August 15, 2008
Biblically speaking, we are living in last days, according to Word of God, when the church can expect to see the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Jesus Christ. How can we be so sure? In answer to the disciples question concerning when Christ was to return He told them about Israel and world conditions that would exist. We are now seeing those conditions everyday being played out on the world stage. For born-again Christians this is the hope of all the ages being fulfilled in their day. Even in the Lord’s prayer “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done …” is placed before “give us this day our daily bread …”. Our food truly must be to see Him come and rule and reign over all.
Sadly enough, many Christians love the thought of a perfect world and Christ coming to His Throne on earth but are reluctant to see it happen today. It seems as long as life in the here and now is working out for them they would rather the Lord delay His return. They are busy about their own business and not concerned about His will being accomplished. Perhaps, if they were imprisoned or persecuted for the faith they would be taken up with the thought of heaven on earth. But as it is, they are more interested in a full life on earth than the presence of God before their eyes.
We are now at the end of one generation since the inception of Israel as a nation. The Lord stated, that all the signs for His coming would be accomplished in one generation (Mt.24). Also, in a recent study, we noted that the seven redemptive feasts of God are His day-timer for the completion of His salvation for the world of men. Four of these feasts have been literally fulfilled by Christ’s first coming and, there are three that remain.
Since we look for the soon return of Christ, we must insist that His return will be according to His time table contained in the FEASTS of GOD. The feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) is the next feast on His agenda. Since this feast is unique, celebrated on a new moon, “no one knows the day or hour” that it can be declared; only the Lord knows beforehand. Before a new moon can be declared by the Sanhedrin, it must be sited by two witnesses. This feast was named by the Jew from ancient days the “last trumpet feast” and so Paul states in 1Cor.15:52 that the saints alive and dead at the time of Christ’s return will hear the “last trump” sound.
Are you born again? Have you believed God’s testimony concerning your sinfulness before His standard of righteousness? Christ is God’s provision for perfect righteousness. Have you placed your faith in Who Christ is and what He has done on your behalf? He paid for all your sins and offers you His gift of His righteousness for all eternity. There is a real hell and a Lake of Fire awaiting all those who spurn God’s way of salvation. Let the Spirit of God convict you of your need for Christ, who is the only Savior of mankind. Read the Gospel of John to see for yourself – eternity is at stake.
Pastor Mark Benson
