Christians living in the Western world are coming under increasing persecution as the world’s governments legislate increasingly godless laws on abortion, same-sex marriage, thereby redefining family, transgender/sexuality, and now with the advent of Covid and Climate control, more centralised government control with the loss of individual freedoms.

What we see unfolding in our world, Jesus prophesied two thousand years ago when the disciples asked:

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3

Look at the detail Jesus provides us with this amazing prophecy about what will transpire prior to His return and the end of this age. The following is just a small excerpt from what is called Jesus Olivet Discourse.

“And Jesus answered them, see that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:4-14

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 24:24

We cannot say that Jesus did not warn us of the persecution/tribulation that is already upon us. He also told us that the Gospel of the Kingdom of God will be preached throughout the whole world and only then will the end of this age come. The most important thing we can do therefore is to play our part in preaching the Good News about Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom.

Also, keep in mind, the hope we have, we are told in the Bible about Jesus soon coming, Millennial Kingdom when Jesus and the glorified Saints will rule the nations with a rod of iron. Jesus’ thousand-year reign on this earth will fulfill all the prophecies God gave Moses and the O.T prophets that the nation God established for His purposes, Israel, will be the leading nation of the world.

The Messiah must reign over his kingdom until he has defeated all his enemies. Once this is accomplished, Jesus will hand over the kingdom to the Father. When the Kingdom of God is handed over to the Father, it will be free of sin and death, identifying it as the Eternal State, a new heaven and new earth. (Revelation 21:10).

“But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” 1 Corinthians 15:23-25