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The Day or Hour No One Knows

This post title is a from scripture spoken by Jesus Christ in reference to the knowledge of the date and time of His return to Earth. Needless to say it has developed into a very controversial topic as many people throughout the years have claimed to know when the Christ will return. All who have set this date in the past have obviously failed at this task, while there are others who claim “legitimacy” on this issue with future dates in mind. My own opinion on it isn’t quite so ambitious. In my humble opinion, “no one knows”. Albeit not a very original thought – but then again I welcome being in the company of my Lord Jesus Christ on this issue.

I thought about this scripture one New Year’s morning as I watched the revelers on TV celebrate the arrival of 2009. I wondered if indeed this was to be the year of Christ’s return. And if He did return, would the New Year’s revelers enjoy that event as much as they enjoyed the revelry of ringing in the new year? As a Christian I certainly hope that Jesus returns this year, but I truly have no idea if it will happen. One thing about God however is that throughout scriptural history, He always provides indications of what He is going to do. His messages are usually quite clear…but only to those with a discerning heart. The Bible puts it this way: The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV)

Many people say that the religious have been expecting Christ to return “any day now” for centuries, and that is true. Quite frankly that is the great hope for all Christians, so it is natural for us to be looking expectantly for that great event at all times. I actually think it is one of the driving forces that keep us from straying back to our natural state of constant sinning.

Christ in scripture did tell us about events that would shortly precede His return. That many of these events are occurring today may not in and of itself be unique. However what is unique about this particular age in which we live, is the opportunity to be knowledgeable and aware of the happening of these events. The disciples in the book of Matthew asked Jesus how we would know about when He would return: As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" – Below are some of the events that He said would be indicators of the beginning of that event:
  • You will hear of wars and rumors of wars
  • Nation will rise against nation
  • There will be famines and earthquakes in various places
  • Many will turn away from the faith
  • Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people
  • Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold
  • And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations

All taken from Matthew 24: 3-14

Are you aware of any of these events happening today? Are you aware of many of these events happening today? Are you aware of all of these events happening today?

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