When terrorist planes hit the Twin Towers on 9/11, it was unexpected, left us shocked, bewildered, and filled with outrage. The pain provoked us to find and punish the people who did it. We felt vindicated when Osama bin Laden was found and put to death. So it should not surprise us that a Holy God who created and sustains all things by His wisdom and power has set a date when He will judge the world. He will judge the world for its long history of wickedness in the pursuit of self-indulgence, the accumulation of stuff, and the oppression of people. That is exactly what the Bible teaches. So despite the claim by some that the world never changes or that God does not punish, we read in 2 Peter Ch 3 the apostle says, “The present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.” Peter then says, “Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live.” Now nobody knows when nor how God will pull this off. Still, it is our choice to believe His word, to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior so we can be forgiven of our sins, can live on earth with purpose, and enjoy eternal life.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
