COVID-19
by Tod Hampson
I have lived through several impactful - even game-changing - historical events, which all occurred within 1 year. I worked in DC (District of Columbia) on 9/11, during the DC sniper murders, and during the DC anthrax mail attacks. That condensed time period was a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Things were never the same. Our Gen-Z population doesn’t know what it was like before 9/11, just as my Gen-X generation doesn’t know what it was like before the culture-shaking events of the 1960's. After 9/11, people filled churches again - but only for a time. As life returned to normal, so did the cultural default position. In fact it has worsened. In the West - including in America - there has been a steady decline of belief in the Bible or the God of the Bible. The great falling away predicted in Scripture continues and escalates. If trends continue, the next generation of leaders and decision makers will be “nones.” “Nones” are those who do not identify with any religious affiliation or belief system. Like most of Europe, It will be wholly secular - which IS a belief system in itself, but I digress.
As more and more people fall away from true, Biblical Christianity - so too will they fall away from its principles, wisdom, sound-logic, and blessings. There’s no doubt that our country has been blessed so tremendously, because it was founded on Biblical principles (and because we have blessed the nation of Israel - Genesis 12:3). I’m not saying our country is perfect by any means, but to the degree that we have followed God’s ways in our culture - we have also experienced God’s blessing and protection.
Fast-Forward to 2020. The world is on lock-down. The impending tidal wave of COVID-19 has not fully hit the US just yet, but the daily breaking news from our president (and other leaders) both reassures people with a bit more clarity - and frightens people as the reality of the pandemic sinks in.
It’s not very deadly - although all of us know people in the most vulnerable demographic, and we are concerned for their wellbeing. COVID-19 is not even that tough to have as a sickness for most people who are struck with it (as compared with frightening diseases such as Ebola). But the uncertainty surrounding the virus, and the speed with which it spreads, has sent people’s emotions, sense of security, and the stock market into a tailspin.
HOW IS THIS RELATED TO BIBLE PROPHECY?
So what does this mean for us? Is this related to end-time events? Will it pass? Should we store up toilet paper, cleaning supplies, flu medicine, and hunker down in fear? What voices should we listen to? How seriously should we take the advice given by national and local leaders? How should the Church respond? First, to address the elephant in the room as it relates to end-time prophecy. We’re not in the ‘Tribulation’ period. Scripture is clear that the rapture will occur first. That’s not to say things won’t get tough prior to the rapture. In fact Jesus taught in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13) that there would be birth pains leading up to (and ultimately into) the ‘Tribulation’ period. Also, ‘THE TRIBULATION’ is different from tribulation in general...
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Also in this edition of Prophetic Witness
Powerpoint - from Stephen Boreland
From The Editors Desk
COVID-19
In Touch
Does The Son Know The Hour?
The Purpose Of Prophecy
A Closer Walk With The Shepherd
The Doctrine Of Future Events
From Our Israel Desk
The Significance Of Jesus' Authentication Of The Feast Of Dedication
Our Statement Of Belief
Signs Of The Times
What In The World Is Happening?
What's On
Church Branch Listings
Book Of The Month