END TIME (PART 1)

THEME:    ENDTIMES (1)

TOPIC:      SIGNS OF THE ENDTIMES

• Listening to radio or reading the newspapers sometimes sends shivers down our spines.
• If it is not murder, then armed robbery. If not famine then diseases or civil wars.
• People are just wondering where the world is heading.
• In Acts 1:11, we are told that Jesus, in the same manner that he is taken into heaven shall return in like manner, where all shall see him.
• Jesus predicted the end of the world and also His second coming (matt. 24:3)
• In Mark 13:32, Jesus also said no man knoweth the day or hour of His coming; not even Him or the Angels of Heaven…. Except the Father.

In view of the above statements, it should be our concern to identify these signs characterizing the end times and how as Christians we should live, so that we will not be deceived.

We will be looking at a few of the signs today and how to stand the times.

Q1.  What signs will occur prior to the second coming of Christ?

Ans: (i) Matt. 24:6-8

• Wars and rumours of wars (eg. U.S vrs Panama; Argentina vrs. Britain; North Korea vrs South Korea, etc)
• Nation rising against nation (eg. U.S vrs Iraq, Iran vrs Iraq, Eritrea vrs Ethiopia, etc)
• Famines ( eg. Ghana (1983), Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Sahel of Africa, etc)
• Earthquake (Japan, Iran, Mexico, Italy, etc)
• Pestilence (locust attacks, Bird flu, SARs, HIV-AIDS, H1N1flu, Syphillis, etc)

 (ii) Matt. 24:9-12,37-39; 2Tim 3:1-4

·        Lawlessness

·        Violence/ wickedness (murder of lovers, children, robbery, etc)

·        Unloving/ Hatred

·        Disobedience to parents

·        Immoral/ Unholy

·        Unthankful and Traitors

·        Lovers of pleasure than God (partying, excessive ceremonies, etc)

·        False accusers

·        Despisers of those that do good and Selfish

(iii) Negative Spiritual Signs

·        False Christ and prophets (matt. 24:5)

·        Apostasy in the Church (false doctrines) (2 Thess. 2:3; 2Tim. 3:5,4:3-4)

·        Contrary biblical doctrines (2 Tim. 4:1-4 eg. Infant baptism, Christianity is financial gain, etc)

·        Persecution of the true believers (matt.24:9,Mk. 13:13-no prayer time, beatings, death, shunning for being holy)

·        Outbreak of demonic and cultic activities (1 Tim. 4:1)

(iv) Positive Spiritual Signs

·        Outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-29)

·        Worldwide Evangelism (Matt 24:14; Mk. 13:10)

            (v) 2 Pet 3:3-12: If you scoff saying…… the end time is not coming because things are continuing as they were from olden     days, the end is near, you are fulfilling prophesy.

            (vi) Increase in knowledge and understanding prophesy  (Dan. 12:4)

                  

            There will be Tribulations and trials than never before.(Book of Revelation)

                            Are we in the end-times then?

Q2: What should be our attitude when these signs occur or are occurring?

1.      Be sure of your salvation and your trust is in Jesus Christ only.

2.      Test the spirits whether they are of God or scripture supported(1Jn 4:1-3, 2Jn 7)

3.      Have the Holy Spirit (counselor, teacher, revealer of the truth and guardian)

4.      Don’t be troubled at the signs as they happen since they are the beginning of ‘birth pains’ or ‘sorrows’ (matt. 24:6)

5.      Be patient and endure to the end; God loves us and has revealed these signs to us; not wanting us to perish.

6.      Watch and pray (mk. 13:34-37)

7.      Continue in what you have learnt (2Tim.3:14)

8.      Let the word of God be your sole guide (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

9.      ‘Work in the vineyard’ to rescue the perishing souls (2 Tim.4:5, Matt 28:19, Mk16:15-20)

10.   Have the attitude of the Bereans (Acts 17:11-13)

Q3: Examples of end time scenarios.

1.      Noah’s days, so shall it be. Things will happen naturally and normal; enjoyments, marrying, jobbing, etc.

2.      Interpretation of the fig tree. (mk13:28-30)

3.      Lot & Sodom and Gomorrah- Lot was saved because of his faithfulness in God (Gen. 19). The wife turned salt because of disobedience. (Gen. 19:26)

4.      Master and servant story (Mk. 13:34-37)

Conclusion

We notice that the evidence makes it clear that the return of Jesus Christ is very near, even at the door. I beseech you to choose this day whom thou wilt serve.  God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you will not fear or tremble at the events that are coming. If God wants us to perish, He will not have revealed the signs to us.

We should hold on to the faith in Jesus Christ only and we will not be deceived. If you put off making a decision, you are still making a choice that has eternal consequences. God loves you and wants you to make the right choice and so do i.

Don’t forget, Christ is coming to judge the living and the dead, will he find you faithful, Holy and acceptable (2 Cor. 5:10)?

Brethren, the decision is yours, you have the chance to take it now. I will say take Jesus now and forever.

Stay tuned for End-time (2)

HOW TO WITNESS

INTRODUCING CHRIST TO OTHERS- (Matt. 28:18-20)

v18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. v19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. v20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Form the above reading; we have been given a task and commandment to fulfill. Every Christian has been commissioned to be a fisher-of-men- which is a long and exciting adventure/ occupation for the Christian. We can be effective fishermen and disciple these converts if we follow the bible’s formula.

We will prepare ourselves for the task in three (3) parts:

Part 1: Preparation Stage

How can we witness in the power of the Holy Spirit?

      Be sure you are a Christian and your lifestyle is in accordance with Christianity. (Jn. 1:12; 1Jn. 5:11-12)

      Have no unconfessed sin in your life (Isa. 59:1-2)

      Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22; Acts 1:8)

      Be prepared to share your faith in Christ with others i.e have the burden for sinners

Memory verse: Romans 1:16a- “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of                                                             God unto salvation to everyone that believeth;”

                                                                                                                                                            

Part 2: Witnessing Stage

What should be our message and why/ how do we present it to others?

      Who is a witness? 1Jn. 1:1-3; Lk 1:1-3.

      Why Witness? Matt 28:19-20.

      What are the qualities of an effective witness?

The effective witness should be a:  teacher; not tribal; denies his personality; faithful; lives exemplary Christian life before all and at all times.

      What is the sole message in witnessing?

The main message, no matter the form it takes, should tell people about the Hopelessness of man, Christ’s death giving salvation and His resurrection has brought us hope.

      Methods of Evangelism.

You can witness about Christ through i. Personal Testimonies ii. Friendship with the fellow  iii. Revivals/ crusades iv. Audio-visuals v. Christian Literature/ Tracts vi. Dawn broadcasts vii. Home Cells  viii. Sports, etc. However, The Holy Spirit can give you various ways to witness depending on the situation.

      Tools to help share the faith.

One of the most powerful tools to help share the faith are Tracts. Eg. Four spiritual laws, Bridge for Life, New life for you, etc. The benefits of tracts are that they keep the presentation focused, it saves time, you can give to the person to read if there is no time and you can reach a lot of people at a time- at the market, at the mall, at the office, at public meetings, in vehicles, etc.

      Hindrances to effective witnessing.

i. Unconfessed Sin in our lives ii.Fear  iii.procrastination  iv.Lazyness  v.non-commitment to matt.28:19-20

      Please note.

·        Witnessing is a life-long occupation of the Christian. To learn or know how to witness, start now!

·        Make a list of people you target and pray and fast for them (if necessary)

·        Go in love although it is a command. Keep your temper.

·        Talk about Jesus and Him only (Acts 4:12; 1Corin. 2:1-2)

·        Expect Results. Keep the faith.

·        Don’t assume the person is a Christian. Be mindful of Churchianity instead of Christianity.

·        Be sincere, If you don’t have answers to a question.

·        As strategy, take advantage of every situation to witness. At the mall, market, gatherings, etc.

·        If one won’t accept Jesus Christ, don’t impose, let it be willing. But ask why?

·        Keep other conversations secondary.

·        Don’t preach about your church and its doctrines but Christ and Him only.

If your witnessing has made one accept Christ, what should you do to help him grow from the baby struggle? Follow-up (Discipleship)

                                                                                                                                                            

Part 3: Discipleship (through follow-up) stage

The greatest miracle in a man’s life is the conversion of his soul from darkness to light, that is, the fruit of witnessing. Now the child is born, how do we ensure he is fed on the right food at the right time? How can he grow into a full grown man to stand on his feet to be able to help in the birth and upbringing of others in God’s kingdom?

      What is follow-up? Acts 15:36; 1Thess. 3:2.

      Why follow-up on converts? Eph. 4:14-15; 1Thess. 3:5.

      What is involved in follow-up? To strengthen and encourage the “infant” in Christ to grow into maturity.

      When should follow-up begin? In the shortest possible time else Satan will take away the “seed”. Remember always that the convert is fragile at this initial stage of conversion.

      What should be taught at follow-ups?

·        Assurance of salvation to give confidence to the ‘new born’ in Christ that he is a child of God.

·        How to deal with sin

·        The Holy Spirit

·        Spiritual/ Christian warfare

·        How to pray

·        How to study the Bible

·        Fasting

·        How to witness. (All the above topics have been shared with you in the encouragement messages)

During follow-ups, encourage the convert to fellowship with a bible believing church for him to be further strengthened (Heb. 10:25); Challenge your converts to identify their gifts and be confident in the faith; form prayer group/ cell groups and the need for him/ her to take the bible as a final authority in all matters of the Christian faith.

Please note that successful evangelism is not the making of converts but the making of disciples through follow-ups. See col. 1:28.

Testimonies

Jonah: Did not think it wise to go to Nineveh and witness because the people were unrepentant. After he had carried out the task (after the whale encounter), the people repented. If he hadn’t gone, what would have happened to the salvation of the people? You are like Jonah in this world, go and witness in Nineveh.

Ezek 33: We are watchmen who need to sound the trumpet of the impending danger else the people’s blood will be demanded from us. How terrible that will be if you can’t give an answer.

Yours: Tell your testimony on your life before and after receiving Jesus as your personal saviour

Memory verse: Mark 4:1-20- Parable of the sower.  

God bless you as you dedicate yourself to rescue the perishing. Amen!

SPIRITUAL FASTING

SPIRITUAL FASTING

What is fasting?

Definition: Abstaining from food and drink for spiritual purposes. There is nothing like dry or wet fasting but fasting. Some quote Daniel’s abstinence from the King’s table and eating of pulse (please read Daniel 1) and his mourning in Dan. 10:1-3 for three weeks, where he did not eat any choice foods as a form of fasting, but the purpose was not for fasting but mourning. (see also Esther 4:3).

Why or what are the advantages of fasting?

   

·        Brings the Lord’s comfort and us closer to God. (Matt. 9:14-15)

·        Solves our greater needs (Esther/ Mordecai and Haman’s plan to exterminate the Jews-Esther 4:3)

·        Enables us resist the Devil and to be humbled. (Matt. 4:1-4)

·        Gives us confidence to do the will of God.

·        Enables us overcome the desires of the flesh for spiritual strength. In other words, fasting is one of the best nutritious foods for spirit.

·        Greater healing and faith in God. (Matt. 17:15-21)

·        Physically cleanses our body of toxins.

What are the suggested steps to Fasting?

   

  Step 1: Why are you fasting?  

Have a theme for the fasting. Be motivated by a burden. Eg. Spiritual renewal, healing, intercessory,              resolution of problems, grace to handle difficult situations, etc. (2chron. 7:14)

  Step 2: Make your commitment.

       Decide on duration, type of fast, plan (eg. what to avoid, etc)

     

  Step 3: Prepare yourself spiritually

      Unconfessed sin will hinder your fast. Therefore seek forgiveness and reconciliation.

  Step 4: Prepare yourself physically

    Eg. eating habits to be reduced, fruit eating, don’t rush (optional)

  Step 5: Put yourself on schedule

·        Apportion time to get maximum spiritual fulfillment i.e spend more time with God.

·        Start with praise and worship

·        Read Word of God and meditate on word (if possible related to your theme)

·        Invite Holy Spirit

·        Present requests, intercessions, etc (like the woman who wanted justice from the Judge). Use the word of God in requests.

  Step 6: End fast gradually

·        Break fast with plenty liquid intake (initially water but avoid acids)

·        Then soft foods

·        Then regular eating habits

  Step 7: Expect Results

·        Faith should continue

·        Once cannot do all (optional)

NB

• It takes time to build up your Fast character
• Avoid distractions. E.g. TV, radio, unnecessary chatters, arguments, etc
• Present good facial and bodily appearance (Matt. 6:16-18)
• Avoid Cheating (see Isaiah 58)
• Avoid injustice
• Do good when the opportunity comes
• Abstaining from food and drink (or fasting) without prayer and studying the word of God amounts to starving oneself and not fasting.

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

BIBLE STUDY

Matthew 4:1-11, shows that Christians should endeavour to study the word of God and be able to correctly divide it because our adversary, the devil, can use it to cunningly deceive us- as he is doing today.

What is Bible Study?

It is the time one apportions to read the bible and understand it to apply it to his life.

Why study the Bible?

• Makes you an approved workman (2Tim. 2:15)
• Brings prosperity and success ( Josh. 1:8)
• Corrects, teaches, rebukes, gives basis of doctrine, etc (2Tim. 3:16-17)
• Encourages us to have hope (Rom. 15:4)
• To be able to teach others (Ezra 7:10)

Types of Personal Bible study?

The Bible can be studied in various forms depending on what you want to achieve. The types can include:

• Book study. Eg. Genesis, Jeremiah, John, etc.
• Verse Study. Eg. John 3:16, Eccl. 9:4, etc
• Character Study. Eg. Abraham, Paul, David, etc
• Word Study. Eg. Love, Giving, etc
• Topical Study. Eg. Salvation, Marriage, Family dissension, Evangelism, etc

How to have a fruitful Bible study?

Depending on the type of personal study you want to do, the following guidelines can be used to gain a fruitful understanding to apply to your life:

·        Choose a verse, book or passage where your study can be found.

·        Note the context in which the verse/ passage occurs (especially if you are doing verse study) then carry out the under-listed on what you read:

(i)               OBSERVATION (what does the passage say)?

Answer this by asking yourself the following questions:

a) Who are the characters involved?   i) Note the verbs, adjectives and phrases used to describe them.           (ii) What is revealed about the character of God?

b) What is happening?      i) The verbs are the key to the actions of the passage; list them.  ii) What commands or promises are given? By whom?   (iii) What conditions are presented (or implied)

c) Where do the events occurs?  Use a Bible Atlas.  How other significant events take place there?

d)When does the events occur?  How much time elapses during the event? Is the season of the year    significant?   The time of the day?   The time in a person’s life (age)?

e) Why does the events occur?   Stick to reasons suggested in the text.   Who offers an explanation?

f) How does the events happen?   Is any process described?   What are the steps?   What are the effects?

g) Summarise   The passage by writing down a simple statement of what seems to be the author’s main purpose or lesson.

(ii) INTEPRETATION:   (What does the passage mean?).

a)      What caused a particular action or statement?  What is the intention?  How does it relate to the previous incident?   (b)  Why is it significant?  Why is it significant?  What does this teaches?   (c)   What is its consequences and implication?   (d)   Is it revelation?  How does it fit in with the whole?  Why is it stated here?   (e)   What meaning does it have today?   (f)   What does this imply about God’s relationship to men?   About Men’s relationship with God

(iii) APPLICATION:  (What does the passage mean to me?)  Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.    (a)  What is already part of my thinking?  My action?  (b) What is new to me?   (c)  What am I doing that is wrong.   (d)  How can I make the needed change?  (e)  What will I need to do not some future date? 

Tools helpful for a meaningful personal Bible Study

To have a meaningful study, the under-listed can be of help:

·        Study guides

·        Concordance

·        Dictionary (when using English bible). etc

Conclusion

You need a quiet time to concentrate on your bible study. Bible study is a very powerful tool available to the Christian in the Spiritual Warfare.  When employed rightly and diligently, it will work to the victory of the Christian in his combat with his (Spiritual) enemies.

 Amen!

PRAYER

PRAYER

The Christian strength depends absolutely on his total dependence on Jesus Christ, our master. Most Christians are weak today because we depend mostly on group activities instead of our personal relationship with Christ. A Christian’s personal relationship depends on his personal bible study, prayer and fasting.

What is Prayer

Prayer is pouring out the content of our heart to God or communicating with God.

Why do we pray?

• It is a delight unto God (Prov. 15:8)
• We present our requests to God ( Jn 16:23-24)

To whom do we pray?

God and Him only through Jesus Christ (Act12:5; Jn. 14:13-14)

Where do we pray?

·        Everywhere (1Timothy 2:8)

·        Chapel (Lk. 18:10)

·        Room/ closet (Mathew 6:6)

When should we pray?

Always (Luke 18:1; 1 Thess. 5:17)

What should be included in prayer?

What to include in prayer can be found in the sample prayer taught by Jesus to His disciples in Lk 11:1-13. From this sample prayer, we can find and include the following when we pray:

• Adoration (Ps.95:6)
• Confession (1Jn. 2:1; Ps.32:5)
• Thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6; 1Thess. 5:18)
• Supplication/ Request (1Tim. 2:1-2)

This gives the acronym (‘ACTS’) -‘Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication’.

Hindrances to prayer

• Lack of faith (James 1:5-7)
• Sin (Isa. 59:1-2; Ps. 66:18)
• Forgive others (Mk. 11:25-26)
• Using your request for pleasure (James 4:3)
• Not taking good care of your spouse (1Pet.3:7)

What answers does God give to our prayers?

• No (James 4:3)
• Yes (2Kings 20:1-6)
• Wait (Dan. 10:10-14)

Conclusion

You can best know how to pray, if you pray.  Amen!