What practical steps can we take to prepare for the end times? Setting the Scene with Daniel 12:4 “ ‘But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end; many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.’ ” The verse hints at an era of frantic movement and exploding information. God’s people are called to live wisely amid the swirl. Here are practical steps drawn from this and related passages. Step 1: Treasure and Study God’s Word • Treat Scripture as the sealed-but-now-opened treasure chest (Revelation 22:10). • Read it daily, moving from cursory reading to meditation (Psalm 1:2). • Memorize key end-time passages—Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4–5, Revelation 1–3—so truth is on the tip of your tongue when deception rises. Step 2: Cultivate Discernment in an Age of Information Overload • “Test everything; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • Compare news, podcasts, and social media claims with the whole counsel of Scripture. • Ask, “Does this teaching magnify Christ and align with the gospel?” If not, reject it (Galatians 1:8). Step 3: Stay Awake and Sober • “So then, let us not sleep as others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) • Guard your calendar and habits so you’re alert, not lulled by entertainment, substances, or apathy. • Start each day watching for Christ’s return; end each day examining your walk (2 Peter 3:11-12). Step 4: Commit to Holy Living • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) • Repent quickly; keep short accounts with God. • Pursue practical holiness—speech, sexuality, finances—so your life contrasts with “the last days” culture of 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Step 5: Strengthen Fellowship and Accountability • “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Join a local church that preaches the whole Bible. • Form small groups for prayer, confession, and mutual encouragement. Isolation is a luxury we cannot afford. Step 6: Proclaim the Gospel Urgently • Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world… and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) • Share your testimony; support missions; leverage technology to spread truth faster than falsehoods spread. • Keep compassion central—rescuing the lost is preparation for the end. Step 7: Hold Possessions Lightly • “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:20) • Live simply; be generous. In unstable times, generosity testifies to unshakable hope. • Have a practical plan: reduce debt, build margin, but refuse to let material things master you (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Step 8: Anchor Your Hope in Christ’s Return • “Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book.” (Revelation 22:7) • Regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper; it proclaims His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Encourage one another with the promise of resurrection and reunion (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). Taking these steps doesn’t earn salvation—it expresses trust in the One who sealed the book, opened it, and will soon fulfill every word. |
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