The time is near

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3.

We are not only living in the biblical end times, but we are also witnessing the fulfilment of Bible prophecy unfolding right before our eyes.

Those living in the Middle East are experiencing the fulfilment of biblical prophecy first-hand as rockets, missiles, and drones fill the skies without interruption. The way things are unfolding in the world, and in particular as things build up to the imminent American elections, has also revealed and confirmed that the Bible is true. 2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

I have been weeping for those who are aware of Jesus yet refuse to accept Him as their Saviour. They turn away from a relationship with Him, believing the Gospel is intended only for “Jesus freaks.” They speak of God as if He is merely an emergency hotline, someone to be called upon only when they are ill or facing a crisis. My soul longs for every individual I speak to regarding their salvation to hear God's call, yet some remain deaf and blind to it.

My heart mourns for Israel during this time, particularly for those who still deny Jesus Christ. Romans 11:25 states: "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in."

The majority of people live their lives as if they will see tomorrow, as if they will wake up to yet another day that resembles today, as if our earthly goals and ambitions are bigger than heavenly things. Many go through life deceived, believing that a life without God carries no consequences, as if there is nothing after death and that death, as we know it, is the end.

People are turning away from Christ; some know about Him yet deny Him. Others perceive the Bible as merely an interesting book, containing some useful guidelines and figurative writing, irrelevant to us today.

Consider what is written in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4: "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing [those who are not born again]; in whose case the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving [those who are not born again] so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Why do you think the Bible speaks of minds being blinded, preventing people from seeing the light of the gospel?

Before you continue reading, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on this question: What is it that keeps you from believing in Christ? What is it that prevents you from turning to Jesus and accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour? While many people in the world identify as “Christian,” it doesn’t necessarily mean they are true followers of Christ.

What holds YOU back from being born again?

If you have a reason for not embracing faith in Christ, it may suggest that there are influences at play, perhaps blinding you from seeing and knowing the truth. Whatever your reasons for not following Christ, it’s worth considering how they may be shaping your perspective.

Perhaps you find yourself hesitant to accept Christ because you feel that God hasn’t answered your prayers or provided what you’ve asked for.

Or maybe you believe you have everything sorted out and feel you don’t need Him in your life.

Perhaps you are denying Christ because you have experienced hurt in your life, or perhaps something terrible has happened to you or to someone you love dearly.

You might think you still have time, or you may not believe in the existence of heaven or hell, thinking that death simply marks the end of everything for you. But there is so much more to consider!

You see, Satan cannot confront God, the only living God and creator of all things. Therefore, he targets human beings who are often vulnerable and weak, desperate for answers and success. Many resonate with Satan’s agenda, which promotes everything we see in our world today, as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:

Those who believe in Christ and speak about their faith, those who have heard and strive to practise what Jesus commanded – “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength”- often face criticism, exclusion from friendships, and isolation from social gatherings. Followers of Christ recognise that this life is temporary; they look forward to eternal promises and understand that Jesus is preparing a place for them where they will dwell with Him forever.

God is love, as evidenced by the incredible sacrifice He made for each person in this world: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

And just in case you question His love: "...God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:17).

King David expressed this beautifully in Psalm 63:3: “...Your lovingkindness is better than life; my lips shall praise You.”

God does not want anyone to perish – in other words, He loves you so much that He desires a relationship with you. He created you for this very purpose. The same God who placed the moon, sun, and stars in the sky also created you. The God who formed the seas, mountains, valleys, trees, flowers, and birds - He loves you!

If you are reading this and have not yet chosen Jesus as your Saviour, please don’t delay.

The current conflict in Israel serves as a precursor to the war described in Ezekiel 38, which, like every other prophecy fulfilled in the Bible, will undoubtedly come to pass. This signifies that our time to choose a life in Jesus is running short.

A truly unimaginable and difficult time lies ahead for everyone who is alive and has not accepted Jesus as their Saviour. Jesus revealed this through John in the book of Revelation. No one knows when Jesus will return to take His people to be with Him, for “the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

But, listen to these words spoken by Jesus: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NLT). There is no one else in the whole wide world that can give you this assurance, no one.

No god, no idol, no person has or will ever give you an eternal life – the life you know is temporary. But there is a life after this one, which no one can and will escape. The only hope is in Him.

The only hope in life is Jesus! As he said: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15.

It is my prayer that you will listen and respond to our loving Heavenly Father’s voice. Yes, He has called you many times, perhaps you did not hear, or could not see. He wants a relationship with you.

Call on Him, He will hear you.

You may question my words, you may not want to believe the words of a follower of Jesus.  That would be your choice and it’s probably wise to check and investigate for yourself . I can point you to the most accurate, current, true and living word, the Bible.  As it is written in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

If you don’t have a Bible on your bookshelf or in your Kindle library, or Bible App - it will make all the difference to get one and start reading it.  I guarantee you, it will change your life!

If you do have access to a Bible, I implore you, read it. Jesus is Lord!

Listen now 🎶 I speak Jesus - Charity Gayle