The social, political, economic, financial, and climatic disruptions unfolding across the globe are clear signs to Christians: it is time to wake up, take our posts, and engage in active, meaningful evangelism.

Evangelism is the urgent need of the hour because the future foretold is now upon us. Biblical prophecies are no longer subjects of debate, they are unfolding before our eyes. The world is perplexed and desperate for answers to its mounting crises. The economies of many nations defy all established theories and laws, and economic distress is ravaging countries as Scripture predicted: “There will be… famines and pestilences… and on the earth distress of nations” (Luke 21:11, 25).

The depletion of the ozone layer and intensifying heat waves with dangerous radiation have become pressing concerns for leaders worldwide. At the 1992 Earth Summit; the largest global gathering on climate change at the time; 12-year-old Severn Suzuki addressed world leaders with these sobering words: “I am afraid to go out in the sun now because of the holes in the ozone… If you don’t know how to fix it, please stop breaking it.”

Further signs are evident, as described in Luke 21:25–26: “There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” One clear fulfillment is the global alarm reported in Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city, where parents now keep their children indoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. due to extreme UV radiation, a literal picture of “hearts failing them from fear.” In New Zealand, children wear hats and eat lunch under shaded trees. The Philippines has been devastated by a rampaging typhoon, now headed toward southeastern China. Meanwhile, America continues to count losses from Storm Sandra, which left widespread damage and casualties.

Simultaneously, technology advances toward a foreboding future. Computer micro-biochips are gradually being introduced. Professor Kevin Warwick of Cybernetics at the University of Reading in the UK recently had a rice-sized chip implanted in his arm, allowing him to open doors and control lights. Soon it will be archaic to carry a driver’s license, passport, or credit card, all transactions will be conducted with a wave of the hand, detected by an embedded chip. Remember: no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast.

In light of these global events, what should be the attitude of Christians toward those outside of Christ? A new orientation is needed in the body of Christ. Our value system must radically depart from the world’s. The world must hear the Word in its undiluted truth. Let the truth be told.

The “entertainment gospel” is evil. Christ has been marginalized in our vain attempts to re-empower the church. Pastors are now trained to be CEOs and therapists. Today, a “successful” pastor is measured by generating programs, fundraising skills, and public relations, success defined by numbers and making people feel good. Cheap grace is propagated as if God no longer judges sin. Cheap grace offers forgiveness without repentance, grace without discipleship, grace without Jesus Christ.

If we truly believe that those without Christ are lost for eternity, what should our response be? The most benevolent act on earth is preaching the gospel. It is the personal responsibility and privilege of every Christian to proclaim liberty in Christ. This is not the time for half-hearted devotion. The world is watching, waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God. They may not read the Bible, they read us. May our lives never be the reason someone rejects Christ.

Time is running out. “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:13–14). Brighten the corner where you are. Remember, you will stand before God alone to give an account of your stewardship.

There is no group appearance before the Almighty. The early church loved the Lord with all their hearts; today, many love with their mouths only. If you love Him with your heart, begin today to evangelize. Speak for Christ wherever you are. An eternal reward awaits you.

Apostle Cyrus C. Munachiso