How to Prepare for the End of the World

How to Prepare for the End of the World

The Real Meaning of Preparation

Matthew Vander Els of Founded In Truth Fellowship opens his teaching by acknowledging the common curiosity and concern about preparing for the end of the world. He notes that many people immediately think of practical measures such as shelter, weapons, and supplies. He even humorously mentions the idea of relocating to remote areas like the Ozarks. However, he quickly shifts the focus away from this conventional understanding of preparedness.

He uses the biblical example of Noah to illustrate his point. While God instructed Noah to build an ark, Vander Els emphasizes that Noah's salvation wasn't solely due to his physical preparations. Instead, the scripture highlights that Noah was a "preacher of righteousness." His primary focus was on furthering the kingdom of God through obedience and faith. God favored Noah because of his intent to do God's will, even when he was seemingly the only one.

Vander Els clarifies that while he and his wife have some basic emergency supplies, they don't view these as preparations for the end of the world. Their motivation is simply to be ready for unforeseen circumstances, not to fortify against a global apocalypse based on their own understanding of future events. He stresses that he is unwilling to preemptively rearrange God's plans for his family based on his own interpretations of the end times.

The Importance of Relationship Over Knowledge

Sharing a personal experience of a sudden health scare, Vander Els describes how facing potential death caused him to re-evaluate his priorities. In that moment, worldly concerns faded in significance, and he questioned whether he had truly fulfilled his purpose on earth as a believer. This led him to reflect on the role of knowledge, particularly biblical knowledge.

While acknowledging the value of studying the Bible and related subjects, Vander Els strongly asserts that knowledge alone cannot save. It is one thing to learn about God, but entirely another to have a genuine relationship with Him. He cautions against getting trapped in the mindset that believers must know and understand everything with absolute certainty, using theological debates as an example of distractions from the core of faith.

Drawing an analogy to caffeine consumption, he explains how pursuing knowledge for its own sake can become an unsatisfying addiction, similar to the increasing need for more and more caffeine. Just as caffeine's initial stimulating effect can wane, so too can the excitement of merely accumulating knowledge without a corresponding deepening of one's relationship with God. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal of faith is not the Bible itself, nor the Torah, but rather a connection with our King and our God. The Bible serves as a tool to facilitate this relationship, but it should not become an idol in itself.

Our Vocation as Image Bearers and Ministers of Reconciliation

Vander Els introduces the concept of believers as image bearers (tzelim) of God, created as vessels for His presence. This understanding of our inherent purpose connects with the idea of our active role in God's kingdom. He then highlights the stories of believers who faced severe persecution and even death for their faith, drawing from the book Jesus Freaks. These accounts of unwavering faith in the face of extreme adversity serve as powerful examples of true preparation for any eventuality, including the end of the world.

He then turns to Matthew 10:34, where Jesus speaks of bringing a sword rather than peace, setting family members against each other, and the idea that a person's enemies will be those of their own household. This passage, along with the instruction to take up one's cross and follow Him, underscores the reality that following Jesus may lead to suffering and even death. Vander Els explains that in the first century, the concept of "taking up your cross" was deeply understood due to the common knowledge of crucifixion as the most cruel punishment, often reserved for revolutionaries. He suggests that believers were seen as revolutionaries because Jesus' kingdom challenged the existing powers.

Following Jesus: Fishing, Feeding, and Faithfulness

Using John 21, Vander Els illustrates practical aspects of following Jesus. The chapter depicts Jesus appearing to his disciples after the resurrection while they are fishing. Despite being experienced fishermen, they catch nothing until Jesus instructs them to cast their net on the right side, resulting in an abundant catch. This highlights the principle that we can do nothing of lasting spiritual significance without Jesus' provision and guidance. Just as Jesus made his disciples "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), a concept rooted in Jeremiah 16:16 about gathering the exiles, our role is to draw people into God's kingdom.

The subsequent scene of Jesus preparing breakfast for the disciples demonstrates His care and provision. He even invites them to bring some of the fish they caught, signifying their participation in His work. This encounter serves as an example of how Jesus prepares and equips His people for the work of His kingdom. Even though Jesus is no longer physically present, we have the resources and instructions to continue His work: to be examples, to help the poor, to heal the sick, to support others, and to reach out to those in need.

Application for Everyday Life

• Prioritize your relationship with God above mere accumulation of biblical knowledge.
• Understand your identity as an ambassador of Christ and actively proclaim the message of reconciliation in your daily interactions.
• Demonstrate your love for Jesus by caring for His flock – supporting and encouraging fellow believers and those in need.
• Be obedient to God's calling in your life, even if it leads to uncomfortable or challenging situations.
• Rely on God's provision and guidance in all aspects of your life and ministry.
• Develop perseverance and endurance in the face of trials, knowing that suffering can produce spiritual growth and hope.
• Cultivate boldness to be a witness for Jesus in your community and workplace.
• Focus on fulfilling your God-given role in the kingdom rather than being preoccupied with predicting or physically preparing for specific end-time scenarios.

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References

• Matthew 10:34
• Matthew 4:19
• John 21
• John 21:15-17
• 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
• Acts 14:22
• John 16:33

Resources Mentioned

• Jesus Freaks by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs

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