The Mayans, 2012 and the Return of Christ

By Allen White

“So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

 “Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.  Matthew 24:26-35

Some Christian teachers have built entire careers on trying to predict when Christ will return. Others have set exact dates only to be met with great embarrassment at their false prediction. As Jesus Himself said, “No man knows the times or the seasons…”

Over the years, whether well meaning or shady, a few preachers have proclaimed exact times and dates. I remember at summer youth camp one year, a speaker went on and on about how 666, the mark of the beast, was appearing on more bank account numbers. Surely, this was a sign of the last days.

I always wondered about the occurrence of other numbers like 777 or 333. These thoughts tended to keep me in trouble at youth camp.

I’ve heard of people selling all of their earthly possessions in preparation for the rapture. After all, if they were truly all-in, why would they need all of that stuff? The reality is I’m also all-in for Christ. When the rapture takes place, I plan to go. I’m not worried about my stuff. Somebody else can hold the garage sale.

As a kid, occasionally on a Sunday night, when the pastor needed a break from preaching, the church would run one of those movies about being left behind. It didn’t matter how many times I had been to the altar before, those films scared the hell out of me, and I would always go again.

Any preacher who has ever set a date for the return of Christ, most recently Harold Camping, has always been wrong. So far, they’re all batting .000

But, what if we did know exactly when Jesus would return? Would that motivate us to draw closer to God and to win more for Christ? Or, would it have the opposite effect? Would we party like it was 1999, then enter into massive repentance for our last hurrah?

Now, here’s the interesting thing. I schedule these posts in advance. I know some of you honestly thought I got up and wrote at 3 am every morning. Sorry to burst your bubble. But, what if this post is schedule on Saturday, then between Saturday and Monday morning Jesus returns? I suppose the left behind dispensationalists would have something to read during the first week of the great tribulation.

But, I’m not making that prediction. Watch out for those who do. In the meantime, be ready and do what you can to win one more for Christ.

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A Dangerous, Wonderful Adventure

By Allen White

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house.  Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!  Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.

 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matthew 24:15-25

Jesus continued to warn His disciples. If His coming death wasn’t going to be bad enough, they needed to understand how things would go from bad to worse. The resurrection would bring new life, but Jesus never promised an easy life.

Again with this prophecy, portions of Jesus’ prediction related directly to the early church, while other parts are yet to be fulfilled. These words were partially fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The balance of the fulfillment is yet to come.

The spirit of Jesus’ words is for His disciples, including us, to be prepared, but not overly prepared. He wanted them to be aware, but when these events went down, His instructions were “Don’t turn back. Don’t get your coat. Don’t waste time grabbing extra stuff. Just go.”

Practically speaking, they shouldn’t be overburdened when they fled. Spiritually speaking, they had to leave all of the “stuff” they depended on, and in turn, solely depend on God.

Think about how we face a crisis. If we’re short on funds, we grab our credit cards. If we’re short on comfort, we grab a Twinkie. If we have a headache, we grab a pill. If we’re faced with adversity, we grab a weapon. What is your go-to when you face hardship?

What will it take for us to learn? When we’re short of funds, we grab hold of God. When we’re short on comfort, we seek our Comforter. When we’re sick, we use our God-given common sense, and we reach out to our Healer. If we face adversity, we realize we’re playing on the right team.

Following Jesus is a dangerously, wonderful adventure. He warned us it wouldn’t be easy, but neither is the alternative.

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Have We Become Comfortable in an Uncomfortable Place?

By Allen White

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 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. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 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. Matthew 24:3-14

Sometimes we just shouldn’t ask the question. “Do I still have a job here?” “Is there a future in this?” Sometimes we might not want to ask the question, because we really don’t want to hear the answer. Maybe we should just let things blow over. Maybe we don’t need to worry about it.

But, the disciples asked the question, “Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” You have to wonder if they regretted that.

What did the disciples expect to hear? “The beginning of the end will result in the humiliation of your enemies and incredible success in your ministry. You will be treated like kings – wearing the finest clothes, driving the best cars, and living in the lap of luxury. I’ve got to get you guys used to living in Heaven, so to easily transition your experience, I’m going to give you a little Heaven on earth as preparation.” If that’s what they were expecting, Jesus’ answer pointed closer to Hell on earth.

Some of the things Jesus described have already happened. Some of this is yet to happen. And, some of this prophecy will repeat itself.

In interpreting Scripture, we have to keep a key principle in mind: whatever was taught or written to an audience was understood by that audience. Jesus wasn’t just pointing to some distant tribulation period. He was warning His disciples about a tough, uphill climb. They weren’t headed down easy street.

The persecution of the early church was just over the horizon. But, hadn’t they been through enough? After all, they had to watch their Savior endure torture and death. Now, as the reward for facing all of that, they were going to face more?

Jesus firmly declared to His followers: “Heaven is not a place on earth” (apologies to Belinda Carlile). Persecution strengthened their faith. Persecution caused the Church to disperse into other areas. The tough circumstances that drove them out of Jerusalem put them in the places God ordained for them to be (Acts 17:26). People heard the Good News for the first time and were saved.

If Jesus intended to only make His disciples comfortable, they would have stayed in Jerusalem. But, opposed to our American view of Christianity, God didn’t save us merely to make us more comfortable. Don’t get me wrong. God offers plenty of peace and comfort for our souls. But, why would we ever depend on God if we could comfortably depend on ourselves?

Jesus cut to the chase: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” Pay attention here. The disciples weren’t persecuted for being jerks. They were persecuted because of Jesus. If the world has become comfortable to us, we might want to ask ourselves whose side we’re being drawn toward.

Does the evening news make you sick? Does the callousness break your heart? Do the lives of broken people drive you to your knees?

You and I aren’t involved in a friendly game. We are engaged in war. Our enemies aren’t other people, crooked politicians, or an overly sexualized culture. Our enemies are spiritual (Ephesians 6:12), but our God is greater.

If we make it to the end, we will receive our reward. If we drift away, well, that’s another story.

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Leaving Our Familiar Paths

By Allen White

Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:1-2

Taken out of context, Jesus’ claims seem a bit ridiculous. Who was going to destroy the temple? Who would even have the chance? If someone started dismantling the temple, certainly a guard or a priest would stop them. What did Jesus have against the temple?

Jesus didn’t have anything against the temple. This was the sacred place where people came to meet God. This was the place where sinners came for atonement. But, Jesus is the fulfillment of all of that.

This section of Matthew contains many passages with a double meaning or even a double fulfillment. In the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, it wasn’t Jesus coming to an end, it was the temple system facing its end.

The curtain separating the ordinary person from the tangible presence of God would be torn in two (Matthew 27:51). No longer would people need an intermediary. With Jesus tearing down that wall of separation, believers from then until now have direct access to the throne room.

The place of worship became irrelevant at this point. Any time, any place believers can enter into God’s presence. They don’t need a priest or a preacher, a worship leader or a band, they just need hearts focused on God Himself.

The dual prediction in Jesus’ words also pointed to AD 70 when the temple was actually destroyed.  Jesus predicted these events about 40 years before the destruction would take place. He wasn’t saying these things to bait the religious leaders.

Jesus wanted His followers to understand massive change was ahead, and it would be okay. They would be losing a familiar path of worship, but would be gaining access to the Father like they’d never experienced before.

You and I must admit we have some familiar paths to worship. Often worship is a weekend service with believers gathered together, and we should worship this way. But, if we’re only focusing on God on Sunday, we are missing so much of what God has for us.

Think about the dark places you must go throughout the week – your work, your neighborhood, certain relationships, or maybe even your own home. The power and presence of God are available to you there. In a quiet way, you can focus on God’s presence even in difficult places.

Meeting God no longer calls for ideal circumstances. Any time, any place, He is there. Where are we?

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Most Read Post #1: Emotions Are So Unreasonable

By Allen White

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:36-38

Death is not a normal thing to volunteer for. Jesus spoke of His mission on this earth over and over with His disciples. Jesus knew that the end of His mission would result in death. But, even for our All-Knowing God, Jesus had never personally experienced sin and death. His Divine mission was confronted with a strong human reaction.

Jesus took Peter, James and John, His inner circle, a little further into the garden. He knew that His betrayal would happen sooner rather than later. He asked them to keep watch while He prepared Himself in prayer.

Jesus was overwhelmed. The Son of God, the Master and Creator of the Universe, the Savior of the world was overwhelmed. And, He should have been.

Emotions are just so unreasonable. Our emotions motivate us toward things that defy our logic. Some of us were even taught that emotions were scary or bad or both. But, emotion is a part of who we are.

No one should feel okay at a loved one’s funeral. We should grieve. Everyone should feel overwhelming joy and excitement on their wedding day. And, there are days when the circumstances of our life are completely overwhelming. There’s only one place to go on those days.

Jesus, being fully human and also fully God, was overwhelmed. With His disciples keeping watch, He chose to go by Himself and to connect with the Father. No person would understand His plight. No amount of ranting and raving would cure what ailed Him that day. Only a connection with the One who completely understood Him and His circumstance would help.

Where do you go when you are overwhelmed? Do you escape into a bad habit? Do you go to bed? Do you go ballistic? There is only One Person in your life that can take what you’re dealing with, and it’s also the only Person who will fully understand – your Heavenly Father.

God is not surprised by your circumstance. God wired you to feel what you feel. When you are completely overwhelmed, He completely understands.

What are you feeling overwhelmed by today? It’s time to get alone with the One who understands.


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Most Read Post #2: God Doesn't Want You to Worry

By Allen White

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27

We can’t add anything to our life by worrying. We might even shorten our lives by worrying.

When we worry about something, we put ourselves through the same physiological state as if the event was actually happening. Our brain knows the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined, but our nervous system does not. Worry puts our bodies in a state of emergency – fight or flight.

Our blood pressure goes up. Our heart races. Our palms begin to sweat. Our stomachs produce extra acid to digest what’s there. No wonder worriers end up with ulcers. The body doesn’t know the difference between a real emergency and an imagined one.

Our lives are in God’s hand. The length of our lives is determined by God Himself (Job 14:5). We can’t add to that. God is in control. We are not. So, what do we do when we’re overcome with worry?

The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Since God is in control, there is really no reason to be anxious about anything. But, when we do feel anxious, it means that we’re out of our depth. We are worrying about things that are well into the future and out of our hands. When that warning light pops up on the dashboard of our souls, we must take the next step.

Give our worry to God in prayer. If we’re still worried about it after we’ve prayed, then give it over to God again and again and again. Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

God knows the resolution to every one of our problems. God knows what we’ll feel like when our current problem is resolved, so before the problem is even resolved, God gives us something that we don’t deserve. He gives us the peace that we will experience when everything is okay. But, He gives us the peace now, even though the resolution is still in process.

What are you worried about today? Stop and give the situation to God. Even if your prayer is “God, I don’t know what to do. Please take this over and help me.” He will help you.

Then, when you start worrying about it again (and you might), stop and pray again. If that warning light comes on again, stop and pray again.

I share a story in my stress management class about a woman who went to see a psychologist about worrying. The doctor prescribed a biblical remedy. He gave her a card with the word “STOP” on one side and Philippians 4:6-7 on the other side. He told her that every time she started to worry, she should get the card out and read it out loud.

The next week the patient was pleased to report that the first day she had to use the card 20 times, but by the end of the week she only had to use it twice a day.

What are you worried about right now? A worry is something you think about three times a day or more. What are those worries?

God doesn’t want you to worry. He’s got this one (and the next one). Place your worries into God’s hands, and He will give you His peace in return.

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Most Read Posts #3: What If We Stopped Complaining?

By Allen White

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

For some of us, these verses seem impossible. Grumbling and complaining might feel like breathing. Or, if it’s not a complaint, it comes out as sarcasm. Whether our snide remarks are resentful or recreational, they reflect the condition of our hearts.

Grumbling and complaining comes from the simple fact that the world is not as we think it should be. Whether our expectations are realistic or not, when our lives don’t measure up to our expectations, we grumble and complain. When our lives are less than what we think they should be, we grow resentful and sometimes angry.

The problem, according to this passage, is that grumbling and arguing are obstacles to becoming blameless and pure. The ugliness of our attitudes corrupts the purity of our souls. When we are saved, God declares us to be righteous (Romans 4:5) and purifies our hearts (Hebrews 10:21-22). Negative attitudes can pollute what God has purified.

Sometimes we excuse our attitudes, because of the world that we live in and what we have to deal with. The world is an unfair and an unjust place. Just watch the evening news – there’s plenty to be bitter about. Just look at how people treat each other – there’s plenty to resent.

Don’t you find it odd that the first century A.D. was regarded as “warped and crooked”? If that generation was warped and crooked, then what does that make our generation? They didn’t even have Lady Gaga back then.

Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison. That wasn’t fair. Why wasn’t Paul bitter? Paul knew, as we know, that neither people nor evil are ultimately in charge of the universe. God is.

One day, every wrong will be righted (Revelation 19:11). One day, justice will prevail and evil will disappear (Revelation 20:10). Until that day, we must choose to trust that God loves us, He has a plan for us, and He knows what we’re dealing with. If we choose to trust rather than complain, then we “shine among them like stars in the sky.” 

What are you known for these days – the light of Christ or grumbling and complaining? Complaining is really just a bad habit. There are times to bring things up. But, if the person that we’re talking to is not part of the problem or part of the solution, then it’s just grumbling and gossip.

It’s our choice to either become blameless, pure and bright or grumbling, complaining and dull. God will help us shine like stars. If we choose the other path, we’re on our own, consequences and all.


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