THE END TIMES: May we be found faithful when He returns!

 ARE YOU READY?

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” — Matthew 24:36

The end times have fascinated believers and skeptics alike for generations. Prophecies about the last days fill the pages of Scripture, and signs of their fulfillment seem to be unfolding before our very eyes. But what do these prophecies mean? How should we, as followers of Christ, respond? Today, let us explore the signs of the times, the promises of God, and the urgency of preparing our hearts for His return.

SIGNS OF THE END TIMES

The Bible provides clear indicators of what will happen as we approach the end of the age. Jesus Himself warned His disciples about these events in what is known as the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21).

1. Increase in Deception and False Christs
   “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” — Matthew 24:5
   Today, we see an explosion of false teachers, cults, and even individuals claiming to be the Messiah. Deception is rampant, and many have been led astray by distorted versions of the gospel.

2. Wars and Rumors of Wars
   “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” — Matthew 24:6
   The world is filled with conflicts—nations rising against nations, political instability, and the constant threat of global war. These are clear reminders that we are living in the last days.

3. Natural Disasters and Global Crisis
   “And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” — Matthew 24:7-8
   The earth groans under the weight of sin—earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and deadly diseases have become more frequent. These events are not random but signs of an approaching climax in history.

4. Moral Decay and Lawlessness
   “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” — Matthew 24:37
   In Noah’s time, the world was filled with violence, corruption, and moral depravity. Today, we see the same—an increase in sin, lawlessness, and rebellion against God’s truth. The sanctity of marriage is under attack, sin is celebrated, and righteousness is mocked.

5. Persecution of Believers
   “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” — Matthew 24:9
   Christians around the world face intense persecution. Many are imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for their faith. The Bible warns that as the end approaches, the hatred toward true believers will intensify.

THE RAPTURE: OUR BLESSED HOPE

One of the greatest promises for believers is the rapture—the moment when Christ will take His Church out of the world.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

The rapture is imminent—it can happen at any time. It is not just a doctrine but a promise of hope. For those in Christ, it will be a moment of joy, but for those left behind, it will be a time of great sorrow and tribulation.

THE GREAT TRIBULATION: A TIME OF JUDGMENT

After the rapture, a period known as the Great Tribulation will unfold—a time of unparalleled suffering and divine judgment.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” — Matthew 24:21

During this period:

• The Antichrist will rise, deceiving many (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
• The wrath of God will be poured out upon the earth (Revelation 6-19).
• Millions will turn to Christ, but at great cost.

The Tribulation is a terrifying reality, and those who reject Christ now risk facing its horrors.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

While the rapture is Christ coming for His Church, the Second Coming is when Christ returns with His Church to establish His Kingdom.

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.” — Revelation 1:7

Unlike the rapture, which will be sudden and unseen by the world, Christ’s Second Coming will be a glorious, visible event. He will defeat the Antichrist, establish His millennial reign, and bring true justice to the world.

THE FINAL JUDGMENT: A DAY OF ACCOUNTABILITY

At the end of all things, every person will stand before God.

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” — Revelation 20:12

For those who rejected Christ, this will be a day of terror. But for believers, it will be a time of reward. The question is—where will you stand on that day?

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

The end times are not meant to scare us but to prepare us. What should we do in response to these truths?

1. Live in Holiness
   “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” — 2 Peter 3:11
   We must live pure and upright lives, rejecting sin and pursuing righteousness.

2. Be Watchful and Ready
   “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” — Matthew 24:42
   We should not be caught off guard. Instead, we must remain spiritually alert.

3. Share the Gospel Boldly
   “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” — Matthew 28:19
   The time is short. Now is the moment to evangelize, reach the lost, and bring as many people to Christ as possible.

4. Encourage One Another
   “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18
   The end times should not fill us with fear but with hope. We must encourage and build each other up in faith.

CONCLUSION: ARE YOU READY?

The signs of the end times are all around us. The rapture can happen at any moment. The Tribulation is drawing near. Jesus is coming soon.

The real question is: Are you ready?

If you have never surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. If you are lukewarm in your faith, now is the time to rekindle your passion. If you have loved ones who do not know Christ, now is the time to reach them.

“Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” — Revelation 22:20

May we be found faithful when He returns!