Many Christians are asking what the future holds as the world grows more unstable and confusing. Cultural norms are shifting, language is constantly being redefined and global tensions continue to rise.
Pastor Allen Jackson says moments like this call us to understand what true peace looks like and prepare our hearts and minds for what lies ahead.
Jackson says we must pay attention to how language is being used in modern culture. “Words have many definitions. Language is being manipulated these days in some very unsettling ways,” he said. “You have to pay attention to words and language and definitions.”
He explains that even the word “peace” is often misunderstood. In Scripture, peace does not mean life without conflict. Jesus promised His peace to us, yet His own life was filled with opposition and trials. “What you find as you follow Jesus through His life is that He has a calm assurance of God’s abiding presence,” Jackson said. “No matter what He faces.”
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Peace in the Middle of Conflict
Jesus warned us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. That warning shows we will face circumstances that could produce fear. Yet the peace Christ gives us allows us to stand firm.
“You can have my assurance that whether you’re facing a storm or a tyrant or an angry mob, that God’s power is present and able to deliver,” Jackson said.
Jackson says many people place their hope in governments, economies or systems, but those things cannot provide lasting security. “At the end of the day, the only security for our future is God Himself,” he said.
Faith Must Lead to Action
Jackson says Christians must move beyond treating faith as an intellectual exercise. Belief must lead to courage and action. Referring to 1 Peter, he points to the command to prepare our minds.
“Prepare your minds for action,” Jackson said. “You better be ready to do something with what you believe.”
He says we will need courage, determination and perseverance to stand against evil. Darkness is not timid and it does not retreat easily.
God Is Still Moving
Jackson also reminds us that God often works through ordinary people who do not see the full picture. Zechariah and Elizabeth received the miracle birth of John the Baptist not just to answer their prayers but to advance God’s kingdom.
“Children aren’t pets,” Jackson said. “Your family was given to you by God for the advancement of His kingdom.”
Jackson says the church today carries a similar calling. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, Christians are helping prepare the world for Christ’s return.
“When Jesus gave His most lengthy prophetic discourse, the ultimate sign of the end of the age was this gospel we preached in the whole world,” Jackson said. “And then the end will come.”
His message is ultimately one of hope. God is still moving across the earth and inviting us to take part in His work. As we prepare our minds, strengthen our faith and boldly share the gospel, we help carry the message of Christ to a world that desperately needs His peace.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
