A Real Reason to Panic

 A Real Reason to Panic - By Steve Schmutzer - https://www.raptureready.com/2023/01/21/a-real-reason-to-panic-by-steve-schmutzer-2/ An awful lot of God-fearing, Constitution-supporting, and law-abiding people in America are deeply frustrated and concerned watching the obvious fraud that is now our nation’selections. A sizeable portion of THOSE folks are pretty sure the libs as a whole – and much of the “Republicrat” leadership – now routinely endorse lawless behavior to make it seem asthough their candidates-of-choice “win” the vote. A part of THAT second group is convinced this is all orchestrated by a corrupt justice system, globalist resources, covert tactics, and very dark agendas. And finally – a smaller subset of that last bunch remains sure that God is STILL in control. Put me in that very last category. I’m watching a lot of people who call themselves Christians punch the panic button these days. “How could God allow this?” “We must be entering the Tribulation now.” “Is JoeBiden the antichrist?” “Obviously, this means the Rapture is about to happen.” The constant display of foolishness in much of the church today is distressing to see and hear. It is self-evident that Christ’s bride knows very little about the plans ofher Groom. Here are just a few points to keep in proper perspective during these turbulent times: Number one. Insofar far as Bible prophecy is concerned – and its primary developments and signs – things pivot around the nation of Israel. As Dr. John MacArthur said, “Ifyou get Israel right, you get your eschatology right.” If you take your eyes off God’s timepiece, you cannot properly understand these days we live in. Assessing sweeping prophetic matters through the lens of America’s affairs is mostly a show of ignoranceand a waste of time. Number two. It’s a herculean stretch to suggest the debacle of our nation’s elections – or any other national dynamic – signals the Rapture is about to happen. Our ‘blessedhope’ (Titus 2:13) is not linked to any specific event this way. It is an imminent and signless wonder. It will come without warning. The apostle Paul anticipated it in his time. We should be looking for it with equal anticipation each and every day that Godgives us breath and life. Number three. Apart from the fact that we can indeed see a choreography of Tribulation-era elements beginning to take shape – global pandemics, surging lawlessness, specificalliances in the Middle East, and appeals for a one-world governance among those – nothing about these developments mean believers will endure the Tribulation. The FULL counsel of Scriptures makes it clear believers will leave this planet before Daniel’s 70thWeek starts. True saints here and now are “not appointed to wrath” (1 Thess. 5:9). And lastly, and most importantly, make sure your “ticket to heaven” is in order. Matthew 7:21-23 makes it very clear a lot of people will find out too late they really weren’tsaved. This is one of the most frightening portions of God’s Word, and if you want to understand real panic, read this passage carefully. Bluntly put, there are a lot of folks regularly in the pews these days that are not in a right relationship with Jesus Christ. They certainly think they are – but for variousreasons, they’ve become seduced by ‘Christian culture’ instead. They’re invested in a list of rituals, performances, ideas, and credentials that impress man rather than God. It’s a matter of eternal importance to get this issue right,and if it’s not – then believe me, that’s a REAL reason to panic. All that said, a challenging but vital question to ponder is, “What is my eternal condition?” (2 Cor. 13:5). Well, let me ask you something. Do you really see the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s control in your life? It’s an issue worthy of your most concerted and humble self-evaluation.David modeled the right posture when he prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:23-24). Coming full circle to the deceptions and challenges of our times – according to James chapter 1, it’s the trying circumstances that prove out the integrity of our faith. It’swhen we’re smack dab in the middle of crushing trials, pains, distress, and despair that our faith is expected to show up and make a difference. How do you know if your faith is genuine if it’s not tested? Can you be sure you’ve got the real deal if you habitually react to tough situations just like those “who haveno hope” do (1 Thess. 4:13)? No. You really can’t. A faith that’s real gently brushes out the cobwebs of panic, fear, anger, resentment, and self-entitlement from the darkest corners of your heart. A faith that’s real permitseyes and minds to perceive with a calm serenity. A faith that’s real is grieved when sinful temptations win some daily battles. A faith that’s real counts every trial as a conscious ‘joy’ because it’s another opportunity to stand strong and be assured of aright relationship with our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Are you feeling some anxiety and distress about the failing world you see around you? Then take that opportunity to focus on the real joy that is yours if these things confirmto you that you are indeed walking on the narrow path. Trust me; there is no greater urgency these days than to make sure your heart is right before God.