Have You Been Watching The News This Week?

      What do you think of the events of the last week?  Have you found yourself watching the news channels on tv, listening to radio reports, checking your online news sources?  I bet you have.  The whole world is probably doing the same.  It’s been a troubling week for the world, especially the residents of Europe, not to mention the residents of Ukraine.   Urgent prayers are needed for the residents of the nation of Ukraine. 
      For many years we have heard teachers of Biblical prophecy tell of their interpretation of “end time” events, especially in the books of Revelation and Daniel.    We would often hear the mention of nations such as  Russia, China, Iran, Iraq and Israel, just to name a few, and the role that each will play in the “end time” equation.  What are the names we are hearing mentioned now?   Very interesting, isn’t it!
       I believe this world is set on a predetermined course of events leading to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  When will this event occur?  No one knows for sure.  Yet, events such as those of this past week remind us that we are clearly moving in that direction.  And quickly.  The Second Coming of Jesus does not seem to be an event set in some far distant future, but one that seems increasingly reasonable and believable.
      As we move toward the coming of Jesus I offer the following advice:
-LOOK UP.   Remember that God is in control.  The news is bad, but God is good.
-GATHER TOGETHER.  Make sure you gather together for regular worship.  If you cannot gather in-person in sanctuary worship then gather online, but make sure you gather together in worship.  We need the power and presence of regular corporate worship.  We need God and we need each other.
-PRAY, READ AND STUDY YOUR BIBLE, BUILD A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.  We are too close to the end to fall away now.
-UNDERSTAND THE TIMES.  The Bible tells us these things will come to pass.  Don’t be surprised, expect them, be prepared for them.   Understand the times and keep your faith in Jesus because he’s coming again and you want to be ready for his return.
      What will happen next week?  Who knows!  I guess we will just have to wait and see.  But one thing I do know:  next week we will be one week closer to the Second Coming of Jesus.
        I will look forward to gathering with you in worship this Sunday at 10:00 AM.  In-person Sanctuary Worship or Online Worship (Facebook, YouTube or Church Website).  Make sure you gather!
My love to you all,
-Pastor Jeff Carico