Fear Not! Stand Firm
6-15-2022
J. Fields
Over these past several weeks it seems that every time I turn on the news there is nothing
but negative and evil information. For a few months now the war between Russia and Ukraine
has been leading the headlines but most recently there has been a string of shootings that have
grabbed the headlines. As I sit and read and watch all this sadness take place, I become more
disappointed and frustrated with the direction of our world. No matter who is in the White
House, Congress, or whomever the Pope might be none of those folks are going to be the answer
that will fix the problem. Now before you get too frustrated “believe me I feel you” I have some
information that I think will help you feel more at ease.
Scripture has warned us that all this evil was going to happen, I have no idea when the
end will come but one thing is for sure when it does, I’ve got a ticket out of here! In Matthew 24
the followers of Jesus were asking the same thing we are today; when the judgment will take
place on Jerusalem and how will they know the end is near. Jesus lays out the things that must
take place first, but don’t grow weary these things must take place as part of the plan. Matthew
24:6-13; “ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such
things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the
beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and
you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith
and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many
people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one
who stands firm to the end will be saved. ”
As Christians, we shouldn’t just sit back and do nothing even though we know how
everything will turn out. The world is completely lost and we have something that everyone
needs, Jesus Christ. As believers we should be a walking example of the change that is needed,
we should be overflowing with fresh fruit. Is it okay to be angry, yes! Is it appropriate to be
broken-hearted with what we are seeing, of course! Should we just stay silent so that we don’t
ruffle any feathers, no! The world needs its toes stepped on just a bit, not in a rude and mean
way but in a truthful and loving way. What we are seeing is not okay and the church can’t stay
silent and then wonder why change isn’t happening. Yes, we need to love another but sometimes
true love hurts. I’ve heard it said that we should love the person but hate the sin.
Don’t lose hope, don’t think that it’s too late for change, and don’t just stay silent because
of the fear of hurting someone’s feelings. We shouldn’t be rude and hateful but we should stand
up and say enough is enough, the “church” is standing on the promises of God Almighty! We
are One Nation Under God and there is no evil in this world that is going to prosper. Rise up,
church! I’ve got good news, I’ve read the end of the Book, God and all those who are His
followers will win!
Be blessed,
Pastor Jason
