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The End is Near
October 15, 2009
Pastor Bob Nienhuis
 
“Is the End Near?”
October 15, 2009
In recent weeks, several persons have asked me, “Have you heard that the world is going to end in 2012? What do you think?”
My first response is usually to smile and ask where they heard this rumor. Two sources keep popping up in response to my question.
It seems that some have read about Nostradamus, a 16th century Frenchman, who published a number of “prophecies”. Followers of Nostradamus point enthusiastically to some of his prophecies and say they’ve come true, just as he said they would.
Others people reference articles about some Mayan calendar inscriptions that seem to point to a major worldwide cataclysmic event on December 21, 2012.
Add to all of this an upcoming Hollywood movie (“2012”) and some History Channel specials which mix together some of the speculations of Nostradamus and the Mayans and you have a lot of random and unfounded speculation.
So, is the end near? Yes, I believe Christ will return soon and the world as we know it will be forever changed.
Does that mean that will Christ return in 2012? No one knows.
Remember what Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)
But what about Nostradamus and his “prophecies”? They may be fun to read but don’t take them seriously. Much of what he says will happen was stated in such a general way that many events can be seen as fulfilling his prophesy. And, more importantly, much of what he has said will happen has failed to happen.
Again, remember what Scripture says, “You may say to yourselves, ‘How can we know when a message has been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)
OK, but what do we do with those Mayan inscriptions? Just know that a good portion of the inscription is nearly illegible and archaeologists are just guessing at what was written on that stone.
So how do we as Christians respond to all of this?
First, I suggest you skip the movie “2012”. And while the History Channel offers some good material, I think you can skip their special on Nostradamus and the Mayan calendar, too.
Second, read again the account in Matthew, chapters 24 and 25, of the signs of the end of time. Pay special attention to Jesus’ warning, “Watch out that no one deceives you” (24:4) and to his instruction, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (25:13)
Finally, “let us be alert and self-controlled . . . putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6b, 8b)
I do believe Jesus is coming back soon but I find no credibility in the prediction that it will be in 2012. Let’s just make sure we’re ready when he comes, whenever it is.
Cheerfully.
Pastor Bob
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