b'END TIMESStaying AlertThe great Apostle Paul gives believ- formethecrownofrighteousness, By Michael Forti ingwarriorsadviceandencourage- which the Lord, the righteous Judge, ment to press on, and to stay encour- will award to me on that dayand not K nowingthatwearelivingintheagedduringtimesofrebellionandonly to me, but also to all who have last of the last days, entering intopersecution. longed for his appearing"(2Tim 4:5-8 thegreatestageofdeception,filled"Butyou,keepyourheadinallNIV84).fullofwitchcraft,greed,jeaflousy,situations,endurehardship,dotheTheApostlePauldeliversastrict hypocrisy, immorality and blasphemy,workofanevangelist,dischargeallwarning to Timothy by saying, "watch true believers will be busy cleaning upthe duties of your ministry. For I amyour life and doctrine closely, in doing the mess of deception. The good newsalready being poured out like a drinksoyouwillsavenotonlyyourself isthatGodgiveseveryonethefreeoffering,andthetimehascomeforbutthosewhohearyou"(1Tim4:16 choice, to spend eternity in either themy departure. I have fought the goodNIV84). We need to continue to ques-non smoking section, or the smokingfight, I have finished the race, I havetion our own salvation, and teaching, section. kept the faith.Now there is in storeevery day as we look forward to the Soon Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Cor13:5). The writer of Hebrews continues to teachthatweallneedtostayalert The Lord always encourages every believer towithexcitement!YoursalvationwillMichael Fortidependonit."SoalsoChristwas continue to remain ready for his Soon Comingoffered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. and for those who do so will receive theirHe will come again, not to deal with"For, as I have often told you before our sins, but to bring salvation to allandnowsayagainevenwithtears, Rewards. However we will not receive anywho are eagerly waiting for him" (Hebmany live as enemies of the cross of 9:28 NLT). Christ. rewards if we are becoming more conformed toTheLordalwaysencourageseveryTheirdestinyisdestruction,their believer to continue to remain readygod is their stomach, and their glory the pattern of this world instead of coming outforhisSoonComingandforthoseisintheirshame.Theirmindis who do so will receive their Rewards.onearthlythings.Butourcitizen-from among it. Howeverwewillnotreceiveanyshipisinheaven.Andweeagerly rewards if we are becoming more con- awaitaSaviorfromthere,theLord formedtothepatternofthisworldContinued on Page 8instead of coming out from among it. 4 APRIL 2021 BOCNEWS.com'