Wars. Chaos. Pandemics. With all the chaos that’s happening in the world, many are speculating whether the End-Times are here.

While the Bible tells us that we can’t possibly predict when the Day will come, Scripture actually does tell us how we can stand firm and be prepared for the End-Times.

So how are we, the Church, preparing for the End-Times? How do we even know if we are well-prepared as the Day approaches?

Since we’re called to keep watch as we do not know when the Day is approaching (Matthew 25:13), here are three things that we can look at when it comes to being ready.

1. Being rooted in the Word

Christians must become more grounded in the truth because many false teachers will come in the last days. The Bible specifically warns us to be aware of false teachings because many will try to lead us astray.

“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:23-24)

The only way that we can keep ourselves on the narrow path is to cling tightly to the Word of God. The Bible is the only guide for us to discern whether what we hear is of God or not.

Jesus says that His sheep know His voice (John 10:27). We need to learn to discern God’s voice and truths so that we are not deceived by others.

2. Building strong communities

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

As the Day approaches, the Bible tells us that we should all the more spur one another on through fellowship in communities.

This is because there will be confusion, division and persecution as we approach the End-Times; we will need to stand strong together to encourage and lend strength to one another.

In a time when many will be led astray, we need to keep each other accountable and remind one another of the truth.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” (Hebrews 3:13-14)

The biblical call to fellowship means that we should encourage one another to persevere till the very end, and to make sure that none of us falls away or becomes hardened by sin.

Think about your spiritual community today. What can you do to build a strong community that will build one another up in times of need?

3. Engaging with culture

Lastly, as we approach the End-Times, it is also important that we do not hide in our “Christian bubble” but continue to engage with what’s happening around the world.

As time passes, we will see more and more chaos and controversies happening around the world. And as people who carry the Good News, we need to learn to make sense and also live out our godly values in these circumstances.

If we do not live out our biblical values, we will be influenced by what the world tells us. We know clearly from the Word of God that we are not supposed to conform to the pattern of this world. Instead, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Whether it’s about gender, identity, social injustice or moral issues, we need to be clear about God’s heart on the issue and live out our faith as Christ’s followers.

Winsome engagement with these issues is also where we get to shine our light as Christ’s followers. In a world that’s filled with darkness and chaos, this is definitely an apt and precious opportunity to point others to Christ.

Hence, as the end approaches, let’s actively adopt an others-centred mindset.

Think about your community. Think about your church. Think about your family and friends who have yet to know Christ. How can you spur them on and bring them to Christ?

May Christ receive the Bride that He deserves when He returns!