World Ending? Who Said?

"God doesn't exist" says one person. "The world is about to end. Look at all the things wrong with it. If we don't fix it, it's a goner." says another. Is this really true? We need to explore reasons why things are not as they might seem to be on a damaged planet populated with many, increasingly coldhearted people. It is true that those of us who are bible believers look to the scriptures and the Lord for most or all of our answers. It is true that many people think there are other means and alternative ways to get these answers. I respect that. But what if we are right? What if God IS the only way? What if Jesus IS the only answer?

Time has tested the bible. It is still with us. Much of the prophecy has already come true. Only a few things are left. The mark of TRUE prophetic writings are that they ALL come true, not just a portion or even 90 percent, like the psychic's words claim to do. And the psychic phone services are not your friends. They teach the employees to give the answers you are looking for. A real prophet would be accurate 100 percent of the time. This is true of the bible and the prophets therein.

First, to answer the sceptic, yes it is possible that I do sound like I am ranting and irrational. But please bear with me for a few lines. When Jesus was crucified on the cross, they thought that He was a lunatic, ranting and raving. So when you tell me that I sound that way, I am blessed to be in His company.

Next, it's important to see that what you, Mr. or Ms. Sceptic, say is true. We have always had earthquakes, plagues, wars and rumors of wars. It was true in Jesus' time as well.

Matthew 24:6-9, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."

As you can see, Jesus was right on the mark. We have all of these things in abundance, just as He said, but it was true then as well. What's different now? Different now is that the frequency of such things is higher, much higher. Different now is the way more and more people feel about each other, their neighbors, friends and family. Hearts are getting colder and colder. Hatred moves people faster than love these days. Just remember the World Trade Towers and the people who decided to end the lives of thousands or to the Pentagon where a large number of souls perished because of hatred. People who would have thought twice about lies, killing, stealing in the past, now are no longer worried about the consequences. We should have learned what that type of attitude does when we heard or experienced the holocaust in Germany in the 40's. Why didn't we learn that hate breeds hate? The question is, did Jesus know about this back then? I think so.

Matthew 24:9-12, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Yet that doesn't say anything about the end of the world. No, these are things that we, who have watched the world and read our bibles, are seeing come true. But we aren't finished yet.

Hearts have grown cold in this world. I have seen this myself that people are not as loving as they used to be, not as giving (I am not talking about contributions), not as caring. Once upon a time, it was possible to be helped if you broke down on the side of the road. Now it's downright dangerous to stop to help someone because they might just hurt you or kill you for your car. Neighbors used to know you, help in times of trouble. These days, unless you have lived all your life in a place, it's more likely that you don't even know most of them. Still, some areas of the country are like they used to be. But even there, community attitudes are rapidly growing colder as younger, more 'with it' politicians are taking over from fathers and grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers. The word 'ethics' has become almost a dirty word, as has 'honor'. In fact, if you were to poll a segment of the population, they would not even be able to tell you what honor means. How sad.

The heart of a child should be warm, happy, friendly and giving. But even an infant can tell when they are loved and when they are not. The child that grows up without love or very little of it, will soon be a teenager in trouble. Yet, there are those who are loved and still become cold of heart. Unless you look in the bible, you will not find a rational explanation for that.

I'm going to skip some scriptures to be brief. The entire chapter 24 of Matthew is worth your time. Please read it and study for yourself.

Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

Now Mr./Ms. Sceptic, this is one that has not been possible until now. In Jesus' time, there were areas inaccessible to those who wished to witness. Ah but what about inaccessible areas now, you ask? There still are small areas that are like that but guess what? A technology called satellites are taking care of that very quickly. If you doubt, check out TBN. They are on 20 right now worldwide. (note: I am not in any way affiliated with TBN management. The number could be higher by now.) There are other ministries that also are out there telling the story on satellites and cable systems going into the most remote areas of the world. The gospel message is getting to places no one would have dreamed about a few short years ago. China, Russia, India, Egypt, Syria, and others are now able to receive witness of Jesus. At this point I could then mention the internet. But then, you all know about that or you wouldn't be here, reading this. Ah but this is not the end..

Matthew 24:15, "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)"

Although there are some who will say that this is not a real person, the description here is of the antichrist. In order for this to come true, there will have to be a temple. Plans to build the temple in Jerusalem have been ready for years. When it is built, there will then be sacrifices again. No gentile will be allowed into the temple for any reason, so when one does show up, beware.

Matthew 24:21, "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

If you thought your life was in bad shape up to now, hang around for that day. No other time in history will be as awful, as dangerous. And if you thought that your neighbors, friends and family were coldhearted before, just wait. Evedn the nightmare of the WTC is nothing compared to what's coming. Yet this is not the end either.

Matthew 24:22, "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."

Those who believe the Lord will be saved. Pretty clear, isn't it? The days will be short although it will likely not feel like it. The tribulation will last seven years, the great tribulation 3 1/2 years. (read chapters 38 & 39 of Ezekiel and the book of Daniel for more information)

I could stop right here and you might be persuaded or maybe not. If you are, then please ask the Lord Jesus into your heart today. Your life could depend on it. If I have not convinced you, please look for the next article continuing this subject. World Ending? Not Yet.

by Lura Langenback