Christians have been urged to keep their minds focused on Jesus and remain faithful as they prepare for Christ’s soon return, with a warning that time for repentance is running out.
Speaking during the World Children’s Day of Prayer and Children’s Adventurers’ Day service at Sogavare Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gerehu Stage 6, Port Moresby, last Sabbath, Pastor Simon Vetali said believers must be conscious of the times they are living in and strengthen their relationship with God.
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Preaching from Genesis 5:24, which states, “And Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away,” Pastor Vetali said Enoch’s close walk with God serves as an example for Christians today as they await Jesus’ second coming.
The pastor said the Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes the importance of children’s participation and their sense of belonging within the church, making the occasion a significant day for young members.
He told the congregation that biblical prophecy and the writings of Ellen G. White indicate that Jesus’ return is near and encouraged members to use the present time to repent and prepare spiritually.
“If there is time to change and repent, the time is now,” Pastor Vetali said.
He referred to the biblical timeline often discussed within the church, noting that approximately 6,000 years of world history are believed to be nearing completion.
He said events expected in the future remain in God’s hands but stressed the need for Christians to remain vigilant and faithful.
Pastor Vetali also spoke about the “close of probation” and the seven last plagues described in Revelation 16, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
Drawing lessons from Enoch’s life, he said the patriarch longed to experience the relationship with God that his ancestor Adam had described from the Garden of Eden and maintained a constant focus on God throughout his life.
Using Hebrews 11:1, Pastor Vetali explained that faith is believing in realities that cannot be physically seen, comparing it to unseen forces such as gravity, air, internet connectivity and wireless communication that people accept as real because they experience their effects.
He said Christians must exercise the same faith in Jesus Christ and trust in His presence and promises.
Quoting Ephesians 4:17-24, Pastor Vetali emphasized the importance of renewing the mind and focusing on spiritual things. He also cited writings from Ellen G. White, saying the mind serves as the channel through which God communicates with humanity.
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Pastor Vetali ended his presentation by encouraging church members to continually picture Jesus walking beside them every day, referencing Christ’s promise in Matthew 28:20: “Surely I am with you always.”
“Enoch walked with God because his mind was forever focused on God and His presence,” he said. “If we always imagine that Jesus is with us all the time, our lives will be very different.”