November 24, 1999
FAMILY MATTERS:
Christians must be faithful amid chaos
___As the third millennium approaches, questions concerning how the world will end run rampant. How should we respond to questions from friends and family?
STEVE SMITH
Minister to Singles
Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano
___Scripture tells us ministry during the "last days" will be more demanding and more difficult than any other time in history. Few would doubt we have entered that era. It is essential that we know how to survive these years, how to minister and how to choose the right lifestyle in these last days.
___Contrary to popular opinion, this old Earth is not spinning meaninglessly out of control. The One who created all things has not lost his grip. Times are difficult and seem terribly removed from any sense of purpose, but "the firm foundation of God stands," and his perfect plan is moving toward its appointed objectives.
___Our challenge as individual Christians is to fulfill our calling in ministering to others amid a context that is anything but pleasant. The end cannot be far away. Our mandate is to be on full alert, to stay ready, to make an impact, to finish well.
___How should we go about our task?
___Every Christian has an unprecedented opportunity to help people understand God's big picture for man. Today's world seems fascinated by and preoccupied with the future. Best-selling books offer predictions and warnings concerning the future. Astrology and psychics captivate people by the millions. Even the film and television industries have made a bundle from science fiction and future fantasy ideas.
___But invariably, one major subject is overlooked or denied altogether--the return of Jesus Christ. Few things are more clearly set forth in Scripture.
___The millennium for the Christian is a time of hope and an opportunity to rekindle our love for the truth of Scripture. As a nation, we face a values vacuum and despair. We have been shaken with the recent news of our children involved in school massacres. Bomb threats in our schools have become commonplace. Y2K has created a sense of fear and anxiety. Unlike any other time in history, God's word is our only reliable map through life's storms. God's plan is a sovereign arrangement that replaces fear with peace. God's peace brings us to a place of understanding we are to live our lives as though the Bible is true and that Jesus deserves our worship, regardless of world circumstances.
___
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