Dare 2 Be Different Victory Centre Sermon Title for Sunday, 13th April, 2014: "WARNING: PERILOUS TIMES ARE HERE"
by Brother Khrystus Wallace
Scriptures: II Timothy 3:1 and James 5:7-8
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Introduction
II Timothy 3:1 says: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." I am sure that no one will doubt that we are living in dangerous times. However, some people may debate the idea of whether we are really living in the last days. But, with the world facing the level of problems that we witness before our eyes daily, and hear in the news, we cannot question the validity of this teaching.
Just think of a few of the serious problems that we are confronted with on a regular basis. A rapid increase in international conflicts in The Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and even here in the Caribbean.
There is a dramatic increase in terrorist activities, alcohol and drug related problems, criminal activities of rape, robbery, theft and various forms of burglaries. There is also a sharp decline in moral values, and a very big increase in social and mental problems. The divorce rate has sky rocketed in recent years, and family problems increase on a daily basis in ways that are too difficult to estimate or even understand.
In light of the above, there can be no doubt that we are definitely living in the last days before the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible describes this era as DANGEROUS TIMES - PERILOUS TIMES. Therefore, it is imperative that we who live in these dangerous times pay serious attention to what the Lord has to say to us about living in these last days.
POINT 1: Be ready because no one knows when CHRIST will come. (Matt. 24:44)
A. Preparation begins with conversion
B. After conversion, begin to work (Matt 24:46)
C. While you are working, "WATCH!"
C sub-point 1: If you are watching, you will recognize the signs of the times (Matt. 24:33)
Matt: 24: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the DOORS.
Matt: 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
C sub-point 2: If you are watching, you will not be ashamed at his appearing. (1 John 2:28)
1 John 2: 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
POINT 2: Be patient unto the coming of the LORD. (James 5:8)
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain
Charles Mc. Cracken said in his sermon titled, "LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS," The joy of the believer lies in the realization that we could be alive to hear the spine tingling SOUND OF THE TRUMPET and THUNDEROUS SHOUT OF THE LORD announcing His return for the Church.
Undeniably, we are living closer to that day than any other generation in church history. Not only is that day closer, but the evil and wickedness of our world seems to signal that nearness of that hour. We should not be surprised by the violence of our times, since the Word of God plainly describes the days prior to the RAPTURE of the CHURCH as days of unprecedented deception and evil.
A. The word PATIENCE in our scripture is very significant. It does not mean to passively SIT BACK and WAIT. It has three characteristics that should help us to understand its meaning.
1. Patience conveys the idea of ENDURANCE. This can be illustrated by a runner in a marathon.
2. The second characteristic is EXPECTANCY. This is illustrated in James 5:7. Notice how the farmer displays patience
3. The final characteristic is COURAGE. Courage is NOT the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.
How are we going to cope with the cynicism and discouragement of our times?
By being courageous! Note: James 5:8: "Be ye also PATIENT, stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."
SUMMARY
Friends, in closing, do you know JESUS? Have you trusted Him? Have you given your life to Him? Are you ready for the rapture? Are you ready for the return of our SAVIOUR?
When the trumpets are sounded, will you be among those that are caught up to meet the Saviour in the air? Or will you be among those that remain on the earth?
As a Child of God, are you endeavouring to live a God-fearing Life? Or are you just doing what you want?
Jesus has a plan for your life! He wants to see you saved and working in His vineyard! He wants to see you watching and waiting for His return!
Don't reject ANYMORE! Are you a fugitive from God? Are you on the run from God? Come back to HIM today!
As a believer, don't reject Jesus' CALL for you to return from a BACKSLIDEN STATE and follow His will for your life again.
WARNING: PERILOUS TIMES ARE HERE! WHAT YOU DECIDE TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE MATTERS
ALTAR CALL
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