THE QUESTION
ARE we of the day or of the night? In Part 1 we saw that being aware of the times and seasons is an indicator, and Paul gets even more specific. https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1-thessalonians/5/1-11
Road signs are a call to action and ignoring them can have serious consequences. So it is, if we ignore the “signs” of our time and season.
Paul says that if we are of the light and of the day, we will be sober and alert, and will put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. Action!
MATTHEW 24:37-39 ON DISPLAY
Many Christians, especially Americans, are relaxing in the deceptive “peace and security” of the institutional church, as in I Thess. 5:3. Few are sober and alert, as in v6. “As in the days of Noah!”
The typical religious establishment and its members are in collusion, and “enable” each other’s apathy.
Few preachers attempt to call the flock to follow Jesus in the way that He requires. It is imperative then, that Christ-followers take responsibility for ourselves.
If we continue in a typical local church for the social and sometimes spiritual benefits, or simply at God’s instruction, it is essential that we are also in settings with others who are alert, sober, and sincerely seeking to walk according to the light and the day. We cannot do it alone. We MUST be part of the Mt. 16:18 Church, as in Heb. 10:23-25, Heb. 3:13, I Thess. 5:11, Gal. 6:2 and more.
CONCLUSION
The signs are visible to those who have eyes to see, but many can’t, and others will chose to ignore them.
Let’s be of the light and of the day, prepared for the upcoming challenges and able to rescue others from the carnage. Many will be looking for the answers that are found only in Jesus!
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
November 9, 2021
CLICK HERE for a printable pdf.