Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

Mark 13:5 "...Take heed lest any man deceive you."

This week in my New Testament class we have been reading more about the Second Coming of our Savior. We read what the Savior warns his disciples (and us) about his coming and what we need to watch for and do in order to be ready.

This week a huge earthquake hit Japan measuring a 8.9 on the Ric-tor scale and being the largest earthquake to date. A large Tsunami followed destroying much of Japan and sending waves to Hawaii and other Pacific islands where they were ordered to get on higher ground or evacuate. We have also had some scary things happen over in the middle-east with Egypt and we have our own battles going on with Unions and such in our own country. What a world our children will grow up in!!

"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginning of sorrows." Mark 13:8

"And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be;" Mark 13:7

Christ also warns that: "there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matt 24:24) President Harold B. Lee stated that, "Unless every member of this Church gains for himself an unshakable testimony of the divinity of this Church, he will be among those who will be deceived in this day when the ‘elect according to the covenant’ are going to be tried and tested. Only those will survive who have gained for themselves that testimony.” (Harold B. Lee in CR, Oct. 1950, p. 129.)

So what can we do as believers of Christ to be ready when he comes again?
One scriptures tells us that we need to watch and pray for no man knows when the time is.

How can we gain this "unshakable testimony?" We can obtain and maintain this testimony by looking at our testimonies and seeing what needs to be strengthened. We can study the scriptures and read of the stories and warnings the Lord has given us to know what will come. We can seek knowledge and answers by studying the scriptures. We can pray to the Lord and ask for help and understanding. We can also bear our testimonies more. Saying what we know to be true to those around us will strengthen our knowledge of it and the spirit will testify to us and those around us that it is true. Living the standards the Lord has set for us will make us happy (Mosiah 2:41), and that also will strengthen our testimony and faith in him.

I myself, have been more motivated to try and do better everyday to read my scriptures, pray, and just keep the spirit with me. I know that Christ's words are true, and that we can be saved at the last day.

"Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom."
D&C 33:17