What’s Next?
What Time is It?
(Matthew 24:3) “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ ”
(2 Peter 3:3-10) First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
People will do their own thing.
(Matthew 24:37-39) “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.”
People will forget God.
(Matthew 24:12) “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”
People will think He’s not coming.
(1 Thessalonians 5:2) “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
People will not be ready.
(Matthew 24:40-42) “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
If the end is near…
(1 Peter 4:7) “The end of all things is near…”
- I should pray.
(1 Peter 4:7) “…therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”
- I should focus on my relationships.
(1 Peter 4:8-9) “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
- I should use my gifts.
(1 Peter 4:10-11) “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
- I should get my life right with God.
(2 Peter 3:11) “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”