On the Lookout

The James Webb Space Telescope was recently launched to look up to the heavens and investigate the origins of the universe. A recent discovery indicates galaxies at the beginning of the edge of the universe are larger than previously expected by theoretical physicists.

What does this mean for physics?

It provides further information for the studies surrounding the origins of the universe. From the secular perspective, the origins of the universe should not have galaxies larger than the ones which JWST is witnessing.

Some theories suggest the galaxy’s sizes are an optical illusion where some physicists agree they need to go back to their theories and make corrections.

Keep an Open Mind

How does this information influence the Christian? To see secularists who propose such an old age to the universe agree that the age of these galaxies confounds their theories may give hope to the Christian who clings to a young earth creation.

For those who understand the scientific method, they will take this information as something they add to their evidence until more evidence is gathered. That is what a theory is and the evidence gathered either proves or disproves the theory in order to provide a better understanding.

We must do this when it comes to our faith as well.

When we look for the signs that are to come, we must understand that when they do arrive, they will prove or disprove our theories we have that goes along with our belief.

Consider that many prophecies and signs have come to pass. When they do, God proclaims we are to look upon those as evidence.

What Signs are We to Look For?

Matthew 24:1 LSB

And coming out from the temple, Jesus was going along, and His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him.

Matthew 24:2 LSB

And He answered and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

This prophecy is fulfilled when the Roman army destroys the temple in AD 70.

Matthew 24:3 LSB

Now as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”

Don’t be Deceived

Matthew 24:4 LSB

And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one deceives you.

Matthew 24:5 LSB

“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

We see this happening today with false teachers and false prophets who claim to be the messiah or have special knowledge about the end times. They lead many astray by twisting scripture and spreading false doctrine. It is important for us to be discerning and test everything against the truth of God's word.

Wars

Matthew 24:6 LSB

“And you are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

We see this happening in our world today with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, civil wars in Africa, and tensions between world powers. Despite the horrors of war, Jesus tells us not to be alarmed because these things must happen before the end comes.

Natural Disasters

Matthew 24:7 LSB

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.

Recently, the earthquake in Turkey has claimed the lives of over 50000 people.

Matthew 24:8 LSB

“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

We see this happening in our world today with devastating natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires, as well as man-made disasters like famine and drought. These things remind us that we live in a fallen world and that we are not in control.

Persecution

Matthew 24:9 LSB

“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

We see this happening today in countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith. We also see it happening in the West, where Christians are increasingly being marginalized and mocked for their beliefs. We must be prepared to stand firm in our faith even in the face of persecution.

Apostasy

Matthew 24:10 LSB

“And at that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

Matthew 24:11 LSB

“Many false prophets will arise and will deceive many.

Matthew 24:12 LSB

“And because lawlessness is multiplied, most people’s love will grow cold.

We see this happening today with the rise of secularism and the rejection of traditional Christian values. Many who once professed faith are falling away and embracing a worldly worldview. False prophets and teachers are leading many astray with their false teachings. Lawlessness and a lack of love are becoming increasingly prevalent in our society.

Matthew 24:13 LSB

“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Preach

Matthew 24:14 LSB

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in the whole world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

What have you been watching for?

Which signs have you been looking for?

When there are wars, do you stress and have anxiety for what is or do you look ahead to the time of Christ’s arrival? What about both? Can you work in the world and be with Christ at the same time? How do you balance this dichotomy of life?

This is why Jesus encourages us to not lose faith when we look out to the world and see the fallen nature that surrounds you.

Whether you have lived to see many wars, destruction, and the nature of the fallen world, do not be discouraged for your Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, will return. You may not know the hour but you must retain your faith.

Just as in the days of Noah will the world be going on about their own business. Working, marrying, eating, and enjoying time with their loved ones. Many people have not been watching for anything because they have not been told there was anything to watch for. What is the purpose of life except to enjoy every minute of it, right?

It is fortunate for those who have retired to be foundational in their beliefs. They are not easily dissuaded because they have lived through many of these destructive actions.

Watch for deception

When you are still working and raising families, it is easy to get caught up in the business of life. You try and make friends and work to keep your kids healthy and learning the correct things in life so they will be successful adults. You should be wary of what you are being taught along with what your children are being taught.

The world is full of deception, both the obvious and subversive, the ones seeking to destroy what is good.

How will you know which is which except to know the one which you are looking to return. Jesus proclaimed often there were deceivers who were looking to make the sheep go astray. Are you aware of them? Are you aware of how to spot a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

When a deceiver shows you what you want to see and tells you what you want to hear, be aware. It is often not what we want to see and hear that is the truth and it is a shock to our system when it arrives. If everything you see is too good to be true then it probably is just that, not true.

Our Youth on the Watch

Children are the future of any generation and should be entrusted with the truth as well. We must teach them with God’s word the truth of the world and to be wary of false teachings. It is difficult for them to attend secular schools and hear many things which go against Christian teaching.

What we need to do is to provide them with the skills to be a critical thinker and not to just believe something without validating the evidence.

Be assured, they are being taught that there are theories that are being taught as undeniable fact. This takes away the faith element. We believe on faith and not on sight. How much more evidence is it for the scientific community that they believe on faith as well and not on sight?

The world has assumptions which are proven or disproven over time.

Thankfully, the church has the mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. Be on the lookout for the opportunities to share this message with others. Share with them the truth so they will know how to see the signs and to see and hear the truth when it is presented.

Pray that the Holy Spirit guides them for the understanding of their need for salvation and to maintain a curious mind for all things including science and religion.

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