Even at the Doors

Mark 13:29 says, “So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.”

When I first felt called to preach the gospel as a teenager, my pastor, Carl Lindbloom, took me under his wing and tried to encourage me. One day he invited me to go with him as we canvassed the neighborhood around the church. He knocked on door after door looking for children for Sunday School, and asking people where they went to church. I know of one family that started coming to church from this effort. I will never forget one door that he knocked on. As soon as he introduced himself, the man slammed the door in his face. Pastor Lindbloom kindly turned away with that winning smile he always wore, and we proceeded to the next door.

Jesus talked to the disciples about His second coming with many signs and wonders that would precede it. We are living in times that indicate He must be “even at the doors.” When that door opens, no man can shut it, let alone slam it. Seeing how that door is about to open, it is high time to look at ourselves and make sure that our sins are all under the blood. Maybe we have planned to make restitutions, or to make something right. Perhaps we have planned to witness to someone the Lord has laid upon our heart, but haven’t had time. Maybe we have vowed to read the Bible and pray more. Perhaps we have gotten behind on our tithe and intend to get caught up. By now you may be thinking, “I am not saved by works. I trust in the blood.” Yes, indeed. Are all your sins under the blood? Are you walking in obedience?

As we sit in church on Sunday morning and look around at the worshippers it is easy to believe that most everyone is going to make it to Heaven. The sermon usually promotes this thinking. Seeing how the time is short—even at the doors—let us look very honestly at the condition of our soul. 

The Bride of Christ will be a glorious church without spot or wrinkle. The following Scriptures deserve serious thought:

From the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Again in Matthew 7:13 & 14, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Paul, at the end of his ministry, said in II Timothy 4:6-8, “For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 

Many preachers ignore the closeness of His coming. Do you love His appearing? Would you rather stay in this world a little longer? The signs are pointing to His soon coming. Watch and pray. It is even at the doors!