Intro:
It sounds impossible to prepare for an emergency.
No one knows when an emergency will strike on them, so how can anyone be prepared for it?
An emergency = an unexpected/sudden traumatic event/situation eg
an accident tornado –as experienced in Joburg on Wednesday
a sudden illness that results in death eg SA racer who died whilst climbing Kilimandjaro.
An emergency is something that happens beyond our control or fore-knowledge.
We can only prepare ourselves in part in life through the following:
Medical Aid plans/schemes
Life Policies & Wills
Insurance covers
CPR, life-saving rescue equipment
Self-defense classes etc.
However, there still is an element of surprise to it in spite of all our “so-called preparedness”.
Jesus warned us-humanity- to prepare for an emergency that will have a great impact on our eternal destination: His Second Coming / Return.
1. One way of preparing ourselves is to take note of the events that will introduce this event:
Spiritually
Anti-Christ (people confessing to be Christ)-will cause spiritual deception
Cold/distant faith –those who confess Christ to be their Lord will become indifferent and intolerant toward others
The church/Body of Christ can be likened to a measuring-line/stick. The love of many believers will disappear or grow cold.
Faith of believers will be greatly tested.
Relations between people
Wars & Revolutions-nations against nations
Family conflicts & betrayals
Senseless killings
Immorality & Corruption
Nature
Great earthquakes,
Famines
Tossing of the sea (Tsunami’s ???)
Signs in the sun, moon & stars
2. Second way to prepare yourself
Protect your heart against the anxieties of life. This is a distracting tactic to take your eyes off Christ.
Do not let your heart be troubled; give it to Jesus. Problems weigh the heart down.
It is a barrier between you and the Holy Spirit
3. Thirdly-
be always on the lookout for His return.
watch & pray.
Conclusion
Luke 18 :8
When the Son of man comes will He find faith on the earth?
Jesus warned us of His coming, but will there be people who are waiting for Him with excitement-in a way that we look forward to seeing a loved one again after a long separation?
Will the deception be so great that even those who were waiting for Him, would have given up by then?
Prepare yourself for His return.
It will be un-expectantly, therefore always ensure that you are in His will.
Make sure that your actions, attitude or thoughts bring Him glory.
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