Are We Really Living in “the Last Days”?

[AndrewX]

I think it's true that in "the last days," all of us are more or less sensitive to and aware of the many energies affecting us day to day!!

We respond to the people around us, and to the greater life of the planet as a whole (with its individual `kingdoms'), all day long. But each of us responds somewhat differently. When we work together, or visit a sporting event together, there is a spirit of comraderie, a certain kind of bond, or an esprit de corps, even in the workplace (usually ).

Other times, we definitely feel or experience conflict - and this can occur on every level.

If we are honest, we will admit that our differences may run deep, but our kinship runs deeper. We all share the same bonds of family, friendship, spiritual faith and the collective consciousness of Humanity itself (as a unit) which is gradually developing on every level, just as we are.

Sometimes, it's easier to focus on the immediacy of our environment, because this is where we've become so comfortable, or accustomed, to looking out upon the world around us. Yet the question, some day, will come: Can we, with a glad heart and a peaceful smile, look forward to the cycle that is before us as one of peace, prosperity, and positive growth?

Our honest pondering of this statement will reveal that either we are as yet somewhat enmeshed, and entangled, with the worldliness of the world around us ... or that we are optimistic, and have great hopes for the world that might be - but as yet lack the know-how, and the assurance, as to how to prepare the Way.

But this is why we are here, and as we serve that Purpose which dictates "Prepare the Way," we in turn serve God (through Whom all things are possible - in God's choice, and time, and willing, that is - not ours). Where this Service starts, we may perhaps safely assume, is with service to our fellow man (woman, child), those of every nation, background, religion or political affiliation.

If this was how the Christ came to us before, spending his time with the "lowly" of every nation, then how much more beautiful the words of the Zen Master who assures us that after enlightenment, we too will continue to "chop wood, carry water."

The delight of doing this, with one's Lord and Master, must surely exceed anything we can easily imagine ... yet as we have been told, it will not last forever. "This too, shall pass." And all that has come into being, will cease.

The Lord has breathed another DAY ... As above, so below.

[mee]

Jesus Christ spoke about the Kingdom of God, which will bring an end to wickedness and make the earth a paradise. (Luke 4:43) People wanted to know when the Kingdom would come. In fact, Jesus’ disciples asked him: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matthew 24:3) In reply Jesus told them that only Jehovah God knew exactly when the end of this system of things would come. (Matthew 24:36) But Jesus did foretell things that would take place on earth just before the Kingdom would bring true peace and security to mankind. What he foretold is now taking place!

[pattimax]

Originally Posted by JosephM

If a prophet spoke today, here is what I would guess him to say...

The last days was Near 2000 years ago! Why do you look past Now. Behold Now, you are a new creature in Christ Jesus. Now, Old things have past away. All things have become new (including heaven and earth). Now, Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. God hath made you kings and priests unto God. You are a royal priesthood. The Last days have passed and the kingdom is before you Now. Stop looking in the flesh for that which is in Spirit. For the kingdom of God comes not with observation or outward show for the kindom of God is within you. That which is flesh is flesh and that which is spirit is spirit. God is a spirit and the time now is when true worshipers will worship him in truth and Spirit. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Thought you might find it edifying or if not at least amusing.

Love in Christ,
JM

Thank you Joe—Yes, I found it extremely amusing, Doesn’t your imaginary prophet know that 2000 years is a drop in the bucket to God?
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Peter 3:8
Does not he know that the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Doesn’t he know that the enemy is an absolutely diabolical master at duping excellent people from accomplishing perfect kingdom work by convincing some that they already possess it when nothing could be further from the truth. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18-19

(guess who was reading 2 Peter this morning?)

I wish you much grace,
Karen

[pattimax]

Originally Posted by mee

its good to know that some are doing just that, they are not side tracked by this world and its ways ,but they are focusing on what Jesus told them to do . .............. and the goodnews goes on as matthew 24;14 " this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come."

mee, I was not referring to Jehovah Witnesses. You DO get all you communicate from one source. If nothing else, your group definitely does spread the news. I just disagree with some elements of your message.

I was referring to those that are cobbling together religions of their own design and attempting to create mix-and-match deities.
Sorry for the confusion, if there was any.
Karen

[JosephM]

Originally Posted by pattimax

Thank you Joe—Yes, I found it extremely amusing, Doesn’t your imaginary prophet know that 2000 years is a drop in the bucket to God?
(snip)
Karen

I guess not. Perhaps he thought he was talking to people rather than God.

[pattimax]

Not quite sure what you mean, but I'll smile to be polite.

[mee]

Originally Posted by pattimax

mee, I was not referring to Jehovah Witnesses. You DO get all you communicate from one source. If nothing else, your group definitely does spread the news. I just disagree with some elements of your message.

I was referring to those that are cobbling together religions of their own design and attempting to create mix-and-match deities.
Sorry for the confusion, if there was any.
Karen

because Jehovahs witnesses always speak in unity, and all speak in agreement, i am always getting told off on this site for cutting and pasting, but it is more like unity of thought, so when you mentioned cut and paste i thought you were speaking to me yes you are correct we do all go to the source of the bible for our direction , which comes through the faithful slave spoken of in matthew 24;45-47 which Jesus is feeding and directing . and this means unity indeed and it is all good bible based unity . and it produces good fruitage MATTHEW 28;19-20 MATTHEW 24;14 acts 20;20 matthew 5;5