Interview: Greg Laurie on 'The Last Days'
The many natural disasters, pandemics, and wars in the Middle East may cause Christians to wonder whether these are biblical ''signs of the times.''
The many natural disasters, pandemics, and wars in the Middle East may cause Christians to wonder whether these are biblical “signs of the times." Author and evangelist Greg Laurie attempts to lead Christians from fearing to understanding the end times in his new book, Are These the Last Days? which is to be released Feb. 10.
The Christian Post interviewed Laurie – who is best-known for his seeker-sensitive church, Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. – on what pastors and Christians can do to prepare for the end times, why many don’t talk about it, and why they shouldn’t fear it.
The following are excerpts taken from the interview:
Why are people afraid of the end times?
I think because they can feel overwhelmed by it all, [and] don't necessarily know where to start. That is why I have written this book. It’s a sort of an idiot's guide to Bible prophecy.
Another reason people may be afraid of the end times is because they do feel they are ready for the Lord's return. In fact, your very reaction to the teaching of the soon-return of Christ is a barometer of where you are at spiritually.
If you are afraid, you can say like the Apostle John, “Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20). [I hope everyone] studies what the Scripture teaches about the Lord's return – that we would not be afraid but instead be watching and working and fully prepared to meet the Lord.
Oftentimes, pastors don't preach about the end times. They are silent on this topic. What should pastors be doing?
I would encourage all pastors and leaders to take a long and careful look at what the Bible teaches about the last days. As we teach on this topic, there is a great blessing attached to it for listeners. The book of Revelation specifically promises blessings to the person who hears and keeps the word of that book (Rev 22:7).
When people have a proper understanding of what the Scripture teaches about the imminent return of Jesus, it will have a spiritually purifying effect as well.
The Apostle John writes, “Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure” (1 Jn 3:2-3).
If these are the end times, then how should Christians live?
According to Jesus, we should be watching and working. There are specific "signs of the times" the Bible tells us we are to be looking for, such as an increase in earthquakes, hurricanes, continued unrest in the Middle East, etc. (Mt 24). He said, “When you see these things begin to happen, look up, for your redemption is drawing near” (Lk 21:28).
Secondly, we are to be working. Jesus gave many parables about the importance of using our time, resources and our very lives wisely as we await His return.
As the Church, we function in this world as both salt and light. Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your father in Heaven” (Mt 5:16).
The Church led the way in relief efforts in the aftermath of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia, as well as to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. But those good works should always be done in the name of Jesus and with the objective of sharing the gospel, for that is the only hope for mankind.
Greg Laurie began his pastoral ministry at age 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed that small group into a church of some 15,000 people. He has authored over 30 books, including the Gold Medallion Award Winner, The Upside-Down Church, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners, and The Best Is Yet to Come, and has preached to three million people since 1990 at large-scale public evangelistic events called Harvest Crusades. His talks are known to be relevant to the culture, with a knack for connecting with the younger generations.