Pastor Larry Sundin, Rock Springs Church
What’s coming in the future has always been a mystery to mankind. There are those who believe that mankind can solve all our problems and make our world a better place. They believe we can make our world a place where all people prosper, where all people are treated fairly, and all people get along. However, when you take a brief look at history or follow what’s happening in real time, it’s hard to see mankind making much if any progress toward an earthly utopia. If anything, it seems like we are witnessing more evil, more injustice, and more suffering in our world today, than ever. So today, with all the disasters, wars, and pandemics we’ve recently experienced and with the recent outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, there are many who are asking, “Are we living in the end times that are described in the Bible? Is there a coming judgment? Is there hope for mankind?
Well, when I started following Jesus back in 1981, I didn’t know much about what was supposed to happen at the end of days. All I knew was that Jesus promised to come back and that when he came back, he’d make all things new. There would be no more pain, no more suffering, no more death, and he was going to wipe away every tear. So, my initial understanding of the “end of days” was that it was going to be a very good thing. But then I discovered there was more to the end times than good times. I soon learned that there would be this seven-year period of great suffering and hardship that theologians called the Great Tribulation. And what I heard frightened me. God’s Word says that during the Great Tribulation there will be worldwide suffering and an increase in earthquakes, disasters, famines, wars, and pandemics before the end will come.
But the other thing I learned about the end of days is that most people don’t have a clear understanding of what God’s Word says will happen in the future. Many have heard of the rise of the Antichrist, or the rapture of the Church, or the mark of the beast, and a great war called Armageddon. But most people, Christian’s included, are confused about what’s coming. However, there is much written in the Bible about what to expect as we get near the end of days. And one such book of the Bible that addresses our future is the book of Daniel—a book written to help us navigate uncertain and ungodly times and to help us understand what is coming at the end of days.
So, if you’d like to know more about what God’s Word says about the end of days, or if you’re wondering, “Are we there yet,” let me invite you to join us this July as we continue to dig into the book of Daniel and see what God’s Word says about what’s coming our way in the future. We’d love to have you join us and discover how God’s Word answers our questions and gives us help to face these uncertain days with confidence. Rock Springs Church gathers for worship every Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Hermosa Ballroom. You’re always welcome to worship with us.