In these turbulent times, the weight of the world presses on our hearts, from the heart-wrenching tragedies in Lahaina Maui, the wildfires in Argentina, the flooding in Libya, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and now the horror in Israel and Palestine. We are witnessing the birth pangs foretold by Paul. The contractions intensify like a mother about to give birth; when you are in the midst of them, the intensity can be paralyzing. But, only for a moment. Are we not, as Christians, thankful for the hope we have in Jesus?

In these times of distress and uncertainty, it is of utmost importance to take Jesus’s teachings regarding the end times to heart. He warned us against deception and fear, as mentioned in Matthew 24:4-5. He foretold the rise of nations against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms, as found in Matthew 24:7. Furthermore, He earnestly encouraged us to actively share the gospel as witnesses, underscoring that it is through this role, that the end shall come, as emphasized in Matthew 24:14.

As we reflect on these teachings of Jesus about the end times, we find a profound connection to the transformative power of His message. Christ’s character is completed in his people- BEFORE He will come. For many of us, the belief that Christ’s character must be fulfilled in His people before His return seems distant and unfathomable. However, today, we see hearts transforming. Love awakening on a grand scale. A hunger and a thirst for the righteousness of Christ surges through the souls of many. We have seen Jesus being loudly proclaimed and worshipped on the streets here on the Hawaiian islands. People are healing, not just from their sins but from the deeply rooted wounds that bind them to a dark, unforgiving past. Friends, Jesus desires to relieve us of our burdens. All of them. Yes, our sins, but even the hurts and pains that bind us like a ball and chain against a cold, unyielding wall.

While witnessing people healing from their emotional, physical, and spiritual pains, our hearts are heavy as we observe certain prominent people departing from the faith—once great men and women of God, once fervent preachers and teachers. Once influential Christian authors now leaving all that they once stood for. Timothy’s warning is fitting for what is taking place today, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2.

Some folks are teaching and preaching that repentance is not something to concern ourselves with. We were forgiven at the cross, and Jesus covers us to the extent that we do not need to change. Many believe in a gospel that does not need a heart transformation. But with the times we live in, we DO need Jesus. We do need a transformation of our hearts and minds. He wants to take us on a journey through the process of sanctification towards holiness. Study the sanctuary message found in Exodus. Study the symbolism of each article of the sanctuary, the altar of sacrifice, the table of shewbread, and so on. It is a window into the united workings of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A pathway forward to complete restoration and healing and holiness. “Thy way, Oh God, is in the sanctuary.” Psalm 77:13. And because Jesus is THE WAY (John 14:6), you will find him in the sanctuary message.

We find ourselves navigating these challenging times, it is our belief that a sifting process is underway within the church, much like the parable Jesus shared in Matthew 13. Our earnest prayer is that we stay unwavering in our faith, resolute in our beliefs, and committed to sharing the message of salvation with a world that seems lost, holding firm to the wisdom found in 1 Corinthians 15:58. “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.”

In the times we live in, we need Jesus more than ever. As parents of little children, we strive to be more like Him each day. To show our children love, kindness, patience, gentleness, and wisdom. Raising children has made us even more aware of our need to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord.” Philippians 2:12.

With so many fearful events happening in today’s world, we can choose to have awareness of these events, or not. If we do read into it, watch it unfold, or even if we have lived through crisis we must not lead others to Jesus in fear, but through hope. That is to bring the hope of His salvation and the glories of heaven. We also believe it is wrong of us as the body of Christ to lead others to Jesus in fear, whether through Revelation seminars, diet changes, dress reform, corrupt politicians, apostate Protestantism, or the World Economic Forum. We pray for God to help us, to have His love, wisdom, patience, and His humility.

We also feel a need to share that we as a church must repent of our legalism, our pride, and our fears. Yes fear was recently used to spiritually manipulate others to go against their conscience. As the great Martin Luther once said over 500 years ago, “To go against conscience is neither safe, nor right.” This still rings true today.

In 2 Corinthians 3:17, we read these beautiful words, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” This liberty is not a free pass for reckless behavior but rather freedom from our sins. Freedom from the hurts and the pains. Throughout history, Satan has burdened us with painful experiences. Jesus wants to blot out of our memories the burdens and sins others have caused, and we ourselves have caused. Isn’t that GOOD NEWS? Hallelujah. As these memories come to our minds, we can ask the Holy Spirit to replace these sinful memories with depictions of the life of Jesus. Remember the satanist turned Seventh-day Adventist author and prayer warrior Roger Morneau? He claimed Matthew 27: 24-54 every day. He called it The Power Chapter because he was able to overcome the satanic experiences and evil he experienced by the blood of Jesus.

May we be the light in these challenging times, extending love, grace, and hope to those who suffer. May we embrace the transformations we can receive through the power of Christ, walking the path toward righteousness with unwavering faith. We hope this article is a blessing, but also empowering for you to claim the victory from the blood of Jesus and find the healing you need. Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Together, as we journey towards Christ’s character being fulfilled in His people, we await His glorious return.