Christian Living

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ARE YOU ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL?

By Chuck Johnson


Has this ever happened to you? You're driving along maybe to work or the store or somewhere else that you drive on a regular basis, and all of a sudden you are at your destination. You're not sure how you got there, because you don't remember passing any of the familiar landmarks. Oh, they're still there. There may even be some new ones, not that you would have noticed. You are so comfortable with the drive, that it's almost like you're on autopilot. Sometimes that's how we walk through life spiritually. We don't notice the things around us; we're in a groove or a rut.

We are told in Hebrews 10:25 "...but exhorting one another: and so much more, as you see the day approaching." What 'day' is the writer of Hebrews talking about? He is talking about the great and terrible day of the Lord. We are told to watch for the signs of the times and exhort, or encourage, one another as we see the day nearing.

While we do not all need to be Bible scholars in the area of eschatology (the study of last days events), we do need a basic understanding of the days and times we are living in. Everyday the prophecies regarding the end of the age and the coming of the Son Of Man are unfolding around us and yet we just keep on driving, looking straight ahead not discerning the changes.

We are charged by God to be aware of the times "But ye, bretheren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." 1Thesalonians 5:4. And "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." 1Thesalonians 5:6. What are we to watch for? The signs of the time. How can you encourage others when the signs of the end are all around us if you don't recognize them yourself? And how can you recognize them if you don't know what your looking for?

Study of the prophetic isn't just for the Hal Lindseys, Jack Van Impes or John Walvoords of the world. Don't misunderstand me I love and support the ministries of these prophetic scholars. However, understanding of Bible prophecy is for all of us, so that we may be a comfort to those around us. I thank God for these men and others whose lives are devoted to discerning the times. However, that does not relieve us of our responsibility. We live in perilous times indeed.

You and I have something that the world does not. That is hope! In the days immediately following the attacks on the world trade center I had several people come to me with questions. They prefaced them by saying, "I know you will have a Christian perspective on what is happening..." We are to be light to a world that is in darkness.

But how can we teach what we have no knowledge of ourselves? We must "...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1Peter 3:15. "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire;..." Jude 1:23. Fear of what? Their eternal future, the things to come upon the face of the earth, false teachers? All of the above!

If we do not become aware of the warning signs all around us, we cannot warn others. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. All scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16. If not you, who? If not now, when?

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