Oliver As Paul Revere rode horseback throughout the countryside warning of the movements of the British Army, so I feel like sounding an alarm concerning the movement of the Holy Spirit and the Nations, pointing to the ever-nearing return of Jesus Christ.

We see news reports of Russia flexing its muscles again…Iran's threats towards Israel, etc. What in the world is happening? The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel describes an enddays battle that will see an army consisting of people from the lands occupied by Russia, Iran and several other Arab nations, invade Israel. The alignment of those nations, which will come against Israel, is happening at an alarming pace right before our eyes. Yet, because of the ignorance of the Word of God, most people don't seem to have a clue.

Of course, being unaware was even predicted in the scriptures. In Matthew 24:37-39 (New Living Translation) it tells us that when Jesus returns, "…it will be like it was in Noah's day. [38] In those days before the Flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. [39] People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes."

Unaware! "That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes." Scary, huh?

Most people are going to be unaware about the true reason some things are happening. They are going to be unaware that Jesus' return is at the door! They won't know it until it is too late—even though the scriptures predict it. In Noah's day, people were unaware, not because Noah wasn't trying to tell them. They were unaware because they were too unbelieving…too busy…too wrapped up in their own affairs to listen.

I can't encourage you enough to be at church faithfully, and to be an active part. Encourage your pastor to preach to you and teach you the Word of God—and give it to you straight—no fluff, no watering it down! For it is also predicted in Scriptures, found in 2 Tim. 4:3 (NLT) that "…a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear."

These people will be sorry later. Don't be one of them! And encourage your pastor not to be one of those kinds of teachers who just tell people whatever they want to hear! Encourage your pastor to tell you what you need to hear rather than just what you want to hear. And then honor God by honoring that man or woman of God enough to hear what God is saying to you through them.

I've now been in this community for 18 years. I love this community. I care about your eternal destiny!

Please hear the Word of the Lord and serve Him faithfully every day! From my heart to yours!

Brent Oliver is pastor at First Assembly of God, Delphi.