20
Nov '24
Peace and Safety with Global Changes
20
Nov '24
Introduction: The world is crying out for “Peace and Safety”! Wars and rumors of wars have abounded. Thousands have suffered atrocities. Death and destruction are left behind. The grim reaper has ravaged homes and families. With troops from Russia invading Ukraine, not to mention Hezbollah and Hamas fighters (proxies of Iran) attacking Israel, the world is ablaze with political instability, military uncertainty, and spiritual apostasy.
Is there hope? Is the world going to be destroyed? Like a bright light in a dark world, God’s Word brings lasting “peace and security”!
1. PREDICTIONS of Pseudo PEACE and SAFETY! (1 Thess. 5:1-3) – “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, ‘Peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”
Paul reminds those CHRISTians in the Church of Thessalonica that during tumultuous times, many are going to cry out “Peace and Safety”! But during that time, it will be a false sense of Peace—“Peace with the Beast.” In fact, the Antichrist will bring a peace plan; howbeit, it will be a deceptive strategy which will be taken back—he lies! Therefore, those Christians in the Church, like today, should not be misled. Are you?
2. PREPARATIONS for COMMERCIAL BABYLON! (Rev. 18:2) – “And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”
Here is a description of a political world system that will be in place during the seven-year tribulation. Obviously, things are moving toward that fulfillment. Speaking of economic woes, the newly elected president, Donald Trump, has declared his strategy of reducing the humongous national debt by drilling, opening up the Keystone pipeline, placing tariffs on Iran and China, creating jobs through industries and technologies, thus cutting down inflation efficiently. Time will tell, and anything unexpectedly could happen; i.e., like COVID. Right?
3. PARTICIPATIONS with RELIGIOUS BABYLON! (Rev. 17:5) – “And upon her forehead was a name written, ‘MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.’”
One world religion is in the making. This will be a conglomeration of all different kinds of man-made religions. The stage is being set today. An ecumenical movement throws doctrine out the window. Have you been misled by false religions, which results in a sense of counterfeit “PEACE and SAFETY”?
4. PROCLAMATIONS of the PRINCE of PEACE! (Isa. 9:6-7) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.”
One day in the future, Jesus Christ’s kingdom is coming. He will rule and reign with a rod of iron in righteous judgment. His justice will prevail! His kingdom there shall be no end.
5. PERFECTIONS for perfect PEACE and SAFETY! (1 Thess. 5:16-18) – How to get up when you’re down—and stay up! “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Here is the OUTLOOK, the INLOOK, and the UPLOOK!
Conclusion: While PEACE and SAFETY is the goal of man, the writers of the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveal that it will eventually come, but not until the PRINCE of PEACE sets up His government. Only when Jesus Christ comes again will there be real “PEACE and SAFETY”! But meanwhile, we can have “PEACE with God” by admitting we are sinners in need of a Savior, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (repenting & receiving His forgiveness through His redeeming blood), which results in a personal relationship. This can and should result in having potential “PEACE and SAFETY” on a daily basis. Do you have His “PEACE and SAFETY”? Why not today?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese