How to Live for Christ in the End Times

How to Live for Christ in the End Times - By Megan Bailey - http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/galleries/how-to-live-for-christ-in-the-end-times.aspx

 

Are you ready for His return?

 

The Bible states that society will completely disintegrate in the end times, becoming as terrible and evil as it was in the days of Noah. The Apostle Paul taught that society will descend into a black hole of violence, paganism and immorality. He heavily warned that "lovers of self, lovers of money, and lovers of pleasure" will be abundant and people will become "boastful, arrogant, and unholy" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

 

Does this all sound familiar? It might remind you of the evening news. That's because the end times could be here at any moment, and we should be deeply concerned about the continuing developments.

 

We are beginning to watch many of Jesus' and Paul's prophecies unfold right in front of us, both here in America and around the world. Our culture is becoming more secularized as Christians have come under increasing attack. For those facing the wave of ridicule and persecution, what do we do? As the end times are near, how do we live for Christ when the world is harassing us?

 

Here are the ways you can glorify and celebrate Christ during the onslaught of persecution.

 

Persist in Prayer

 

One of the best tools we have is direct communication with God through prayer. God loves each of us personally and desires a relationship with us. It is a tragedy when Christians turn to prayer as a last resort and only when a situation fails do some feel desperate enough to pray. Instead as Christians we should be communicating with God constantly.

 

With the evil that is flourishing in the world, we need to feel comfortable and humble turning to God in prayer. Don't turn away because you think He is no longer active in your life or He doesn't care. If you are truly born again, then you are considered righteous in God's eyes and He will continue to bless you. Open yourself up to prayer, and offer to pray with others.

 

Believe in the Power of God

 

There is no way that we can cope with the evil of the end times with our won strength. We have to remember that we are not alone and that God is with us each step of the way. If we try to do so on our own, we will be defeated. However if we try with God, He will perform the impossible. Never underestimate the amazing power of our Lord! We have to, wholeheartedly, believe in the power He has to conquer the enemy.

 

When the end times come, we cannot doubt God. This is the time for us to prove we have full belief in Him, His teachings, and His plan. The Bible teaches us that we can limit God by our unbelief in Him, so we must work towards creating an unwavering faith. He can, and will, do all!

 

Stay in the Word of God 

 

The world continues to tell Christians that the Bible is outdated, unhelpful, and worthless. The Bible tells us, though, that the end times will be an age of deception. We are being lied to by the world, and being bombarded with false idols and religions.

 

Do you know exactly what you believe as a Christian? It is easy for us to be manipulated and deceived when we aren't 100 percent sure of what we believe. Are you able to defend your belief? Are you able to express why you believe it? Dive into the Bible and build a strong foundation of faith that no one can trick you out of. Guard yourself from deception by staying in the Word on a daily basis.

 

Keep Your Priorities in Order 

 

It is time to be honest with yourself: is God the center of your life? Don't kid yourself. If He isn't, that's okay. You know what you need to work on.

 

Many Christians have their priorities mixed up. A career, family, and friends can become top priorities while God falls down the chain. We cannot expect to survive the end times if we are not putting God at the forefront of our lives. He is the reason we have the opportunity to enter Heaven, and without His sacrifice of His one and only Son, we would live in an evil and sad world.

 

With the turmoil that is happening all around us, we can be forgetful of what is actually important. Talk with God and learn to appreciate Him during these dark times. He will be the one who carries you through when the world begins to burn.

 

Think Eternally  

 

God tells us that "We are to be in the world, but not of the world" (John 17:11). It can be a very difficult principle to follow when the world is working so hard to distract us and turn us against God. The smallest of demands, from conforming to the world's dress, values, entertainment, all can be pressing.

 

We are told in scripture to consider ourselves as aliens or outsiders just passing through this world. We are warned to never fall in love with this world or get too comfortable with it. Why should we? We have a beautiful and amazing Heaven waiting for us! Jesus assured us that with faith, we can get there. While we are being prosecuted by society, we have to keep our focus on our eternal life.

 

Look for Jesus 

 

The Bible tells us to live our lives looking for Jesus (Titus 2:13). During the end times, this could not be more true. Christians are becoming caught up in the world they live in and are forgetting to even think about the return of Christ. His return is imminent and is beacon of hope in this dark world.

 

Do you think about Jesus' return often? Do you know the prophecies in the Bible that foreshadow His return? If not, it's time to read up. We should be getting excited for the return of our Savior. We should know the signs that He is coming. We need to live for Jesus now so that when the end times come, we are already ready and in compliance with His wishes.

 

Get Serious

 

Jesus is coming. The end times will happen. They are not something to forget or be ignorant about, but instead be something we want to understand and be excited for. Live your life for Christ now so that you are ready to live from Him upon His return.