by Barbara Latta
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Perilous times will come.
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But know this, that in the last days perilous times will
come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving,
slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors,
headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy
3:1-4).
While people have been scoffing for centuries about the
return of Christ, the signs are more prevalent now than ever before.
The recent tragedies in the United States leave some
scratching their heads wondering why. But the answer is in that verse. We are
in the last days and a spirit of anti-Christ dominates those who don’t know
Him.
Government officials always think they have the answers by
crying for gun control, legislation, or throwing more money into programs. What’s
missing is the root cause of the problem.
People act in violent methods because they are controlled by
evil influences. When God
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Violent people are controlled by evil.
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does not control a person’s action, Satan is in
charge.
When Jesus left the earth he left the command to be
witnesses of Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the
earth (Acts 1: 8). That doesn’t mean each one of us are supposed to go all over
the world. Some are called to do that, but we are all called to be witnesses
wherever we are. Our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria is the sphere of influence
we live in—our neighbors, family, friends, co-workers and anyone we meet in our
daily life.
We can be an influence wherever we are and lost people will hear
the gospel. If they respond the devil loses another disciple who can kill and
maim.
The natural reaction to the acts of murder and rebellion
call us to respond in kind. But Jesus tells us to do the opposite. Hate only
breeds more hate and the gospel is hindered.
Our part is to proclaim Christ to those who are lost and
pray their eyes will be opened by the Holy Spirit to accept His love and mercy.
Here is what we can do on an individual basis when something
like this happens:
- Don’t get in fear (Psalm 91)
- Stay strong by renewing our minds in the Word so we won’t be
deceived by lies (Romans 12:2).
- Pray for strength to respond in a Christ-like manner (1
Peter 9-12).
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Proclaim Christ to the lost.
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Jesus said, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up
and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
Please join me in praying for the families of those who have
lost loved ones and pray that He will help us all to spread the gospel to every
creature.
Leave your comment below about your thoughts.