facts. Eighty-nine dead (and rising) in Joplin, Missouri this morning due to more devastating and unprecedented tornadoes.

Jesus says:

Matthew 24:6-8 (AMP)
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened or troubled, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in place after place;
8 All this is but the beginning [the early pains] of the birth pangs [of the intolerable anguish].


He had questioned earlier:

Matthew 16:2-3 (AMP)
2 He replied to them, When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,
3 And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

The "signs of the times" has always meant the indication of when things were winding down in this world and the second advent of Christ was near. Regardless of your personal eschatological and millenial view (rapture, no rapture, etc.), it's going to happen at some point. Some generation will be around to see it.

Could it be us? Certainly. It just wasn't going to happen last Saturday. It probably isn't going to happen in October, or in 2012 for that matter. But make no mistake about it...it is definitely GOING TO HAPPEN someday.

Don't back off that because some nutjob false prophet tried to line his pockets on the hard earned cash of the gullible. Truth is truth and Jesus is coming back. It's undeniable. It's not our job to be setting dates. It's our job to be sure we are ready whenever it happens. That means living every day like we know He is coming now.

It would make for a better present world if all the Church were to do that.

Every earthquake. Every tornado. Every hurricane. I ask God, "Soon, Lord?"

I have to be honest. There was a little part of me that was disappointed that it wasn't Saturday. I knew deep down that it wasn't going to be, if not for God not allowing it just because Harold thought he had it figured out. Lol!

But I believe God will let each one of know as the Day approaches, and that if we are tuned into Him as closely as we should be (in prayer and study of His Word), then we will be able to interpret the "signs of the times".

All I can say from my heart is that we are close. Closer than ever. Each day brings us even closer. I have a great anticipation of that Day. I hope I am around to see it.

Either way, Heaven is my home now and forever.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><