According to Bible scripture, we are given many clues and signs to indicate the time of Jesus's return. Most importantly, we are given indications as to when the "last seven years" of world history will begin.
Why is this so important?
It's important because, halfway into the last seven years, the Great Tribulation will begin. I believe God wants to warn us, as He always has throughout history. And if He wants to warn us, maybe it's because He wants us to be prepared.
How can one prepare for the Great Tribulation?
We can prepare mentally, spiritually, emotionally and even physically. To be prepared spiritually is the major emphasis, because if we can learn how to trust God now for our lives, it will be a "knee-jerk reaction" when the poop hits the fan. If we can learn how to hear from God now, it will come automatically when we're in a life-or-death situation. If we have a loving relationship with God now, we will be more apt to believe He loves us even when the going gets tough.
And, He does love us. More than we know! Which is why He is warning us and wants us to prepare for the worst persecution this world has ever known.
Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be.
Did Jesus say this to scare everyone to death so that they would run and hide? Are we supposed to react like Henny Penny and run around screaming,
"The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We're all gonna DIE!"?
It seems to me that in America these days, the media and the government are more afraid of panic than of Ebola or ISIS (IS or ISIL). Who knows if they have their priorities straight? Can panic really be that terrible? More terrible than a terrorist attack?
So, we believers are not meant to panic. We are meant to be pillars of strength and faith in times of trouble!
I can think of no better way to build up our spiritual faith and strength than to READ THE WORD. So, what does the Word tell us about the Great Tribulation? And, have the last seven years already begun? --- My answer to that is,
"No, I don't believe so."
A few things are supposed to happen first. Mainly, as I have mentioned previously, the confirming of the covenant. (We assume that the covenant is going to be signed. But, it is confirmed somehow.)
Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Ok, I know this sounds really bad. And it is. But, you must remember that the very worst stuff is going to happen to the unbelievers and those who worship the "Beast". In fact, Revelation tells us that some of the believers will be safe and provided for for the entire Great Tribulation period! Good news, right?
Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
That's 1260 days. That translates to about 3.46 years, which may mean that she goes into the wilderness before the Great Tribulation even starts. Wow. God is good.
Another verse in the same chapter says: "And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."
To me, that means that some of the believers will be protected in the wilderness and some of the believers will be out on the front lines, preaching the Gospel to the very end and even giving their lives as martyrs. (We've already seen many Christians beheaded by ISIS for their faith! Praise God! This is just the beginning, folks! I get the feeling we ain't seen nothin' yet!)
Revelation 12:17 says "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Ok, so what if you are one of those on the front lines? How do you overcome the devil?
Here's your answer, right out of Revelation 12:11!
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Never underestimate the power of the Blood of the Lamb. Never underestimate the power of the Name of Jesus! And never underestimate the power of your personal testimony!
When we are out there, sharing our personal testimony about how we came to the Lord and how Jesus brought us to eternal salvation, the miracle-working power of the Holy Spirit falls heavily on us. That is the message Jesus wants to get out to the lost! So, He's going to anoint us with power and protection to be able to live long enough to get out the message. Am I right?
If you're serving God, getting out the message, God is going to see to it that you are provided for and protected right up until the end, or right up until your end. And if or when it's your turn to go, it will be a sweet release!
"Earth recedes! Heaven opens!"
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (I Corinthians 15:55)
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