Emergency Preparedness (Part 1)

Since the earthquake in Japan we have been bombarded with information about natural disasters and emergency preparedness every time we turn on the television.  Last week on one of the late night news shows there was a segment about a man living in a city who even had goats and chickens for milk, eggs, babies, and if necessary meat.  Have we gone too far?  Are we truly preparing for what is really important?  Are we too busy living for the future and not preparing for eternity?

We are living in a time that we need to be prepared.  We need to be prepared by recognizing the signs and watching for Jesus' return.  We need to be prepared for where we will spend eternity.  So what are the signs we are to watch for?  According to Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, Matthew 24:4-38 reveals between 25 and 30 signs of the end times (p149).  It lists the 12 most prominent ones as

the appearance of deceivers (v. 5), wars and rumors of wars (v. 6), famine (v. 7), earthquakes (v. 7), persecution and martyrdom (v. 9), believers being hated around the world (v. 10), apostasy (v. 10) false prophets (v. 11), wickedness and evil overcoming love (v. 12), signs and miracles by false prophets (v. 24), sun and moon darkened (v. 29), and people living carelessly as in the days of Noah (v. 38).

  These are only signs of the end times.  We do not know the time or date when Christ will return because 1 Thessalonians 5:2 tells us "for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."  

So are you watching for the signs?  Are you excited about what is happening in the world around us?  Are you concerned about what is to come?  Are you worried about being physically and financially prepared?  Do you want to look at these events with awe and excitement?  Well, what you need is Jesus Christ.  You need to know and acknowledge what He did for each and every one of us when He became our Savior.  We have that excitement that these signs will lead us to another life, another world.  One where we can live for eternity with our Lord and Savior.  We do not have to do anything except accept Him.  So, is your emergency preparedness kit ready?  Have you said yes to the only one who can see you through every thing?  Do not be left behind because you decided to make the choice too late.