The Roaring Twenties (In Our Time) :: By Edwin Tan

Any mention of the Roaring Twenties would readily evoke images of bathtub gin binges. It could be accompanied by other nefarious elements; gangsters doing their bidding with near impunity amidst sleaze emanating from cabarets. It sure was a case of moral decadence, probably scratching the surface if depravity was considered.

This raucous era could be looked at with a tinge of nostalgia. Much of the bygone aspects of that time would certainly be vaudeville, good enough for a B-grade serial meant for the wee hours on some cable network!

Ironically speaking, the year 2020 has undoubtedly spearheaded another epoch in human history that could be deemed as the ‘roaring twenties’ – only the form and constituents are of an entirely different nature. Everybody could point the finger at the current pandemic. But a good many of its antecedents go back a long, long way. The driver behind these triggers is located in the Fallen Nature of humans. This is well documented in Jeremiah 17:9.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”

So this time ’round, there is but a cacophony of roars. Sinister in nature, menacing, bloodthirsty, pitiless and speaking of brute force lacing cold hearts. Certainly not Resident Evil, is it stark naked wickedness that could be full-blown in the coming months? Plausible! The excesses that took place about a century ago would pale greatly when compared to that which could implode at very short notice, as the fuses have already been ignited.

Isaiah 5:20 sums up the scenario that would dominate this era. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

The Lord takes no delight in all this hypocrisy that typifies abominable practices, thereby pronouncing a curse upon all in this camp. All because it is an all-out rebellion against His Glory and Majesty. The order which He set forth as a blessing on all who dwell on the earth is being ridiculed. In place of this orderly procession comes chaos which gratifies the wicked desires of a few at the expense of the suffering of large numbers.

Those who are familiar with the lyrics of “Lola” by the Kinks would come across a verse that goes like this: “Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls; it’s a mixed-up, muddled-up, shook-up world….”

That song first hit the airwaves half a century ago when a lot which torments many eyes today was then unimaginable. It is undeniably a mixed-up and topsy-turvy realm we live in. Look at the fuss being kicked about when there is ranting plus raving about gender neutrality as far as legalese goes. Then how about the brave new toilet regime where perceived gender rules. All this is already additional strife added onto the stress caused by the ceaseless pandemic and its incessant fallout.

The roars seemingly get louder and meaner with each passing day. As if it were signaling that sharpened knives are out and ready to do the dirty work. As though the clanging that emanates from the gates of hell are more than audible.

But let us have a good look at what our Lord Jesus Christ said to Peter in Matthew 16:18. “And I will also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

We must take this assurance from our Saviour that we who are part of the Body of believers will not be around once the blades are swung about.

On this note, our moment of redemption is really, really close!

It will not be long before those roars that terrify us will cease permanently. The 1920s ended with the rout on Wall Street, followed by the Depression. What will the 2020s end up with? Vital clues are available to the one who studies Bible Prophecy with great joy that anticipates blessing upon blessing!

The Righteous Judge is at the door!

Take heed.

Edwin

edwinuk13@gmail.com

The Rapture :: By Scott Harris

Known to faithful Christians as the “Blessed Hope.”

This holy event will happen on an unknown day, and at an unknown hour. Only Father God Himself knows. When He chooses, He will tell His Son, Christ Jesus, that it’s time to gather faithful Christians from every location on earth. It’s thrilling to know that as every second, minute, hour, and day passes – we are that much closer to being with our Lord and Savior!

It is true that the word “rapture” is not found in the Holy Bible. Because the word itself is not in scriptures, those who deny Christ Jesus use this as a point of contention. They ridicule Christians who know the truth and have faith in this prophecy. Ungodly men and women attempt to use this insignificant point to raise doubt among the weak in their faith.

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

The rapture is “not” the second coming of Christ Jesus because He does not set foot on earth as He will do at the end of the Tribulation (read Revelation 19:11-16). 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes how He will come back for the church.

It’s very important to know when the “Church Age” began because that is the exact time when the Holy Spirit arrived on earth (read Acts 2:1-21). When the rapture takes place, the Holy Spirit will be removed from earth – also referred to as the “Restraining Spirit.” When this happens, the lawless one will be revealed (read 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8). “You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:40).

The Rapture must take place before the Tribulation can begin – we know this because of the following promises:

Almighty God did not appoint us to be a part of the wrath that will come upon the earth, but to obtain salvation through His Son, Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth” (Revelation 3:10).

Did you realize that “Christians” are mentioned frequently in Revelation 1-3, but not a single mention of them again until Revelation 22:16? That’s because we are not here during that period of time when uncontrolled evil will cover the earth.

Christ Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). After the rapture, we will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (read 2 Corinthians 5:10).

“…while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:13-14).

We are closer to the rapture now than in past history. How can this be? Simply refer to what Christ Jesus tells us in Luke 21:25-36.

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

We have the great promise of Christ Jesus’ return for the church (faithful Christians). We have hope and faith that when the very last sinner is converted in this church age, the body of Christ will be complete, and the ministry of the baptism by the Holy Spirit will end at the rapture.

Praise Almighty God the Father! Praise Christ Jesus! Praise the Holy Spirit! Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Amen!