In his classic commentary on The Book of Revelation, What The World Is Coming To, the late Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel states:
"The world is moving toward its zero hour.We're in the final countdown...The "birth-pains" have begun." (Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:8).
Doom & gloom? You betcha--if the birth-pains (or doom & gloom) were the only message.
"The Book of Revelation delves into grave details using remarkable symbols of judgment," proclaims S. Douglas Woodward of Faith-Happens. "Each broken seal discloses a new horror; each trumpet portends a new calamity; each vial grows increasingly more horrible."
"If we dwell on these images of doom, no doubt we too would become gloomy," cautions Woodward. "Nevertheless, the Bible consistently offers a starkly contrasted message: the greatest day for those who believe in Christ, comes on the worst day for those that don't."
In other words, the doom & gloom has a purpose. For the unbeliever, these "birth-pains" are a warning: seek God while He may be found; receive the redemption His Son suffered and died to purchase for you before it's too late.
For the believer and student of Bible prophecy, these same birth-pains are an amazing, faith-building, fear-of-God producing, awe-inspiring wonder to watch as events unfold exactly as God said they would in His word.
Remember, the purpose of Bible prophecy is not to predict the future, but to authenticate the message.
And what is the main message of the Bible?
Hope! God is the creator of everything. He has a plan and a purpose to redeem not only those of us who believe that Jesus died in our place and rose again as our Savior, but His entire creation as well.
"Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children...It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead..." 1Peter 1:3-6
Eventually, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where everything (including us) must be born again. But first, like any birth--there are birth pains.
A wise man once said: "Night is coming...a darkness that will cover this globe in suffering and sorrow such as we have never known. But we must not sit and wring our hands about the state of the world. God has provided a way to escape the coming night. Now is the time to tell everyone about the hope of a brand new world waiting for us." -- David Jeremiah, author
"So I pray that God who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Find out HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN! http://heaven-gettingthere.blogspot.com/
News:
-Natural News: The West Coast is a literal toilet: 80% of coastal areas infected with toxic feces as 80,000 homeless defecate in gutters daily
-U.S. News & World Report: California ranks @ bottom for 'quality of life' due to state's astronomical cost of living & progressive leadership
-CBN News: Gay Hollywood Designer Has Dramatic 'Damascus Road' Conversion to Christianity. (to listen to his interview click here https://soundcloud.com/danandros/gay-hollywood-designer-describes-shocking-damascus-road-conversion