What Time Is It Really???

I continue to receive questions regarding events, times, and seasons, not just in America but around the globe. Terms like “The Great Reset”, “Globalism”, and “The New World Order” are now being used to reflect the current zeitgeist and are being advanced by many as the essential pathway to the future. Thus, many Christians have asked, “How does that align with scripture and the timing of the last days?”

It is a good question that every serious Christian should be concerned about, and every Pastor should be addressing with their flock. Let me give you my quick answer and then some illustrations as to why I answer that way. So, do the events going on in the world and our nation point to the season prior to Christ’s return? Yes, without a doubt. The time frame however is harder to discern with any kind of precision… and that fact, by the way, is biblical as Jesus clearly told us of that day and hour no one knows. At the same time, Jesus also made clear that discerning followers would be able to know the season of the last era. How long is that last era? Again, only God knows. But it is obvious that the pace has quickened, and it is certainly remarkable how fast things can change and are changing all over the globe. Here are some practical and biblical characteristics to watch for…

1. Most economic experts agree that the American economy (which is the basis for the global economy) cannot continue its current course.

Inflation and debt are at all-time highs, and close, if not already unsustainable. Many Bible teachers understand that this may easily lead to a global economic collapse that will usher in a new kind of global currency. (This topic can be easily researched from financial and economic experts that have no “Christian” agenda… there is so much information, the limited space in this column will permit)

2. No empire lasts forever.

The average age for the greatest empires in history is around 200 years. Only the Roman empire exceeds that average. America is 245 years old, has it reached its apex? Rome collapsed from political corruption and immorality within. The very same issues that now characterize America. By the way, most prophecy scholars agree that there is little to no evidence of America in the last days… perhaps only as Mystery Babylon—but even that has a disastrous outcome.

3. America and nations around the globe have quickly given up long cherished and blood-bought freedoms.

Nothing illustrates it better than the current global pandemic. Don’t misunderstand, COVID-19 is real, I’ve had it. Let’s do away with COVID! But a nation that begins to arbitrarily and unilaterally, restrict the freedom of its citizens is in danger of becoming autocratic and socialistic, even if the spoken motive is to protect its citizens. This is a foreshadowing of the anit-christ system (Matthew 24:8) (Rev. 13:2). This is hard for many to swallow, you may not believe this now, but you will if you live long enough to see the return of Christ.

4. Division within families will increase.

Several have told me that the events of this past year and a half have divided and created tensions in their families. And in a couple of cases severely damaged the relationship between parents and children. Luke 12:53 says of the last days, “They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

5. Self-centered living, hostility toward God.

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,” (2 Timothy 3:1–4)

So, what time is it really?

It’s time to be prepared! Even more so than when Jesus told His followers—“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. …Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:36, 42) There is plenty more to say, but no more space. (Maybe the next column) Just remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new.

I love being your Pastor! For God’s Glory Alone,

Bro. Ray

MINISTRY NEWS

PRESCHOOL AND CHILDREN

• Treasure Cove | Join us today for Preschool Worship at 8:15 and10:50 AM in room E-112.
• Kids Connection Groups | We look forward to seeing everyone today at 9:45 AM on the Second floor of the E Hall. 
• Kids Worship | 1st – 4th grade. Join us today for Kid’s Worship at 8:15 and 10:50 AM in room D-203.
• RAD for Kids | 1st - 4th grade will meet in D203, and Preschool will meet in the Preschool Area at 5:00 PM.
• RA and GA Classes | 1st through 4th grade Mission classes meet on Wednesday Night at 6:00 PM. Boys in room E211 and Girls in room E215

PRETEENS AND STUDENTS

Sunday

• Connection Groups   | 9:45 AM. Preteens will meet in the Preteen Rooms (E207 and E208) and Students will meet in the Spot area classrooms.
• Student RAD | Our RAD groups are tonight at 5:00 PM. Preteens will meet in E207/E208, 7th-10th grade  students will meet in the RFC Meeting Room, and 11th-12th grade students will meet in a host home.

Wednesday Night

• 5th – 6th Grade Worship | 6:00-7:00 PM in our Preteen Worship Room (D-201). 
• 7th -12th Grade Fields Of Faith | 6:15 PM at Westgate Soccer Fields. A free tailgate party will be held from 5:40-6:15. Bring a blanket, towel, or chair to sit on! 

Reminders

• 9th Grade Mystery Retreat | October 23. Cost is $50 each. Register online by TODAY, October 17th.
• SLU101 | January 14 - 17. We invite all our 8th – 12th grade students to join us in Orlando, Fl for Student Leadership University. Check out all the details at rbcdothan.org by clicking on “My Ridgecrest”. Deadline to sign-up is October 24th.
• SLU201 | July 11-15. We invite all students that have completed SLU101 to join us this summer in Washington, D.C. for SLU201. Check out all the details at rbcdothan.org by clicking on “My Ridgecrest”. Deadline to sign-up is October 24th.
• Crew Night | Wednesday, October 27th. More details coming soon!

COLLEGE

• Come Join Us On Wednesday Nights | Snacks at 7:00 PM and worship starting at 8:00 PM. Be sure to invite a friend!

RECREATION

• Church League Basketball | Boys and Girls 5-18. Cost is $40 per player. Register at the Welcome Center or the Fitness Center. Deadline to register is November 12th.