Will You?
Not that long ago, a dear brother in Christ testified powerfully to me
of his belief and joy in the nearness of Christ’s second coming. In the
midst of our study of Daniel and Revelation and current events, he
enthusiastically exclaimed, “He’s coming! He’s coming soon! I can’t
wait!”
My brother’s joy was positively infectious, and I couldn’t help but join
him in praise. But afterward I wondered about my own experience. Did I
really believe in the nearness of Jesus’ coming like my friend does? The
question drove me to the scriptures, and this is my testimony.
Yes, I really do believe in Jesus’ soon return! History is populated
with accounts of precisely fulfilled prophecies all progressing
inexorably toward one final event, the only major prophecy yet to be
fulfilled.
In addition, Matthew 24:5-7 predicts spiritual deceptions, wars, rumors
of war and natural disasters increasing in frequency and intensity as
the pain of a women giving birth. These things have always existed, but
never have they flashed across the headlines with such rapidity and
severity.
Finally, the outpouring of the latter rain promised in James 5:7-8 is
beginning to fall. In small churches and large centers of worship,
prayer meetings are packed, people are experiencing revival and hundreds
are dedicating themselves to the completion of the Gospel Commission.
God is pouring out His Spirit upon His church.
Yet one question remains: will you and I receive His Spirit? Will we
experience revival and reformation? Will we swell the number of those
who will speed this last warning to the ends of the world? We can if we
will. Jesus’ message to His church today is, “Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will
come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20).—John
Lello
