When reviewing the Scriptures concerning the end times, we uncover two profound admonitions: "Do not be afraid," and "Do not be deceived." These two commands establish the purpose of the church in these last days. We are to remain as the light of the world and the pillar of truth in the earth until Christ returns.
In these last days we are to guard our hearts against fear and deception—two formidable forces that are sweeping across the earth and threatening to cause many to falter. Jesus said, “Men’s hearts will fail them for fear and for looking upon those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21). He also said, ““False Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:24).
These two attacks of fear and deception are the key weapons of the enemy. Fear is a faith killer, it undermines our beliefs and leaves us vulnerable, paving the way for deception to take root in our lives. This is a battle unfolding on a global scale and in this critical moment, it is imperative that the church stands as the greatest opposition to the devil's schemes. We must not succumb to fear; instead, we must boldly proclaim the truth to counteract the darkness that seeks to overwhelm us. We must always remember that where "sin abounds, grace much more abounds" (ro. 5:20).
Jesus gives clear instruction to his disciples when facing the coming tribulation, “Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:14,15). We must make up our minds now, before the shaking begins. God is in control and with that assurance in our hearts we will not be deceived. Setting our faith on His word we make up our minds that no matter what happens we will trust God and not fear. We will speak the truth with boldness and stand against the flood of deception that is coming to the earth.
There is an interesting passage in Matt.23:33,34 that displays the heart of God for the purpose of His people in the last days. Jesus is railing against the Pharisees saying, “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.” Jesus convicts the Pharisees of their damnable ways but tells them He will send prophets, wise men and teachers. Why? to continue to speak the Gospel to them so that none should perish. Therefore, this passage indicates that even in the presence of an active enemy, God will continue to send His messengers so that some may be saved. These witnesses will in fact cause a greater condemnation to those who oppose the Lord. Much like this verse I believe the end time church will be used as the greatest obstacle to hell. Those who are opposed to the Gospel will have to get past the prayers of the saints, war against the truth we proclaim, and crawl over the demonstration of our ceaseless love for the lost.
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Rev. 12:11). God is sending a people who will give all that they have in the face of evil, religious bigotry, fear and deception to win the lost. Make up your mind not to worry, do not fear and do not be deceived. These days will be the greatest days of the church as we become the greatest obstacle to hell the world has ever known. “Saving others by snatching them from the fire” (Jude 1:23).
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