1 John 2:18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.” I rarely think about the antichrist and the last hour. I see those as a Revelation topics and I rarely turn there. That sounds like a mistake. I heard pastor Chuck Smith’s last interview with Greg Laurie. He gave two points that would be in his last sermon. One was “Jesus is coming soon, so be prepared” and “the importance of the eternal over the temporal”. The topic of Jesus coming soon also makes me think of Revelation. When I see John referring to antichrist in 1 John, I’m surprised. This let’s me know that I should be thinking more about him. This would be consistent with pastor Chuck’s admonition to be ready. Why don’t I think about this? It seems to provoke anxiety within. These things make be think of the end. It makes me inspect my life. I ask “am I ready?” Both Greg and Chuck have these as constant themes, but they don’t appear uncomfortable. I rarely listen to Greg, as his messages also make me uncomfortable. I don’t like my reaction. I feel it comes from a poor understanding of God. He loves us. He’s our Father. If I’m a walking christian, I shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. I spend quiet times with Him in the mornings. I pray throughout the day. Yet, the concept of end times produces discomfort. It might be a reflex response from a time that I was new in the faith in which I never corrected. I feel I do need a better concept of God and I do need to update my reaction. However, I think this topic should always produce some level of discomfort. It should cause us to probe our lives. Am I ready? Lord, help me this topic. I still feel my response could be healthier.