Always Be Prepared

Last week while working outside in my yard I was confronted by a couple of ladies expounding their religion and preaching their belief that all the signs are there for the end of time and that this earth will remain and be inhabited by all believers except for the 144,000 who will go to heaven. I told about the passage in 2 Peter 3:10 that tells us this world will be destroyed and that we are told in Matt. 24:36 that there will be no signs for the end of time. I told them we just need to be prepared at all times for the coming of the Lord. They, of course, had their passages which they based their belief on and held fast to them.
     It just reminded me of the sayings in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” and also 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  I feel assured of what I believe, but this taught me that I do not know how to express it in a manner that shows the confidence I have. It is always difficult when we are confronted by someone unexpectedly, but that is a time we need to be able to express our belief and faith in no uncertain terms.
     I hope I have learned from this experience and do much better the next time. We need the boy scout motto of “be prepared” especially in the most important aspect of life, our spiritual hope in Jesus Christ.    

— Jim Keevert