Issue 1321 – Dark Days Ahead – December 14, 2023
In a world that often seems in disarray, where conflicts and uncertainties abound, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There’s turmoil in the news, economic instability, and an increase in societal struggles. It’s a time when many question what lies ahead and seek signs of change or hope.
Evil seems to be gaining ground everywhere you turn, and the prognosis doesn’t seem good. There is fighting within the church, and entire denominations are falling apart.
There is no end to the needs out there. What is the church to do?
The first thing is not to give up. God has already accomplished the victory. Jesus warned us that struggles would come.
Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24:1-12
Jesus didn’t stop there, though. He went on to say
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:13-14
In this hurting world that seems to be spinning almost out of control, we are to preach the gospel and live out our faith. The gospel provides a beacon of hope in dark days.
Believers have the truth, and we have hope. No matter what comes, even if the world takes everything, including our lives, it cannot take away Jesus.
The very gates of hell cannot hold back Jesus and His church.
This world needs hope and truth. We cannot solve all the problems by ourselves, but we can show hope, love others sacrificially and share the gospel when we can.
Many people are most open to those things when in the midst of a crisis. There is no shortage of those today for us to speak into.
What is the church to do? We hold fast to the hope. We love others and proclaim the truth of the gospel faithfully. We leave the results up to God.
If we truly understand the power and sovereignty of God, we can bless others in the midst of whatever we face.
Praise God for His great love.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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