In a recent conversation with my cousin on FB, she asked me a question - Is it possible that we are living in the 'end times'. In response, I gave her a thesis that would go towards a master's degree. Ok, it really wasn't that long, just seemed like it!
As I read books- both current and about history - and listen to opinions about what's happening, I see many people have a sense that societies around the globe - not just America - can't continue the current path without consequences. Also, there is a sense of 'something big' happening in the near future. This 'sense' has always been in the mind of people thru history- ie, reference the bible and other historical documents.
By reading the Bible and and taking into consideration what leaders are saying who have experience in the economy, our culture and politics, I understand we are living in a time of turmoil. Yet people are hungry for truth and honesty- they are tired of greed, debt, etc.
The fact that the earth cannot - on a continual basis - physically withstand the harmful habits of people is referenced in the Bible as well as verified in research by scientists. I'm talking about the Scriptures in the biblical book of Romans that relate how the earth itself gets 'sick' of the lawlessness of humanity and is waiting to be renewed.
Whether we believe the Bible or not, there is increasing evidence that nations are desperate for peace, societies are messed up and they are looking for someone with answers to their problems. Of course, this has always been the case, but I'm convinced God knew what a mess we'd be in and that evil would increase ( I guess so with approx 7 billion on the planet now !! ).
No He didn't purposefully create catastrophes or cause evil situations to happen just so He could 'save the world'; I'm more and more convinced that He knows the heart of people and what we can do when we are given opportunity, either good or evil. The sad fact is, man's heart is inclined to do wrong instead of right; look at our kid's....they don't have to be taught to do wrong (it comes naturally), they have to be taught to do things correctly!
So, knowing what man is capable of and how we can mess ourselves up so bad, Jesus told his followers details regarding the end of the present age. Pretty cool, since He could 'see' the future... Those 'times' are what many - including me - believe are happening now; but if they are not the specific times, most bible scholars agree that all predictions about events happening before Jesus' promised return have been fulfilled. So the next 'great event' according to the bible is Jesus' return to take Christians to Heaven before a 'great tribulation' happens.
One thing I know -- in one manner, we have to live our life as if we face God the next moment, yet at the same time we live to fulfill our purpose for being put on the planet. We can't just 'set around' waiting for the earth to explode!! People have to know about the One who gives real Peace- Jesus.
As I read books- both current and about history - and listen to opinions about what's happening, I see many people have a sense that societies around the globe - not just America - can't continue the current path without consequences. Also, there is a sense of 'something big' happening in the near future. This 'sense' has always been in the mind of people thru history- ie, reference the bible and other historical documents.
By reading the Bible and and taking into consideration what leaders are saying who have experience in the economy, our culture and politics, I understand we are living in a time of turmoil. Yet people are hungry for truth and honesty- they are tired of greed, debt, etc.
The fact that the earth cannot - on a continual basis - physically withstand the harmful habits of people is referenced in the Bible as well as verified in research by scientists. I'm talking about the Scriptures in the biblical book of Romans that relate how the earth itself gets 'sick' of the lawlessness of humanity and is waiting to be renewed.
Whether we believe the Bible or not, there is increasing evidence that nations are desperate for peace, societies are messed up and they are looking for someone with answers to their problems. Of course, this has always been the case, but I'm convinced God knew what a mess we'd be in and that evil would increase ( I guess so with approx 7 billion on the planet now !! ).
No He didn't purposefully create catastrophes or cause evil situations to happen just so He could 'save the world'; I'm more and more convinced that He knows the heart of people and what we can do when we are given opportunity, either good or evil. The sad fact is, man's heart is inclined to do wrong instead of right; look at our kid's....they don't have to be taught to do wrong (it comes naturally), they have to be taught to do things correctly!
So, knowing what man is capable of and how we can mess ourselves up so bad, Jesus told his followers details regarding the end of the present age. Pretty cool, since He could 'see' the future... Those 'times' are what many - including me - believe are happening now; but if they are not the specific times, most bible scholars agree that all predictions about events happening before Jesus' promised return have been fulfilled. So the next 'great event' according to the bible is Jesus' return to take Christians to Heaven before a 'great tribulation' happens.
One thing I know -- in one manner, we have to live our life as if we face God the next moment, yet at the same time we live to fulfill our purpose for being put on the planet. We can't just 'set around' waiting for the earth to explode!! People have to know about the One who gives real Peace- Jesus.
