How could I personally prepare for the end-times? And even if we aren’t near the end times, the world is rapidly changing, and there’s no way to stop it: how can I compose myself enough to deal with what’s coming upon the world? How will I keep my cool and my sanity; my faith and my hope?
NO EARLY RAPTURE
We evangelicals have been told by our favourite teachers and preachers the the rapture is at hand: we’re all going to be whisked away to heaven before things really get bad in the world. Try telling that to the Christians in Nigeria who today are being murdered and beheaded for their faith (1). Try telling that to the many now trapped in Afghanistan at the mercy of the ruthless Taliban (2). And try telling that to the Christians of numerous countries like China, who can be imprisoned for their faith or even executed (3). I’ve become convinced that there will be no early rapture, and I recommend my own book on the subject (4). Alternatively you can find updated extracts of it on this blog, in something like thirty parts, with more to come. The search bar is at the top.
OUR SALVATION IS SECURE!
Without Jesus, you cannot survive what’s happening to our world, either mentally or spiritually. So of utmost importance in overcoming the world is our faith in Jesus Christ:
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith (1 John 5:4 NKJV).
Since Christ is the Creator and sustainer of all things (Colossians 1:16-17), it is impossible for that creation-including us- to be taken from Him. Instead, He will be the Judge of all people, and the wicked who are destroying and defacing His creation have no hope. But we, in Him, do. Whoever has accepted the Son of God in his heart has passed from death to life (John 5:24).
THE MAKER’S INSTRUCTIONS
Secondly, I would say it’s wise to be sure you have a hard copy of the Bible. Your digital Bible and your online Bible studies are vulnerable: they could vanish in one hour at the command of those in control of such things. The time will come, sooner or later, when the Bible in its original form will be called hate-speech, and attacked by a cancel culture already at work. Don’t get one of the wilder paraphrases which depart from the truth. Don’t get a recent translation which attempts to be culturally relevant or gender neutral, or accepting of things that God hates. Memorize portions which most move you to faith and hope. Some good works in apologetics to accompany the Bible would be useful.
SPIRITUAL PREPPING
It’s no good having a Bible if you don’t read it. Jesus said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’ (Matthew 4:4). In the pages of the Bible is everything we need to keep our moral up and our hope and joy replenished. It is our road map to heaven, given that God himself will guide us there.
I need to detach myself from a culture in decay. I don’t mean to cut myself off, but to distance and protect myself so that its lies and its standards are not entering my mind. I also need to detach myself from my material possessions. They may be a blessing from the Lord, and it’s not wrong to have possessions, but that’s not where our hope is. Where we are going ultimately, we don’t need them:
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is
unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
I need to rest in the Lord frequently; daily. The world and normal everyday life drags us down and wars against our peace and our relationships. When I get home from work, I need to wash off of me all remnants of the world that have been sticking like filth to my mind and my spirit, by prayer and the Words of our God.
Remember constantly the hope to which we were called:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4),
Praise and worship are invaluable to our own spirits, as well as being honouring to our God. When we praise with our heart, mind and body, we are lifted out of the problems of this life and into heavenly places. The most impressive faith is in those whose lives are challenging and yet are filled with praise and worship. Lord, please help me to be one of those people.
SOMETHING TO READ, SOMETHING TO LISTEN TO
Along with my hard Bible I’m also keeping some hard copies of older history books and classical literature. History is being revised, and classics are being pushed out in favour of new cultural relevance. Standards are suffering and we’re being denied real talent in favour of a politically correct sermon. While people weren’t always right about everything in past decades and centuries, they were more honest, definitely more creative, and far less politically and socially motivated. I want to keep in touch with the world I came from-the world that was. The same applies to music. I’m keeping copies of some albums I’ve always loved. I’m keeping them as CDs, and as MP3s on an independent MP3 player. That is, not online where they could be censored, and where cultural relevance and commercials can be thrust in my face.
I hope this helps. Next I will discuss signs of the times. Till then, bye.
NOTES
1 https://aclj.org/help-protect-nigerian-christians-from-persecution
Fuel for Faith 