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October 18, 2005

End of Time

The recent rash of hurricanes, storms, and earthquakes, other natural disasters and wars and rumors of war have caused many to ponder whether or not this is a portent of the 2nd Coming of Christ. In fact, I am told though I have not heard any of the sermons that some pastors are actually preaching on this subject with this in mind.

I have decided sometime ago not to fret about the End of Time but to live so that whenever this occurs I will be ready. Jesus expressly says to us, "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." And then after telling us about what the days preceding His coming shall be like he says, "Therefore you must also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour." It appears to me that the emphasis is on being ready and that the criteria for readiness are living faithfully and appropriately.

So the question is not, "Are these disasters portents of Jesus' coming?" The question is "How is your relationship with God and neighbor?" Another question would be, "Are you watching for Jesus' coming" or "Are you Walking Faithfully in anticipation of His return?" If you are doing the latter then even in the face of these tragedies your response is not panic and fear but trust and service. I do not fear His coming but work as if Jesus is already here.

Posted by Bishop at October 18, 2005 05:55 PM

Comments

Bishop Swanson, I agree that we shouldn't worry about these things being a "sign" of Jesus' return. What does concern me about them is reading of and watching the heart-rending scenes and situations, and then realizing that this is a relativly "small area" disaster.

When the "time of the end" comes, it will be world-wide - and think of the magnitude of the suffering that will entail!

It is just beyond my imagination to think of "1/3" of the oceans, and "1/3" of the fresh water, and 1/3 of the land, etc. being devastated.

I just can't imaging the suffering of that many people. We MUST so live as to teach the world about Jesus!

Betty Newman

Posted by: B. Newman [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 27, 2005 08:08 AM