“You don’t make any sense! No one believes the Bible these days!” my college’s philosophy said.
“God has the power to create the world in six days according to Genesis 1–2,” I said. It wasn’t formed by the Big Bang and animals didn’t evolve. A being with intelligence had to be behind everything. The universe and cells would collapse unless there was a greater power holding everything together like we read about in Colossians 1:17 where in Christ He holds all creation together. Christ came to earth 2,000 years ago and someday He will come back again.”
Scripture, such as in Luke 21, predicts persecution, natural disasters on earth, and signs in the heavens before Christ’s Second Coming. We are living in those times, and it causes anxiety, uncertainty, and grief. How should you live in the last days?
1. Give sacrificially
While the rich put in gifts out of their surplus, a poor widow gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on (Luke 21:1–4). Giving may look differently for each of us, but if we live with Christ’s Second Coming in mind, the material possessions we have will lose importance. Give sacrificially to support others during the last days.
2. Discern false teachers
In the future, every stone will be torn down in the temple. When many come in Christ’s name, don’t go after them. Don’t be terrified of wars and disturbances because the end will come later (Luke 21:5–9). Discern false teachers and remain calm.
3. Share your testimony
Nation will rise against nation along with great earthquakes, plagues, famines, and great signs from heaven. Before these things, persecution will deliver you to synagogues and prisons and bring you before kings as an opportunity for your testimony. Christ will give you the words and wisdom that your opponents can’t refute. Family members will hate and kill some of you but not a hair of your head will perish. By endurance, you ) will gain your lives (Luke 21:10–19). Share your testimony of Christ as a witness during times of persecution (loss of friendship or job, rejection) in the last days.
4. Prepare for the Second Coming
When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize her desolation is at hand. These are days of vengeance, great distress and wrath to fulfill what was written. They will be killed, led captive into all the nations, and trampled underfoot by the Gentiles (Luke 21:20–24). Prepare for the Second Coming when judgment will come by being in tune spiritually, serve, and protect others in practical ways.
5. Wait for total deliverance from sin
Signs in the heavens and on earth will dismay nations. People faint from fear for the powers of the heavens will be shaken until they “see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” When these things take place, pay attention because your redemption is near (Luke 21:25–28). Wait for total deliverance from sin at Christ’s Second Coming.
6. Rely on God’s prophetic word
These signs are like seeing the leaves of fig trees, showing fruit, and knowing God’s kingdom is near. Heaven and earth will pass away but God’s Word won’t pass away (Luke 21:29–33). Rely on God’s prophetic word and watch for the signs in the last days.
7. Pray for strength and listen attentively
Be alert, awake, and pray so as to not be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and worries of life. Jesus taught every day in the temple and spent nights on the Mount of Olives. Everyone got up early to listen to Him in the temple (Luke 21:34–38). Pray for strength and listen attentively to God’s Word.
Final Thought: Prepare for the Second Coming as you give sacrificially, pray, and listen attentively to God’s Word.
