Having grown up in the 60's and 70's, I find myself wrestling with what to say about current events. When I was younger, it was not unusual to hear sermons on the end of the world. Most if not all of the preachers were convinced that we were on the brink of destruction.

It was preached strongly enough that I was sure I would never live to see the eighties. (1980's) Being so convinced and then living into the next century gives one pause. Too often teaching associated with the return of Christ has been dogmatic and done by someone who has spent so much time studying this stuff that they believe they know everything about it. Predictions are made, times are set and all of this is done in the name of speaking the word of God. Obviously credibility is lost and in fact they just look plain stupid for opening their mouth.

Another reason it is an easy subject to avoid is the "Left Behind" factor. Because of the popularity of these books there are a lot of people who will want to argue about the way Christ will return to earth. I don't personally agree with the author's pre-trib, dispensationalist views but you shouldn't argue with someone who has sold a lot of books! (sarcasm)

When I think about this subject I think of people who love to "study" the bible but don't ever seem to read the verses about living the Christian life out down here on this earth. Have a series on the book of Revelation and they wouldn't miss a night. (The scarier the better, by the way!) Have an outreach or call them to live a life of purity and holiness by caring about the poor or call them to fight against injustice and you probably won't see them around.

The Lord will return when ever He wants to. The world will end whenever God is ready! In the meantime let us be about the work. Let us be caught not in a "last days" bible study but be found in the fields white with harvest!