Is This the End — or the Beginning of Something New?
The Current State of Christianity Has Some Asking if Jesus Is Returning Sooner Rather Than Later. Maybe It Should Be Our Awakening.
By Steve Perkins
Senior Pastor, Northgate Church, Ramsey, Minnesota
Executive Director, Alliance of Renewal Churches
August 2026
We’re Going to Be Okay
We’re living in some very strange times. Not a month goes by when someone in my church doesn’t ask me, “Is this the end?”
I understand the concern. Russia’s war in Ukraine, ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East, cultural division, inflation, and so much more have left many people wondering what comes next.
Yet history reminds us that difficult times are not necessarily the end. Christians, after all, have been predicting Jesus’ return almost since the day he ascended—and they have consistently, repeatedly, been wrong.
Christ Won’t Be Shy About His Return
Jesus himself warns against those who claim to know when or where he will return. In Matthew 24, he says his coming will be unmistakable—“like lightning” visible across the sky (v. 27). He added that no one knows the day or hour, “not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (v. 36).
If even Jesus says we cannot know the timing, what makes us still think we can? As pastors and leaders, our focus shouldn’t be on predicting a date. It should be on faithfully living out our mission.
We’re Not in a Good Place
Our culture is deeply divided, and the church is not immune. Attendance is declining in many bodies, churches are struggling (as are the pastors), and Christians increasingly turn to the internet for voices that reinforce what they already believe.
It’s human nature. We enjoy retreating into our own echo chambers, fighting political and cultural battles while neglecting the people God has called us to love.
Do you remember the old bumper sticker? “In case of rapture, this car will be unmanned.” It captures a troubling attitude: “God, I can’t wait to get out of here, and I don’t care who goes with me.” But that isn’t the heart of Christ.
The church doesn’t exist merely to survive until Jesus returns. No, it exists to love God, love people, serve the hurting, proclaim the Gospel, and make disciples.
A Spiritual Awakening Is Coming. Don’t Hit Snooze.
Perhaps these difficult days are not simply a sign of the end. Perhaps they are an opportunity for awakening.
History gives us reason for hope. The Great Awakenings brought people back to faith and produced significant changes in communities and society. More recently, events on college campuses have reminded many that God can still stir hearts in unexpected ways.
Revival isn’t about bigger buildings, better programs, or impressive worship services. It is a spiritual awakening—a renewed hunger for God that changes how we live.
And maybe God is allowing the western church to become smaller so he can make it stronger.
Back to the Basics
So what do we do? We get back to the basics. We acknowledge our need for God. We confess our sins, receive his grace, seek the Holy Spirit, follow Jesus in Christian community, love our neighbors, and make disciples. Jesus made the mission clear: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).
The world isn’t necessarily coming to the Church any longer. So we must go to the world.
Visit the sick. Care for one another. Give rides. Mow lawns. Donate food. Encourage our neighbors. Teach our children. Serve our communities. Set down our phones and talk to people. Tell others about Jesus.
That’s what Christians do. That’s what pastors do. We cannot control everything happening in the world, but we can respond faithfully to what God is doing in us today.
We’re Going to Be Okay
Whatever happens, God has promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb 13:5). So let’s stop obsessing over survival and start living on mission.
Maybe Jesus is returning today. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe generations from now. Who knows?
Our mission remains the same: love God, love people, make disciples, and faithfully serve until he comes.
And as we do, we pray with the church throughout the ages: “Come, Lord Jesus!”