I Thought I Saw It Coming

[Chris]

I Thought I Saw It Coming

I Thought I Saw It Coming
By Jack Kinsella

It is incredible, yet true. We are witnessing the unfolding of events long prophesied to take place during the last generation before the return of Christ. We knew that it was coming – we were almost eager to see this day because it means the Rapture is that much closer.

But as the day approaches, it becomes less an abstract notion and more a crushingly painful reality. It has made that transition from theoretical possibility to actual fact.

We always knew, in theory that, one day Christians would be marginalized to the point of insignificance.

We always knew that one day, some new religion having two horns like a lamb but speaking as a dragon would overspread Planet Earth. For decades we've made a guessing game out of what it would look like and who would be its leader.

As we see the hard-and-fast answers crowding out our best guesses, the game isn't as much fun as it used to be. In fact, it isn't any fun at all, any more.

This IS what we've been expecting. It is what the Bible forecast for the last days. Jesus said the Tribulation Period would be a time so terrible that if He didn't return to put a stop to it, there would be no flesh saved out of it.

So it is entirely reasonable to expect that the period leading up to it would be, ah, unpleasant, to say the least. Jesus prophesied that the time will come when those who kill you will think they do God service.

He reminded us that the world MUST hate us because it hates Him - but that doesn't make it any easier when it happens.

There are two competing sets of values here and it is out of that conflict that all the angst arises. If we are where I believe that we are on Bible prophecy's timeline, then America's (and the West's) days are numbered.

If we are where I believe we are, then the decline we are experiencing is both inevitable and unstoppable. This is only part of the Big Picture – there are other, bigger and scarier parts yet to come.

Why are they scarier today than they were, say, ten years ago? It isn't as if Bible prophecy changed in the last ten years. What we are experiencing is the realization of our expectations.

Did anybody really think that witnessing the unfolding of last days' prophecy would be fun?

If you did, now you know.

You also know why you were but one of only a tiny handful of 'prophecy nuts' in your church. I say 'were' because as we move forward on the Bible timeline, prophecy doesn't seem so nuts anymore.

In the grand scheme of things, very few Christians in these last days have been called as watchmen. Even fewer have responded to the calling. It's not for everybody -- for some it is too much. That is why we are necessary – to give the warning.

God has set each of us in the place He wants us to be for this time and place in human history. That doesn't mean it is a pleasant place – we had our pleasant time. But God in His wisdom, and for reasons known only to Him, has called us – you and me and others like us – as witnesses.

He promises a special crown for us at the Bema Seat. There are only FIVE crowns and this is one of them. So what made you think that earning it would be easy? It is supposed to be hard.

Out of all the living Christians on this planet, God called YOU to bear witness for all those too afraid to look.

Yes, it is frustrating. Yes, it is infuriating. Yes, it is frightening. And YES – it is unfair. Why can't YOU be one of those Christians just strolling through life, tra-la-la-la-la, in blissful ignorance?

I dunno. Because you can't. God called you and you answered the phone. Sorry. This is a bell that you can't unring. Read through your assignment again -- note in particular the parts in italics.

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (2nd Timothy 4:1-5)

Somebody has to watch in all things, do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of the ministry to which God called them. That's the charge. You accepted it -- or you wouldn't be reading these words now.

Now the evil days are upon us and somehow, we are surprised to find we don't like it. I am not saying that sarcastically – I am as surprised as anybody at how surprised I am, if you can follow my drift.

I thought I was made of sterner stuff than that.

So, what are we to do as Christians? Our job. Be witnesses. Watch and observe and give the warning. You know, the Bible says that Noah preached for one hundred and twenty years and never made a single convert.

But when the rains came down, Noah still got to ride out the storm in the ark.

It is easy to become discouraged, frustrated and even angry. It's natural. But it is part of a plan that the God of the Universe has not only let you in on, He has included you as a necessary part.

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)

He can keep you from falling. He will present you faultless before the Throne with exceeding joy. He knows what He is doing, and He has let you in on some of the details.

Here's what we know -- and we know it for sure. There is lots to be scared of. But nothing to be worried about. Because He is able. And He loves you more than you know.

Maranatha!

[Robert]

Yes, it's bumpy and its' gonna get bumpier as we go. And it's not "fun and games" either; all of this is serious and for real. If our faith isn't "for real", we're going to be having a lot of problems coming up.

I'm going to have to agree with Jack on this.

[Kenny64]

Yep, I get it. We are human. I've been trying to memorize a new verse.
Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

[WKUHilltopper]

Yep, I get it. We are human. I've been trying to memorize a new verse.
Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

That's a good one to remember. i should do the same.

[Meg]

Yes, it's bumpy and its' gonna get bumpier as we go. And it's not "fun and games" either; all of this is serious and for real. If our faith isn't "for real", we're going to be having a lot of problems coming up.

I'm going to have to agree with Jack on this.

All trials are a Call to increasing faith. Be encouraged, however, for He Who calls also strengthens, and He Who strengthens forgives our weaknesses and Sanctifies us in the storm. I have lived this as has my dear husband Robert. Be of deep faith and very strong heart, our Holy Lord is faithful and wise. Holy Holy Holy...

[morata rapia]

That was piercing....................straight to the heart

[anath]

Thanks Chris! Jack has hit the nail on the head.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you....

[YeuEmMaiMai]

It's amazing that we are going to witness even more things to come. Today's world is horrid as it is and it's only going to get worse....just this last wek there have been numerous videos of groups of people beating individuals to the point of near death.....

[mikhen7]

Jack is very correct and it (the 2nd advent) is an event that we on this forum have been drawn toward watching for years. I really like this statement:

"Out of all the living Christians on this planet, God called YOU to bear witness for all those too afraid to look.

Yes, it is frustrating. Yes, it is infuriating. Yes, it is frightening. And YES – it is unfair. Why can't YOU be one of those Christians just strolling through life, tra-la-la-la-la, in blissful ignorance?

I dunno. Because you can't. God called you and you answered the phone. Sorry. This is a bell that you can't unring. Read through your assignment again -- note in particular the parts in italics."

That is so very true. As a matter of fact is mirrors what the Apostle stated concerning his faith and actions after he became a part of Gods household:

2 Corinthians 5:13-21 (NKJV)
¹³ For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels (Constrains) us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; ¹⁵ and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. ¹⁶ Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ¹⁸ Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

That my precious brothers and sisters is one of the most explosive, heart rendering, and passionate pleas you will find in Scripture!!! It is exactly what Jack sees, feels in his heart, and is trying to convey. It is also heartfelt and expresses the same within me.

It is mind-boggling to think that the God of all Creation knows our names and has called us to carry on His work. May we do it to His glory and with all the vigor that knowing His truth wells up within us. May others know truly, we are children of God!

God Bless

[livin_in_the_Son]

Very well said Mikhen7!

[morata rapia]

It's amazing that we are going to witness even more things to come. Today's world is horrid as it is and it's only going to get worse....just this last wek there have been numerous videos of groups of people beating individuals to the point of near death.....

I heard, and sorry, did not get the where and when, but a five year old stabbed family members because he was upset over a juice box. It was also said this five year old was abusive toward his mother.

[Meg]

I heard, and sorry, did not get the where and when, but a five year old stabbed family members because he was upset over a juice box. It was also said this five year old was abusive toward his mother.

That five year old was probably given everything his little heart desired, thus creating a monster. I have a friend making that mistake with her 3 year old son, and that kid is already scary.

[Everlasting Life]

Or, he lives in a place where he sees this happening in his neighborhood/home. Kids are good imitators.

[billym]

It's not easy getting old either but I will not stop trying
Chris, that was great, thanks for posting everyone

[GlennO]

I think there is more good meat at this link.... just how I see it

Pregnancy, Pains, and The Endtimes

[YeuEmMaiMai]

I heard, and sorry, did not get the where and when, but a five year old stabbed family members because he was upset over a juice box. It was also said this five year old was abusive toward his mother.

How do you even deal with that? My first instinct is to get a rod and go to town on that kid.....I don't even know if placing him in a Christian home with loving parents can fix that.... It is going to the loving touch of God's hand to fix that kid to be normal. Even then it will be hard for his family members to trust him.....

[Sean Osborne]

I heard, and sorry, did not get the where and when, but a five year old stabbed family members because he was upset over a juice box. It was also said this five year old was abusive toward his mother.

This was reported by KKTV Channel 11 in Colorado Springs, CO on Tuesday, 17 January.

[FaithInChrist]

It is the strangest thing, seeing the prophecies unfold and seeing people seemingly blind to the events. Even other Christians, who know the Bible inside and out. It's like standing in a building with all the walls on fire and nobody can smell the smoke, much less see the flames.

There is an incomprehensible urgency to spread the word, and all people want to hear is that they can do whatever they want and their hippie Jesus is okay with it. I personally know three people who have melded Jesus and Buddha into one. In fact their facebook status says their religion is BuddhaChrist. I asked why Buddha gets first billing. They were offended that I did not respect their new, zen, laidback take on Christianity. There is another friend of mine from college that has been corrupted by a seminary that has caused him to doubt the validity of the crucifixtion, the resurrection and the entire Bible in general. His new religion is "God is love" and you can only bring others to God by teaching them to love each other and when the entire world loves each other and there is no more hate, violence, wars...then the world will be good enough for Christ to come back. He has been fed a line of bull that will lead him straight to the anti-christ and when I quoted him this scripture

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

His response to the scripture is to again question the validity of the Bible. I did ask him if billions of people suddenly disappeared off the face of the Earth if he would then believe and he said if that happened he would go on doing the work that God has asked him to do. It is so frustrating...it is very hard to keep my cool, in fact after going back and forth for quite a while I told him that I was disgusted that he was leading people away from the truth and if he didn't change he was going to pay for it one day and have many regrets. (I know threatening won't get me anywhere), but sometimes you really feel like you are talking to a brick wall.

[Everlasting Life]

His response to the scripture is to again question the validity of the Bible. I did ask him if billions of people suddenly disappeared off the face of the Earth if he would then believe and he said if that happened he would go on doing the work that God has asked him to do. It is so frustrating...it is very hard to keep my cool, in fact after going back and forth for quite a while I told him that I was disgusted that he was leading people away from the truth and if he didn't change he was going to pay for it one day and have many regrets. (I know threatening won't get me anywhere), but sometimes you really feel like you are talking to a brick wall.

Wow, FaithInChrist, that is really disturbing! It is a real shame that some of these seminaries seem to have become apostatized.

It would be hard to keep your cool in that kind of situation. Your leaving comments to your friend may have been the very words that needed to be heard, especially since what he's saying blends right into the world "it's all good" view and not many would challenge him.

I think it actually took a lot of courage on your part to say what you said. If you think about it, Paul rebuked Peter in the New Testament when Peter was reverting back to Judaism...and probably not in a super sweet, oooey, gooey way either. There is a time to have forceful words and it sounds like that was the right time.

[Cricket55]

It is almost bizarre to see the prophecies unfolding before our very eyes and thinking we were not so close but then you suddenly see it taking place. It is so exciting in one respect to know that we shall be with Jesus very soon and sad and scary to think of those who will be left behind to endure the unthinkable hardships ahead of them.