If war should come we can remain free from fear if we are willing to abide in Christ. Of what are we to be afraid? If there is famine or danger, Christ is with us and will provide and protect. Should we or our loved ones be killed, we go to a much better place. So there is no basis for fear for the individual who loves the Lord and looks to Him continually.

Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. (Psalms 91:6—NIV)

The hospitals of America are filled with people suffering from dreadful diseases. How terrifying must be the diagnosis of AIDS, and yet God is still present for the person who will turn to Him. Numerous Americans pick up the telephone to hear that their biopsy, or the biopsy taken from one of their children, is positive. Terror strikes! The wage earner, concerned for the welfare of his family, awakens in the night with chest pains. Terror strikes!

But God's unchanging Word says we will not fear these. Only by maintaining a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ can we be delivered from the fear of the sickness that stalks in the darkness.

"The plague that destroys at midday." Of late in America we have had destructive hurricanes and floods. If we Christians do not repent of our wicked ways and turn to the Lord, praying every day for our nation, we may see many more such violent expressions of nature's fury. I think the blood of the aborted fetuses is crying to God from the ground. The result may be paralyzing floods, earthquakes, and fires that will affect more than some small geographic area.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (Psalms 91:7—NIV)

The current preaching concerning protection from the disasters that appear to be at hand is that we have no need to fear because we will fly home to Heaven before any of this takes place. Thus the believers do not get down to business with God in many instances. Why should they? They won't be here!

Some teach that Christians from the first century have been expecting an any-moment rapture. (I do not believe unbiased scholarship bears this out.)

In any case, stop and think! For two thousand years, it is claimed, Christians have been expecting an any-moment rapture. But during that time how many Christians have been tortured and murdered because of their faith? Since this undoubtedly is true, would they not have been wise to be prepared just in case the rapture did not come in their lifetime? For two thousand years!

So it is today. Would it not be wise for us to preach that Christians should prepare themselves to stand in the evil day, just in case another thousand years transpires before the Lord returns?

"Yes, but we know He is coming very, very soon."

There is evidence in the Apostle Paul's writings that he thought the Lord was coming soon.

The Lord said, "Behold I come quickly." This was spoken two thousand years ago.

To be continued.