I Thessalonians 5:3
While people are saying, "Peace and Safety", destruction will come upon them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Not being a woman who has borne children I confess I am speaking out of ignorance. But it seems when a woman is about to bear a child the contractions start to increase and soon a new life enters the world. In essence those birth pangs start up and the expectant mother knows her child will soon come forth.
It is the same with the return of Christ. God has spoken forth his 'birth pangs' in Mat. 24, Mk.13, and Lk.21. God in his grace and mercy has not left us without warning. Though no man knows the day or the hour of his return. Just like the expectant mother knows her child will soon be born, there is a sense of expectancy that Jesus wll soon return.
The signs or warnings are playing out before us. From earthquakes to famines to collapsing power structures to wars and rumors of wars the signs are taking place. Right now as I write this our paper says largest wildfare devastating a drought plagued Texas. Famine grips the horn of Africa. Floods of the aftermath of Irene and another storm system flood Northeast. Before that an earthquake struck the east coast which is not known for earthquakes. This past spring there was a devastating earthquake and tsunamie in Japan. We have had devastating F4 and F5 tornadoes tear through communities. In the past winter we have had unusual cold and snow and ice. Normally in places where snow is rarely seen. And some of you will scoff and say this is nature.
What about the wars and rumor of wars. We see the rising immorality in the church. Lawlessness is on the increase. This country is on the brink of economic collapse. Need I go on? Saints look around you the signs are playing out.
I implore you. Do not mock the signs of the return of Christ. I am finding that the biggest mockers of the return of Jesus Christ are the evangelical Christians. Some may be in this forum. At least some of the nonbelievers are starting to wonder if the end is not near. These may be those who find salvation in Christ.
Brothers and sisters his coming is near. I plead with you out of love for him and you do not, please do not despise the signs of his coming. Do not let those birth pangs overtake you by surprise. Keep oil in you lamps. Keep your lamps burning. Be in the word in prayer. Be faithful til he comes. For sure his return is near.
Submitted in Christ,
Blaine Scogin