You may have noticed this world is taking a turn that isn’t all good. In some areas – Iran, China and North Korea, for example – there are people turning to Jesus in record numbers. In Iran, it’s reported most of the “converted” are female. These are areas where Christians are not thought very highly of. In fact, if discovered, they face the possibility of being martyred. There have been pictures posted on social media of teens and pre-teens about to be beheaded because they will not turn away from believing in Christ to accept Islam. It’s amazing the faith and courage they display rather than deny Jesus and be able to live. (any emphasis is mine)
Then, we look at what’s happening in America. What Jesus and others told us about false prophets and antichrists increasing near the end of this age is very obvious today. It’s only accelerating as the “prince of this world” (Satan) knows his time is short, and he’s pulling out all the stops. We are seeing the satanic movement gain popularity, and it’s out in the open as never before. There are even “churches of Satan” being formed in numerous places in our country. Isaiah 5:20 is in full force with evil being called good, and good being called evil. For anyone who thinks God is surprised about all this, He gave Isaiah and other prophets a clear picture of all this over 2,500 years ago. Satanic statues are even being put in front of some government buildings as a form of protest where the 10 Commandments have been displayed.
We see Christian businesses being attacked as if somehow being in violation of certain people’s rights. If a photographer refuses to photograph a “gay wedding” or a baker refuses to bake items that would go against their Christian beliefs, the radical left throws a fit and sues them in court for damage. One thing that is very obvious, Christian businesses are purposely being targeted. There are secular businesses that would do the photography or bake what is asked for without question. Sad part is, the litigation becomes very costly, and many of the businesses have to close down. Just recently, it was reported a restaurant chain, known to be owned by Christians, was “brow-beaten” to stop donations to other Christian organizations. It’s as if the “almighty dollar” speaks louder than God’s Word.
Things that are called “abominations” by our Heavenly Father are being openly praised in public as now being perfectly normal, and supposedly no longer a sin. Many so-called entertainment personalities and a fair number of elected officials at all government levels are siding with the radical left. We have seen in the Bible where God punished worshipers of Baal because of their belief in child sacrifice. Yet today, numerous elected officials are saying it’s perfectly alright to support “partial-birth abortion” or even euthanasia for a baby that is delivered alive. Impossible as it may seem, there was even a suggestion in another country, in the not too distant past, that parents should have up to 2 years to decide if the baby lives or is killed.
In 1965, there was a song released called “The Eve of Destruction.” Jesus beat that by about 2,000 years when He said, “Now when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28, NET).
There is a definite movement to take down President Trump, and at the same time, one to take down Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. Several prophecy experts believe that these two individuals are all that is standing between the peace process and the formation of a one-world government. The U.S. is in a turmoil that exceeds the protest movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Israel is showing a weakness that just may have to do with the “hook” spoken of in Ezekiel 38:4. It’s being reported that even the Pope is trying to unite all religions into a “one-world religion,” saying we all worship the same god. (Note the small “g.”)
Satan knows Bible prophecy as well as anyone, even if he doesn’t accept its truth. He does realize the end of this age is rapidly approaching, and is setting the stage for his last “hurrah.” He will have seven years, granted by the Father, to torment this earth as never before. After that, and after the antichrist and false prophet are thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20), Satan will be bound and tossed into a bottomless pit for one thousand years (Revelation 20:1-2). He will not be allowed to deceive the nations during that time, but man’s sin nature will not disappear.
At the end of the thousand years, he will be released to come out and gather people from all over the earth to attack Jerusalem. Jesus will have been on the throne in Jerusalem for the entire thousand years, yet people will still turn against Him. When the final attack takes place, it is put down by fire from Heaven, and Satan will be the next one tossed into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:7-10). After this, there will be the White Throne Judgment where everyone who lived from the creation to the cross that turned against God, and all who turned against Jesus from Calvary to that moment, will be judged. All at this judgment will be sentenced to Hell to be tormented forever (Revelation 20:11-15). This is final, permanent, without any possibility of a pardon. Everyone will know exactly why they are in that line.
Imagine this happening and not having a Creator that truly loves His creation. Imagine having to fend entirely for ourselves through all the evil that is rapidly gaining speed. What if we had a Creator that held each of us responsible for every sin we will ever commit, and wouldn’t accept any sacrifice as sufficient to exonerate us. Talk about living a life with absolutely no hope!
Would we not want a Heavenly Father that had compassion for us, and that knows we could never attain the perfection He requires? Think just for a moment, if we didn’t have an Advocate that could cover every one of our transgressions, how hopeless our existence here would be.
The good news is, we have an Advocate, and He is a part of the Father Himself (John 10:30). There is only one stipulation, and it’s a personal choice each and every person has to make for themselves. Believe Jesus came to this earth as a willing (John 10:18) sin-free sacrifice for us. He died on that cross, and His blood washed away our sins. We must have faith that He was raised from the dead that third day to completely conquer sin and eternal death for all who call on Him to be their Savior. If we confess that we are sinners, as everyone is (Romans 3:23), and ask for His forgiveness, we will be saved (Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:9-13).
Consider the 1999 song that was written and performed by the Gather’s that fills us with hope and inspiration to help us through these troubling times. It’s called, “Because He Lives.”
- God sent His Son; they called Him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon. An empty grave is there to prove my Savior Lives.
(chorus) Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future; and life is worth the living, because He lives.
(2) How sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives. But greater still, the calm assurance; this child can face uncertain days because He lives.
(c-3) And then one day, I’ll cross that river. I’ll fight life’s final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory, and I’ll know He reigns. (chorus)
After all is said and done, a line in a 1940 song by J.B. Coats sums it all up. “Where could I go but to the Lord?” Remember John 3:18 and 1 John 5:12; both say that if we have the Son, we have the Father. Without the Son, we’re lost. There is no other way to have eternal life with Jesus (John 14:6 and Acts 4:12). Call on the Savior today, and put all doubt and fears behind you. We will not be able to stop what is about to happen in this world, but we will have our reservation to be called up to meet our Jesus in the air very soon (1 Corinthians 15:51-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
Maranatha