Matthew 24:5, 9-12; “For many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ’ [Messiah], and they will lead many astray… Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets shall arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (any emphasis mine)
Just taking what is written above, is there any doubt that what Jesus spoke of is increasing daily and even hourly? The so-called Covid Pandemic has been used as an excuse to isolate people, and especially people of faith. There has been a very recent study done that states with all the restrictions being placed on Christian churches, there is a possibility that at least 20% of all of them will have to close their doors permanently if there is no letup.
True Believers are being labeled as “haters” as we do not accept certain lifestyles. This in no way means we hate our brothers and sisters; we just don’t accept their sinful ways. Jesus loved everyone, even those who put Him to death. He just didn’t like their activities, and didn’t miss any opportunities to let them know they were wrong, and what they needed to do to be saved.
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul gives an extensive list of what was to come – and is here right now: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self [Me Syndrome], lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
Is there any doubt we are in “times of difficulty”?
We are witnessing each and every trait listed above in today’s worldly attitudes as never before. Churches that used to be bible-based, are giving non-biblical messages, and some even declare that God actually approves of all lifestyles. Passages are being misquoted and misinterpreted as saying God no longer considers certain activities as abominations, but “honors” everyone’s sexual preferences. It’s an “ear tickling,” “feel-good” and “entertaining atmosphere” to keep up the membership and contributions. And it’s leading the membership straight into the Lake of Fire.
Joshua 24:15 pretty much sums up how believers should think. “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve. Whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the river [false gods]; or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell [also false gods]. But as for me and my house, we will serve the [true and living] Lord.”
It should be an easy choice to make, but the prince of this world (Satan) has pulled out all the stops. His followers and demons (fallen angels) are more active today than ever before. He knows Bible prophecy better than humans, and he knows God’s promises are real, even though he does everything he can to pull souls away from the Father. Revelation 20:10 gives his final destination; “And the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and false prophet were (Revelation 19:20), and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” He is just vain enough to act like he may somehow escape this.
Satan is all about lies and deception. His “Did God really say?” line still hooks people today, just as it did Eve in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3. John 8:44 tells us Satan is the “father of lies.”
On the other side, we have a God who never lies, as given in Titus 1:2; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 65:16; John 14:6; Romans 3:4 and Hebrews 6:18, just to name a few verses.
Proverbs 3:5; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Think just for a minute; who could you trust more than the Lord God Jehovah, Creator of all the heavens and the earth, and everything in them? He has existed forever, and will exist forever. Also, He has always been, and always will be a triune God. Genesis 1:26a; “Then God said, let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness…”
John 1:1; “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 14:6; “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Prior to this is John 10:30 in which Jesus plainly states, “I and the Father are One.”
The Bible is full of the Father’s messages to us referencing good and evil, true prophecy, messages of Hope and messages of warnings. First and foremost, we must believe that a true translation of His words is real and inerrant. There are many today that claim it’s just a book of fables and old stories that are not real. They disregard the facts that the prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled with 100% accuracy so far, which would give credibility that the remaining few will be fulfilled in the same manner.
The next major prophecy event to be fulfilled will be the Rapture, and with all the signs that are present, it could be any day and any moment now. God has promised to keep true believers from the coming wrath in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 and Revelation 3:10, just to name a couple verses. The rapture will take place just as is given in 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. The “twinkling of an eye” has been calculated to be less than one second, and yes, God can do that. To be included in the rising up to meet the Savior in the air will mean one must have received and accepted Him prior to the Trumpet Blast and Call.
I do not consider any time spent reading God’s word as wasted. Romans 10:17; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” It is also a good practice to ask for the Holy Spirit to open our minds when we study the Word for better understanding.
Just a word of caution: there are “bibles” being marketed that claim a “gender-neutral” god, and are reworded to fit what the false prophets want you to believe. Be sure any Bible you choose is a true translation, whether a King James Version, New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New English Translation, English Standard Version or whatever.
No matter what takes place in this world with all the evil that is increasing – Even So, I will Trust God. Call on Jesus today for your eternal Salvation. Romans 10:9-13 gives easy to understand information as to what you need to make your decision. The Savior is coming soon, and I hope to see you at the Rapture!
Shalom! Come, Lord Jesus!