02.28.11

Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’” - Luke 19:12-13 NKJV.
 
With the rise of the Islamic world, and with the current instability in the Middle East, we see the rapid approach of the conditions necessary for the End Times as described in the Bible to become reality. With Islam, we see a radical, violent, religion that desires, and demands that all of the world become Islamic. With Islam, we see a religion that believes that their 12th Imam (The Mahdi) will only come onto the scene through destruction and chaos. The Islamic 12th Imam as currently described by Islamic leaders, has similar characteristics to the antichrist described in the Book of Revelation. It appears that there is very little standing in the way to prevent the beginning of the seven years of tribulation.

The United States and Israel are the primary things holding back the Islamic tide. However, the United States is rapidly being neutralized in regard to support for Israel. It also appears that our liberal courts are making it easier for the implementation of Sharia law in the United States.

It is only a matter of time before Israel is attacked by the Islamic countries that surround the country, and by other countries that hate them. It may even be a coalition of the willing sanctioned by the United Nations. When that attack occurs it will be devastating for those countries attacking Israel. When that devastating attack occurs; it will trigger, I believe, the rapture (Which could occur, and I hope occurs, prior to the attack.), and the seven years of tribulation. With that in mind, I want to address what we as believers should be doing between now, and when these events occur.

First, we should be increasing in maturity as believers, becoming more and more like Jesus. We are told this in 2 Peter 3:11-12, “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” In 2 Peter 3:14 we are told “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”

Second, we are to evangelize the lost. Before Jesus ascended to heaven He told His disciples their priorities in   Acts 1:6-8, “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Jesus made it clear that they were, and we are, to be His witnesses.

Third, we are to encourage other believers. In Hebrews 10:24-25 we are told, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.’”

It is easy with all of the horrible things happening, and the prospect of terror attacks in our own countries, to just throw up our hands, and think what is the use of doing anything? We must not lose sight of our Lord's instructions. The precise timing of the Lord's return is not important, although His return is closer than ever before. What really counts is taking as many people to heaven with us as we possibly can. What should you be doing when He returns? Where should you be when the trumpet sounds, when the archangel shouts, when in a twinkling of an eye we are changed, and rise into the clouds to meet Him?

What has the Lord given you to do? Do that. Do business until He returns.

(Here is a link to a page with much more information about the Anti-Christ i.e. the 12th Imam or Mahdi: http://www.666soon.com/antichrist_and_the_12th_imam_or_.htm)