Birth Pangs and Fig Trees, Part 8

In the USA, Christmas is over (I know that there are some traditions which observe different dates); at least the commercialization and the celebration part are over. But, for all true followers of Christ, the real meaning of Christmas is never over. That's because the First Coming of Christ is not complete without the Second Coming of Christ. And that is why this ministry continues to make short statements on facebook; write longer notes on facebook; write periodic blogs such as this; and work on a new publication tentatively titled Encouragement for End-Times Endurance - A Victory Guide.

The New Testament is full of warnings that to be a follower of Christ will incite hatred and persecution from the world (Matt. 5:10-12, 10:22; John 15:18-21, 16:33; Acts 5:41; 2 Tim. 3;12; Rev. 2:10). The inspired writers of Scripture took great care to explain to the early church concerning its suffering (Ro. 8:17; 2 Thess. 1:3-2:3; James 5:10; 1 Peter 2:20, 3:14, 4:16, 5:10). When it comes to that particular time of the end labeled by Jesus as the Great Tribulation, (Matt. 24:21) believers are specifically warned. We are warned that the persecution in those days will be inspired by none other than the Antichrist himself. We are warned that unless those days were cut short (amputated) no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened (Matt. 24:22). Those days are cut short by the rapture (described by Jesus as occurring immediately following disturbance in the heavenlies - Matt. 24:29-31; and in further detail in Matt. 24:36-44).

Living in those days (of the great Tribulation) will be especially stressful because of the great apostasy that will occur. Paul speaks of this also in 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Jesus has already spoken of it in Matt. 24:10-12. Imagine, many of the professing, church-going church being deceived so that they abandon the faith that has been so earnestly contended for (see Jude's description in v. 3-4, 11-13, 17-19). Some of these will be friends, leaders in our churches, pastors - who will depart from the truth of God's Word and follow after human wisdom. This will be a time of great stress, and the Word of God warns us in advance so that we will not be surprised. This will be one of the signs of times and seasons about which those who are willing to follow Christ will be aware.

That is heavy stuff, so I will leave you there so that you can ponder this prophecy for a few days. We will indeed need to be encouraged all the more during such times (Heb. 10:25). Remember, people are not our enemies (Eph. 6:10-17) so engage in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:18; Jude 20) knowing this: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world, On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:4-5)