My message today is short and direct. It's 2025; we're one quarter of the way into this century, and if you are a follower of Jesus, then you understand why I am addressing those of you who might be experiencing some uneasiness and anxiety as they survey what the future may bring. But I want to encourage everyone to not let the affairs of this world distract you from the prize that is promised, nor the anticipation of what Jesus might do in this coming year.
If you are focused on the events of the world, then it will be easy to become discouraged and fearful. Between strange phenomenons in the natural (including drone swarms, increasing volcanic activity, and a recent rise in viruses); to the escalating Israel and Iran crisis; to Russian and Chinese aggression, one might be thinking this sounds like the beginning of the Biblically prophesied seven years of Tribulation. And you would have an argument that these events seem to forecast [or at least foreshadow] what the Bible has revealed will happen before Christ's return.
But, I want to remind you that our Sovereign God has not given us a spirit of fear. Jesus repeatedly tells us to "Take courage. [Because] I am. Fear not". We serve a mighty God who is pulling back the curtain and revealing the Evil that is permeating our world, so that He can draw a distinctive difference between His Divine Goodness and the wickedness of the Evil One and his followers. God is definitely moving in our world to not only reveal, but fulfill, His promises and purposes. It is in the hopes that all His creation will make a decision to follow Him before His righteous judgment falls upon this planet. So, take heart! We have the opportunity to see Him move in us and through us [and use us] to further His plan of reconciliation for all men who will receive His Son as their Savior and Deliverer!
So, let us not let the lukewarm spirituality of some of the Modern Churches rob you of your inner calm and spiritual well-being as to who Jesus Christ is. He is the faithful and trustworthy Witness of your true identity -- as priests to His God and Father, and faithful servants in His Kingdom. He is the Firstborn of those who are dead [in their sins], and the Ruler of all the kings of the earth. He is the fulfillment of all our Father in Heaven's promises; He represents the glory and the power and the majesty of our Sovereign God and His dominion [authority] that will last forever and ever. So, hold fast to those words of assurance.
And guard your hearts and spirits against the false teachings and lies that have existed since the Garden. And do not believe the Enemy's whispers that are uttered in seductive language, intended to change the interpretation and understanding of God's Word; His Timing, Seasons, Laws, and Prophecies -- including the Rapture and the seven-year Tribulation. The truth is, we do not know when those events may come, but we can trust the sincere and unconditional promise of the Lord that we will not experience His wrath on that "terrible Day of the Lord". So, do not be led off course by Social Media posts or the many "false prophets" who are becoming more numerous and vociferously outspoken. If it contradicts Scripture, it is a false and counterfeit teaching.
There are many who are proclaiming that 2025 will be a difficult year, and if you have eyes that only see what the world wants you to see, then you may become tempted to believe these prognostications. But we, who earnestly follow Jesus Christ, do not see with the eyes of our flesh. Our spirits are firmly seated with Christ in the heavenly places, and we await what He shows us and tells us. And should we [with spiritual understanding] discern that this year will, indeed, be a time of trouble and a testing of our faith, we will trust Him to see us through it, and we pray that we might be bold in our confession of faith, holding fast to our blessed hope in the eternal life to come.
So, my final words on this first day of 2025 are this: I exhort you to enter into this new year with anticipation that the Lord is near ... with eagerness to see what He will reveal and achieve; with excitement and suspense for His glory to be on display; and with courage and steadfastness to face whatever the Enemy brings in these Last Days. Furthermore, I pray you will cling to the knowledge that He will observe His promise that we will not suffer "the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth". And most of all, I bless you with hope; the hopefulness that comes from the certainty that our inheritance and crowns await us at Jesus's appearing! What a glorious day that will be! And if it comes in 2025, I'm ready!
Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
