Year 2000: Millennial Mayhem or Ministry

Year 2000: Millennial Mayhem or Ministry

Constructively capitalizing on the public interest in the turn of the new millennium

Douglas E. Batchelor is president and speaker, Amazing Facts Ministries, Rocklin, California, and senior pastor of the Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Millions are apprehensive regarding Y2K, also known as the 'Millennial Bug," when because of a serious computer programming problem many computers worldwide will malfunction.

Much of the angst comes because no one, even the experts, knows exactly what will happen and how it will impact our lives. Some predict a global chain reaction that will shut down critical computerized systems of power, water, and communications, which will lead to an accelerating vortex of panic. In anticipation, some people are selling books and tapes that recommend stock piling dried foods, water, gas, generators, even guns and ammunition. Expecting a run on the banks, others suggest that before September 9, 1999 (the date 9/9/99 may trigger a shutdown code for some older computers), people withdraw enough cash for a couple of months (U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan has ordered the Federal Reserve to print an additional 50 billion dollars in cash—as a precaution for this possible bank run).

The approaching new millennium is also bringing in fears about the volatility of our age. Numerous natural disasters, along with financial, political, and religious instability, are com pounded by a culture that appears to be drifting like a lost ship without sail, rudder, or anchor. Because of the confluence of all these dynamics, inter est in Bible prophecy has reached an unprecedented apex. Indeed, one of the most fertile evangelistic opportunities could be in the last months of 1999, as people fearfully await the year 2000 and the impending mayhem that many anticipate the turn of the clock will bring.

Balance

Christians, of course, should not be fanning the flames of millennial frenzy, even though many, unfortunately, are. Everything from Y2K survival igloos to weapons are being hawked by professed Christian groups, which see in the Y2K all sorts of apocalyptic significance. Whatever their motives, one thing is certain: some folks are going to get rich because of Y2K, whatever ultimately happens when the computers go on the blink.

Although we should not feed this millennial madness, Christian leaders have always encouraged seizing every opportunity to preach Christ. Paul demonstrated this principle while in Athens, when he used one of the Athenian idols as a springboard to proclaim the true God. "For as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To the unknown God. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you" (Acts 17:23). Paul also said, "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Cor. 9:22).

Evangelism is something like farm ing—timing and weather are crucial. Often the seasons and weather will dictate the schedule of a farmer. Likewise a minister must be prepared to seize fer tile opportunities for winning souls. 2 Timothy 4:2 says, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season." Jesus said, "When it is evening you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'; and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times" (Matt. 16:2,3). Indeed, it does not take a spiritual meteorologist to see that this window before 2000 will be a prime time for sowing the gospel seed and harvesting souls. Jesus said, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2).

An illusion of peace

As in the story of Joseph, times of plenty are often followed by times of famine. Enthusiasm on the mountain is often followed by monotony in the valley. There will probably be an element of panic and varying degrees of millennial mayhem as we approach the end of this year. But what should be of more concern is the paralyzing apathy that may come after the year 2000, when the crisis evaporates and everyone joins in chanting the mantra of "Peace, peace." First Thessalonians 5:3 states, "For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape."

In the parable of the ten virgins, all the virgins were sleeping when the bridegroom came (Matt. 25:1-13); the day before the flood of Noah and the fire of Sodom, the sun was shining upon the people who were engaged in eating, drinking, and marrying. What we fail to do now, during these times of great opportunity, we will have to struggle to accomplish in a time of paralyzing apathy and indifference. John 9:4 says, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." That's why we should do everything possible to use this millennial window of opportunity in order to reach souls for Christ.

NET New York 1999

One practical way for pastors and churches to capitalize on this wonderful evangelistic window is to participate in the "Millennium of Prophecy" seminar, which will be broadcast via satellite from New York City between October 15 and November 13. At that time, many evangelistic teams will be in New York City to conduct an organized, epic, evangelistic spectacular that will be broadcast across North America and the world!

Study materials for these meetings will include a newly redesigned and expanded set of the popular "Storacles of Prophecy" lessons. These guides incorporate Bible stories that teach the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, as well as other fundamental truths. With thousands of churches now equipped for satellite reception from previous events—the end of 1999 may provide the best evangelistic window of this millennium (For more specific information, call Amazing Facts at (916) 434-3880 [Monday-Thursday] or log on to www.netny99.org; click on Coordinator access; user name—metro; password—prophecy).

Spiritual supplies

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have asked me, "What should I do to prepare for Y2K and the coming millennium?" Usually this question is framed in the context of, Should they sell their homes, move to the country and begin stockpiling food, gasoline, and other necessities? My first reaction is to warn against the temptation of thinking we can save ourselves by pack ing the pantry with provisions. All false religion is based on trusting our own works for salvation; we must not fall into that trap. We must believe in the unseen as well as the seen. If we make spiritual preparation the priority, God can sup ply all our temporal needs, even if it necessitates a miracle.

There's no sin in making practical provision for potential lean times. God told Noah to store away sufficient re sources for his judgment cruise. And Solomon wrote: "A prudent man fore sees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished" (Prov. 22:3). Intelligent, practical balance is the key. If Christians hoard food for this event, we could be viewed as stingy and lacking in faith. However, we should have an ample supply of resources so that we are not presumptuous fools. But our ultimate trust must be in God; otherwise we are prone to repeat the mistake of the stingy fool who put his trust in his well-stocked barns. "But God said unto him, thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" (Luke 12:20).

Preparing for the potential crisis

What preparation for Y2K can you, as a pastor, suggest for those who ask? Weapons and ammo? Yes! "There fore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Eph.6:13).

Gold, clothing, and medical sup plies? Yes! "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (Rev. 3:18).

Food and water? Yes! "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk with out money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance" (Isa. 55:1, 2).

Should we withdraw cash in case ATMs fail? Maybe, but all earthly currency is subject to devaluation and theft anyway. Ultimately we must be sure we have that pearl of great price in the safety deposit box of our souls. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).

While you respond to questions about material preparation, be sure to offer God's gift that will help in any difficulty. Offer hope! Some people feel hopeless when faced with the possibility of crises on top of the personal challenges with which they already struggle. Whatever theories or scenarios they may encounter, the Bible's timeless truths are a loving letter from the only one who knows the end from the beginning. We can trust Him to help us with any perplexities that may appear. Daniel and the Revelation contain the needed message for our time. Knowledge is power and can give cour age, no matter what's ahead.

With the Bread of Life and living water for our arsenal, protected by the armor of God and informed by His Word, we will minister empowerment to survive any degree of inconvenience or chaos that may come during the next millennium (Matt. 6:33). Sure, the Millennial Bug could be a time of fear and inconvenience; but it could also be a time of unprecedented soul winning. Though we can't do much about the first option, we must, through the power of God do something about the latter.

The modern tools of technology— the Internet, satellite TV, radio, high speed printing, and audio and video tapes—have made the global broadcast of the gospel an attainable goal. This in itself is a thrilling fact, for Jesus promised, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matt. 24:14).


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Douglas E. Batchelor is president and speaker, Amazing Facts Ministries, Rocklin, California, and senior pastor of the Sacramento Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

August 1999

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