JESUS WARNED US THAT PERSECUTION WILL ESCALATE IN THE END TIMES

A now-viral post by Lizzie Marbach, an Ohio pro-life activist which stated, “There’s no hope for any of us outside of having faith in Jesus Christ alone” was met with criticism and accusations of bigotry from two state lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle.

Elizabeth Marbach (picture from her website), director of communications for Ohio Right to Life, wrote the biblical truth on Aug. 15 after what she called a “long day at work.”

“I have had many upset over my ‘unpopular’ and ‘harsh’ posts I had recently made, and I wanted to show some positivity that we can all unite behind,” Marbach told The Christian Post via email Thursday.

What she didn’t expect was a biting response from Congressman Max Miller of Ohio’s 7th District.

Miller — a Republican whom Politico once described as a “loyalist” of former President Donald Trump — called Marbach’s post “one of the most bigoted” he’s ever seen and told her to delete it, adding, “You have gone too far.”

Shortly after, Miller replied to Marbach, “God says that Jewish people are the chosen ones, but yet you say we have no hope. Thanks for your pearl of wisdom today.”

Around the same time, Rep. Casey Weinstein, a Democratic lawmaker from Ohio’s 34th District, quoted Miller’s post and added, “We may be on opposite sides of the aisle, but I stand right with Max on this. Delete it, Lizzie.”

In response, Marbach — who admitted she was “completely shocked” by Miller’s post given that his wife, Emily, sits on the board of trustees for Ohio Right to Life — quoted: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

Marbach said while she wasn’t surprised by such a response, it nonetheless points to a much larger spiritual truth. “I think his accusation of bigotry points to the eternal truth of the Gospel message itself,” she said. “Jesus tells us that the world will hate us because they first hated him. The Gospel message is offensive to those who are not in Christ, and Miller’s response is just the latest example of this.”

Remember the word that I (Jesus) said to you: A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also.John 15:20-23

But alongside that spiritual truth, she added, is a political reality in which, said Marbach, Republicans are growing increasingly tone-deaf and even hostile toward constituents who identify as followers of Christ.

It is just another end times sign. The last prophesied seven years prior to Jesus return to set up His Millennial Kingdom is fast approaching. Probably the most significant end times sign happened over 70 years ago. The re-establishment of Israel as a nation.

We are already seeing the move towards a one-world government with the recent announcement by the UN of a proposed Pact for the Future in September 2024. ,

2024 Pact for the Future

An action-oriented Pact for the Future will be endorsed by Heads of State/Government at the Summit, showcasing global solidarity for current and future generations.

This UN Pact for the Future was started in 2015 with the 2030 Agenda. It was agreed by UN Member States as a plan of action for people, planet, prosperity, and peace outlined through 17 Sustainable Development Goals and related targets.

GOOD NEWS STORY FROM IRAN

Exciting Signs of Spiritual Change: Iranians Pursue Truth Beyond Islam

In Iran, an intriguing phenomenon is currently unfolding. It suggests a potential surge in secret Christian conversions throughout the nation. This silent movement is met with both optimism and the possibility that Iranians are exploring alternative paths. But what if they are abandoning faith altogether?

Unprecedented Change in Iran’s Mosques

At a staggering number of 50,000, mosques closures are taking place in Iran, sparking curiosity and encouraging examination into the underlying causes. Is this discreet occurrence a subtle sign of a concealed Christian movement? 

While many mosques receive government funding in addition to private funding, the government is not the primary supporter nor does it have the authority to close mosques.

Mohammad Abolghassem Doulabi, a senior cleric for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, gave a speech to a group of religious students in which he stated that 50,000 of Iran’s 75,000 mosques have closed their doors. Doulabi blamed the devaluation of the Iranian currency and a lack of direct government support for the closures.

Some scholars, however, were not quite as quick to agree. Mohammad Taghi Fazel Meybodi, a cleric and a member of the Assembly of Scholars and Teachers of the Seminary of Qom, believes the type of government support is one source of the problem. “If the government did not support mosques and interfere in the affairs of mosques, our mosques would probably not be emptied today,” Meybodi said.

He also cited the politicization of mosques and preaching as part of the problem.

Iran’s Quest for Spiritual Truth

Iran, a nation steeped in history and rich religious traditions, finds itself in a period of introspection. Iranians, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a yearning for spiritual nourishment, are actively exploring their options. 

While not widely recognized, the potential for secret Christian conversions cannot be dismissed. These conversions may represent a quiet revolution of faith, with numerous Iranians embracing the teachings of Christ in the privacy of their hearts.

A Silent Revolution of Faith

Many Iranians are making transformational decisions behind closed doors, embarking on new paths that provide solace and spiritual fulfillment within the Christian belief system. 

These brave personal journeys lead them away from the familiar embrace of Islam, guiding them toward a different realm of faith.

Questioning Established Religions

It is crucial to consider another plausible explanation for mosque closures – the growing trend of Iranians questioning established religions altogether. Some individuals may be disillusioned with organized faith, prompting them to explore alternative truths or seek spiritual independence. 

While the reasons behind the closures remain enigmatic, this undeniable development in Iran serves as evidence of the shifting religious landscape. It showcases the profound longing within Iranians to establish a deeper connection with the divine. 

Whether this manifests as secret Christian conversions or a broader rejection of organized religion, one thing remains certain – Iranians are on a quest for truth. They seek solace, hope, and enlightenment for their souls, no matter which path it may lead them down.

PROPHESIED ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT BEING FULFILLED

Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has told CBN News she fears all the world’s nations are about to submit too much sovereignty to a United Nations organization. The attempted power grab described by Bachmann involves the World Health Organization (WHO). Through a series of 307 amendments and a global pandemic treaty, the WHO is seeking to gain authority over international health decisions of U.N. member nations in the event of something like another COVID pandemic. “Then they would be empowered to tell us in America we have to lock down, we have to shut down, we have to close our churches, we have to close our schools,” Bachmann cautioned. “We’re forced, mandated, to take a vaccine, whether we want to or not. We’re forced to mask. We’re forced to do whatever it is they tell us that we have to do.  We have never before in 5,000 years of recorded human history, seen this level of authority given to an international, global body.”

Those supporting this authority for the WHO say it’s necessary to protect the world’s population, even if it means restricting some of their liberties. Dr. Abdullah Assiri, who co-chairs the Working Group on International Health Regulations, explained, “The world requires a different level of legal mandates, such as the pandemic treaty, to navigate through a particular pandemic, should one occur, and it will. Prioritizing actions that may restrict individual liberties, mandating and sharing of information, knowledge and resources, pandemic control efforts are all necessary during a pandemic.”  Dechen Wangmo, Bhutan’s Health Minister concurred. “Let us seize this opportunity to foster international collaboration, ensure global health security and protect the lives and the well-being of all people beyond boundaries,” she stated.

Bachmann sees little to no opposition to handing over this power next year. “I don’t think all the nations fully understand what these implications are,” she warned, “so we have very little time.” And top backers of this United Nations move say speed is of the essence. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra conveyed the Biden administration’s urgency. “I wish to stress from our perspective, the quicker we can come together, the sooner we will all be safe,” he said. “We know that the challenges we face won’t be solved by a few leaders or a few countries, but by the world coming together and fighting for what’s right,” he claimed. Some in Congress opposed this move to further empower the WHO. There is proposed legislation that would deem it a treaty, which requires Senate approval. Bachmann, however, claims the White House is trying to make an end run around them.

She noted, “The Biden administration doesn’t plan to bring this treaty back to the U.S. Senate because they’re using a subterfuge. They’re calling it not a treaty.  They’re calling it an accord.  And they’re saying ‘This isn’t a treaty.  This is just an accord.  We can do this.  We don’t need the involvement of the U.S. government.’   But once you give government and power away, it’s very hard to get it back.” The former congresswoman points out that the Bible warns that a world-dominating power will bring trouble. “When you look at what the Bible says and the convergence of events that we are seeing across the world right now, and what the prophets from the Bible have said, we need to really pay attention to what’s going on. Because this is the creation of a platform for global government.  And according to the Bible, things that are not good come out of a global government.”

Source: CBNNews#

Bachmann is correct the Bible tells us that there will be a one-world government prior to Jesus’ return to earth to restore righteousness. The number of Biblical prophecies of Jesus second coming to earth is incredible. Almost 2000, and yet the church is not talking about the prophesied events prior to Jesus’ return. Mind you there were about 300 prophecies of Jesus first coming to earth and yet the religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees and Sadducees missed it. Why because they wanted a conquering leader who would defeat the Roman overlords. Likewise, the church is hoping that God will take believers to heaven in the rapture event described in the Bible prior to the prophesied tribulation, even great tribulation that will come upon those that will not take the mark of the Antichrist. This is not what the Bible tells us. God will rapture the Saints prior to pouring out His wrath upon an unrepentant world with the Trumpet and Bowl judgements but these do not occur until the trumpet blast of the seventh seal. The prophesied celestial signs that precede Jesus coming in the clouds and the wrath of God are not announced until the sixth seal.

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Revelation 3:12-17

GOOD NEWS STORY – ON FIRE FOR GOD

‘On fire for God’: Over 11,000 students attend worship event to pray, celebrate the Lord

Amid ongoing concerns about the younger generation’s religious dedication, thousands of students attended a worship event aimed at equipping youth with the knowledge of Jesus.

The latest Motion Student Conference, which concluded on July 29 at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, hosted over 11,000 students representing 230 churches from 31 states and six countries. In addition, 2,000 volunteers assisted with organizing the event.

Motion is organized by the Church of the Highlands, a congregation with multiple locations throughout Alabama and Georgia. Attendees ranged in age from middle school to college and participated with their youth leaders.

Mark Pettus, president of Highlands College and associate pastor at Church of the Highlands, told The Christian Post in an emailed statement that Motion exists to empower a generation to live out Ephesians 2:10, which states:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

“It provides an environment where students discover their identity in Christ and set their faith in motion to do the good things He planned for them,” Pettus stated. 

During the conference, students had an opportunity to attend sessions featuring speakers and worship band members before breaking into community groups to “unpack” what they learned, Pettus added. 

“Motion is more than a conference and more than bands and speakers,” Pettus continued. “It’s about a generation of young people empowered by Jesus, equipped to make a difference, and living out their faith.”

This good news story follows my recent post which reported that about half of Gen Z respondents in the American Bible Society’s State of the Bible USA 2023 study agreed with the statement that “the message of the Bible has transformed my life.” Among Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 21, 49% agreed that the Bible had a transformative effect on their lives. That number rose to 52% among Gen Z respondents between the ages of 22 and 26.

As we move towards the last seven years prior to Jesus’ return, Biblical prophecy tells us that persecution of Christians will increase. Tribulation, even great tribulation is ahead when the Antichrist declares himself to be God in the new temple yet to be erected in Jerusalem. I do hope that Highlands College know where we are in Biblical history and therefore end times prophecies so that they prepared these young people for the escalating tribulation that is coming.

LOVING THE UNLOVELY

Don’t you wonder about the people who sought out Christ? Do you think they all were kind and loving or isn’t it reasonable to believe that, among the large crowds of people who clamored for His attention, there were more than a few who were unkind and maybe downright cruel?

The Bible makes one thing plain: pretty much all of them were out for themselves and didn’t care about the Person easing their suffering or what would happen to Him afterward.

The “many” that he cured were conspicuously absent at His trials and crucifixion.

This fact coupled with Jesus’ healing sessions brings to life a statement in Luke that reads, “for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men” (Luke 6:35).

In their commentary on the passage, Hendriksen & Kistemaker say, “The ungrateful are those who do not from the heart thank God for the blessings he bestows on them … They fail to complete the circle; that is, when blessings drop down from heaven upon them, they do not make any return in the form of humble praises rising from earth to heaven.”

But then Jesus said all of us were evil in His Sermon on the Mount (“If you, then, being evil…” — Matt. 7:11). 

You see where I’m going with this, right? As Christ’s followers, we’re asked to serve both the lovely and the unlovely. C. S. Lewis reminds us that, “with Christian morals ‘thy neighbor’ includes ‘thy enemy.’”

Now, when we imitate Christ in that way and are “merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36) to the unkind who are unbelievers and “bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just to please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1-3), there are two possible outcomes. One is that our acts of kindness are used by God to change their heart, lead them to Him, and ultimately alter the person’s eternal destination. Does that happen? You betcha.

For example, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Brian Johnson, the lead singer of the rock band AC/DC, talked about his upbringing in Dunston, England, which he described as “drab, hard, distant, and unwelcoming.” But when he was put into a different environment with a family that was loving and warm, he said “life there knocked the cruel out of you.”

The Jewish scholar Philip Holley had a similar experience while investigating Nazi war crimes, which made him so angry and depressed that he almost committed suicide. But when he read about a small village that showed courage and the love of God by rescuing 5,000 Jewish children during the holocaust, Holley described his internal breakthrough as “heart-cracking goodness.”

The other possibility, sadly, is that the expressions of help and love delivered have no change in the person’s heart whatsoever. Then, it’s not so much about them as it is about ourselves — God is using the same experiences His Son underwent with the heartless to uncomfortably mold us into His image.

On this point, it’s Lewis again who says: “Whenever we do good to another self, just because it is a self, made (like us) by God, and desiring its own happiness as we desire ours, we shall have learned to love it a little more or, at least, to dislike it less.”

What about us?

Let’s finish by switching gears and, instead of talking about us as caregivers to someone else, how about we chat about you and me being the patient?

If Christ doesn’t return in our lifetime, it’s going to happen to each of us. We’ll be the ones – hurting, unhappy, frustrated, and wishing for something better. How will we treat those around us at that time?

I know an elderly woman who has been a widow for decades now. If anyone asks me what a Christian is supposed to look like, I aim them at her. I check in on her from time to time and a few weeks back she wasn’t as prompt in getting back to me as usual. I got worried and pinged her again, and after a day or so I was relieved to see her come up on my caller-ID. I asked how she’d been and she said, “Oh Robin, this has been a hard summer for me.” But then she stopped abruptly and said, “But Robin, I’m content. I’m thankful for what I do have. I just want God to use me in any way He can.” Immediately, she then did a 180 and asked, “Now tell me about how you’re doing. How is Laura [my wife]? How are your girls? What’s new with them?” Having questioned me about myself and family for a while, she then moved on to God. “Tell me what new devotions you’re reading. How is your church? What is on your heart these days?” Having gotten answers on all those subjects, she wrapped up our call by saying, “Now let me pray for us” and did so by thanking God for our relationship and Christ who is our salvation. And yes, she’s like that with everyone.  

Do you know what’s the saddest thing I hear from those who minister to the mean and nasty that are dying? Sooner or later, they say, “I hate to say it, but right now, I’m not going to miss them when they’re gone.” Question: how do you think my widow friend who’s hurting right now will be remembered? Do you think she’ll be missed? She’ll be loved, missed, and remembered for who she is — an image bearer of Jesus. It’s my prayer that you and I can be filled by the Holy Spirit each day like she is so that, no matter our circumstances, we can be remembered the exact same way.   

This article has been adapted from an article by Robin Schumacher. He is an accomplished software executive and Christian apologist who has written many articles, authored and contributed to several Christian books

TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE BIBLE

Despite the lack of Scripture engagement among America’s youth, about half of Gen Z respondents in the American Bible Society’s State of the Bible USA 2023 study agreed with the statement that “the message of the Bible has transformed my life.” Among Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 21, 49% agreed that the Bible had a transformative effect on their lives. That number rose to 52% among Gen Z respondents between the ages of 22 and 26.

Reacting to the findings of the research in a statement, American Bible Society’s Chief Ministry Insights Officer John Farquhar Plake described Gen Z as “a generation struggling to find their footing with faith.”

After noting that “scripture engagement rates for Gen Z have been on a steady decline over the past three years,” he expressed gratitude that “this generation still shows significant interest in the Bible and the message of Jesus.”

“Ministry leaders may be surprised to find how open Gen Z adults in their communities are to discussion about God’s Word,” he added. “And if the trends we’re seeing continue—it’s crucial to be having those conservations now.”

We are fast approaching the last seven years prior to Jesus’ return to rapture the Saints and pour out His wrath upon an unrepentant world so we need to share the Gospel message with as many people to whom we are led by the Holy Spirit. He will guide and direct our steps if we allow Him to do so. Jesus knows who will respond to the Gospel message and who will not so it is imperative that we follow the Holy Spirit’s lead. Jesus’ instructions to the 72 disciples He sent out ahead of Him into every town and place where he himself was about to go (Luke 10:1-12) is helpful.

But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’” Luke 10:10-11

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you.’Luke 10:2-9

It is important to know what the 72 said when they returned after having been sent out “as lambs in the midst of wolves“.

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20

MAINLINE CHURCHES HAVE CONFORMED TO THE WOKE AGENDA

Calvin Robinson, a British priest who has gained a significant international following as a fearless and often provocative social commentator, speaks with guest host Justin Brierley about his views on wokeism, gender, sexuality, and race. Robinson believes the mainline churches have lost their way conforming to a so-called “woke” agenda that he deems antithetical to the gospel. Calvin Robinson has a regular show on GB News and is very active on Twitter, where he’s gained nearly 300,000 followers. Like most conservative British clerics, he wears a clergy collar and he articulates his old-school values in a posh English accent. Unlike most of his colleagues, however, Calvin Robinson happens to be black and just 37 years of age. After his ordination in the Church of England was blocked, he was eventually ordained in the Free Church of England. For this episode, Justin Brierley will ask Calvin why he believes it’s time for the Church to return to Biblical inerrancy and liturgy, the church tradition in which he has found a home.

Calvin Robinson speaks the truth in love and is being used by God mightily in these last days. Make sure you send this video on to family members and friends. They will thank you for it.

WHAT IS YOUR HOPE WHEN YOU STAND BEFORE JESUS?

This is an important message from Nelson Walters and the Last Days Overcomers team.

“Most readers miss this simple fact about hope. In these seemingly “hopeless” times, they ask, “What is our hope?” And many times, people at our conferences ask Marquis, Jake, and me the same question, what is our hope? 

After completing four amazing (4) conferences so far this summer and interacting with a number of you one-on-one, we can answer inarguably. It is the same answer that the Apostle Paul gave to the Thessalonian church. And it’s not the answer you expect:

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it, not you? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Yes, you are our glory and hope. The people to whom we minister. Didn’t see that coming, did you? 

As Westerners (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, SA, etc.) we tend to view hope in terms of politics or comfort. Do we have hope in our nation’s survival, do we have hope in the economy, do we have hope in our church? But on the day that we stand before Jesus when he comes, you will be our hope and glory.  And likewise, your ministry will be your hope. Our hope isn’t in our individual survival or comfort, but it’s in those we have been called to disciple and minister to. Because on the day of Jesus’ return, all other things will be swept away.

In our private conversations, Marquis, Jake, and I spoke of these summer conferences as “building up the remnant;” as an opportunity to prepare those who will face the things we read about in prophecy. And here is the second shocker: you share that ministry with us. 

Notice in 1 Thessalonians, Paul didn’t say “You are MY glory and joy,” he said, “You are OUR glory and joy.” It was a shared ministry then, and we are thrilled to share our ministry with you now.

In this upcoming month, you will receive a notice about a new series of free, online conferences we will be undertaking in the Fall and Winter with a number of well-known guest speakers. And you will be given an opportunity to participate in FOCUS GROUPS to help us form and shape what those conferences will be like. We look forward to you sharing in this ministry in this way.” 

Check out the website http://www.lastdaysovercomer.org. Get the monthly Newsletter.

END TIMES EVENTS UNFOLDING QUICKLY TODAY

People often talk about how the Left has embraced politics as its new religion. But Minister Jonathan Cahn, who authored “The Harbinger,” takes it a step further. His latest book, “The Return of the Gods,” shows how the radical transformations of society today are part of an ancient pattern. Most of us can sense the evil spreading. We can tell that our society is sick. One mistake we make is the idea that the people devoted to destroying us are unhinged. They are, in a certain sense, but there is nothing irrational about what they’re doing. There’s something supernatural happening, and Jonathan shows us that it is the evil gods Baal, Ishtar, and Moloch are manifesting today. Jesus put an end to these ancient evils in most of the Western world. But now they are returning, and America is leading the way, driven by the exploitation of children, the destruction of marriage, and the ubiquity of pornography. Their hidden pagan symbolism has begun emerging into plain sight, from “Pride” parades to rainbows and humans becoming like the machines and the animals. Jonathan’s solution is simple. Following the guidance of Jesus, he says, “Don’t be timid with goodness, don’t be timid with your love.”

EVIDENCE OF A WORLD WITHOUT HOPE

Suicide rates in the United States reached a record high last year, with nearly 50,000 people ending their lives in 2022 alone, according to provisional data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention.

“The suicide rate among males in 2021 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females,” the CDC reported. “Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides.”

Society continues to remove God from the picture when only He can satisfy humanity’s “core needs.” 

The acceptance of the theory of evolution and the subsequent removal of any consideration of the supernatural in science has meant children are taught in our schools and universities that God does not exist and the Bible, God’s Word is a book of myths and fables.

Dr. Scott Todd, an immunologist at Kansas State University, said the following: “Even if all the data point to an intelligent designer, such a hypothesis is excluded from science because it is not naturalistic.” Correspondence to Nature 401, num. 6752 (September 30, 1999):423#

No wonder suicide rates are increasing as there is no meaning and purpose in life and we are not as God’s Word tells us made in the image of our Creator. The same Word tells us that God created us to be in a relationship with Him. Moreover, He has provided the means (JESUS) for restoring the broken relationship that occurred when the original man and woman rebelled against God.

Let us get about telling our family, friends, and neighbours the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel of Christ. Start living your eternal life Now. Hope you don’t mind me putting a plug for my book Living Eternal Now. It is available on Amazon. Get the ebook I update that regularly.