It's getting pretty confusing lately.
People whom I love and respect warn about the so-called "Blood Moons". Other people whom I love and respect belittle those who pay any attention to the astrological event.
People whom I love and respect are praising the Pope and his address to Congress this morning. Other people whom I love and respect are pointing at it being a sign of the last days and him being the "False Prophet."
People whom I love and respect point to all the recent earthquakes around the world as signs of the end times. Other people whom I love and respect belittle those who pay attention to these events as naive.
People whom I love and respect look to a so-called "rapture" of the church to escape tribulation. (so called because "rapture" isn't a Bible word) Other people whom I love and respect say that there won't be a rapture to escape tribulation and still others that Christians will endure the tribulation before a rapture.
People whom I love and respect point to all the events in the world that the "last days" are upon us and Jesus will return soon. Other people whom I love and respect dismiss all the so-called signs as unrelated coincidences and accuse those who believe it as having fallen prey to bad eschatological theology.
So here's the deal. I thought we all (followers of Jesus Christ) had the same Spirit; the Spirit of God. How can there be such a great divide among believers as to what to believe?
Each "group" claims spiritual authority as their guide, but are on opposite sides of an issue. If each group is following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, how can they each be right? How can either be wrong?
To be honest, as a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this is just downright confusing to me. I certainly don't claim to know all and understand all.
But here's what I DO know for sure: Jesus is coming back! He said He was and I believe Him. I don't know when, but He did give us some clues so that we wouldn't be caught unaware.
I try to live my life expecting Jesus to come back today, no matter what the day is. I am longing to see His face. I want it to happen before I finish typing this line, but I see that it didn't happen....
I don't want to fall into the trap of belittling or even disrespecting my trusted friends who fall on the other side of an eschatological issue. I fell into that trap several years ago with politics, and I deeply regret it. So, today, I will do what I always do; proclaim Jesus!
God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you (in your place to pay for your sins). If you believe that, according to Jesus, Himself, you will be saved. (John 3:16)
Won't you trust Jesus for your salvation today? You don't need a priest, or even a preacher; you can do it all through the One High Priest, Jesus! Call on Him to save you and be prepared for eternity.
