The Great Conclusion —

Anytime we see the word ‘conclusion’, we know it is the end. But, in this case, the end is only the beginning! As we read through the Bible each year, we can hear the words of God’s Holy Spirit speak to us, deepening the roots of our belief in Him. We discover intimate and tough truths about God and His Word. Next year is yet another season and opportunity to discover the true meaning of who God is and why He has chosen us to live in this time right now. Yet, Christ’s return seems closer than ever. The conclusion of all things is coming, and the beginning of everything new is ready to be revealed.

Things may get tough. Stand firm. Be patient. Take Courage! God says to the faithful church of Philadelphia, “I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). In 1 Thessalonians 5, He has promised us not to worry, “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night…. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2,9). Clearly, we are destined for God’s love, grace, and mercy in this time, and to receive His favor, not His wrath. This is important for us to remember as we continue to witness a shift in our world culture toward celebrating sin in artificial unity, the love of darkness and demonic doctrines, and deliberately disobeying the Word of God, which is the spirit of the antichrist, who will take over the whole world for a short time. But we, beloved, are given a promise: the LORD will bring the antichrist to nothing at His coming! Praise be His name! God has given us the gift of eternal life right now, where there is no conclusion.