The End is Near

The End Is Near…!

1 Peter 4:7 – 11

“But the end of all things is at hand…” (NKJV) What is the disciple to do? Peter, under the inspiration of God, addresses several things in this text that we should note:

(1)  “…therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” The spiritual discipline of communication with our Heavenly Father is of utmost important in our walk with God. Do you have a specific time and place to practice the art of prayer?

(2)  “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sin.’” Agape love is a matter of position and passion as it is not as much an emotion as a decision. This leads to forgiving others as we have been forgiven by Christ.

(3)  “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling…” The discipline of guarding the unity and love of the body is important in the perilous last days.

 

(4)  “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another…” The pastor in the pulpit is the “equipper” while all believers are the ministers (Eph. 4:11 & 12). Are you being a good steward of the manifold grace of God by implementing the spiritual gifts that He has granted you?

(5)  “…speak as the oracles of God…” The tongue is a serious weapon (James 3). How do you speak as the words that are uttered from the lips reveal what is in the heart (Luke 6:45)?

(6)  “…minister…with the ability God supplies” God has called you as His disciple to minister as light and salt in your world (Mt. 5:13 – 15). How is your testimony for Him?

 

The purpose in all of this: “…that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Yes, the end is near…nearer than when God inspired Peter to write these words. We are closer to the end than any time in human history. Are we living like it? –Dr. Joe Olachea is Senior Pastor of Lakes Community Chapel in Medford, NJ

GPS – God’s Positioning System: Exodus 13-15; Psalm 31; Proverbs 3

Compass Pointers: Christians are not to give way to “eschatological frenzy” but to practice self-control and be active in prayer. Peter had set a negative example in his failure to watch and pray in the Garden (Matt. 26:40-41). – Edwin Blum

Navigation Rules: Level 1: Proverbs 5:21; Level 2: Proverbs 5:15-23 

Anchored to the Rock: You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. - C.S. Lewis