What If…

What if everything you thought you believed about Christianity didn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the truth of God’s word?

Many of us attend church regularly, participate in our religious programs and functions, try our best to live holy lives, read our bibles regularly, pray consistently, etc. Despite it all, many Christians struggle with faith, because it’s intangible; it can’t be quantified or physically grasped. The tales of Samson, King David and Jonah seem like nothing more than awesome stories. We see no living examples of biblical champions and anti-heroes in our time. Some Christians even struggle to believe in Jesus, and the Redemptive power of his work on the cross. I think this is why so many backslide to a lifestyle contrary to Christianity.

If so many struggle to find strength in faith, how can they even begin to believe in John’s Revelation? When I was a new Christian, a coworker—who I had never before recognized as a Christian, due to his actions and language—said something I will never forget. I made mention of Jesus coming back whenever God wanted to send him. My coworker said, “Well, that probably won’t happen in our lifetime,” with such authority, as if he knew this to be a certainty. That bold statement was somewhat deflating. But more than that, I think it actually shaped my perception of what God could or could not do. For a few years after that statement was made, I fumbled through Christianity believing we have all the time in the world to get it right, because Jesus might not actually come back in the lifetime of my great-great grandchildren! I knew the bible spoke of things to come, in the last days. I could see instances within today’s culture where biblical prophesies were actually happening; all the while believing we still have more than enough time to get this thing (called life) right.

What if everything you thought you believed about Christianity didn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the truth of God’s word? Despite what the world might have you believe, what if the bible is true, and time is shorter than we think? Here’s what I know:

 

• 2Peter 3:8 (NKJV) – But beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
• I seriously do not delve into numerology. Something about searching for hidden messages in numbers rings too occult-ish for my taste. With that said, the number “3” seems important in the bible.
• I learned that traditionally, A.D. timestamp dates back to the birth of Jesus. There is no 0-A.D. recorded in time. One year before the birth of Jesus, time stood as 1-B.C. Immediately following his birth, time jumps to 1-A.D. Hence, we have 2017-A.D. 2017 years after the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Christians believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We know he was murdered on the cross (the first day), and raised by God two days later (the third day). There’s that blasted number 3 again.
• The Lord promised to return. Jesus never made a promise he didn’t fulfill. The Holy Spirit was promised and delivered. I think we can take his promise to return seriously.

Now look, here’s my disclaimer: this isn’t some off-the-wall, weird rant-type episode I’m having. This simply put things into some form of perspective for me. It’s not prophesy or claimed fact. It’s simply…a “what if” scenario. Do with it what you will, or do nothing and tell me how crazy you think I am. Just remember: I write fiction often so…

If 1000 years are roughly a day for the Lord, well then: 1-A.D. to 1000-A.D. (through day 1); 1000-A.D. to 2000-A.D. (through day 2); 2000-A.D. to XXXX (we’re into day 3). God’s got a habit of doing some pretty extraordinary things in three days. IJS, as the kids say today.

We Christians hear about signs and wonders and events to occur in the last days, all the time. What if some of those prophesied events are happening right before our eyes, but we’re so engrossed in the times of our culture, we’re too blind to see what’s really happening? What if O.J. really did do it?

(Sorry. A little light humor)

What if we really don’t have all the time in the world, to make a decision to whole-heartedly follow Christ? That’s what this is really all about. I have no idea when the Lord will return. I have the faith to believe his return is an absolute certainty, though; and that’s good enough for me to strengthen my relationship with him.

Matthew 24:36 (NKJV) – “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

 

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