It is quite obvious in these days of economic upheaval and political unrest, that we live in momentous times. The Middle East cauldron is boiling. In particular the events unfolding concerning Israel should cause the perceptive Christian to be praying and searching the scriptures for answers to the many questions thrown up. Where are we in the prophetic calendar for instance and what event is likely to happen next on the world stage. Is the rapture soon to happen?

The questions should be coming thick and fast. Are you aware of the teaching in the bible concerning the translation of Christians from earth to heaven? Do you believe in the second advent of Christ? What do you believe about biblical prophecy concerning the last days?

What should we as Christians be doing now? Certainly praying for Israel and lobbying our members of parliament on issues affecting the church and the peace of Jerusalem for a start. Many in the world and sadly in the church are extremely antagonistic towards Israel. It seems that replacement theology is again causing widespread hatred of Israel in the church which I personally find quite incomprehensible.

Most  people are ignorant of the power struggles going on in secret high places. These places are not exclusively at national government level but include powerful men in finance somewhat divorced from national ties. It would appear these power people have little regard for people and are intent on becoming extremely rich and influential, careless of who may get hurt in their headlong rush to carry through their secret agendas. In the bible it talks much about principalities and powers which we understand to be the domain of the enemy of our souls. For Satan to have his sway he needs people to influence to carry out his wishes. Could it be these apparently very clever people have been hoodwinked into believing a lie! That the world will be much better off as a `global village` (the phrase coined many years ago now). Hence we see an upsurge in anti-Semitism, anti-Christian bias in new laws, increase in false religion, increased movement towards globalisation and destabilisation of western democracy. One world government, one world religion and a small elite holding sway. Is this too unbelievable. Well if the conspiracy theories are anywhere near the truth then the Illuminati or the Bilderburgers for instance are operating outside of national limitations to bring this world government into being. Islam has always wanted world domination and some other religions also see the way ahead in one world government.

Now to say these things to the average person in the street and they will think you are talking nonsense. However to those thinking people in the world who have a good grip on reality it must by now be very apparent something very significant is taking place. By this I am alluding to the inexorable move towards globalisation, one world government, one world religion, for by so doing utopia at last will be achieved and war and want banished, won`t it?

Now who really is in control? Certainly not these groups, whoever they are and how powerful they think they are. They can never achieve their goal because the God of Heaven (Yahweh) will have his way and these groups along with the major false religions of the world will be destroyed. When will this happen, when the nations move on Israel to drive the people into the sea during the tribulation period and the second advent of Christ proper. God will vindicate His word. He will not allow anyone to destroy his ancient people.

Now is not the time to remain complacent and unaware of the serious situations that are unfolding in the economic and political life of this our nation, not to mention the religious life too.

So is the stage being set by God for the unveiling of the false prophet and the Anti-Christ who will between them hoodwink the nations to believe a lie?

What of the Global financial situation?

How are the poorer countries of the world being affected?

How will the poor be fed in these nations?

What about the nations who appear to be obsessed with hatred towards Israel?

What are we going to do?

Wringing our hands together and collapsing in a heap is not an option.

The hour has come for all Christians of whatever denomination, who know and love Christ, who know that God has not abandoned His ancient people, to set aside their own agendas and seek the face of God. It is I believe imperative we as individuals know what God wants us to do. By that I mean both on a personal level and corporately. No longer is it good enough for us to leave it to the so called anointed ones, those ordained  or who have special ministries. In fact it has never been true that we leave it to `the man in the pulpit` for every Christian is a minister unto God, and should seek to know their ministry.

It is said that those with greater responsibility carry a greater burden of accountability before God. However I believe that God has given the power of the Holy Spirit and the nine core gifts not only to these people for the purpose of empowering them in their ministry but to us also. Those people with this greater responsibility I suggest are gifts of Christ to the church. They are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. According to Ephesians chapter four and verse twelve, the function of these people is to equip us, the people of God, for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. How well are they doing? somehow I get the feeling many have missed the whole point of their calling and have failed this commission.

What does God want you to get involved in, assuming you are not already extremely busy in God given ministry. Being very busy is not necessarily the proof of valid ministry of course! Hence my insistence on seeking God for your particular role in the body of Christ.

For the many people around you the only Christian they will meet could be you! You will bring Christ to them, primarily not by preaching at them, but by living a life that speaks volumes without you saying a word. What of the hope you have of the near return of Christ? Your life can be transformed as you spend time with Father enquiring of Him and listening to Him as the apostles did in the New Testament.

There can be no shortcut to being in the place where Father can use you, it takes time meditating on the Word of God, time praising and worshipping, time discussing with Father what He has for you, along with learning to hear and obey. There is little point in hearing God speak if we do not take notice and do what He asks. I feel that is what so many are doing.

Many have been prophesied over, indeed many churches have been given incredibly wonderful promises of blessing from God, yet very little of this blessing has been realised. I am sure there are many reasons some of which I shall list :-

1. The prophecy was false.
2. The prophecy was not believed.
3. The individual or church did not hold fast to the prophesy and failed to co-operate with God in it.
4. Lost faith in the promise because it seemed God had forgotten His promise, thus revealing impatience and inability to stay close to Him and allowing Him to work to fulfil His promise in His time.
5. Allowing difficulties to change focus.
6. Unresolved sin issues.

I am sure there are more reasons. However that these promises are not necessarily self-fulfilling has to be a major misunderstanding. I say this not because God will break His promise but because straying away from the centre of Gods will can mean the ensuing blessing is missed by the individual or church. God still kept His promise but those who initially received the promise were in a different place.

These are sobering thoughts. I therefore ask the question again – can you honestly say you hear Him speak to you? You can and I believe it is part of your birthright. Father God will speak with you as you converse with Him. It takes time and perseverance, cultivating a listening spirit. Be like Jacob who said I will not let you go until you bless me.

People of God we need to be preparing ourselves for service for Christ as never before, looking to speak of the incredible hope that we have in Christ. In these days many will be full of fear at the things coming on the earth. Our ministry will be to bring these people into a place where they can find peace and rest in a vital relationship with the living God. Many in the church are completely unsure about the truth of the second advent. Will you boldly speak out so many more people will be warned of the events about to happen on planet earth.

Discuss the eternal consequences of ignoring God`s words to this generation.

Sussex October 2011