articlesforchristians

The subject of when Jesus is returning has gotten a lot of attention lately. It seems that many people have an idea, a thought, or a theory. It is not wrong to try to look at the Bible and then try to think about what is happening in the world around you. I even have thoughts, ideas, and theories, but until Jesus arrives it will stay a thought, idea, or theory. It is wrong however, to say that you know when Jesus is coming.

• Matthew 24:36-39  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Anyone who says that they know the day and hour when Jesus is returning is a false prophet.

• Matthew 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.

As time draws near, it may be possible to have a really good idea of the season.

People have had various ideas for the last few centuries. Even Paul had to deal with some false prophets spreading false information.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our [a]gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things?

Instead of running after every prophet that comes around, how about being more productive. There are several things that would be more productive than chasing after new prophetic revelations.

• Reading and studying your Bible.
• Praying.
• Sharing the gospel with others.
• Helping others by:
  • volunteering
  • donating
  • visiting the shut-ins
    • in their homes
    • in the nursing homes
    • in the hospitals
  • looking in on the widows.
  • being concerned about the orphans.
  • caring for the weakest in society.

Not everyone is called to do everything, but everyone is called to do something. Pray about what you are called to do. It could be simply helping others with what they are doing, or it could be something more. That is between you and God.

• 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.