Quote from Forum Archives on February 28, 2011, 11:50 am

Posted by: edwrather <edwrather@...>

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02.28.11

Until Jesus Returns

Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive
for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants,
delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.' -
Luke 19:12-13.

With the rise of the Islamic world, and with the current instability in the
middle east, we see the rapid approach of the conditions necessary for the
end times as described in the Bible to become reality. With Islam we see a
radical, violent, religion that desires, and demands that all of the world
become Islamic. With Islam we see a religion that believes that their 12th
Iman will only come onto the scene through destruction and chaos. The
Islamic 12th Iman as currently described by Islamic leaders, has similar
characteristics to the antichrist described in the Book of Revelation. It
appears that there is very little standing in the way to prevent the
beginning of the seven years of tribulation.

The United States and Israel are the primary things holding back the Islamic
tide. However, the United States is rapidly being neutralized in regard to
support for Israel. It also appears, that our liberal courts are making it
easier for the implementation of Sharia law in the United States.

It is only a matter of time before Israel is attacked by the Islamic
countries that surround the country, and by other countries that hate them.
It may even be a coalition of the willing sanctioned by the United Nations.
When that attack occurs it will be devastating for those countries attacking
Israel. When that devastating attack occurs it will trigger, I believe, the
rapture (Which could occur, and I hope occurs, prior to the attack.), and
the seven years of tribulation. With that in mind I want to address what we
as believers should be doing between now, and when these events occur.

First, we should be increasing in maturity as believers, becoming more and
more like Jesus. We are told this in 2 Peter 3:11-12, "Therefore, since all
these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in
holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day
of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and
the elements will melt with fervent heat?" In 2 Peter 3:14 we are told
"Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be
found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless."

Second, we are to evangelize the lost. Before Jesus ascended to heaven He
told His disciples their priorities in Acts 1:6-8, "Therefore, when they
had come together, they asked Him, saying, 'Lord, will You at this time
restore the kingdom to Israel?' And He said to them, 'It is not for you to
know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you
shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be
witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end
of the earth.'" Jesus made it clear that they were, and we are, to be His
witnesses.

Third, we are to encourage other believers. In Hebrews 10:24-25 we are told,
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of
some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day
approaching."

It is easy with all of the horrible things happening, and the prospect of
terror attacks in our own countries to just throw up our hands, and think
what is the use of doing anything. We must not lose sight of our Lord's
instructions. The precise timing of the Lord's return is not important,
although His return is closer than ever before. What really counts is taking
as many people to heaven with us as we possibly can. What should you be
doing when He returns? Where should you be when the trumpet sounds, when the
archangel shouts, when in a twinkling of an eye we are changed, and rise
into the clouds to meet Him?

What has the Lord given you to do? Do that. Do business until He comes.

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