Prepare for what's to come PART II (WW3, Armageddon!)

Yesterday, in case you missed it, check out the article HERE, we discussed the first part of Matthew 24 about the birth pangs in the start of the end of days.

Today, I want to pick up - and wow - talk about dark imagery.

Now, before I get started, this message that Jesus is delivering in Matthew 24 is very different than what I hear about the Rapture. Keep in mind, I love the concept and principles OF the rapture - I also see where the Rapture argument happens, however there is a lot against the rapture of the church concept and models. (MORE ON THIS LATER ON).

My feeling, and how I have prepared myself for the end of days, is that I am HOPING that Jesus raptures his church,but I am going to live and prepare like he is going to make us wait like it indicates in this next segment of Chapter 24 in Matthew.

Matthew 24: 9-14: Again - Jesus is speaking and answering his disciples when he continues on his narrative about what will happen in the last days.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

If I am seeing this prophecy correctly from Jesus himself, he is indicating the following will happen to believers on this Earth.

1. You will be handed over and persecuted and put to death - hated because you love Jesus and are a Christian.

We live in a comfortable society here in the USA, however that is quickly changing. Does anyone else find it funny that only Christians can't be offended? Story after Story - the baker and his wife not wanting to do a gay wedding - what about the Christians? Cant they be offended that they were dragged into court and lost their business because they said they didnt want to support something? Nope! Not in todays society!

What about the Christians? Can't we be offended that God has been wiped off the agendas at school, local, etc meetings? Prayer in our schools not allowed anymore because it offends others? What about the Christians? Can't we be offended that you are doing away with what was working and good? NOPE! Not in the modern era!

These are just two examples, I am sure you can think of plenty more!

We see the physical persecution overseas, but we have a persecution here in the USA - it just hasnt gotten physical. Yet.

IF you dont feel blessed to live in a free country like the USA, you need to consider your stance on that. Fortunately, our country will never fall under foreign rule - and if it attempts it, I know I will be one of the patriots to fight against that foreign rule. Shariah Law would never work in this country - fortunately. As far as Im concerned it would never work. I will not bow to an idol.

I want to say something here as well about this.

Brothers and sisters in the middle east, I am absolutely in awe at what the Lord is doing for Christians over there. Yes, you are being targeted with sheer evil,but the stories that are coming out of there of the Lord appearing in the battle field with armies of angels - causing ISIS fighters to throw down their weapons in defeat. The stories of ISIS fighters seeing Jesus - denouncing ISIS and becoming a Christian. Then the sheer peace that I see in some videos of the execution.

Have you ever noticed how no one fights it? They look at peace in the face of death. I have seen numerous execution videos and just noticed the presence of God - like those people werent there. There bodies were there, but their spirits and cares were FAR from that place. I condemn everything ISIS is doing, and HATE watching it over and over again - I want to go over and fight myself - but it is just something the spirit of the Lord showed me that they were at peace in those situations. It fascinates me.

My question is, could it happen in the states? Possibly if there was a full collapse in the states. Financial, Military - perhaps. For right now, I am blessed to be in the states and able to be a part of number 5 - contacting THOUSANDS worldwide and sharing the gospel all because of the internet! More on that in number 5!

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2. Many will flee the faith - betrayals and hatred towards each other.

I see this already. Persecution comes in many different forms of course. Not just physical. I know friends persecuted for their faith and left it. THEN betrayed others in their families using their faith against them. "You are judging me because you are a christian!" Sound familiar?

Hatred has increased - you are blind if you do not see it.

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3. False Prophets will appear and deceive many people

Check this one off the list. Time and time again on discussion boards, televangelists, etc. we see false teachings and doctrines. Test the spirits. Know your Bible. If something doesnt sound right, look it up. If you yourself say something - dont be a false teacher, look it up to make sure. Pray to the Lord for guidance and direction and he will lead your paths straight.

4. Love will grow cold because of increased wickedness

So many examples of this happening in our society. Love is so hard to find. Unfortunately, because its hard to find, people forget and feel once they find it - there is no hard work involved. Look at divorce rates. Look at divorce rates even in the church. Fight for love! Know what love is. Do you know what it is? Here I will help you.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

That is love! Memorize this verse - reflect on it - and when you are in a trying time implement it!

5. Gospel and the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations.

I can imagine the disciples thought that it would be word of mouth, on foot, and nearly impossible to spread the gospel throughout all the Earth.

What about in the 1600's? They knew the Earth was larger - yet needed to spread the Gospel.

21st century here we are and - EASIER THAN EVER TO SAVE SOMEONE MILLIONS OF MILES AWAY! It is amazing how small this Earth is now thanks to advancement in technology, isnt it? This verse is so incredible that it predicts how easy it will be to reach the ends of the Earth with the message of Christ!

PART III - Tomorrow! Be sure to check it out!