Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
--- Romans 12:12-14
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
--- 1 Corinthians 2:2
►Do not be Deceived or Misled:
Many will come in the name of Jesus and deceive the world. The anti-christ will
come as a savior and will "mislead, if possible,
even the elect."
(Matthew 24:24 NASB). Most people think that they won't be deceived and most people will be wrong. Seeds of deception began long ago and deception takes many forms.
It is easy to be deceived
and Satan is a master at it.
We all need to be humble before the Lord.
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." -- Matthew 26:41 NIV
-- Matthew 24:24, 1 John 4:1, Colossians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Luke 21:8, Deuteronomy 11:16, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Matthew 7:15
But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
-- 2 Timothy 3:13
► Be on Alert/Be Watchful:
Be aware, be diligent to guard your heart from becoming entangled with worldly views and sin
-- Matthew 24:42-43, Luke 12:35-38 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Romans 13:11 NASB, 1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB,Revelation 16:15 NASB, Revelation 22:20, Revelation 3:3 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:6 NASB, 1 Peter 4:7 NASB, Revelation 22:7, Psalm 121:1-2, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Luke 21:26-28 NASB, Luke 21:36, Matthew 24:36-44
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
--- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Jesus warned us time and again about watching, being alert, being strong in the Lord, sober in spirit.
Many read these warning but do not fully understand why it is so important especially in the end times.
It is because it will be so easy to
"fall into sin" and to "fall away from the Lord" due to "deception", "greed", and "persecution".
(we know this from seed parable)
Click here for more about the Great Falling Away called the Apostasy.
We need earnest on-our-face-praying during these treacherous times that we not fall victim to the schemes of the devil. It is VERY IMPORTANT that we maintain our TESTIMONY and focused prayer life (Luke 22:46).
We must "stay awake at all times, praying" (Luke 21:34,36).
Many will not endure the difficult times ahead.
We need to be walking in the power of the Holy Spirit not to fall into temptation to sin.
► Be Sober-Minded:
Set Your Mind on the Things Above not on the things of this world. Seek the heart and mindset of God.
-- Colossians 3:1-4, Romans 8:6, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 5:8 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
-- 1 Peter 1:13
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. --- 1 Peter 4:7
► SANCTIFY YOURSELF
Sanctify means to be set apart, to be made holy, or to consecrate.
All those in Christ Jesus are sancified at salvation. After salvation, sancification becomes a process of self-discipline
(1 Corinthians 9:27) as we strive to live a holy life, obedient to the LORD and set apart for God's special use and purpose.
The LORD has a special purpose for us in the end times as our testimony will play a part in defeating the Anti-Christ.
(Revelation 12:11)
-- 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Leviticus 22:32, Psalm 4:3, 1 Peter 1:14-16, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 12:1, Leviticus 20:7-8, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 2:21, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 12:14,
"Consecrate (or "Sanctify" in KJV) yourselves, therefore, and be holy; for I am the LORD your God."
--- Leviticus 20:7
--- (Leviticus 20:7 KJV)
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
--- John 17:17
And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you."
--- Joshua 3:5 NKJV
(Note: Joshua said this to the people before the battle of Jericho. The Jericho story found in the book of Joshua is a foreshadowing of the end times.)
► Pray/Fast:
--- Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 John 5:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 32:6, Psalm 42:8, Psalm 66:19, Proverbs 15:29, Matthew 26:41, Matthew 9:38, Matthew 21:22, 1 Timothy 2:1, James 5:13-18, 1 Peter 4:7,
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
--- Colossians 4:2
But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.
-- Luke 21:36
PRAYER is going to play an important part in end times.
Click here to learn more
► Be Hopeful:
Do not be alarmed at the circumstances around you. Do not keep your focus on world events.
Keep your eyes on the LORD for He is the God of Hope.
(Romans 15:13)
And it is
through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures that we receive hope.
--- Romans 15:4 NASB
Want more HOPE?
Read and Meditate
on the Word of God.
Memorize Scripture
Sing Hymns
-- 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 1 Peter 1:13, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, Colossians 1:23, 1 John 3:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, John 14:3, Psalm 39:7 NASB, Psalm 38:15 NASB, Psalm 42:5 NASB, Romans 5:5 NASB, Romans 12:12 NASB, 1 Corinthians 13:13 NASB, 2 Corinthians 1:10 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NASB, 1 Timothy 4:10 NASB, Titus 2:13 NASB, Hebrews 10:23 NASB
Be strong and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the Lord. --- Psalm 31:24
► Do Not be Anxious or Fearful about the Future: Remember who you are in Christ
-- 2 Timothy 1:7, John 14:1, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 6:25-27, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 56:3, Isaiah 26:3,Isaiah 35:4
For more about "Overcoming Fear and Anxiety":
Click here
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
--- Philippians 4:6-7
► Be Patient/Wait:
--- Titus 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Jude 1:21, James 5:7-8, Psalms 62:1, Lamentations 3:25-26, Psalms 37:7, Psalms 130:5-6, Micah 7:7, Hosea 12:6, Galatians 5:5, Psalms 25:5, Psalms 39:7-8, Genesis 49:18, Isaiah 40:31
Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.
--- Psalms 27:14
Waiting is going to play an important role in end times. To learn more
Click Here
► Be Holy, Walk Uprightly, Walk in the Light
--- 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Psalm 96:9, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Ephesians 1:4 NASB, Leviticus 11:45, 1 John 1:7, Ephesians 5:8, John 8:12, Psalm 84:11
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, -- 1 Peter 1:15-16
► Be Confident, Calm, and Self Controlled
--- Isaiah 50:7 NASB, Psalm 27:3, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 13:6, Psalm 78:7, Proverbs 14:26, 1 Peter 4:7, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:2,6, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, , 1 Corinthians 15:58, Galatians 5:23, Proverbs 25:28, Colossians 1:23 NASB, Hebrews 3:14
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -- 2 Timothy 1:7
► Stand Firm in the Faith; Determined in your heart today not to bow your knee to any other god.
--- 1 Corinthians 16:13,
Galatians 5:1, Philippians 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Peter 5:9, Ephesians 6:11 NASB, Daniel 3:14-18
This scripture from Daniel foreshadows the end times.
And like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego,
we will have to "Stand Firm":
14 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?
15 ...But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
--- Daniel 3:14-18 NASB
► Fear God, Not Man:
-- Proverbs 3:7, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Psalm 112:1, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 33:8, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 19:9, Proverbs 14:26, Luke 12:5, Isaiah 8:13, Proverbs 10:27, 1 Samuel 12:14, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Psalm 34:9, Psalm 2:11, Proverbs 16:6, 2 Corinthians 5:11, Proverbs 2:1-5
I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!.
--- Luke 12:5 NASB
► Live for the LORD with reckless abandon, completely surrendered to the will of God. There is no better life. It is a life whose focus is the word of God not the world, not circumstances, not my feeling. It is a life of choosing to believe God no matter what the world says. It is a life of joy, peace, hope, and contentment from making the LORD the center of your life.
--- James 4:7, Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Philippians 4:11-13, Psalm 37:3-5, Proverbs 3:5, Psalm 118:8, Matthew 6:25, Psalm 9:10, Psalm 112:7, Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 11:6, Jeremiah 17:7, Philippians 4:6-7
► Be Faithful:
We will need great faith in the end times. Remember, the faithless (Revelation 21:8)
will end up in the lake of fire along with murderers, sorcerers, and idolaters.
Yes, we need faith!
--- Hebrews 11:6, Proverbs 28:20, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:7
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
--- Revelation 2:10
► Be Courageous:
We will need great courage in the end times. Often overlooked is the fact that the cowardly (Revelation 21:8)
will end up in the lake of fire along with murderers, sorcerers, and idolaters.
Yes, we need courage!
--- Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 27:14, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Mark 5:36, Psalm 112:7, 2 Corinthians 5:8, 2 Samuel 10:12, 2 Chronicles 15:7, Psalm 31:24, 2 Corinthians 5:6, Philippians 1:20
For more about "Overcoming Fear and Anxiety":
Click here
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
--- Joshua 1:9
► Be Kind/Be Loving:
--- 1 Timothy 6:11-12, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:7, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Matthew 22:37-39, John 15:12
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. --- Ephesians 4:32
► We are called to be a witness for Christ.
And we need to work while we have light.
It is getting darker every day.
The LORD will provide doors of opportunity to bear witness of the gospel during the end times, even amidst persecution.
Luke 21:12–13, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 3:15, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:8, Matthew 24:14, John 1:5, John 8:12
But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
--- Luke 21:12-13
We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
--- John 9:4
► Run with Endurance; Persevere in Faith:
Fight the Good Fight, Finish the Course, Keep the Faith;
We must have Patient Endurance in the last days.
Find out why,
click here
--- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:7, Acts 20:23-24, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 5:7-8, Philippians 2:16, James 5:7-11 NASB, Revelation 1:9 (The Apostle John had patient endurance),
Luke 8:15 NASB, Romans 2:7 NASB, Romans 5:3-4 NASB, Romans 8:25 NASB, Romans 12:12 NASB, Romans 15:4-5 NASB, 1 Timothy 4:16 NASB, 1 Timothy 6:11 NASB, James 1:12 NASB, Revelation 2:2-3 NASB, Revelation 2:19 NASB, Revelation 13:10 NASB, Revelation 14:12 NASB, 2 Timothy 2:12
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. --- Revelation 3:10
►Encourage Other Believers:
Encourage one another and build one another up; strengthen the brethren. Be a Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)
--- Hebrews 3:13, Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Romans 15:5, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Romans 15:2, Acts 15:32, 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 27:17, Philippians 2:3-4, Acts 14:22
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
--- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
► Read, Memorize, and Meditate on God's Word:
Immerse Yourself in the Word of God... Be God Focused...
Fix your Eyes upon Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2).
--- Joshua 1:8, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:15, Psalm 63:6, Psalm 119:48, Psalm 119:97-99 , Psalm 119:16, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 119:23, Psalm 1:2-3, Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:16, Romans 15:4
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
9 Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
--- Joshua 1:8-9 NASB
► Sing Hymns to make you God focused and build your faith.
Hymns are based on scripture and singing them allows you to speak and hear the word of God. Singing Hymns also brings hope and encouragement to all who hear.
--- Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, Ephesians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Acts 16:25, Psalm 147:1, Psalm 92:1, Hebrews 2:12, Romans 15:9, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 68:4, Psalm 9:2, 2 Samuel 22:50, 1 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 47:6-7
► Read 1 Thessalonians 5 each day
The entire chapter concerns the day of the Lord and details what we should be doing during the end times.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-28
So then let us not sleep, keep awake
1 Thessalonians 5:6
let us be sober
1 Thessalonians 5:8
put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up
1 Thessalonians 5:11
respect those who labor among you and are over you
1 Thessalonians 5:12
and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
1 Thessalonians 5:13
Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:13
admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Rejoice always
1 Thessalonians 5:16
pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17
give thanks in all circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Do not quench the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:19
Do not despise prophecies
1 Thessalonians 5:20
test everything; hold fast what is good
1 Thessalonians 5:21
Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
► Love the Truth
--- 1 Corinthians 13:6, John 14:6, Psalm 119:160, 1 Peter 1:22, John 17:17, Romans 2:8, Psalm 15:2, Psalm 25:10, Psalm 43:3, Psalm 51:6, Psalm 69:13, Psalm 85:10, John 3:21, John 4:23-24, John 8:32, Romans 1:25, 2 Corinthians 13:8, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 6:14, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:7, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, James 3:14, 1 John 1:8, 1 John 2:4, 3 John 1:4
that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
--- 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
► Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus:
Do not love your very life but rather prepare you heart for persecution or even death.
Determine in your heart now that you will arm yourself for the same purpose as Christ and
"live for the will of God."
read
(1 Peter 4:1; 1 Peter 4:2)
--- 1 Corinthians 15:31 , Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:24, Romans 6:6, Matthew 10:38, Romans 6:11, Luke 9:23, John 12:25, Revelation 12:11 NASB
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
--- Matthew 16:24
►Maintain Your Testimony:
What you say (and do not say) and what you do (and do not do) becomes your testimony.
We all have a Testimony
Even your decision
not to take the mark of the beast becomes your testimony.
And your
testimony will play a major role in overcoming the antichrist.
For more about the importance of Maintaining Your Testimony:
Click here
---Ephesians 6:11, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:9, Luke 21:12-14,
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. --- Revelation 12:11 NASB
►Be an Overcomer:
Build a Mindset of Overcoming
---1 John 5:4, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4-5, Revelation 3:5 NASB, Revelation 12:11 NASB, Revelation 21:7 NASB, Revelation 2:7 NASB, Revelation 3:21 NASB, Revelation 2:17 NASB, Revelation 5:5 NASB, Revelation 2:11 NASB, Revelation 3:12 NASB
... because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
--- 1 John 2:14
He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
--- Revelation 2:26 NASB
►Prepare your heart and mind for the difficulties that lie ahead: Prepare for Persecution
Set your face like flint to proclaim Jesus Christ no matter the cost.
--- Isaiah 50:7 NASB, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 51:10, Colossians 3:23, Galatians 2:20, Proverbs 3:5, Revelation 2:10, Philippians 4:13, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 23:4, Joshua 1:9, John 14:1
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
--- 1 Peter 1:13 NASB
For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
--- 1 Corinthians 2:2
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
--- 1 Peter 2:21-24 NIV
► Keep Looking Up:
Our Blessed Hope Is Coming
--- Titus 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:30, Psalm 121:1-2
But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
--- Luke 21:28 NASB
"for if we live,
we live for the Lord,
or if we die,
we die for the Lord;
therefore whether
we live or die,
we are the Lord’s."
-- Romans 14:8