What in the World is Going On? Part 3

Matthew 24:3–11 NKJV

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

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 the heavens 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 Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume φοβέω, φοβέομαι, φοβέω, φόβος, δέος

phobéō [to fear, reverence], phobéomai [to be afraid], phóbos [fear], déos [fear, awe]

1) Fear Abounds

Facts About Anxiety:

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the U.S.

Over 40 million adults experience an anxiety disorder each year

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, and more

Anxiety disorders can develop for a number of reasons, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events

According to the WHO, 1 in 13 people around the world suffer from anxiety

Only about 1/3 of those suffering receive treatment

About 8% of children and teenagers experience an anxiety disorder

Those suffering from anxiety disorders are not alone

Source: Anxiety & Depression Assoc. of America

People can suffer both physical and psychological symptoms while experiencing a panic attack, and these can last anywhere from a few seconds up to an average of ten minutes, or as long as thirty minutes in extreme cases. Examples of panic disorder symptoms include:

Physical symptoms

Palpitations (an awareness of the heart beating faster than usual)

Chest pain

A choking sensation

Difficulty breathing

Sweating or chills

Trembling

Dizziness

Fatigue

Tingling or numb hands

Nausea and/or stomach pain

Psychological symptoms

The fear and feeling of losing control

Fear that something terrible is about to happen

Fear leading to avoiding certain places where an attack has happened before

Fear about having another attack

Fear about dying during the next attack

Source: mentalhealthfoundation.org

2) Fear was Satan's First Weapon After the Fall

Genesis 3:9–10 NKJV

9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

3) Fear is Used to Create an Opening for the Enemy to Attack

Job 3:25 NKJV

25 For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me.

Understanding the Science of Fear

“Fear is our survival response,” says Northwestern Medicine Clinical Psychologist Zachary Sikora, PsyD. Some people — roller-coaster fans and horror movie buffs — thrive on it, while other people avoid it. Have you ever wondered why?

Fear is Physical

Fear is experienced in your mind, but it triggers a strong physical reaction in your body. As soon as you recognize fear, your amygdala (small organ in the middle of your brain) goes to work. It alerts your nervous system, which sets your body’s fear response into motion. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released. Your blood pressure and heart rate increase. You start breathing faster. Even your blood flow changes — blood actually flows away from your heart and into your limbs, making it easier for you to start throwing punches, or run for your life. Your body is preparing for fight-or-flight.

Fear Can Make You Foggy

As some parts of your brain are revving up, others are shutting down. When the amygdala senses fear, the cerebral cortex (area of the brain that harnesses reasoning and judgment) becomes impaired — so now it’s difficult to make good decisions or think clearly. As a result, you might scream and throw your hands up when approached by an actor in a haunted house, unable to rationalize that the threat is not real.

Luke 8:22–25 NKJV

22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

4) Fear is the Bridge Connecting Your Soul and Spirit

Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume (καρδία)

kardía.A. lēḇ and lēḇāḇ in the OT.1. The literal meaning is

a. “breast” and

b. “seat of physical vitality.”2. Figuratively the heart stands a. for courage (2 Chr. 17:6) in various expressions, b. for the seat of rational functions (Dt. 29:3), c. for the place of willing and planning (Jer 23:20 and d. for the source of religious and ethical conduct (1 Sam. 12:20). (For details see TDNT, III, 606–07.)

5 Biblical Reasons to Not Be Afraid if We're in the End Times

1. Your Redemption Is Drawing Closer

Luke 21:28 NKJV

28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

In this chapter in Luke, Jesus is describing the destruction of the temple and what will happen during the end times. After describing these things, he then proceeds to remind you of what your response should be. Not heads down, but heads up.

In other words, Jesus is saying when these things begin to happen look for me...because I am coming soon. Your fear should be replaced by anticipation because your salvation is drawing closer. Isn’t that reason to rejoice?

Jesus is encouraging you not to be afraid. Remember, you are on his side. And sneak peek to the end of the story, Jesus wins. Because he wins, you win—so don’t be afraid. When you see the signs, that means his coming is getting closer so lift up your head and rejoice.

Romans 13:11 NKJV

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

2. You Should Be Encouraging Yourself and Others

1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 NKJV

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

In this passage, Paul is describing what is commonly known as the rapture of the church. The verse I want you to pay close attention to is verse 18. What does Paul instruct the church to do? Encourage each other with these words.

It feels like there was a time in the church when we lived with the expectation and hope of Jesus’ return. I don’t know if that still exists today, but regardless, we need to look at the end times and the expectation of Christ’s return as a means of encouraging each other. When Jesus comes back, every wrong thing will be made right and every broken thing will be made well. That's something we can all look forward to.

The world might be crazy right now, but I know it won’t always be that way...because Jesus is coming. This is not something to be afraid of, but something that can encourage you and someone else.

3. You Have Work to Do

Matthew 24:14 NKJV

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Knowing that we are living in the end times, this is not the time to shrink back. There is still something called the Great Commission—our responsibility to preach the gospel and make disciples. If you want to be afraid of something, be afraid for those who don’t know Jesus, because their end is different than yours. This should compel us to want to share the love and hope of Jesus to those who don’t know him.

This will not be easy work, especially as the love of many grow cold in our society, but this is necessary work. How else will they know unless we tell them? Let’s be committed to the cause of Christ and even more so as we see the day approaching. I challenge you (and myself) to be true salt and light to a world that needs it. Let’s be godly examples in our homes, communities, and places of work. The very fact we know the signs should motivate us to action.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58 TPT

58 So now, beloved ones, stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.

4. You Are Closer to Seeing Jesus

1 John 3:2–3 NKJV

2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

One of the awesome things about when Jesus returns is that we will see him. Isn’t that what Christianity is all about? Seeing our wonderful savior! The one who loved us so much that he suffered, died, and rose again for our redemption. In that moment, your faith and all that you have believed will become sight. One of the great beauties of it all is that we get to see him just as he is. That means in all of his glory and splendor. I know you may have experienced the presence of God before, but never like this.

This alone, my friend, is reason for hope and reason for excitement. Don’t fear his coming, long for it. What an awesome day that will be. In fact, there is this old song we used to sing which sums it up best:

What a day that will be When my Jesus I shall see

When I look upon His face The One who saved me by His grace

When He takes me by the hand And leads me to the Promised Land

What a day, glorious day that will be

5. You Are Closer to Your Eternal Home

Revelation 22:1–5 NKJV

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

Revelation 22:14 NKJV

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

There is so much I could say, but I just want to say one thing to you…wow! On that day you and I will no longer be victims to the curse of sin which will be gone forever. We get to enjoy God’s presence forever and ever. This is the ultimate hope and destination of your faith in Christ. I implore you to cling to this hope. And as you see the signs of the end times rejoice—because your salvation is truly at hand.

I hope you are finishing this article more encouraged than when you started. The end times and the second coming of Christ are awesome events. My prayer for you is that they would motivate you to be everything that God wants you to be until he comes. Let Paul’s words be yours:

2 Timothy 4:7–8 NKJV

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Todd Beamer

Psalm 23 NKJV

The Lord The Shepherd of His People A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

The lord's prayer

1 John 4:17–19 (NKJV)

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.