If you read John 17, it shows the beauty of Jesus - his love, his heart and compassion for us all. Jesus came into this world in flesh as a servant. He left his throne to show us what it means to be meek and mild and lowly in heart. He showed us through his life what it means to be humble. Jesus could have bragged about who he was/is, but he came to serve and show us what it means to serve others and not our own desires. He showed us what it means to be persecuted when we live for a kingdom that is not of this world. Whilst Christ was 100% God he was also 100% man, satan subjected him to the three categories of sin, lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life (Luke 4:1-13). Thank God that we have a High Priest that can sympathise with all that we have gone and are going through, because he was subjected to it too (Hebrews 4:15). However, he showed us we can overcome. Although we are 100% flesh, as long as we abide in him, the Holy Spirit will grow within us. Christ albeit suffered in flesh, depended on his father. Through his life he showed us that even through difficulty, we can rely on Him, as Christ relied on God. Remember, Jesus went through far worst then we could ever imagine. He could have called off the whole thing when he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, but reading John 17, He knew and understood the cause, what it would mean for generations to come. Christ made the decision to give his life for the greater good, for us! For all that He has done, we should want to give up our worldly desires for Him. If you are saved, then you will know that we are not of this world, and therefore, we should want to imitate Christ as he calls us to be Holy like Him (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Jesus was persecuted and took on the wrath of our sinful behaviors (1 Peter 2:24), we too, must be persecuted for our walk in Christ, because the world hates all things that is of God (John 15:19).
Christians will experience persecution this is inevitable - we need to go through the refiners fire to be cleansed from our dross and imperfections (Revelations 3:18). Even now, we know there are some countries that persecute Christians for their beliefs. However, I do disagree with comments that we will go through the full tribulation (the wrath that will be poured out on the earth) before Christ takes us up through the rapture. I don’t believe those who have the Holy Spirit within them would suffer the type of persecution that will come upon the world. If we are already crucifying the desires of the flesh and giving up the world now, why would the Lord, knowing that He has already taken the wrath for our sins, put us through the tribulation? That would mean Jesus is being crucified all over again and would negate what he said in these following scriptures - we will be seated with Him at the banquet Table (Matthew 8:11), 1 Thessalonians 5:9 says, “For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” “he is going to spare us from the hour of testing” (Revelation 3).
With that in mind, we need to do what Jesus says, to keep watch for the signs because our redemption will draw near (Luke 21). For we know that the coming rapture is imminent, the bible said in a twinkling of an eye we will be caught up and our bodies will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:22). Meaning, there will be no warning when this happens. An example of a scenario, two people are in a discussion, one is sold out for the Lord the other is not, God takes the “sold out” person right before their eyes. When the rapture happens millions of people will be missing around the world. People will demand answers to where their missing loved ones are. The world will not want to listen to the facts - that Christ came and took his elect away, the world will do all that it can to quiet those that are aware of the truth. The world will go into overdrive where you’ll see a ramping up of persecutions to those who were left behind and have chosen to follow Christ (Revelation 12: 17, 13:7, Daniel 7:21).
It’ll happen that access to Bible Apps will be removed, all sermons/talks pertaining to Christ will be deleted. Being able to buy Bibles online will not be possible. My suggestion to those who are reading this and don't own a bible buy one now!! You will not have the chance to buy one after, you will be desperate to have access to one and can’t. My suggestion to those who believe in the rapture and is living a life where you know the Lord is coming back very soon, leave notes - directions for your loved ones, they will recognize all that you’ve been saying is true. Allow the Lord to show you what to write - ensure you prepare your loved ones for what is about to come.
After the rapture, we will see the rise of the Antichrist, we don’t know how soon after the rapture when he will be revealed, but the bible says in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 that currently he is being restrained, and there will be a time when the restrainer will move out of the way, and allow satan to do his bidding through the antichrist. Again, we don’t know who the antichrist is, but I believe as I said in my last blog he is already in position, and doesn’t know he will be used by satan. Just like Judas who betrayed Jesus didn’t know he was the son of perdition (John 17:12), so it will be the same for the antichrist. In my last blog The Coming Judgement - part 2 (the stage is set to welcome the antichrist) I shared how the world over the years has been setting the stage for the antichrist. What was shared was just a snippet of things that we have already seen and will increase after the rapture. I mentioned that I believe the antichrist is in the UN (United Nations(just my thoughts)), I also explained that the UN houses several organizations IMF (International Monetary Fund), the World Bank, G20, G10 and G7. Reading Daniel 7 it talks about there being 10 horns which represent 10 kingdoms and there was one little horn (kingdom) that came up and had authority over all 10 horns (kingdoms) so much so that it defeated 3 horns. I believe the G10 is a global confederacy, you’ll also noted that the G10 does not consist of 10 countries but actually consists of 11. I do believe the antichrist will come out of one these countries. The antichrist will have Jewish heritage (11:36-37), which is why he will be the one to broker the peace treaty deal between Israel and her neighbouring enemies. We know the world is calling for Peace and Safety, we are aware that the UN held a Peace and Security summit on 22nd and 23rd September dubbed Summit of the Future. The UN are doing all they can to put order in place - but what of the antichrist? He is going to have the power to be able to achieve all that the world has been trying to accomplish. As mentioned, the antichrist will put peace in place between Israel and her neighbours - so much so, that as part of the peace treaty Israel will be able to build their third temple on the Temple Mount, where they will resume animal sacrifices - this temple will be right next to the Dome of the Rock, bringing an illusion that all “religions” can co-exist. He will bring peace to other nations who are warring with each other and establish peace on our streets - again it is all an illusion. A strong delusion will be among those who are open to believe in the lie (2 Thessalonians 2:11). Just like there are those whose hearts are open to hearing the truth about Christ, it’ll be the same who wish to believe in the antichrist. The world will be so enamoured by him because of what he “achieves” that he will become a global leader. Is it far fetched, no - remember the UN acts as a global leader today, in the same way we have something similar to a one monetary system, the world bank, hence why these countries are in debts of trillions of pounds, who did you think they were in debt too? Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to have the antichrist put in a one world government, a one world currency and a one world religion. We've been made aware through the news outlets that the pope is trying to push for a one world religion, he has travelled to Middle East and Asian countries to sell the ideology that all roads/religions lead to Heaven. Again, this is a deception and a lie from satan himself. He wants people to be bought into this lie so you are deceived and cannot see the truth. Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Yet, people have hailed the pope for this "progressive thought", not realising that the antichrist will establish this as a one world religion.
In my previous post, I mentioned the world has set the stage to welcome the antichrist through the incremental changes that we have seen in the last 10+ years, not realising that we have been compliant. Meaning, it will not be difficult for anyone to fall for the delusion or comply with what will come. The antichrist will create an illusion of peace on the earth, he will also find a solution for the economic crisis all around the world. He will cancel country debts, and will create a one world currency by encouraging all, great and small to take the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16).
I've had recent conversations with people where they have said they’ll never take the mark of the beast - as if it is a choice! If you cast your minds back to the days of Covid - there were organisations essentially threatening people’s livelihoods if they did not take the vaccine. Some stood their ground but others faltered under the pressure. What do you think it’ll be like when you are told in order to buy or sell you have to take a mark on your right hand or forehead (Revelation 13:16-17)? Let’s think about the day to day, in order to be able to feed your baby you need to buy groceries, or pay for a prescription for your ailing mother/father, you need to pay for central heating or electricity to warm the insides of your home for you and your children. What about if you rely on a form of transportation, whether that is your car, the bus, train/tram or tube, you still need a mode of transportation just to get by day to day. You want to be able to see or speak with your loved ones who live in another country but you need to pay for your phone bill or pay for a plane ticket to visit them. What if your organisation changed the terms and conditions of your contract. What if, you were told you can’t do any of those things unless you take the mark? Even worse, what if you were told, if you don’t take the mark you will lose your life (Revelation 13:15)?
Even if you are not saved, everyone is aware of Satan’s number the mark of the beast - 666 (Revelation 13:18). Now, we don’t know what this mark will look like, some people are saying this will look like a form of a chip, whatever it is, this is a mark that will determine your soul. A mark that is attached to the very things people are so reliant on, money! 2 Timothy 3:2 says “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Now for those who are not sure about what I’m saying, please do the research and go through the scriptures I reference. It is very clear that there are strings attached to the mark of the beast. You’ll be deceived into thinking it is solve the economic crisis, you are doing your part in creating the one world currency which will solve cost of living crisis - sound familiar - take the vaccine, save lives. Just for argument sake, let's say taking the mark is to solve the cost of living crisis - why is life and death associated with taking the mark, why should it impact your day to day existence, why are your loved ones encouraged to bring you in for persecution (Matthew 10:21)? I’ll tell you why, because to reject the mark is to choose Christ and to accept the mark is to choose to worship Satan. For anyone that doesn’t realise, to accept the mark determines where your soul goes, condemned to the lake of fire, Revelation 14:9-11 says “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Those who reject the mark, and accepts Jesus Christ, quite possibly will experience a physical death but, you will be in eternity with the Lord. Revelation 14:12-13 “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Satan wants to be worshipped and be like God. I’ve heard the term expressed several times before “don’t take it personally, satan hates God and the only way he can get to God is to attack/deceive his creation,” he’s been deceiving God’s creation ever since Adam and Eve. Please, don’t be deceived - DON’T take the mark if you are left behind!!
Now, you may be one of those that might be thinking they can escape from taking the mark, or no one will be able to track you down to demand you take the mark. In Revelation 13 it talks about a man (false prophet) who will rise up alongside the antichrist, and will encourage all to make an image of the antichrist. This image will have the power to speak and cause as many of those who would not worship the antichrist and accept his mark, to be killed. Personally, I believe it will be a rich man, very well known, who either works in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology sphere or works closely with someone that operates in that space, they will instruct the world to fashion this image of the antichrist. In part 2 of ‘The Coming Judgement’, I shared just some of the technology already in place where they can track your face within seconds using AI face recognition technology. What if this image is able to track all who do not have a mark. What if the text in Revelations 13 is describing some sort of AI, much more than that, what if, that which is made in the image of the antichrist is a Humanoid robot? We already know there are AI companies in various locations of the world who have started to build humanoids, ones “that resemble and act like humans. Typically engineered to imitate authentic human expressions, interactions and movements, these robots are often outfitted with an array of cameras, sensors and AI and machine learning technologies…”(excerpt taken). These are not exaggerated notions, these things very much exist today.
We are close to the time when everything will be wrapped up and God’s judgment is coming - can you see the signs? “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.”Joel 2:12-13.
I’m reminded of the scriptures pertaining to Sodom and Gomorrah, when the Lord told Abraham that he will destroy the city for their depravity. Abraham interceded on the city’s behalf for the sake of his nephew Lot. God rescued Lot and his family before the destruction of the city (Genesis 18,19). I’m also reminded of Noah, when God sent the judgement of the flood to wipe out the entire earth. He saved Noah and his household from the coming deluge. (Genesis 7,8; 2 Peter 2:4-11).
We know the Rapture will happen before the full tribulation - those that the Lord takes in this time, it’ll be a reward for their righteousness, for overcoming sin, the flesh and Satan (Revelation 3:10). Those who will be left behind will have a choice, to choose God or choose satan. We are seeing just a snippet of what is to come, you think this world is bad now, it’ll only get worst; further pestilences (pandemics) will come on the earth, famine/hunger - will continue to impact the world and those that could once survive on their wages, will find their wages are not covering their outgoings any longer (except for the rich), killings (more senseless murders) just these alone will destroy a fourth of the earth (Revelation 6:7-8). Wars (world war 3) meteorite; which will damage the water we drink - if you cast your mind back to just a couple of months ago, certain areas of the UK couldn’t drink tap water because it was contaminated with parasites - how much more when this meteorite strikes - people will die from this. Volcanic eruptions which will pollute the sea and all that is within it, severe earthquakes which will cause many deaths, you can read the rest in Revelations chapters 6-19. Those that choose God will be sealed with his marking like the days in Exodus, when the judgements came down upon the Egyptians, it didn't touch the Israelites because they were marked by God (Exodus 7-12). It’ll be the same during the time of God’s wrath however, whilst those that choose Christ will not experience the judgement - some will experience death because they would have chosen Christ over taking the mark. As a reminder, to the scripture shared above, to choose Christ is to have eternal life, to choose the mark is to be damned into the lake of fire.
If you are a regular reader or listener, you’ll know I only write when the Lord tells me to write, with that being said this will be my last blog, unless the Lord puts another message on my heart. I pray that these posts have been encouraging to you all, I pray that it has caused you to think about your salvation. The world and all it has to offer is just to deceive you into thinking that you need to be a part of it. There is a kingdom that if you give your life today you can be a part of it (Philippians 3:20). Please understand, "good works" and being a "good person" does not get you into heaven. Recognising you are a sinner, recognising that Christ died on the cross for you, showing you there is life through his resurrection, is an indication that if you surrender your heart to him, you become a citizen of heaven. Open your heart to Him, give your life today, don’t wait for the rapture to come to make a decision. The bible talks about our faith in the unseen is what saves us (Ephesians 2:8) don’t wait for a sign as a confirmation to get your heart right - ask the Lord to open your eyes now, believe by faith that he can do that for you so you can see what is happening.
And those that know the Lord, stop being distracted by wastless things, things that is taking your eyes off the Lord. Done are the times of chasing careers, marriages, children.... focusing on your needs and wants is to take your attention off of God and his plans for you. If it is what the Lord wants for you it will happen but your focus has to be on Christ and only him - remember Jesus said himself it will be like the days of Noah, people were eating, drinking getting married and being given in marriage - he was talking about people being distracted by the day to day (Matthew 24:38). Do not waste time on conflict, do not be drawn in on people trying to distract you from what God wants you do to. If you know you are leading a life that is contrary to His word let it go. If people drop off you because you want to make a stance for righteousness so be it, it is okay to be isolated it is during those times when God speaks. Don't get caught up by this life, let it go - time is short - get your heart right today! Amen x