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End Times, Sudden Trap, Don’t be Left Behind- Signs are Appearing- Part 2
Greg, John, and Pat discuss and caution us to be aware that while living in the “end times” we must be aware of the sudden traps that can cause you to be left behind; we must take special notice of the signs that are appearing more and more as the day of the Lord’s return draws near.
They continue to discuss what it’s going to be like; Jesus explained how it would be like in context of the signs that would have to appear first and that was Israel becoming a nation. Prior to the formation of Israel being a nation they were scattered all over the word. It was not like it is today prior to 1948 when Israel became a nation that’s how big the prophetic sign was and is. They continue to discuss at length what is written in God’s words and what it will be like in the end times and the necessity to be prepared for what is to come. In Luke 1:5 the Bible says, “Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” What is coming upon the earth will bring such division that not even the stones will be left together. The disciples wanting to know when asked Jesus what would the signs be and Jesus replied was do not be deceived. So many will be deceived because they will follow signs instead of following Jesus. They continued to discuss that the longer one stays in their deception the thicker the veil grows before their eyes and they will not be able to see. Greg shares the way he avoids deception is by making sure that he stays rightly related as He has someone who speaks into his life as he is speaking into to others lives. He lives openly and abides daily with the Lord and washes himself with the word of God. This is good for us all. Many will come in Jesus’ name thinking they are delivering a word from God and saying this is God when in reality they are not. We must be aware of those who claim to say they know the day of Jesus’ return but He does not even know. We may not know the exact day but we do know the signs. The question remains is whether the church will be strong enough to endure what lies ahead. Are we going to be contradictions of the Jesus we proclaim?
Today Israel is constantly in the news. The Bible tells us in Romans 11:25 “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.” Whatever tension Israel is experiencing today will not stop until the full measure of the Gentiles come in. They continue to caution us to be careful because wrongly interpreting the signs can keep you captive during the end times.
They also caution us on not having the fear of man during this time. John Bevere, author, of The Fear of the Lord says that we serve what we fear; if we fear the Lord we will serve the Lord. They further discuss what Jesus said in Luke 21:10-19 ““Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” They continue to share how the don’t think the world has yet to experience or seen the intensity of what they are going to see during the end times. Don’t under estimate evil. This is not a time to be fearful but instead to remain loyal to the Lord. They remind us that when we see these dreadful things happening we are not to be afraid under the pressure but instead learn to relax. You will face persecution however, they discuss if the church is truly ready to face persecution and endure it because of some of the trivial things they have seen almost melt Christians, such as no air conditioning. As they continue to share they sensed that the church is at a better place collectively than she has been before and with great hope and because of some of the fruit that has been witnessed feel that she can endure. They just remind us that there is coming a day when people think they will be doing God a favor while attacking us. You will be offended just don’t take the bait. You will be betrayed don’t let it take you down.
Make up your mind, not to worry about how to defend yourself. People today have such a defensive mindset. They don’t want to look like something is wrong with them. They encourage us that the only way to make it is by abiding with Jesus. Every day we can follow a simple abiding plan that will help us hear God’s voice, write down what He tells us, giving us opportunity to obey and implement the word of God in our lives.
They remind us of Jesus’ words in Luke 21: 15-19 “ I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”
God will give us words and wisdom to stand against our adversaries. When you see Jerusalem surrounded by her enemies you know that time is drawing near. It is time to preach to the Gentiles like never before. There is a number for them to reach before the pain of Israel stops. Perilous times are coming but you need not be afraid. You can have great peace and know when you see these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Just Be the Light
Greg shares how consistently being the light amongst other distracting lights will prove genuine when darkness continues. The light in your life because you made Jesus your Lord will shine so bright that others who have been distracted will be drawn to God because of your faithful witness.
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