Introduction
In the scripture, Jesus speaks of the last days, which are the days we live in today. We do not know when the Lord will return but we are most certainly approaching that time. Many of us listen to God’s word, but never confirm it for ourselves. When we confirm for ourselves what we hear, it becomes our truth. When we confirm God’s word for ourselves in our lives, his word becomes ours. Let’s confirm for ourselves God’s word being true.
1.The World in the Last Days
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Mark 13:8)
Indeed, there are famines in our world today, and war between Ukraine and Russia, and between China and Taiwan. People are oppressed and suffering. The only solution is Jesus Christ. Many of us just want to worry about their own happiness. As long as I, my family, and my church are happy in Christ, everything’s okay. However, God’s heart is for the whole world. When you truly enjoy the gospel, you will feel a gospel sense of urgency to share Christ. If an apartment in your building is on fire, your apartment will eventually catch fire too. In that same way, although we are enjoying Christ, the darkness and curses will eventually fall into our lives too. We need to restore a gospel sense of urgency to shine the light of Christ. When we look at our family, and friends, we need to remember that Christ is our only hope in the last days.
2. The Church that God Will Use
“And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.” (Mark 13:10)
No matter when or how, God will absolutely eventually evangelize and spread the gospel to the whole world, just as he promised. Then, what kind of church will God use?
As Jesus stands before the temple of Jerusalem, the disciples remark about how beautiful the stones are. However, Jesus says that eventually, it will be torn down. Why? Because it lacks the content of God’s covenant. There are so many beautiful churches around us, with state-of-the-art facilities, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a church God is pleased with. We look at the outside, but God looks at the church spiritually. We know God has called us for world evangelism, but if we’re not enjoying the gospel, we’re just like these churches, only beautiful superficially but lacking content inside. Do we truly have the content of Christ? Because God will use those with that content.
In the scripture, Jesus reminds us that although there will be famine, war, and persecution, do not be afraid, because God will spread the gospel to all nations. Then, what should we worry about instead? Fulfilling our duty as God’s church. The duty of the church is to heal the spiritual problems of the world. Therefore, go to the world boldly with assurance.
Where can we confirm Christ? In the field. Regardless of our circumstances, Christ is the rightful and necessary answer, because everyone is under the problem of Genesis 3, 6, and 11. We are self-centered, and cannot think beyond ourselves. We love the world. There are so many things that seem more exciting and important than Jesus. People are hooked onto something, whether sports, games, gambling, or drugs. We chase after and sacrifice everything for success and fame. When we see and confirm for ourselves these problems in our field, and that Christ is the only answer, we can be the church God will use.
3. Challenge Through the Power of the Holy Spirit
“And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11)
Jesus speaks plainly: the believers will be persecuted for following Jesus. We may think that persecution is something of the past, but Christians all around the world are more persecuted now more than ever before. However, even in the midst of persecution, Jesus assures us we are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit, who will guide us and strengthen us. Therefore, there is no need for us to be anxious, or fearful about our future.
Therefore, let’s pray for God to work in our lives and our field by his power of creation. That we may be filled with the Triune God. It seems small but it determines our future. Then in the face of the light we shine, the darkness will flee. Let’s be that watchtower that can see the bigger picture and be in the flow of God’s word. The happiest life is being satisfied with Christ and being used by God.
Conclusion: Dream life with the covenant
Let’s dream and envision our future with the covenant. God gathering and raising disciples. God restoring the nations. These are guaranteed answers. When we are spiritually set, spiritual systems will be established. Let’s not just cry out “all nations”, but put into practice a system that all nations can gather to hear the gospel.