By Jonathan Brentner
Excerpt from article:
THE NORMALCY BIAS
Because of America’s long history of peace and security, most of its citizens live with what’s called a “normalcy bias.” As a result, even many Christians label those of us who warn of the dangers inherent in a world speeding toward the Tribulation period as “conspiracy theorists.” “No one can really be that wicked or deceitful so as to cause such widespread suffering and death,” they tell us. Such is the errant worldview inside the bubble. They remain blind to the threats that abound in our current world.
Unfortunately, many Bible-believing saints see the storm clouds forming on the horizon, but also fail to recognize that they signal the end of human history as we know it. In order to cope with the threats to their wellbeing, they often lapse back into a familiar rhythm of life, believing that life as they know it will continue indefinitely. It’s so easy to do!
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
I realize that the majority of my readers recognize the signs of the times and live well outside the normalcy bubble that negatively impacts those both inside and outside the church.
Even so, it’s vital that we don’t lose our focus on future things and resist the lure of the normalcy bias that continually competes for our allegiance.
First, a substantial number of our fellow believers suffer because of cancer, the loss of loved ones, financial woes, and a host of other afflictions. They, like us, need frequent reminders that this world is not their home, along with our confident assurance that a much better day is coming. We don’t know when Jesus will come for us, but the signs tell us that this glorious day for all the saints is imminent.
Secondly, a firm grasp of biblical prophecy enables us to look realistically at the chaotic and lawless world around us and share the “blessed hope” of Titus 2:11-14 with those outside of Christ. This biblical two-world perspective provides us with a solid foundation from which to give others a “reason for the hope” that we possess (1 Peter 3:15). We not only recognize what’s happening around us, but we also know the why behind what we see. This is the essence of a sound biblical worldview.
Third, the practice of eagerly watching for Jesus’ appearing has a purifying effect on us. Consider the words of 1 John 3:2-3:
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
Continue Reading this encouraging article:
www.jonathanbrentner.com
Excerpt from article:
THE NORMALCY BIAS
Because of America’s long history of peace and security, most of its citizens live with what’s called a “normalcy bias.” As a result, even many Christians label those of us who warn of the dangers inherent in a world speeding toward the Tribulation period as “conspiracy theorists.” “No one can really be that wicked or deceitful so as to cause such widespread suffering and death,” they tell us. Such is the errant worldview inside the bubble. They remain blind to the threats that abound in our current world.
Unfortunately, many Bible-believing saints see the storm clouds forming on the horizon, but also fail to recognize that they signal the end of human history as we know it. In order to cope with the threats to their wellbeing, they often lapse back into a familiar rhythm of life, believing that life as they know it will continue indefinitely. It’s so easy to do!
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
I realize that the majority of my readers recognize the signs of the times and live well outside the normalcy bubble that negatively impacts those both inside and outside the church.
Even so, it’s vital that we don’t lose our focus on future things and resist the lure of the normalcy bias that continually competes for our allegiance.
First, a substantial number of our fellow believers suffer because of cancer, the loss of loved ones, financial woes, and a host of other afflictions. They, like us, need frequent reminders that this world is not their home, along with our confident assurance that a much better day is coming. We don’t know when Jesus will come for us, but the signs tell us that this glorious day for all the saints is imminent.
Secondly, a firm grasp of biblical prophecy enables us to look realistically at the chaotic and lawless world around us and share the “blessed hope” of Titus 2:11-14 with those outside of Christ. This biblical two-world perspective provides us with a solid foundation from which to give others a “reason for the hope” that we possess (1 Peter 3:15). We not only recognize what’s happening around us, but we also know the why behind what we see. This is the essence of a sound biblical worldview.
Third, the practice of eagerly watching for Jesus’ appearing has a purifying effect on us. Consider the words of 1 John 3:2-3:
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
Continue Reading this encouraging article:
Jesus’ Soon Appearing Versus the Normalcy Bubble — Jonathan Brentner
Most people live in a “bubble of normalcy” where they feel secure because of exaggerated and unrealistic hopes of either a return to normalcy or of their current lifestyle continuing indefinitely into the future unhindered by the perils around them. They sleep with no fear that their bubble might bu
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