The Times, They are a Changin'

Things have changed. Since last decade. Since last year. Since last month. Is it just me, or has civilization taken a giant leap backward this year? Or has the veil that covers the true depravity of man been pulled back slightly? What should we expect? The world's history is almost entirely composed of atrocity. Why should we see better behavior today? The fact is, man's heart is still just as corrupt as ever. And now, with this century's explosion in weapons technology and proliferation, man has the tools needed to make his violent thoughts come into fruition.
Christians especially should not be taken by surprise by this year's sudden violent outburst--much of it directed toward Christians and Jews (God's chosen people). When speaking of the last days, Jesus said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (NIV)
But wait, Jesus said "Then..." What happens before this persecution? In Matthew 24, verses 6-8 He tells us:

 "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains."

After this Jesus goes on to speak to the previously mentioned persecution aspect of these birth pains.

As a father, I have observed (at a safe, observer-only level) birth pains from the start to finish. They start subtly, maybe while she sleeps and may seem no different from normal contractions, until suddenly she is awakened and knows that something is different. It hurts. Things don't slow down. Periods of calm get shorter and the periods of pain get more painful. They cannot be escaped. These are the beginning of birth pains. Here are more of these birth pains:

10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. 

The rest of the chapter lays out very clearly what is to happen once this "labor" has begun. It isn't all bad! The gospel is preached to the entire world, despite, or maybe because of this persecution. Also, there is an epidural option! At some point, God will call His elect home to be with Him forever and escape this pain.   

You would have to be living under a rock to not be aware of these wars and rumors of wars today. It seems like every day has a new shocking development. The stage is being set, but nobody knows the script. No one predicted these most recent developments. Here is just a brief run-down of what is going on: The Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS, has sprung up from no-where and has the entire world confounded and grasping for a solution. The Arab Spring is turning into the Arab Decade of Death with hundreds of thousands dead and no end in sight. Israel is at war yet again--and is completely surrounded by an increasingly tumultuous region filled with people that want her dead and gone. The cold war days seem to be coming back, as Russia has begun to throw it's weight around again. False teachings and doctrines have infiltrated our church. The love of many has grown cold. The gospel is being preached to the whole world. What did Jesus say comes next?
But what should we do? He tells us to stand firm. Hold tightly to our faith. Encourage one another. Pray for those who are being persecuted and also for their persecutors. Don't allow our love for Him or for our fellow man to grow cold. Watch and be aware of the times we are in. Be busy and be ready for His return.
Is this the end? I don't know. Should we be alarmed? Jesus specifically tells us not to be alarmed when we hear of wars and rumors of wars. Rather, we should keep our eyes open and watch.  
Read the rest of the Matthew 24 passage