Why is there such a need to know? Are we any different than Christ’s first disciples who peppered Him with questions about the end of all things? The office of the prophetic has always been and always will be popular among God’s people. Human nature dictates it. This is witnessed by many allowing their vain imagination to take root and blossom forth heretical predictions. Charts, maps, and prophetic scenarios have become man’s folly leading to even greater confusion among Christ’s followers. As we stand on the precipice of time and eternity who can be trusted to speak the truth? Jesus Christ who is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega spoke clearly then and He speaks clearly now. From Matthew 24 to the writings to the Thessalonians to the writings by the Apostle Peter to the Revelation it is remarkable that in each age from the First Century until now God’s children could see unfolding events in their life match that of Holy Scripture. Indeed Jesus Christ is the Spirit of prophecy in any age. Those living in the first and second centuries of Christianity would need no convincing that they lived during the Great Tribulation from whence people were coming. (See Revelation 7:13-14) To them Caesar was the Beast who was killing Christians by the thousands for claiming Christ as their eternal King and unwilling to offer incense to him as a god. Those living under the tyranny of the early popes needed no convincing that the pope was the Beast. Nor did they need convincing that his persecution of those who followed Holy Scripture alone had cast them into the midst of the Great Tribulation. Those living at the time of Napoleon Bonaparte or Hitler needed no convincing that they were living in the last days under the heel of the Antichrist himself. Even today many don’t need convincing that the current administration in this country or others could produce a world ruler and the dreaded Antichrist causing all to take the mark of the beast.

The point is that we have lived in the Great Tribulation since the first century and millions upon millions have lost their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. The voice of the martyr’s can still be heard today from Muslim countries and other countries who denounce Biblical Christianity. Indeed we are living in the last days. As the earth groans under the increasing pressure of earthquakes, volcanoes along with every other so called natural disaster nearly no one doubts that Christ’s Second Coming is at hand. However, in the last hour most will be busy about their daily life believing that they still have time on their side. As charts, maps, and prophetic scenarios are consulted most take a deep breath and say we still have some time. On the other hand, Jesus Christ made it abundantly clear that He will come at a time when man least expects it. As the flood swept away the unbelievers in the time of Noah so will His coming sweep away the unbelievers to everlasting punishment. “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left” (Matthew 24:40-41).  The Apostle Peter wrote: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (II Peter 3:10-11).

Jesus and His Apostles spent more time teaching on our preparedness than on the actual events of His coming.  In the beginning I too was guilty of spending too much time on the actual events leading up to His Second Coming rather than focusing on helping people to get prepared for the last hour. Over the years I have attempted to correct that mistake through the writing of my weekly blogs and especially with the publication of my latest book: “Stand Firm.” Do you really want to be ready for the last hour? Then we need to listen to Christ who taught that we should remain in the Spirit at all times allowing our light to shine brightly in a very dark world; that we should use our Spiritual gifts thus bringing increase to His Kingdom and glory to His name; and, that we should serve others by meeting all of their needs whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. (See Matthew 25) Also, we need to take a lesson from Christian history. When the early church was faced with furious persecution from the Jews and then from the Roman Empire they stood their ground and followed the ways of Christ. They did not stock pile food or trust in their own ability to survive their Great Tribulation, on the other hand, they sold their houses and gave the money to the church to distribute it among the poor. When Rome launched and all out effort to outlaw the new faith, hunt down the Christian, and persecute to death those unwilling to recant they did not retaliate. Nor did they flee their individual responsibility within the context of society, yet they did remain faithful to Jesus alone. As it was forewarned in Scripture then it must be followed now. When the entire world follows after the counsel of psychology and take their drugs to solve their emotional and psychological problems then we as Christians must remain faithful to Jesus believing that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.

Dear friends, there’s a reason why no man knows the day or the hour, but only the Father in heaven. To know the exact day or hour would make it too easy to put things off. Instead of using our Spiritual gift today, or letting our light shine today, or helping others in need today we might be tempted to put it off thinking that we would rather be selfish today seeking our own enjoyment with no benefit to others. On the other hand, we should live every day as if it were the last – loving more, giving more, and trusting more in Christ alone. If Christ does not come in your life time, He will still come for you. At deaths door it will be your last hour! You may have time to think about it and you may not, so the question you must ask: are you ready for the last hour?  If Christ decides to keep you here until His Second Coming then you must pray that He will give you the grace to stand firm against all manner of affliction not allowing the world to lead you astray through their deceptive philosophy. Unfortunately, as I have written previously, many are already in open rebellion against God and have fallen prey to the devil and his host of wickedness. Dear children, let us not be counted among those who are surprised at His coming but live every day as if it were – the last hour.

This website and its content is copyright of He Reigns Christian Ministries – © Rev. Daniel W. Blair 2014. All rights reserved.

Also published (in part) in my new book: “Revelation Truth” available in our secure online bookstore or at a bookstore near you.