Read this! Many pastors are sending out the very same call around the world all at the same time!!! This is written by Pastor Steve Owens in California.
When fall arrives we search for the rake. We admire the beauty of the
changing colors of the trees. When winter approaches we pull out our
coats, sweaters, jackets, and hats. Then we make sure there is an ample
supply of firewood to keep us warm. With the approach of Christmas,
most people begin to prepare. The stores change their decor' in
preparation for the coming season. It is impossible to miss the
changing seasons, and when seasons change, we change.
I find
it amazing that Jesus gave us such important clues as to 'the season'
of His return, yet so many pastors, preachers and churches have not
changed with 'the season'. This is the season that we should be making
our preparations for His return, but so many are not. Too many pastors
are preoccupied with 'another message' that they think is more
relevant. They preach about things that are more palatable to the
people. Things that are more 'in tune' with their lives and 'in touch'
with their situations. I have heard many preachers that reject the
concept of 'the rapture' as a myth, a misinterpretation of scripture,
or a conjured up notion by a group of radical alarmists.
How
sad... that the most important event for the church is imminent, yet
some of the very people who are promised its benefits are ignoring it,
denying it, or avoiding the subject. We prepare for winter, but not the
rapture? We talk about Christmas. but not the rapture? Pastors preach
about prosperity, relationships, christian walk, faith, and other
Biblical concepts, but not the rapture? 'How-To Seminars' teach church
growth, leadership, finances, and ministerial enrichment, but when was
the last prayer summit? When was the last end-times summit? When was
the last time our leaders impressed upon us how close we are to the
return of Jesus. How long has it been since our church leaders told our
pastors that they have a responsibility to preach the message of Jesus'
return? Pastor, how long has it been since you preached about the
return of Jesus Christ for His Church? Church member, could you explain
what the rapture is to an unsaved person? Could you help someone in
your family prepare for the return of Jesus?
Jesus said, "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:37)
In
Noah's day they were preoccupied with having fun, selfish ambitions,
and evil things continually; but the point here is, "They were
not aware of what was happening until the flood came and swept all of them away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes again." (Matthew 24:39)
That's
a good description of where the Church, as a whole, is today. Many are
not paying any attention to the signs of the season. They are not aware
of what is happening. It is alarming how many Christians don't know
anything about the rapture. They are ignorant of its imminence, and
oblivious to its importance. I am concerned about pastors who are
preaching 'another message' that they believe is more relevant. I am
praying for any preacher than finds any other thing of greater
importance. The greatest event of the Church is near, even at the door.
How many pastors have prepared their people for this monumental moment?
John the Baptist said, "'Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight!'" (Mark 1:3)
When
I was a child, you could not go to church without hearing about the
return of Jesus. We sang about it, they preached about it, people
talked about it because they were looking for it. In this age of
contemporary issues, politically correct speech, tolerant attitudes and
guarded sermons due to the fear of offending someone, there is a
changing season.
The world is changing, politics are changing,
the world's financial system is changing, will you not know it? We
prepare for fall when we see the leaves falling to the ground. We
prepare for winter when we feel the temperature start dropping. Why
would we wait to prepare for the return of Jesus? He told us the
season. We can see it coming. We can feel it in the air.
"For
yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief
in the night. 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. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that
day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light,
and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be
sober."
(1 Thessalonians 5:2-6)
It is not too late to make the change to fit the season! Pastor, church-goer,
Christian,
the season of Christ's return is here. We need to prepare ourselves,
our families, our church, and ourselves for the changing season.
Author
Pastor Steve Owens
