Now 2006

“Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth for the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:26; Matt. 24)

Panic Syndrome

Millions are apprehensive and suffering anxiety regarding the New Year—2006. Some sensational speakers predict catastrophic events; coming or imminent terrorist attacks, wars, starvation, droughts, world chain reactions, closing down critical systems of power, water, communications, and leading to panic. Some are selling bags of books, recommending or stockpiling dried foods, water, medications, generators, and even guns and ammunition. Others are saying to withdraw enough cash to last at least two months.

Cultural Connections

Furthermore, as we cautiously tread into the New Year, people are becoming more sensitive to their origins, cultures, creeds, races, and the future of humanity. Because such great and rapid changes are taking place and knowledge is being increased (Dan. 12:4), people cannot even imagine what this year and decade will bring. Everyone, it seems are now more aware of the volatility of the age. In addition there is an alarming increase the number of natural disasters, pestilences, animal diseases, violence, terrorism, immorality, financial, political, and religious instability, and compounded even more by cultures that appear to be drifting like a ship without sail, rudder, or anchor and is in dire need of a moral compass. Jesus foretold a time “when men’s hearts would be failing them for fear and the expectations of those things which are coming on the earth.” (Luke 21:26) (Matt. 24)

Fertile Times

Because of all this, there is a spectacular interest now in Bible prophecy. This year—2006—therefore, is a very fertile time for evangelistic opportunities; to reach people in our community and the world. In spite of ongoing political upheavals, doors are now open wider to the gospel in countries like India, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Cuba, and mostly the USA where there is a void of organized churches, but harbour small pockets of faithful believers, waiting to be led and counseled. Modern technology is growing at an unprecedented rate. Tools of technology such as Internet, iPod, satellite TV, radio, now makes world preaching and teaching of the gospel message possible. The goal of preaching the three angel’s message worldwide is now finally a reality, a promising goal. Jesus promised, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14)

No Escape

As in the story we all know of Joseph, times of plenty are followed by times of famine. There will be an element of panic this year. Expectthe unexpected. We should be, however, more concerned with the paralyzing apathy that may come after Jan. 1, 2006 and the crises of the past year evaporate, and everyone begins to chant the familiar mantra… Peace, Peace! “For when they shall say, Peace, and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child: and they shall not escape.”(1 Thess. 5:3)

It is Late

Remember, that all the virgins were sleeping when the bridegroom came. (Matt. 25:1-13) Also, carefully remember that day before the flood of Noah and the fire of Lot. The sun was shining upon the people engaged in eating, drinking, marrying, and building. (1 Peter 3:20) What we fail to do now during these times of great opportunity we will unfortunately struggle to accomplish later in a time of paralyzing apathy and indifference. “I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.” ( 1 John 9:4) That is why we should now do everything possible to capitalize on the wide-open window of evangelistic opportunity this New Year 2006.

Be Watchful

Christians need to carefully and prayerfully guard against fanning the flames of any bizarre movements, cults, or spirits. But, try to seize every opportunity to preach Christ now, before advancing further into the New Year—2006, and provide an unprecedented opening for the Holy Spirit’s power. Paul said, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Cor. 9:22) In other words, he reached out to people where they were, used tools that met their needs, and employed methods that touched their hearts.

Greek Connection

The Apostle Paul demonstrated this principle while visiting Athens. He used one of the Athenian’s idols as a means to proclaim the true God to the people. “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him I declare unto you.” (Acts 17:23) Although he failed to reach the Athenian philosophers, he zealously and consistently preached in faith and prayer.

Weather Forecasting

Evangelism is somewhat like farming; timing, and weather are very, veryimportant. Often the seasons and weather will dictate the schedule of a farmer. Likewise, God’s people must be prepared to seize fertile opportunities for soul ?winning. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Jesus further said, “When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matt. 16:2, 3)

Too Busy?

The power of the Holy Spirit is given to witnesses and is not only for witnessing. God always seems to call people (men and women), who are active and busy. Have you ever noticed that? Moses was tending sheep. Elijah was farming. Peter was fishing. Gideon was threshing wheat. Ruth was gleaning barley. Saul was searching for his father’s lost beasts. Nehemiah was working as a royal butler. Those God calls, He qualifies—those He qualifies He uses. God calls men and women when they are busy; and Satan calls them when they are idle. David fell for Bathsheba during a time of leisure at the palace when he should have been out with his soldiers fighting on the battlefield.

The Best Occupation

God designed and created people to be productive; and the best occupation of all is helping people, making others happy, our fellow humans and God’s creatures. That is our purpose. God is calling you, too! Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit from above and went about doing good, and healing. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38)

God can also give power to minister for His followers; the obedient ones, the saints, for a glorious, blessed ministry. “As my Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21) Have you ever noticed how many times in Scripture the promise for supernatural power is directly connected with active ministry?

High Power

“And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and all ?manner of disease… And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:1, 7, 8)

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:18) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Those God appoints He anoints, too.

Secret of Miracles

“God, it is clear, regards the ministry of saving others as the most noble work or goal in our lives. Here a little, there a little. Let the truth be presented as it is in Jesus, line upon line, precept upon precept,” (Ev. 201) “preparing the soul before sowing the seed, dwelling upon the necessity of practical godliness.” (Ev. 200) “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Prov. 11:30)

The Lord will pour His power on and work His wonders for those who endeavour to do this great work. Notice the pattern here now, a simple one. The majority of God’s miracles are connected with the ministry! In Acts 8:39, Philip was giving a Bible study and baptizing an Ethiopian eunuch when the Holy Spirit fell on him from Gaza to Caesarea. Paul was preaching when he raised Eutychus, blinded the sorcerer, and delivered a girl from demons. God miraculously delivered Peter, Paul, Silas, and the 12 apostles from prison when they were actively preaching and teaching the truth. Most of the miracles in the Old Testament were seen in men on the battlefield, including Samson, David, Gideon, and Jonathan. We are on the battlefield now, too. Likewise, too, we can experience wonderful works of the Holy Spirit… when feeding the multitudes with the bread of life. He will multiply the bread, as He did for the 5000.

Conversion Secret

Some are afraid they might do something wrong in witnessing, so consequently ?they do nothing. Some thought that they would gladly work for the Lord, but they don’t feel “holy enough.” It is true that dirt sticks to a rusty shovel or spade, making the work harder, but the best way to clean it is to dig with it. Ministry is also a part of the sanctification process. After 3 1/2 years as followers of Jesus, the apostles still were not completely converted or sanctified. Jesus clearly confirmed this when He said to Peter, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32) In only one 24 hour period before the cross, the disciples showed room for improvement and progress. They argued among themselves, and fought for the highest positions, acted confused byChrist’s teachings, slept when Jesus thought they should be praying, and forsook Jesus when the mob came for Him. Peter even went further and denied Jesus three times with swearing and cursing! Yet, just a few ?months before, Jesus sent the 12 out, later 70, to preach with miraculous results. “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.” (Luke 10:17) Active ministry is part of a conversion process as surely as exercise is part of a child’s growing process, and proper nutrition is to his health and maintenance.

Sick Church Remedy

“Active ministry and witnessing is part of the conversion process. This wonderful truth is not only for individuals but also for churches. Those congregations that exist as an exclusive society, gazing, hypnotized by their own reflection, eventually wither away, atrophy, and die. One of the best remedies, in fact, for a sick-ailing church is “evangelism.” It is not by any means by encouraging feasting, gluttony, and dissipations, by the suppers, fancy fairs, dances and festivals, nor bazaars, nor even to lotteries and like devices.” (WM 289, 290) “Nor even to music that offends God by a display of instrumental music (namely drums) by those that are not consecrated and worldly musicians with the likes and unmerciful Satanic beat of New Age music, now played in some churches in the Sabbath service.” Ev. 509, 510) If short of money, it is not again, by the above means just mentioned, but by “evangelism!” When the Apostle Peter needed money, Jesus sent him fishing. (Matt. 17:27) Are church members lacking zeal, enthusiasm, in the doldrums? Do “evangelism.” It will quickly awaken and revitalize the existing sleepy sheep. Is the church weighed down with doctrinal confusion, seeking something new and exciting? Do “evangelism.” Try organizing evangelical seminars or lecture series, particularly on prophecy now. This will do wonders to harvest new wheat into the garner and help the existing members redirect their compass of truth.

Fix Internal Problems

Mechanical equipment that lies around idle soon rusts quickly and deteriorates. It is impossible to stay upright on a motionless bike, or turn a sailboat on a windless sea. Likewise, churches that neglect the great commission (Matt. 28:19, 20) and lose their evangelistic momentum are often quickly consumed by internal problems.

Workers Needed

It is very clear that true Christians should not be a part of any maddening, worldly panic, but the year 2006 and shortly after is now prime time for sowing the gospel and harvesting souls. But, there is still a problem again: For “the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2) Will you be a faithful labourer for Him? Then try ask God to lead you into a witnessing opportunity, today, then just stand back and watch what He does! You will like it! He will answer your prayer. So, be ready! God is watching and waiting for opportunities to use His power, and commissions angels for those who are willing to do His bidding. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” (2 Chron. 16:9) Right now, start praying, “Here am I, send me,” (Isa. 6:8) and just see what the Lord will do! It works! Let this be part of your daily prayer life.

Paul’s Secret

The secret of Paul’s power and success was this: He kept back nothing that was profitable for the people. He preached Christ publicly, in the market place, and the synagogues. He taught from house to house availing himself of the familiar intercourse of the home circle. He visited the sick and sorrowing, comforting the afflicted, and lifting the oppressed. And in all that he said and did, he preached a crucified and risen Saviour. (WM 62) (1 Cor. 2:2; Acts 20:20)

What Next?

Many are apprehensively asking how one should prepare for the New Year—2006. Some wonder if they should sell their home, move to the country, stockpile food, water, gas, matches, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities.

We must be very careful and guardourselves against temptations, of thinking we can save ourselves by loading up with provisions in our cellar and pantries. The foundation of all false religion is trusting in our own works for salvation. If we merely make spiritual preparation our number one ?priority in our lives, then God has already proven that He can supply all our temporal needs, even if it takes a miracle. Have you ever had such a religious experience?

Lean Times

There is, however, no sin in making practical provisions for potential lean times. God told Noah to store sufficient resources for his sea journey. As Solomon reminds us “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” (Prov. 22:3)
Our ultimate trust, though, must be in our Lord, Jesus Christ. Otherwise, we are prone to repeat the mistake of the stingy fool who put his trust in his well-stocked barns: “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20)

Remember, too, when the children of Israel stored away manna at the wrong time it always bred worms and stank. (Ex. 16:20)

Survival Tools

How should we prepare then? With weapons and ammunition? Yes! “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Eph. 6:13)

Gold, clothing, and medial supplies? Yes! “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” (Rev. 3:18) Food and water? Yes! “Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Just hearken diligently unto me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (Isa. 55:1, 2)

Should we withdraw cash in case the ATM or banks fail? Maybe, but all earthly currency is subject to devaluation and theft. Ultimately, we must be certain we have that precious pearl of great price in the safety deposit box of our soul. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21)

Spiritual Supplies

The Lord will provide us with spiritual supplies, for He has promised, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

If we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, these spiritual supplies will survive any unforeseen degree of inconvenience or chaos. (Matt. 6:33) NOW—is the time! AMEN

John Theodorou, USA