Good Day, Meetpastordan Readers…I am gearing up to start a new “Freedom in Christ” class tomorrow, and as I was preparing for the initial meeting last night, I found myself as “giddy” as I was the first time I ever taught this class. No doubt, when we return to fundamental principles, it is not uncommon to have new “ah ha!” moments, but this material can never be revisited too often, because it is a review of our true identity in Christ. Unfortunately, because we live in a fallen world and the dark domain is thriving, it is easy to get swept up in the milieu of daily existence. Our circumstances, our relationships, our jobs, health, finances, or our sense of security can all be areas for demonic assault. And when that happens, and before we even realize it, we have forgotten all about our spiritual source of strength, and find ourselves doing battle through our own strength. In no time, satan has us wrapped-up in knots, and we find ourselves cursing, kicking and screaming, then wondering, “What is wrong with me?”
Sound familiar? Well, we’ve all been there. But the more we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, the more we come to realize that our only hope of victory is not through our own strength, but by tapping into the supernatural strength that is our inheritance from being in Christ. This new identity is our source of joy, confidence, security, patience, perseverance, peace and serenity. And believe me, we will all need to hold on to that identity “for dear life” as we move into a new era referred to as “The Great Tribulation.”
Ever since the time of Christ, we have been living in a time of tribulation, and Jesus never soft pedaled that truth. In fact, He told his disciples in John 15:18-21, “When the world hates you, remember it hated Me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don’t. I chose you to come out of the world. Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. The people of the world will hate you because you belong to Me!” But don’t fret, because the good is finally heard in John 16:33: “In this world you will have many trials and tribulations, but fear not because I have overcome the world.” Because we are in Christ, we too have overcome the world. We just have to know that truth and never give up…even in the face of adversity.
When we look at the civil, moral and spiritual malady that is plaguing our country today, it is hard to wrap our heads and hearts around what is happening…or why it is happening? But one thing that is blatantly obvious is the evil movement that is wreaking havoc across our land, and the seeming unwillingness to bring it to an end. How much longer do we have to watch our country being torn apart, and innumerable lives and livelihoods destroyed? No doubt there are systemic issues that need to be addressed, but I don’t believe that burning, looting and killing is the pathway to reconciliation…if that indeed is the desired outcome? Or…perhaps the desired outcome is the destruction of this great country known as America. What do you think?
I am mentioning this because there is a reality to be faced, and the Church – the Body of Christ – has to wake up to what lies ahead. What is happening today should not be a surprise. In fact, it has been prophesized for centuries. Jesus’ talked very specifically about the Great Tribulation when He gathered His disciples together to inform them about their future. For a complete presentation, I will direct you to Matthew, chapter 24, but I will share a bit with you now. “Don’t let anyone mislead you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will lead many (including believers) astray. And wars will break out near and far, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must come, but the end won’t follow immediately. The nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world, but all of this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because of your allegiance to Me. And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other; many false prophets will appear and will lead many listeners astray. Sin will be rampant, and the love of many will grow cold. This will be a time of greater horror than anything the world has seen, or will ever see again. But those who endure to the end will be saved.”
No doubt this is not a pretty picture; in fact, it is down right frightening. But Jesus didn’t say these things to frighten us; He said these things to prepare us. This time of great tribulation will test us in ways never before imagined. 2 Thessalonians gives us another glimpse of what is to come. “This will be the time when “the man of lawlessness (also known as the Anti-Christ) will be revealed. He will bring great destruction. He will exalt himself and defy every god there is, and will tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. This man of lawlessness has come to do the work of satan with counterfeit powers, and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of wicked deception to fool those who are on their way to destruction”, and many false prophets will launch their assault by challenging our faith. They will reveal the latest and greatest “revelations” with the intent of drawing those who are weak in their faith back to the realm of darkness. It is also a time when we will be challenged to take the mark of the Beast, as referred to in Revelation 13. All of this is why Jesus told his disciples to “watch and listen”. “When you see the events taking place that are described above, you can be sure that the return of Christ is “right at the door.” (Matthew 24:33) But as you might expect, He ends this message with this anchor of hope: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will remain forever.” (verse 35)
As Christ-followers, we are called to be discerning. We are called to compare the latest and greatest revelations, or findings, with the truth of God’s Word. The litmus test will be how these new enlightenments, or perspectives, line up with the last five words of the above paragraph. This is why I used the phrase “hold on to our identity for dear life” in the second paragraph. We must hold fast to the truth and the power we have in Christ! Of utmost importance is this nugget of truth: we must not lose sight of the Holy Spirit’s role of leading us into all truth. If we depend on His wisdom and insight to guide us, we can count on making the right choices when it comes to discernment.
Remember, satan knows that his time is also drawing nigh. And make no mistake, he also knows that his only weapon against God’s plan is through his followers. Therefore, WE can expect a relentless assault at the end as he and his minions try to shipwreck our journey to salvation. This time of great tribulation will be the battle of all battles. So, as Apostle Paul so accurately stated in Ephesians 6:13: “Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in this time of evil, so that after the battle, you will still be standing firm!” It is absolutely essential that you are awake to this daunting truth: you are going to be at war (most likely both spiritual and physical) whether you want to be or not. Therefore, I encourage you to “watch and listen”, because those who endure to the end will be saved
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May God bless you abundantly,
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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