The borders of the prophetic puzzle are now in place. Nearly every day other pieces are falling into their proper positions, signaling that the day of the Lord is rapidly approaching.
Peter warned of those who would mock those who speak of Christ’s second coming: “Know this first, that there shall come scoffers in the last days who walk after their own lusts” (2 Pet. 3:3). I find many of these scoffers, unfortunately, in the professing church.
Defend Against Deception
Corrupt theology today travels at lightning speed because of the internet. It then quickly makes its way into our pulpits, seminaries, and schools. Again, it was Jesus who said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
The nature of deception is you think you’re right when you’re wrong.
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). The good news is this: when we stay connected to Jesus Christ, His Spirit, and His Word, we will develop supernatural discernment and find true hope in these last days (Ps. 119:49; Col. 1:5; Heb. 5:14).
Discernment is our divine defense against deception, delusion and apostasy.
The question is this: Is there really any hope? Yes, but only in Jesus Christ. God promised a blessed hope for those who walk with Him as Enoch did. “… we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
“By faith Enoch was taken to heaven so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God took him away. For before he was taken, he had this commendation, that he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5).
Jesus is coming for His bride, the church, in the twinkling of an eye. We shall meet Him in the clouds. That’s a great hope.
In these last days, there will arise some who will possess great understanding of the times and will actually perform miracle exploits in the name of Christ. You can be one of these amazing last-days giants in the faith.
How Do You Prepare?
First, prepare spiritually. Know the Lord and walk with Him daily. Intercede for others. Make sure your family knows Jesus.
Second, prepare attitudinally. Be at peace in Christ; trust Him implicitly. Even in the worst times imaginable, He encouraged, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:27b). I know it can be scary, but God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear.
Third, prepare practically. This is where you take action steps, putting on the armor of God daily and doing something daily to help others in their journeys of faith. Fellowship with like-minded believers.
“But the people who know their God will be strong and take action” (Dan. 11:32). {eoa}
Dr. Dave Williams served for over 30 years as pastor of Mount Hope Church in Lansing, Michigan, with over 500 outreach ministries around the world. During his tenure, Mount Hope Church gave over $40,000,000 to world and local missions. His leadership training course, The Art of Pacesetting Leadership, is credited with catapulting one church from 226 to over 4,000. Another church went from 8 to over 1,000. His all-time best-selling book, The New Life: The Start of Something Wonderful, is a practical, step-by-step guide to help new believers become established in their Christian walk and has sold over 2.5 million copies. On May 2, 2017, Charisma House will release his latest book, Hope in the Last Days. Dave now focuses on helping young ministers whenever he has an opportunity.
