These Days…

A Call to Action in Dark Times

We live in extraordinary times—days marked by turmoil, confusion, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. As we observe the state of our world, we cannot help but see the fractures in society: nations at war, families broken, communities divided, and individuals lost in despair. The world groans under the weight of sin, and the people within it wander like sheep without a shepherd, destined for slaughter unless someone reaches them with the truth of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul warned us about such times: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come" (2 Timothy 3:1, KJV). Indeed, we are witnessing the fulfilment of this prophecy. Our generation faces challenges that previous generations could scarcely have imagined—moral decay, spiritual apathy, and a rejection of absolute truth. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, the Church of Jesus Christ has been called to be a light, a beacon of hope pointing the lost towards the Saviour.

A World in Chaos

Look around, and you will see a world that has rejected God. "The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted" (Psalm 12:8, KJV). Evil is celebrated, and righteousness is scorned. Justice is perverted, and peace remains elusive. Wars and rumours of wars dominate the headlines, just as Jesus foretold: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6, KJV).

Beyond the physical conflicts, there is a spiritual war raging—a battle for the souls of men and women. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8, KJV). Millions are ensnared by sin, bound by addictions, trapped in false religions, and deceived by the lies of this age. They live without peace because they have rejected the Prince of Peace. They know no justice because they have turned away from the Just Judge. They have no hope because they have spurned the only Hope of salvation—Jesus Christ.

A People Led Astray

The psalmist lamented, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6, KJV). This verse captures the condition of humanity—wandering, lost, and without direction. People today chase after fleeting pleasures, material wealth, and empty philosophies, all the whilst ignoring the eternal realities that await them.

Scripture paints a sobering picture of humanity apart from God: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, KJV). Every person, regardless of background, education, or status, stands guilty before a holy God. Without Christ, they are headed for destruction, "appointed unto death" (Hebrews 9:27, KJV), and ultimately, eternal separation from God.

Paul described the fate of those who reject the Gospel: "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, KJV). This is the dire reality facing billions of souls today. They are sheep being led to the slaughter, and most do not even realise it.

The Call to Action

In light of this desperate state, what is the Church to do? Are we to sit idly by, comfortable in our salvation, whilst the world perishes? Absolutely not! Jesus commanded us, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15, KJV). This is not a suggestion; it is a divine mandate. We have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation, and we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20, KJV).

The Apostle Paul understood the urgency of this mission. He wrote, "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16, KJV). Paul felt the weight of responsibility to proclaim the Good News, and so should we. Every believer has been called to be a witness, to share the hope that we have in Christ with those who are perishing.

God has placed us in this world for such a time as this. We are not here by accident. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10, KJV). God has prepared works for us to do—works of mercy, compassion, evangelism, and discipleship. The question is: will we be faithful to carry them out?

The Work in the Church

The work begins within the Church. We must be a people who are fully devoted to God, living holy lives that reflect the character of Christ. "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16, KJV). Holiness is not optional; it is essential. A compromised Church has no power, no authority, and no testimony before a watching world.

We must also be a praying Church. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV). Prayer is the lifeline of the believer and the powerhouse of the Church. It is through prayer that we seek God's guidance, His strength, and His intervention in the affairs of men. James reminds us, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16, KJV). Our prayers can move mountains and change hearts.

Furthermore, the Church must be unified. Jesus prayed for His disciples, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21, KJV). Division weakens the Church and hinders our witness. We must lay aside petty disputes and work together for the advancement of the Gospel.

The Work in the World

Beyond the walls of the Church, we are called to engage with the world. Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of the earth" and "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14, KJV). Salt preserves and flavours; light exposes and guides. We are to be a preserving influence in a decaying society and a guiding light in a dark world.

This means we must not retreat from society but engage it with the truth of God's Word. We must speak up for righteousness, defend the oppressed, care for the needy, and proclaim the Gospel boldly. "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9, KJV).

We are also called to make disciples. Jesus commanded, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV). Evangelism is not complete when someone prays a prayer; it continues as we nurture new believers and help them grow in their faith.

Hope in Christ Alone

Despite the darkness of these days, we are not without hope. Our hope is anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, KJV). This is the message the world needs to hear—that there is hope, there is peace, and there is salvation in Christ alone.

The world offers no lasting solutions. Only Jesus can bring true peace: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you" (John 14:27, KJV). Only Jesus can provide true justice and righteousness. Only Jesus offers eternal life and the assurance of Heaven.

These are indeed perilous days, but they are also days of great opportunity. The fields are white unto harvest (John 4:35, KJV), and the labourers are few. Will we answer the call? Will we rise up and do the work that God has entrusted to us? The world is watching, souls are perishing, and time is running out.

Let us be faithful, courageous, and compassionate. Let us live out the Great Commission with urgency and conviction. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV).

The days we live in demand a Church that is awake, alive, and active. May we be that Church—a people who shine brightly in the darkness and point the lost to the only Saviour, Jesus Christ…

Key Takeaways:

• The World Has Rejected God: We live in a time where evil is celebrated and righteousness is scorned, with wars and spiritual battles dominating our age.
• Humanity Is Lost Without Christ: All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, and without Christ, people face eternal separation from God.
• The Church Has a Divine Mandate: Christians are commanded to go into all the world and preach the Gospel—this is not optional but a responsibility we must fulfil.
• Internal Work Is Essential: The Church must be holy, prayerful, and unified to have power and authority in the world.
• Engage the World Boldly: Believers are called to be salt and light—preserving society, speaking truth, defending the oppressed, and making disciples.
• Hope Is Found in Christ Alone: Despite the darkness, Jesus offers true peace, justice, and eternal life that the world cannot provide.
• Urgency of the Hour: These are days of great opportunity where the Church must be awake, active, and faithful in pointing the lost to Jesus.