By: Pastor Femi Oluwatimilehin
Venue: UNILAG Multipurpose Hall
Date: Sunday, 17 September, 2023
Text: Luke 21:34-36; Matthew 24:1-14; 2nd Peter 3:18; 1st Corinthians 16:21
As Christians, we cannot afford to live our lives carelessly; we should not be caught unaware in this troubled world. For example, economic crises and the rise of false prophets, among other challenges, are prevalent. “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold,” as the Bible warns us. Therefore, we should not be anxious about anything, and we must not be carried away by these distractions.
Jesus has foretold all these events, and we must not be ensnared by them. If it becomes necessary to flee, we should do so. Everything Jesus prophesied has come to pass, and it is crucial to understand that these events serve as stepping stones to another significant event known as the Rapture. This serves as a reminder for us to take appropriate action.
Matthew 24:1-14 predicts future events and emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel to all nations before the end times. Matthew also explains everything happening in the world today, including depression, economic challenges, violence, earthquakes, and more. We share this reminder so that we can stay vigilant and not be caught unprepared.
1 Corinthians 15:51 teaches us that to watch means to be vigilant, sensitive, and alert. This can only be achieved with the help of God and the Holy Spirit. The enemies of our faith are out there, aiming to pull us back, which is why we need the Holy Spirit to imbue us with the sensitivity required for watchfulness. This goes beyond using our physical eyes.
1 Peter 2:3 reminds us that we should grow in grace and knowledge of God, which can be accomplished through the study and application of God’s Word. By doing so, we can escape the trials that lie ahead. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of resurrection, and He will revive and energize us. If you are not in Christ, you cannot experience the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Therefore, it is necessary to take steps to be born again by accepting Jesus into your life. This act will invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within you.