Many of us believers feel that we could be the generation that ushers in the great tribulation period after our departure in what’s called the rapture. With governments toppling left and right, even non- Christians believe that something isn’t quite right, and that war among the great powers is on the horizon. But even the leaders of these nations don’t seem to know what to do about it; and with the shaking and toppling of governments worldwide, humanity is coming to its collective wit’s end. Except for hardcore Christian believers, many throughout the world are living in fear and confusion.
Even so, here in America there are many traditional and wishy washy “Christian believers” who are still playing church with an eye to recognition from fellow congregants. When speaking to these people, they are likely to tell you that we’ve been living in the end times for over two thousand years, and they’ll start off their spiel by saying “Bah,” (my addition) …“Where is the sign of His (Jesus) coming, for since the fathers fell asleep all continues as from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4).
While the traditional church is experiencing a falling away in this country and abroad, another phenomenon is taking place; there are other churches springing up, led by self-styled gluttonous preachers who wear their shirts outside their pants to hide the roll of fat that has become their belly. This laissez-faire attitude smacks of disrespect for the things of God. Even so, the congregants follow suit, wearing sandals and shorts and moo-moos to the services. They have no respect or fear of God. Loud music, strobe lights and often smoke machines serve to makeup the service, when groping and desperate people only need to hear the gospel and unadulterated word of God.
Despite all the foolishness going on in today’s churches, there are some who truly take the things of God to heart. These folks care about the dying humanity and aren’t afraid of wearing their faith on their sleeves. The reason I write about my exploits is that they may inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and experience the blessings one receives when we reach out to others. Science has proven that, when we reach out to others, it releases endorphins in the brain and makes you a happier and more confident person – and this goes for everyone – Christian or not.
Only then, when you begin to do what He’s called you to do – it will surely put you in favor with God, and you will see His promises begin to bear fruit. Except for His mercy, God’s promises are conditional, and He will prove Himself to you if you give Him first place in your life.
William Carey (1761 to 1834) once said, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
When you know the power of a Covenant relationship with God and walk in His ways, you will experience a radical change in your life.
Indeed, we can’t just let people guess that we’re Christians; they may even think we’re just a worldly goody two-shoes. There are plenty of those running around who seem to think (like some Christians) that they can find favor with God and man by being so-called “decent” folks, but the Bible says differently. The Bible says, “There is none righteous, no not one; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; but God has laid upon Him (Christ Jesus) the iniquity of us all.” That is the scourging and death on the cross.
The apostle James says, “Yea, a man may say he hath faith, thou hath faith and I have works: show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith with my works…Faith without works is dead.”
In these disastrous days, we must not resort to being closet Christians. Just look what it’s done to our society by withholding the good news of the Gospel from a lost and dying world. Isn’t it contingent upon us all to admit openly and without hesitation that He is our Savior, if indeed he is?
The exploits I experience on an almost daily basis are for me a blessing since I enjoy each and every encounter. Thankfully I began sharing Christ right after receiving Him into my life over forty years ago. That experience was so profound that I just couldn’t keep it to myself.
So, don’t become complacent with what you know about God, nor be fearful of men who don’t understand but lean instead on their own understanding and ego. Do something about your faith. We all have gifts and talents.
Let us step out in faith to lead others to Christ and encourage them in these times of great uncertainty.
Books:
You may remember Chuck Colson from the Nixon Administration. I just finished reading The Good Life by Chuck Colson and Harold Fickett. I don’t know who Fickett is, but Chuck Colson is remembered for the Born Again book written several years ago. I read it when it first came out, and figured he didn’t have much to say after that experience in his life – not many Christians do. Chuck, however, went on to write many other books having to do with Christianity.
Here then is an extraordinary Christian man, a man whom I admire for his varied ministries, one of which was a worldwide prison ministry. I would say this man qualifies as one of those who dared to do great exploits.
I highly recommend either of these two books for anyone seeking the deeper things of God.
YBIC
Jim Towers
You can write me with your opinions and concerns at jt.filmmaker@yahoo.com or visit my revised website: www.thepropheciesmovieandbook.com and also dropzonedelta.com