September 30, 2015

Voices

Q: What do you think are the signs of Christ’s second coming, and how do you relate to them?

Responses

When I see society define courage as one who can transform a handsome masculine athletic winner into the symbol of femininity, I see the danger of ease that lulls over me/us (God’s children), sin-sickened, with ever-changing, ever-accepting, debasing standards of the world. I wonder, What else will consume my eye view before blindness to God’s law becomes fashionable?
Meghan Wazoua, ESL teacher, Irving, Texas

The signs of Christ’s second coming are more evident today than ever before. There will be wars and rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6, 7), people will be lovers of pleasure (2 Tim. 3:1-5), but more important, the gospel will be preached throughout the world (Matt. 24:14). I’m excited about proclaiming the message and being a light to those in my community. We are living in the “toenails,” as per the statue in Daniel 2. I’m tired of this sinful world and long for Christ’s return.
Roger Watson, architect, Washington, D.C.

I see two categories of signs: overt and covert. Overt signs are tangibles and evidence themselves in the scientific, political, and spiritual realms: botched scientific experiments that yield ecological and physiological ills when the Pandora boxes are tampered with; god-playing scientists; Babel Tower architects searching for another planet where humans may exist. Covert signs are the intangibles, such as narcissism, ethnocentrism, egoism, nepotism, dangerous undercurrents and volcanoes whose overt manifestations are volatile, explosive, with catastrophic effects: “When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand” (Luke 21:31, KJV).
Wilston Anderson, college administrator, Nassau, Bahamas

When I reflect on the signs of Christ’s second coming with a worldwide view, I get excited, because Jesus demonstrated that His Father keeps His promises when He died for me. Prophecies in Daniel confirm I am living in the final days. This is something I can share with my children, family, neighbors, and friends with confidence. Whether I live or die, I want to be on God’s side as a faithful servant. I want my children to have confidence in God and His promises.
Nesco Lettsome, Jr., homeschooling father, Beltsville, Maryland

Christ’s second coming is sooner than we think. Wars continue to break out in nations surrounding us. Injustice reigns, and people die without a cause. Natural disaster destroys millions as the earth cries out in despair. We are at the edge of the ending of time, the beginning of birth pangs. As a mother gets ready to give birth, the pain intensifies as the mother waits. So I wait, telling many that He is coming. How long will labor last? I don’t know. But it won’t last forever.
Annamaria Miller, English teacher, Daegu, South Korea

Christ’s second coming gives hope for a better tomorrow, a better eternal tomorrow. More so than any motivational “yes, we can” or other slogan or trending hashtag, it gives peace that passes all understanding because we know evil has an end. Problem is, we don’t get the peace unless we believe it’s true.
Sarah Scott, schoolteacher, Nashville, Tennessee

Growing up, I don’t think I really knew what the signs of Jesus’ coming were. The signs are glaring at me now. There is the redefinition of marriage and family values; a more narcissistic view by society: “me, myself, and I” first and always. Fears and anxieties are the new norms, as evil and inane violence seem unchecked. If God destroyed the earth during the time of Noah, how much time do we think we have? Family violence, addiction, and suicide are pressing issues. Many cling to life without any semblance of hope. Few are aware that sin/evil will soon die. Jesus must come soon!
Jacqueline Peart, pastor, Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada

He’s coming. I have no doubt. The evidence is everywhere. It’s chaos, but I’m not afraid. He taught me that there is no fear in love. The definition of love is coming back for me! The Beginning and the End promised that He would always be with me. The evidence doesn’t create fear in me; it ignites and affirms what I have known and believed for so long. I know how it all ends. What I have to do is pray, listen, hope, and hold fast.
Heidi Mendoza Murphy, graphic designer, Berrien Springs, Michigan

Jesus is coming tonight!” my little sister announced one night after church. At the age of 8, I should’ve known better, but Jesus’ coming meant one thing: persecution. That night, bags were packed, exit strategies planned, and we slept with our sneakers on, just in case. We were ready for the persecution! But were we ready for Christ? I think this fear still controls how many of us approach the Second Coming, which has mutated into a focus on self-preservation instead of a focus on Jesus Christ.
Karina Mamora, ESL teacher, Chino Hills, California

The most dangerous sign of Christ’s coming is probably the decrease in godliness mentioned in 2 Timothy 3. But God assures us that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). I focus on Jesus’ command: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4). My desire both for all and myself is to stay close to God and continue in the things we’ve learned through the Holy Scriptures. They will be our strength, giving us hope in our afflictions, and the assurance of salvation.
Sandra Owusu, account executive, Chicago, Illinois

I don’t think much about the signs of Christ’s second coming. I think about the fact that today can be the end for me. Regardless of when He comes, I have to be ready and do what He’s calling me to do today. From what I see circulating around, too much of it is based on fear. Not enough is based on the simple fact that we are loved by the King, and that a relationship with Him is the best thing ever.
Leslie Samuel, blogger/consultant, Berrien Springs, Michigan

One of the most prevailing signs I see is the emotional coldness, or lack of human kindness and empathy. I see it in story after story, headline after headline. It has been a wake-up call to the reality that time is winding to a close. As a postmodern woman, I could easily be sucked into this callous self-centeredness. The only way to avoid becoming what I see is spending time in the company of my precious Jesus as I await His return.
Adrinna Beltre, elementary school teacher, Honolulu, Hawaii

We cannot say that knowing the times should be up against living righteous principles. We need both. Knowing the times helps us live righteous principles. Let’s live as though Christ is coming today, but prepare for tomorrow, too. Let’s live righteously along the way.
T. J. Wagenknect, nursing student, West Des Moines, Iowa

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