Birth Pangs…

     Yes, Jesus is coming back soon, but this “soon” has been over 2,000 years. What’s going on? The disciples were a bit anxious, as are many today.

Clandestine Questioning

Matthew 24:3 NKJV
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Jesus Answers

     What did Jesus say?

Matthew 24:4-8 NLT
Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, [5] for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.

Don’t Panic

[6] And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic.

     Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. As Jesus said, “Don’t panic”.

[7] Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.

     People have been seeing wars, famines, earthquakes… for many generations. Maybe ee are seeing more often now than before, but still not quite the right time. .

But…

[8] But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

     Jesus said we’re in the time of birth pains. This is the time for us to gird our loins and get to ministering for Jesus wherever he’s put you to minister. It’s time for making disciples and sitting under sound Biblical teaching. What did jesus say?

Let None Mislead You

Matthew 24:4-5 NLT
Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, [5] for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.

     We have all seen some of these Antichrists, or heard about them. Many already have been deceived.

How’s Your Love?

Matthew 24:10-13 NLT
And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. [11] And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. [12] Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

     These things are happening now. The rampant sin and false prophets have already deceived many. Has your love grown cold?

Endure

[13] But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

     Jesus wants us to know how to endure these things.He left us Holy Spirit as our strong comfort, teacher, and guide.

Discernment

Matthew 24:23-25 NLT
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it.

     Discernment is a must-have Spirit weapon!

False Messiahs

[24] For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.

     Did I tell you about the Kripaula yoga group in our area? I was told they have about 37 state certified healers in their group. They “use” the Bible, and gather for “church” regularly.

     Are we tapping into the power and authority Jesus Christ gives us, allowing Him to do signs, wonders, healing, and speaking for God’s kingdom through us? If we dont, false signs, wonders, healings and doctrines of demons will fill the vacuum. Jesus said:

Warning:

[24:25] See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.

    Jesus did not want those who come to trust in his sacrifice to be confused. Even before he finished his act of salvation, he knew we needed some help in this world.

Encouragement

     The Apostle Paul gave us more instruction in the 4th chapter of Philippans.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV – 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

     What happens when we trade anxious thoughts for communication with Father God, through Holy Spirit?

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In Closing:

     May you grow deeper in your relationship with Christ Jesus and fellowship with other Believers.                May the LORD bless you with wisdom and understanding to go through your days in triumph.

     For His glory and for our good, hallelujah to the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah. Amen.