EDITOR: The final days of earth’s history are upon us. While no one knows the exact day of Christ’s return, Bible prophecies show that we are living in a period called “the time of the end” (Daniel 8:17). Indeed, we are living in the last days. Signs that foretell the coming of Christ are all around us – signs in the sun, natural disasters, distress of nations, wars and rapid deterioration in the personality traits of men, leading to all sorts of unimaginable crimes. Despite such obvious gloomy state of affairs, many are sealing their destiny in worldliness and pleasure-loving activities, such as Carnival.

By lifestyle, pleasure-seekers are saying “we would not have Christ as our Leader… we have chosen to be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Right here at home, many – young and old – are preparing… not for the return of our LORD, but for Carnival! They are preparing “to loosen up, get high and get on bad, mash up the place, tear down the place…” Good judgment seems to go on holidays at this time. Infidelity, lewdness, promiscuity, indiscipline and drunkenness are promoted in the name of cultural expression. Such behaviours are against the principles of heaven and the revellers know this. Moreover, the Bible names “drunkenness, revelling and such like” among the works of the flesh and warns that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).

It is high time to awake out of the stupor of carelessness and give up the party-loving spirit. Christ calls you to a better way – the right way. He wants to convert you and to prepare you to escape the global destruction that is near ahead. Never does He send destruction without warning. Unfortunately, His pleadings are often slighted, mocked and scorned. And you, wretched one…would you continue to harden your heart in the deceitfulness of sin? Very soon probation will end. How shall you stand in that great day? Soon the wrath of God through the seven last plagues (Revelation15 &16) will be poured out upon the wicked. Who will save you then? Will you be found with the character of Jesus – with a purified mind keeping all of God’s Ten Commandments? If you don’t make God your refuge now, He will not be to you “a very present help in trouble” when the earth is removed and the “mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (see Psalms 46). Your choice today determines your tomorrow. Today, as you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

Ann-Marie Ballantyne svgpatriot@hotmail.com