End Times-

putting the pieces in place

by Sonny Bowman

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Chapter 14

Preparing for the End Times

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 (NKJV) But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

Do you want to know the truth—
no matter what it is or what it costs you?

Learning the truth may require you to give up some of your pet theories or doctrines. Who wants to keep their beliefs if they are not true? On the other hand, learning the truth may cause you to lose your circumstantial peace, comfort, and security. However, there is no true peace and security except in knowing the Truth—Jesus (Jn. 14:6; Jn. 16:33; Rom. 8:38-39). Knowing the truth may cost you everything—but it is worth it! (Mat. 13:44).

A common reaction among people when preparing for the End Times is to begin storing food and other supplies in anticipation of shortages. While it is wise to maintain a limited amount of extra supplies, it is very easy to begin trusting in those supplies rather than in Jesus (Mat. 6:19-21, 25-34). A simple test for determining your motives in accumulating extra supplies is to ask yourself if those supplies will be made available to others who have needs. If the extra supplies are primarily to ensure that you will survive the coming hard times, then your accumulations are probably too important to you (Jn 15:12-14; Gal. 6:2). Put your trust in God for He is well able to meet your needs—even in hard times (Deut. 8:4, 15-16; Pr. 28:27; Phil. 4:11-13, 19).

The number one thing you must do to prepare for the final days of this creation is to be sure that you are right with God. All men are sinners (Rom. 3:23). If you have broken even one of God’s laws—no matter how small—you are guilty of being a lawbreaker (Jas. 2:10-11). As a sinner, you earn (deserve) death (Rom. 6:23).

No amount of good works can counterbalance your sin and make you right with God because God is perfect and cannot allow imperfection and sin into His presence (Rom. 3:20). Yet there is hope! Jesus paid your sin debt for you so that you can be free in Him (Rom. 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:18). Jesus took your sins (and your death penalty) in His body on the cross so you can be righteous in Him (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21).

You can receive salvation and eternal life by believing what God says and accepting Jesus’ payment for your sins (Rom. 1:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 3:8-11; 1 John 5:11-13).

• Acknowledge your sins (Luke 18:13-14).

• Repent and turn to God (Rom. 2:4-5; Acts 26:20).

• Place your faith in Jesus rather than in your own efforts (Rom. 10:3, 9-13).

You can know for sure that you have eternal life when you put your trust in Jesus (John 20:31; 1 John 5:10-13). After receiving salvation through faith in Jesus, work to grow and mature as a Christian — a disciple of Jesus (John 8:31-32; 15:4-21; Acts 11:26). Learning to consistently practice the following will help you mature.

• Read and study God’s Word—the Bible (especially the New Testament) (Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

• Do what the Word of God says (don’t deceive yourself, Jas. 1:22-25; Luke 6:46-49).

  • Forgive others (Mat. 18:21-35; Rom. 12:14-21).

  • Love others (1 Cor. 13; Rom. 13:8-10; 1 John 4:19: John 13:35).

  • Serve Jesus and others rather than yourself (2 Cor. 5:15; Phil. 2:3-5; Rom. 15:1-2).

   

Besides helping to prepare you for the End Times, maturing as a Christian will equip you for successful everyday living. There is no greater joy than spending your life loving and serving Jesus and the people He died for. God bless you!

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End Times - putting the pieces in place

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

NKJV indicates quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

KJV indicates quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Numbers associated with Greek (italic) or Hebrew (upright) words refer to the corresponding words in the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, by James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D.

Please make copies of this book to give to your friends. (A searchable and printable version in Adobe Acrobat format is available for download.) Your comments and suggestion are also welcome. Thank you for helping others to understand the Bible teachings on the End Times.

God bless you.

Sonny Bowman

If you have questions or comments, please contact Sonny Bowman.