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,
Author
Pastor Steve Owens
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