Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21

Last week we experienced an earthquake centered in New Jersey, with it felt out into Lancaster County, Delaware and other areas around us.  There was also a major earthquake in Taiwan last week.  While these things are concerning, and we should be praying for those affected, they are normal, natural events that happen often.

Yet a church couldn’t wait to put up a sign about earthquakes being a sign of the end times. 

The scriptures tell us that there will be wars and rumors of wars (which has happened throughout human history), earthquakes and all kinds of other things.  But we should not be afraid.

Looking for the “signs of the end times” is a waste.  Jesus did not tell us about the end times to scare us, rather to empower us.  He sends us on a mission that we must do.  It is an imperative, not because the end is nigh, but because His love is needed (whether we are speaking about the time Jesus walked the earth or today).

We have a choice.  We can be scared and hide behind the biblical prophecies, or we can embrace them going out boldly with the good news that God loves us, God forgives us and God strengthens us.

As you journey through this week, be bold and courageous.  Be filled with Christ’s love and do not be afraid. 

May the peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Bill