When getting into the habit of studying the Bible for yourself, you begin to notice certain patterns emerge from cover to cover. Examples of these patterns include, but are not limited to the treachery of our adversary, the rebelliousness of the people, the broken heart of God, and the ultimate victory of Good over Evil. By recognizing these patterns from the past and acknowledging the eternal perspective of God (who is the same yesterday, today and forever) we can actually get a glimpse of patterns that are presently unfolding and be able to predict their future outcome.
Skeptics of the Bible love to point out the fact that it has been compiled by the writings of different men over the span of thousands of years. From an unfamiliar, outside perspective of the Bible, this can lead you to believe that it is a chaotic and random collection of writings that doesn't really tell one story. However, by actually reading through it, you find wording in Psalms that lines up precisely with themes and events spoken of in the Gospels; you find people throughout history turning their backs time and again from obeying the commands of God, despite miraculous provision for them at the hand of God, and consistent warnings to change their ways from the prophets. By studying the Bible, you see the adversary's shadowy efforts exposed as he works relentlessly throughout world history to destroy God's promise. You also see how the devil succeeds in diverting the attention of men away from seeking God; and how he has the power to guide the people by the motivations of sin, like a pied piper, to their own destruction.
In choosing to dismiss rather than investigate the Bible, skeptics (and the masses they mislead) are unable to recognize the truth that it does tell one story: the human story. The Bible is the ultimate epic; a story of the nature, trial and triumph of love on universal scale; a story of treachery and intrigue; a story that is filled with action, and over-the-top suspense.
By making an honest assessment of the current world situation, we can recognize that at this point in the story:
The fact is that the reality of our situation is so dismal, so depressing, so hopeless, that many are unwilling or even unable to acknowledge it. It's as if people are suffering the effects of Shell Shock. However if you look for the truth, you will agree that there is an amazing amount of suspense surrounding our current circumstances. Just this past week, a documentary called the 11th hour was released which covers this issue.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-3, Paul says:
But concerning suspense as it will be in the last days, let's allow Jesus and the prophet Isaiah to paint the picture:
Matt 24:22
Isaiah 59:19b Skeptics of the Bible love to point out the fact that it has been compiled by the writings of different men over the span of thousands of years. From an unfamiliar, outside perspective of the Bible, this can lead you to believe that it is a chaotic and random collection of writings that doesn't really tell one story. However, by actually reading through it, you find wording in Psalms that lines up precisely with themes and events spoken of in the Gospels; you find people throughout history turning their backs time and again from obeying the commands of God, despite miraculous provision for them at the hand of God, and consistent warnings to change their ways from the prophets. By studying the Bible, you see the adversary's shadowy efforts exposed as he works relentlessly throughout world history to destroy God's promise. You also see how the devil succeeds in diverting the attention of men away from seeking God; and how he has the power to guide the people by the motivations of sin, like a pied piper, to their own destruction.
In choosing to dismiss rather than investigate the Bible, skeptics (and the masses they mislead) are unable to recognize the truth that it does tell one story: the human story. The Bible is the ultimate epic; a story of the nature, trial and triumph of love on universal scale; a story of treachery and intrigue; a story that is filled with action, and over-the-top suspense.
By making an honest assessment of the current world situation, we can recognize that at this point in the story:
- The forces of evil and darkness are thriving in the world more than ever before.
- The forces of "good" are hopelessly outnumbered, out-muscled, and out-funded.
The fact is that the reality of our situation is so dismal, so depressing, so hopeless, that many are unwilling or even unable to acknowledge it. It's as if people are suffering the effects of Shell Shock. However if you look for the truth, you will agree that there is an amazing amount of suspense surrounding our current circumstances. Just this past week, a documentary called the 11th hour was released which covers this issue.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-3, Paul says:
(K)now this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good...Jesus says in Matt 24:21
For then (at the end of days) there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.This is serious distress! However, the dramatic suspense of our current situation is one of God's favorite strategies. God has an undeniable flare for the dramatic, swooping in to the rescue at the very last possible moment. If you've ever seen The Ten Commandments or read Exodus and you think back to the moments leading up to the parting of the Red Sea, you will know exactly what I'm talking about.
But concerning suspense as it will be in the last days, let's allow Jesus and the prophet Isaiah to paint the picture:
Matt 24:22
If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
To Be Continued...
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