Read Titus 2:11-13.
James H. Brooks in his famous book "Maranatha"
tells us that toward the close of the 10th century the most intense excitement
prevailed throughout a large part of Europe
owing to a belief that at the end of the first thousand years Christ would
return. Many sold their estates to
unbelievers, business was neglected, fields were uncultivated, confusion and
terror reigned.
They were right in looking for Christ's return but wrong in
setting a date.
Towards the close of our Lord's ministry in Palestine people thought the kingdom of God
would immediately appear. In the days of
Paul the Thessalonians were led to believe that the "Day of the Lord was
then present" (2 Thess. 2:2). In
our day many are confused because they do not know where we are in the plan of
God.
ƒ Where
we are not.
1. We
are not in the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer. 30:7). Some think the great persecution of Jews from
1939-45, when 6 million were killed, was that time. But the time of great trial and tribulation
is yet future (Matt. 24:21).
2. We
are not at, nor have we been at, Armageddon (Rev. 16:14-16). This war takes place just prior to the coming
of Christ to establish His Kingdom.
3. We
are not in the time of the antichrist.
Recently there has been a lot of talk about the antichrist, but he does
not appear until Christ comes for His own (2 Thess. 2:6-8).
ƒ Where
we are.
4. In
the dispensation of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-15). We are now in the time when the Spirit is
calling out the Church and forming the body of Christ.
5. We
are in the time when "blindness in part is happening to Israel"
(Rom. 11:25).
6. We
are in the "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24), a time when God
allows the Nations of the world to rule.
7. We
are in the time when the Church is waiting (1 Thess. 1:10), watching (Titus
2:11-13) and working (Luke 12:35-37,43) till the Lord comes from heaven and we
meet Him in the air.
Are you looking for the Blessed Hope, Our Lord's coming?
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