It’s Time – End Times

It’s Time – End Times

Subject – It’s Time to Look Up

By Rick Welborne

Luke 21:25-28 (NKJV)                                                                                                                                      

²⁵  "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
²⁶  men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.
²⁷  Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
²⁸  Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

--The End Times has become a topic of interest for many recently as the events happening in the Middle East appear to be the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. 

--The intensifying violence and war in Israel has led many to scrutinize biblical prophecies with renewed interest, searching for correlations between current events and scriptural predictions. 

--Could the war in Israel be the preliminary sign of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan unfolding before our eyes be a sign of the End Times?

1. The Beginning of the End Times.

--After Jesus rose from the dead after His crucifixion, He did not go back to Heaven immediately. We are told by Jesus what we are supposed to be doing. The Great Commission.  

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
¹⁸  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
¹⁹  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
²⁰  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. 

--This is vital for us to recognize not only the importance of how Jesus returned to Heaven, as He will return to Earth again one day. He is coming back!

 --This is exceedingly important for us in the meantime. We are called to share the Good News of Christ and know that He will indeed return. 

--Since He left, the "end time clock" began. Therefore, we have been living in the End Times since Jesus returned to Heaven. Remember, one day is as a thousand years. It’s time to look up.

2. The Fulfillment of Israel Becoming a Nation Again.

--One of the most pivotal and important bricks to be laid out for the return of Christ was the necessity for Israel to become a nation again. 

--After World War II and the Holocaust, several nations rallied together to restore Israel to its homeland once again. On May 14, 1948, Israel once again became a nation.

Ezekiel 34:11&13 (NKJV) ¹¹  'For thus says the Lord GOD: "Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out

. ¹³  And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country.

 --With the restoration of Israel as a nation many believers began to consider just what else was necessary before His return. So what is next on God’s time-clock? Israel’s War? It’s time to look up.

3. Gog and Magog.

--In the book of Ezekiel, many of the End Days prophecies explain what is to come before Christ's return. Ezekiel 38-39, speaks of a country, Magog, to the North of Israel invading Israel.

--We were also told that this country would form an alliance with Persia. Persia changed its name in 1935 to Iran, and many scholars agree that Magog is what we call modern-day Russia. 

--One of the most prevalent prophetic signs here is the alliance of Iran and Russia. According to John Kiry of the National Security Council, "Since mid-2022, Iran has become Russia's top military backer." 

--This formed alliance is setting the stage for things to come. The attacks that occurred in the Fall of 2023 and the most recent attacks in the past few weeks. This is not Armageddon. 

--The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and these alliances are seen by many believers as the precursors to the prophesied events leading to the return of Christ. 

--Scholars argue that these developments are aligning with prophetic narratives that predict severe trials in Israel before the ultimate reconciliation and peace. It’s time to look up.

4. The Red Heifers.

--Other signs aligned with the recent attacks and imminent war in Israel invite great suspicion that these are the events prophesied about. 

--One is that of the red heifers, "A huge buzz reverberated worldwide the week of September 12, 2022, when five red heifers arrived in Israel." 

--The Jerusalem Post described how a Christian farmer in Texas raised and shipped five unblemished red heifers to the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. 

--The heifers were inspected and approved by Jewish rabbis. Upon the arrival of these five red heifers, a group of roughly 300 people welcomed them. 

--One person blew the shofar, a horn used in Judaistic ceremonies. The red heifers are now secured on a farm in Haifa." This is something that has not been seen in 2,000 years. 

--This matters to End Times prophecy as many believe Christ's return is imminent as the Red Heifer is important for the Third Temple. The Third Temple must be rebuilt before Christ's return. 

--Another is that of the prophecy laid out in Zechariah 14:1-21 where attacks against Jerusalem would occur during the feast of Tabernacles, which occurred during the attacks on Israel back in October 2023. 

5. What We Should Be Watching For.

--Scripture lays out that many things are necessary before the return of Christ. One is the building of the Third Temple, which is yet to occur. 

--Another is a massive earthquake prophesized about in Ezekiel 38:19 during a battle against Magog. Magog will not win the battle; God will intervene with this earthquake. 

Ezekiel 38:18-19 (NKJV)
¹⁸  "And it will come to pass at the same time, when Gog comes against the land of Israel," says the Lord GOD, "that My fury will show in My face.
¹⁹  For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: 'Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, 

--We must be diligent to study the Word and what is to come to be aware of the events occurring around us, unfolding just as He said they would. We must be aware of what’s happening.

--Awareness also means being prepared—spiritually, mentally, and practically—for the changes these prophetic fulfillments might bring. 

Key - Christians are encouraged to maintain a posture of prayer and readiness, aligning their lives with God's will and purposes, and supporting each other in faith communities to stay watchful and hopeful as events continue to unfold. This preparation strengthens our personal faith and also equips believers to share hope to those outside the church. We tell them it’s time to look up.

6. Antisemitism in the End Times.

--The Bible shares there will be antisemitism happening in the final days as well. 

Zechariah 12:3 (NCV) ³ One day all the nations on earth will come together to attack Jerusalem, but I will make it like a heavy rock; anyone who tries to move it will get hurt. 

--There is a great rise in antisemitism and hatred of the Jewish people. As Christians, we must stand with Israel even in the face of opposition, for the Jewish people are God's chosen nation. 

Deuteronomy 7:6 (NKJV)
⁶  "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.

7. What the Church Should Be Doing.

--With all of this considered, what should we do when we hear of war in Israel, red heifers, earthquakes, and other prophecies? Should we stock up on food and create bunkers in fear? 

--No. It’s time to look up! 

Luke 21:27-28 (NKJV)
²⁷  Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
²⁸  Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." 

--As Christians, we should take this time to be intentional with sharing the gospel with those around us; we should continue to cultivate our own relationships with God and be diligent in prayer. 

--This is not a time to fear; it is a time to live the life God has called us to live. 

--Not even the Son knows the exact time He will return to Earth, but we can still be aware of these incredible prophecies coming to pass. 

--Let it strengthen us that our faith is true and our God keeps His Word. Let us continue to pray for Israel in the days to come.

Conquering Fear – 3

Conquering Fear – 3

Subject – Fear or Not to Fear

By Rick Welborne

Psalm 34:1‑5 (NKJV) 

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 

3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. 

4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. 

5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 

The foundation work in dealing with fear:

A. I will be a worshiper of God at all times no matter what is going in my life.  1

B. My boasting or lifting up will be in the Lord...not my fear or circumstances.  2

C. My lifting up of the Lord will be open and it will be a testimony to God.  2b

D. I will connect with others who are struggling and we will exalt Him together. 3

E. When I am fearful and hurting I will seek the Lord and find Him. 4

F. I will seek Him, find Him, and not be ashamed in my situation.  5

1. We Should Not Fear Poverty.

Psalm 34:6 (NKJV) 

6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.

–There are all sorts of poverty...spiritual, financial, relational. As a worshiper we must understand that He is concerned about all the areas of our lives.

–Notice the pattern in this verse knowing the foundation that has already been established…This poor man cried out...he prayed: Jesus said pray like this:

Matthew 6:9‑11 (NKJV) 

9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 

11 Give us this day our daily bread. 

--We must have a confident that every day God is going to take care of us and meet our basic needs. If He feeds the sparrows, how much more valuable are you and me. 

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) 

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

2. We Should Not Fear Troubles.

Psalm 34:6‑8 (NKJV) 

6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. 

7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. 

8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 

–You are facing troubles but you are a worshiper...you are lifting up (magnifying Jesus not the trouble) the Lord...what does the Lord do?

–He sets up camp around you...He surrounds you with His protection and His power. He circles the wagons and puts us on the inside...safe and sound...whole and unafraid.

–It says...He delivers them from what...all of his troubles...His fears...His enemies. The enemy cannot surround us because we are already surrounded by you.

–Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good...in your fear trust Him and know that the taste of God’s deliverance is better than the taste of fear.

3. We Should Not Fear Lack of Substance.

Psalm 34:9‑10 (NKJV) 

9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 

10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. 

–Remember your foundation...you are a worshiper and you worship Him no matter what. He is always more than enough!  Paul:

Philippians 4:11‑13 (NLT) 

11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 

12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 

–When we face fear because of lack...we know that He can be trusted. We have so much here in the United States. We are so blessed and we can get by with less if we need to.

Psalm 33:18‑19 (NLT) 

18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. 

19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. 

4. We Should Not Fear About Having a Good Life.

Psalm 34:11‑12 (NKJV) 11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?

John 10:10 (NKJV) ¹⁰  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

–We have so bought into having the good life as being the abundance of money and stuff. Abundant life is having a close and wonderful relationship with Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit!

–Don’t forget the foundation...the psalmist is a worshiper at all times and because He has God in his life...life is good. If we have Jesus in our hearts...life should be good. The fruit:

Psalm 34:13‑15 (NKJV) 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. 

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. 

5. We Should Not Fear Abandonment by God.

Psalm 34:17‑18 (NKJV) 

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 

18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. 

–Worshipers cry out to the Lord, He encamps around those who do, He hears their cry for deliverance and help, and He delivers them...He is near.

–This has probably gotten me thru more tough times than anything else...The Lord is near those who have a broken heart. Knowing He is there. Paul says when I am weak…then, I am strong.

–Life has a way of hurting...hearts have a way of breaking...Jesus has a way of healing the broken hearted and setting the captives free.

–Nothing...nothing has helped me more than knowing that Jesus was only a whisper away, even in times when words were not easily forth coming...He understood and was there.  

Hebrews 13:5‑6 (NIV) 

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 

6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" 

6. We Should Not Fear Afflictions.

Ps. 34:19‑20 (NKJV) 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. 

20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. 

–Afflictions can be troubles but keeping it in this context He is talking about their health. Guards their bones. 

Proverbs 3:5-8 (NKJV)
⁵  Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
⁷  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
⁸  It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 

–It is so beautiful to me that it says the Lord delivers them out of them all.  “All”.

Psalm 103:1‑5 (NKJV) 

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 

3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 

4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 

5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

–All means all...all of His benefits...forgives all your iniquities, and Who heals all your diseases.

–Renewed youth like an eagle...ever heard of molting?  We may have to go thru shedding of some junk but worshipers keep worshiping! God has a way of ruffling some feathers.

7. We Should Hope and Fear in the Lord.

Psalm 33:16‑22 (NKJV) 

16 No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. 

17 A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. 

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, 

19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine. 

20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 

21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. 

22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You. 

--Our soul waits for the Lord. This is key. Spending time with Him and waiting on Him. So much of what we face could be fixed if we just spent time waiting on Jesus and being filled with Holy Spirit.