Time is running out. The rapid escalation of catastrophic events around the world suggests that we are living in the Last Days, and the Apocalypse is drawing near. Christians have a responsibility to treat each day as a new opportunity to serve the Lord and lead others to Him. This collection of questions and answers from David Jeremiah’s recent book, Answers to Questions About Living in the Last Days, offers practical advice for following Jesus during these chaotic times.
How Can I Demonstrate the Compassion of Christ in My Interactions With Others?
The world can be a very harsh place. People are often unkind in their striving to make a place in this world, searching to find where they belong, or when they are asserting a particular point of view. The believer in Jesus Christ also has a point of view—a calling that we want to share. But we must share our beliefs in such a way that Christ is exemplified in our actions—by being calm and compassionate toward people. They won’t be interested in the One we love until we show them His love and compassion.
When talking with people who are strident, we also need to be constructive in our discussions—and remain calm. Dealing with angry or unhappy people is not easy, but, again, when we stay focused and calm, we will be ready to meet the challenge.
Finally, we need to stay committed to our calling to be salt and light in this world we live in. We’re living in the Last Days—in chaotic times—but, to quote from Isaiah, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). As we await the Lord’s return, your heart and mine should be comforted by this thought: Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33).
We must share our beliefs in such a way that Christ is exemplified in our actions.
How Can the Light of Jesus Christ Brighten My Life During Dark Seasons?
As you interact with people in your close circle of friends and family, you will find that everyone encounters difficulty at some point in their life. There are unexpected illnesses, chronic and untreatable diseases, financial challenges, personal issues, and more. These challenges can place a burden on our soul, and if we aren’t careful, life seems dark. How can the light of Christ brighten our life at times like that?
First, rededicate yourself to Christ and enjoy living the light of His presence. Make sure He is the absolute Lord of your life. He wants you to trust Him even with sickness, age, and death—if He’s been faithful to you in the earlier seasons of life, He will not forsake you now.
Second, spend more time in God’s Word. Studying, understanding, and meditating on the Word of God is an important step in adding more of His light to your life. Examine His Word daily.
Third, let the light of Christ reflect from you to others. Find ways to serve Him. God can often use us powerfully during the darkest times. Take that time to pray, write notes of encouragement, volunteer at church, and witness to friends.
Everyone encounters difficulty at some point in their life.
What Is a Good Way to Measure the State of My Spiritual Walk?
We examine almost every other part of our life more than we examine our spiritual life. One simple way to examine the state of our spiritual life is by comparing it to the simple list in Galatians 5:22-23—the fruit of the Spirit. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I love others unconditionally?
- Am I able to rejoice in every circumstance?
- Can I make it through a difficult circumstance without worrying because of my inner peace?
- How often do I react impulsively instead of responding patiently?
- Are my thoughts and words toward others kind?
- Am I good to others? Am I loyal and faithful to God and others?
- Am I ever harsh, unyielding, or insistent on my interests, or do I practice gentleness?
- Do I have self-control as I live out my life, or am I subject to the desires of my flesh?
Signposts that we are living a balanced and healthy spiritual life are joyful contentment; growth in Christlikeness; increasing knowledge of Scripture; service for Christ; a vibrant, up-to-date testimony; and fruitful, biblically based relationships with family and friends.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
What Can I Do to Rekindle My Love for the Lord?
Revelation 2:5 says, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works.” In this verse, Jesus gives a simple formula for rekindling your love for Him: remember, repent, renew.
First, remember when you met Christ. Remember the exuberance you experienced when He saved you by His own suffering and when you discovered eternal life. Remember how wonderful it felt to walk in fellowship with Him through daily time in His Word and continual prayer.
Second, repent of allowing your love to grow cold. Sometimes you might allow busyness to erode your love. Sometimes it’s bitterness. Sometimes it’s a lost battle with sinful tendencies. Whatever the cause, you can’t correct it without expressing your sorrow and sin to God.
Third, renew your commitment to Him. Rededicate yourself to worshiping Him, walking with Him, and working for Him. Rediscover His purpose for your life and wake up every morning with a commitment to fulfill His will for your life that day. Return to reading Scripture each day and spending time talking with Him in prayer. Wake up every morning with a commitment to fulfill His will for your life that day.
How Can I Live an Authentic Life for Christ and Be a Witness to Those Around Me?
People are watching how you live, what you say, and what you do. And to be an authentic witness, you must first be authentic in your commitment to Christ. Christ must be first, last, and always in your life. He must be the Lord and Master of your life. When you’re authentic in your commitment, you’ll live out that commitment in your conduct. You’ll treat others with gracious humility, and you’ll be known for your integrity and honesty. As a child of God, you should be increasingly growing into the image of Christ and reflecting Him to a lost world—that is the process of sanctification. It leads to being compassionate and full of good words like our Lord. “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:8-10). Your love for others, as demonstrated through your servanthood, will be the most authentic representation of Christ, and bear witness for Christ, to the world around you.
Christ must be first, last, and always in your life.
In the Chaotic World We Live in, How Can I Best Share the Peace That Jesus Gives With People in My Sphere of Influence?
We’re living in pre-apocalyptic times, and our greatest concern is for lost souls. Today is the day to reach them, for Christ may come for us before the next sunrise.
Perhaps today is the day for you to reach out to someone you’ve been planning to lead to the Lord. We can’t do tomorrow’s work today any more than we can move backward in time to reverse yesterday’s failures. The Lord assigns our work in the present tense, distributes His grace in the present, and tells us, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
When it comes to sharing your faith, you can decide right now to become more proactive. We’re not responsible for the results, but we are responsible for actions that can yield results. Call a friend today and invite them to church. Build a friendship with an unsaved friend. Interact with non-Christians, invite them to dinner, and show the love and care of Christ. Offer to help others as opportunities arise, and whenever possible put good Christian materials in their hands. Suggest quality Christian radio stations, television programs, or books.
Tactfully share your faith in emails and social media. Pass along Bible verses in note cards, birthday cards, and Christmas cards. Ask others how you can pray for them, and do so faithfully. Share your personal experience, work on your testimony, and make sure you’ve memorized a simple plan for leading others to Christ.
Work in your church. Volunteer. Take part in children’s ministries, knowing that many people make lifelong spiritual decisions as a child.
I’d also like to suggest you “talk prophecy” with people, for that subject intrigues almost everyone. People want to know what the Bible says about the End Times, the Last Days, the state of the world, the status of the Middle East, death, hell, and heaven.
When you’re burdened for the lost, you never know how the Lord may use you.
Just ahead are the events of the book of Revelation—the Apocalypse. Perhaps today is the day to reach out, serving the Lord and sharing the Lord.
The questions and answers in this article were excerpted from David Jeremiah’s book Answers to Questions About Living in the Last Days.
For deeper study of Revelation and prophecy, visit Dr. Jeremiah's Prophecy Academy where you will find a panorama of prophetic materials to enhance your understanding of God's Plan for the end of the world.
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