The signs of the End Times are lining up very rapidly, and it is both dangerous and foolish to ignore them. Recently, we have seen that Iran, or Persia as it was called by the prophets, has been engaged in aggressive activities. Ezekiel 38 foretold of the nations, including Persia, that would be brought into conflict in the Last Days. Jesus warned against not being prepared as we see the signs. He told a parable of ten virgins, shown above, five of whom were wise because they were prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, and five who were foolish because they had failed to properly prepare. All ten fell asleep, however, which is the condition of the Church today. Wake Up, Church! The Bridegroom is coming. It is not only time to wake up, but it is time to make sure that we are prepared for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. His Bride is clothed in the pure white linen of righteousness, and it is without spot or wrinkle, without blemish (Rev. 19:7-8).
Jesus said that His return would be similar to the conditions that were present in the days of Noah, as the flood judgment was about to be released (Mt. 24:36-44). No one knows the exact day or hour of its coming, only the heavenly Father knows. While Noah was faithfully preparing the ark of deliverance for the coming unknown day and hour, those around him were still engaging in everyday worldly behavior: eating, drinking, marrying. Noah's preparation of the ark was a testimony and witness to them, a sign, which they ignored. Our preparation as believers is also a testimony and a sign to the world to "get ready". The world looks and thinks, "If the Church is not preparing, why should we?"
Our position as believers should automatically differentiate us from the world's view. Paul wrote:
"If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantegeth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not: for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." 1 Cor. 15:32-34
Because we have knowledge of God, because we have received the good news of the resurrection of Christ, we should not be sharing the world's attitude of business as usual.
Jesus told the parable of a rich man who stored up his wealth, and said to himself:
"...take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." Unfortunately for this man in the parable, his soul was to be required that very night. God told him that he was a fool. He had not prepared properly in those things that would have made a difference to his eternity. Jesus concluded: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God."
Lk. 12:19-21
Is the Church being rich towards God, or towards itself and to the enjoyments and requirements of the world? Now is not the time, when we see the signs, to take our ease, to put our feet up.
The prophet Isaiah revealed a similar word to the people of God:
"And in that day did the LORD God of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we shall die. And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the LORD God of hosts." Isa. 22:12-14
As the prophet wrote, God is calling His people to repentance and serious prayer, but His people are not heeding the call. They are investing themselves in enjoyments and feasting, as if they have no knowledge that there is an eternity ahead for which to prepare themselves. Especially during these fall feast days, it is a time to turn to Him. The signs are warning us that the time grows short.
Paul reminded the Church that the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night, without warning. It is therefore necessary to know "the times and the seasons". Sudden destruction will come when many believe that there is peace and safety. However, that day is not to come upon God's people like those who sleep at night, who are drunken and oblivious at night, but upon a people awake and prepared:
"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober...let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord, Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." 1 Thess. 5:1-10.
Paul also exhorts for us to esteem very highly those who labor at spiritual work for us in these matters, those who are over us to guide us (v. 12-13).
Jesus told His disciples the various signs of the End Times, a revelation that was opened to them by the offering of a poor widow giving all that she had. The signs that Jesus prophesied included deceptions of false prophets, and false Christs, commotions, wars among kingdoms, nations (ethnicities and races), earthquakes, famines, pestilences, fearful sights, signs in the heavens, persecutions: "and it shall turn to you for a testimony". We will have to testify by what the Holy Spirit places in our mouths to speak in that hour. Have you sought this infilling presence of the Holy Spirit, who is promised and available to all believers in Christ? Even in persecution to the death, yet Jesus says, "but there shall not a hair of your head perish." (Lk. 21:1-19). We taste but the shadow of the valley of death because of Him. We are not destroyed by death, nor captives of Hell.
As Jesus continued His description of the signs to come in these End Times, He concluded:
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape (Grk: ekpheugo: flee out of, safety in flight, to be saved by flight, to vanish) all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (v. 36).
"Escape" is not guaranteed. Jesus says that to attain that escape, we must remain in a state of watchful, praying readiness.
To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:
Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX 76705
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX 76705
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8 http://endtimeschool.com/
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