by Scarlett Stough
Are these the “end times?” Are we living in the last days? The “end of the age” actually began when Jesus entered this world as an infant and carried out his mission of paying for the sins of the world. He talked about all of the events that would be taking place until he returned; among them were wars, disease, famine, false religions, and an increasingly loveless world due to all the evil and problems in it (Matthew 24).
He also said to “be ready” at any time, because only the Father knows when Jesus will return to establish his kingdom on this earth (Matthew 24:44). We are given this long waiting period so we have all the opportunity possible to repent; return to God in faith and obedience (2 Peter 3:9).
No one is exempt. Your “truth” won't change the reality; only God's truth is real and matters.
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Luke 13:1-5
These words are not just for those who are not following Jesus, but is for all of us, especially if we are relying on our own “good works” to make us acceptable to God. Jesus called upon the churches, in the Revelation to John, to repent. We can become complacent, thinking we're okay, when in reality we are spiritually sick or walking corpses (Revelation 2:4-5; 2:14-16; 2:20-23;3:1-3; 3:14-22).
For those who hear Jesus knocking at their door who open their hearts, minds and will to him, there will be fellowship and reward.