End Times Q & A: #2

Q: Okay, so the end-times are a basic doctrine of our faith. But how does it apply to me and all the stuff that’s going on in the world today?
 
A: Understanding what the Bible says about God’s prophetic timetable of the plan of redemption helps us to know what we ought to be doing.
 
When David took over as king of Israel, there was much turmoil. His kingship was challenged and there was division in the nation. Sound familiar? David took an inventory to see which tribes and their leaders supported him. In 1 Chronicles 12:32 it says that the “sons of Issachar [one of the 12 tribes of Israel] had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”
 
Human nature tends to react emotionally to circumstances. Too often we don’t take the time to see events in context, let alone how we got to this point. We need an understanding of the times in order to put circumstances into context. Doing so gives us the larger view.
 
When we understand the times as recorded in God’s Word, we get a greater perspective. Instead of reacting in the moment, we can respond with the larger view in mind. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to redeem the time because the days are evil. Colossians 4:5 add, “Walk in wisdom toward those are outside [not of the Christian faith], redeeming the time.
 
In order to redeem the time, we need to understand the time we’re living in. That understanding can only come from God’s Word, which gives us the chronos time and the corresponding kairos signs.  We need both.
 
Together, the chronos and the kairos give us the assurance we need to stand firm in our faith, no matter what circumstances arise.