Theme: WATCH AND PRAY
INTRODUCTION
The theme “Watch and Pray” drawn from the warning of Jesus Christ in verse 36 of chapter 21 of the book of Luke which reads: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
This warning of our Lord followed his prophecy about the state of the last Days as a time when there would be so much distress among the peoples of the world resulting in agonizing fears and unease about the future. It is only those who “watch and pray” by understanding the signs of the times, maintaining spiritual vigilance and doing His righteousness and calling on the name of God in TRUTH that would be spared in the day of the Lord’s anger. – Luke 21:34-36; Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13; Psalm 145:18; Matthew 7:21.
“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3.
Text: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” – Romans 13:11,12.
Comment: Since the time of deliverance for the faithful and destruction for the ungodly is at hand, there should be no sitting on the fence or giving heed to worldly passions. We must avoid those situations that give room or opportunity to gratifying sinful desires. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved,” stated St. Paul, “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1.
The temptations and trials that are waiting secretly around us are such that except true worshippers read the Bible constantly and be prayerful as to be properly guided on what the will of the Lord is, one may be led into error (2 Peter 3:17). The period we live in is the time of the end when the devil is doing his utmost to cause as much havoc as possible. But the time when he will be destroyed is near as it would be within this age. The time of salvation is therefore not far. But to be saved, Christians must run away from sin and live sober lives, conducting themselves as disciples of Christ indeed. Apostle Paul exhorts: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” – Romans 13:13,14.
