?
....
Guest
There is a sound in the distance...on the horizon.
Faint at first, you can barely hear it unless listen for it. But it's there...
We read in the news of schools teaching young children about depravity; about "alternate sexual lifestyles", with "drag queens", "transgenders" and the like reading the little ones "stories", performing vile acts in public spaces that repulse and disgust, and shamelessly flaunt their hideousness before the ones the school systems are supposed to protect. "After School Satan" and other hellspawned programs are allowed, while traditional Christian groups are spurned, bible based classes are shut down, and those espousing wholesome programs (Like Kirk Cameron) are shunned and turned away.
The sound draws closer...
There are cities, counties and even entire states defunding their police forces, weakening their criminal codes and turning a blind eye to shoplifting, vagrancy and even home intrusion, all in the name of "equity". Prosecutors refuse to even charge those arrested for legitimate crimes, while vindictively punishing those who defend themselves legitimately. Some even propose to replace traditional law enforcement with "counselors" who are unarmed, incapable of handling themselves in a physical altercation, and not experienced in how repeat offenders game the system.
The sound draws closer...
The demands of groups like the LBGTQ+, demanding we not only allow, but approve of and encourage their depravity and abominations. From pushing their displays of abomination and grotesque lust to targeting minors for "gender reassignment surgery" and claiming it to be hate if anyone even turns away from it, they assail all who oppose them. Countries like Canada and the US now have aligned themselves with this "agenda", punishing those who dare to take a stand against the modern-day Sodomites. Even corporations now have to decide whom they stand with, as one wrong move, or even word will trigger either the LGBTQ+ or those that oppose them, causing devastating boycotts.
The sound draws closer...
Groups such as BLM, ANTIFA and the SPLC have targeted individuals and groups alike, screaming for "reparations" over crimes committed against ancestors in the past. Demands of "Diversity Equality and Inclusion" scorch the social landscape, while companies force employees to undertake "inherent bias classes" that punish anyone perceived as "white". Reverse racism is practiced heartily, yet those perpetrating it insist "they cannot be racist, while demonstrating themselves to be the epitome of racism itself. Traditional values such as "hard work", "professionalism" and even "ethics" are declared to be offensive. And white people are deemed "irredeemably racist" by this twisted mockery of a "social movement", whom seek to enslave and "flip the tables" on people who had nothing to do with the injustices of yesteryear. It is a shamelessly transparent buildup to a race war, with the potential to become a genocide against those they consider to have "white privilege.
The sound draws closer...
The government of the United States huddles like a sore-stricken leper, bound helplessly in a crisis of depravity, corruption and incompetence. From a sitting president who is at best of questionable mental aptitude and lacking moral character, to a vice president whose inability to speak without becoming a national laughing stock is only matched by her inability to manage any task assigned to her, they head an administration filled with subversives assigned to positions once reserved for those who had proven themselves in some way adroit in statecraft. Congress is rife with those whose tenure should have never begun, while the Senate is held in the grip of elderly oligarchs whom should have retired decades ago. Meanwhile, our courts have been taken over by those who despise our nation, the federal agencies are more akin now to storm troopers, programs such as Medicare and Social Security are being earmarked to be ransacked to the last dime, and all of this with no regard for the people they are supposed to serve. Those in positions of power engage in stonewalling, evasive replies, gaslighting and flat out refusals to answer for their conduct. Even demands, subpoenas and actions such as contempt are no longer enough to enforce compliance.
The sound draws closer...
In a change from even a decade ago, people across the United States no longer claim as they once did that they are "Christian". The Ten Commandments, as well as crosses and other demonstrations of the Judeo-Christian ethic and beliefs, are regularly vilified by humanists, atheists, and those who hate the Church. Believers are regularly demonstrated in movies and TV to be "crazies", while non-religious people are shown to be the "sane ones". LGBTQ groups, state and even federal agencies regularly target Christian groups, filing endless lawsuits, legal restrainers, invasions of home and other harassment, protests and verbal abuse, while the very laws intended to protect them are conveniently ignored. The mere mention of God now has caused such strife on online forums that many of the secular ones have strict rules against speaking on religion and politics. Our nation has gone from "One Nation Under God" to "Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out", as our country is inexorably decided to throw God out of the United States. To stand for one's faith now can cost you your career, friends, even your finances as lawsuits and fines against "hate speech" grow exponentially, while "conservative groups" are now being actively targeted by several agencies. Persecution has started in the Untied States,
The sound draws closer...
All of this is not simply within the US; other nations such as Canada, the UK, France, etc, suffer from these issues and are steadily retreating on the rights of the general population, in favor of those of the relative few. And while these nations fester in much the same way the US is, the UN, the EU and other satellite groups affiliated with them seek a "great reset". All finances would be electronic, and the claim is "you will own nothing and be happy". Meanwhile, AI has exploded onto the world stage and is rapidly transforming life on all levels, while in the East, China continues a massive buildup of technology, military forces and seeks to become the next world power.
The sound becomes deafening.
Most in this world, who have not been paying attention to Scripture, would miss this sound in the distance. But as we careen throughout history into the future, the general feeling of time running out is starting to grip the people of this world. The Bible warns us in several passages of the times approaching:
"Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” (Daniel 12:1-4, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
"Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn is spread over the mountains, So there is a great and mighty people; There has never been anything like it, Nor will there be again after it To the years of many generations." (Joel 2:1-2, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
The Lord Jesus Himself gave His disciples warnings about the times to come in the end days:
"As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:3-14, NASB, emphasis mine)
And Paul clarified the situation further:
"Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." (2 Thessalonians 2, 1-12, NASB, emphasis mine)
Paul explains here that the Second Coming (The Day of the Lord) won't come unless and until the Man of Lawlessness (The Antichrist/ The Beast) is revealed. And that cannot happen while the Restrainer is still present, restraining evil in the world. That Restrainer has to be someone more powerful than Satan, with the omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence to stop him and his minions. And He is the same one who seals the heart of every believer...
The Holy Spirit.
Beloved, I am convinced that we are indeed looking down the proverbial "gunbarrel" of The Great Tribulation; within a short time, conditions have deteriorated, old powers broken and new ones raised up, and depravity allowed to escalate to a level in this world we have never seen before. Yet, we are told not to fear, but to watch for our redemption and His coming:
“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28, NASB, emphasis mine)
"Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
It would not be much of an encouragement if we had to go through the Tribulation; instead, we would be warned to steel ourselves towards it. Bu we also have the promise made to the church at Philadelphia:
"I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’" (Revelation 3:8-12, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
While this was written by John to the seven literal churches, I believe they each represent a type of church out there today, which the Lord uses to rebuke, challenge, console, comfort and warn.
All of that said: while we will not be here for the Tribulation, we are seeing the clouds of dust and hearing the beating of hooves on the "horizon" of reality. And as it grows louder, our redemption draws closer, and the arrival of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, draws closer.
But as for those who will remain, they will see whose hoofbeats are making the dust and the sound:
"Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer." (Revelation 6:1, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
The Great Tribulation will have begun. God will judge the Earth.
In these closing hours, let's be salt and light as much as possible to those we encounter, both online and in real life. We need to warn them of the hoofbeats we hear on the horizon now, and give them the Gospel while there is yet time and daylight to do so.
I bid you all peace.
YBIC,
-Sojo414
Faint at first, you can barely hear it unless listen for it. But it's there...
We read in the news of schools teaching young children about depravity; about "alternate sexual lifestyles", with "drag queens", "transgenders" and the like reading the little ones "stories", performing vile acts in public spaces that repulse and disgust, and shamelessly flaunt their hideousness before the ones the school systems are supposed to protect. "After School Satan" and other hellspawned programs are allowed, while traditional Christian groups are spurned, bible based classes are shut down, and those espousing wholesome programs (Like Kirk Cameron) are shunned and turned away.
The sound draws closer...
There are cities, counties and even entire states defunding their police forces, weakening their criminal codes and turning a blind eye to shoplifting, vagrancy and even home intrusion, all in the name of "equity". Prosecutors refuse to even charge those arrested for legitimate crimes, while vindictively punishing those who defend themselves legitimately. Some even propose to replace traditional law enforcement with "counselors" who are unarmed, incapable of handling themselves in a physical altercation, and not experienced in how repeat offenders game the system.
The sound draws closer...
The demands of groups like the LBGTQ+, demanding we not only allow, but approve of and encourage their depravity and abominations. From pushing their displays of abomination and grotesque lust to targeting minors for "gender reassignment surgery" and claiming it to be hate if anyone even turns away from it, they assail all who oppose them. Countries like Canada and the US now have aligned themselves with this "agenda", punishing those who dare to take a stand against the modern-day Sodomites. Even corporations now have to decide whom they stand with, as one wrong move, or even word will trigger either the LGBTQ+ or those that oppose them, causing devastating boycotts.
The sound draws closer...
Groups such as BLM, ANTIFA and the SPLC have targeted individuals and groups alike, screaming for "reparations" over crimes committed against ancestors in the past. Demands of "Diversity Equality and Inclusion" scorch the social landscape, while companies force employees to undertake "inherent bias classes" that punish anyone perceived as "white". Reverse racism is practiced heartily, yet those perpetrating it insist "they cannot be racist, while demonstrating themselves to be the epitome of racism itself. Traditional values such as "hard work", "professionalism" and even "ethics" are declared to be offensive. And white people are deemed "irredeemably racist" by this twisted mockery of a "social movement", whom seek to enslave and "flip the tables" on people who had nothing to do with the injustices of yesteryear. It is a shamelessly transparent buildup to a race war, with the potential to become a genocide against those they consider to have "white privilege.
The sound draws closer...
The government of the United States huddles like a sore-stricken leper, bound helplessly in a crisis of depravity, corruption and incompetence. From a sitting president who is at best of questionable mental aptitude and lacking moral character, to a vice president whose inability to speak without becoming a national laughing stock is only matched by her inability to manage any task assigned to her, they head an administration filled with subversives assigned to positions once reserved for those who had proven themselves in some way adroit in statecraft. Congress is rife with those whose tenure should have never begun, while the Senate is held in the grip of elderly oligarchs whom should have retired decades ago. Meanwhile, our courts have been taken over by those who despise our nation, the federal agencies are more akin now to storm troopers, programs such as Medicare and Social Security are being earmarked to be ransacked to the last dime, and all of this with no regard for the people they are supposed to serve. Those in positions of power engage in stonewalling, evasive replies, gaslighting and flat out refusals to answer for their conduct. Even demands, subpoenas and actions such as contempt are no longer enough to enforce compliance.
The sound draws closer...
In a change from even a decade ago, people across the United States no longer claim as they once did that they are "Christian". The Ten Commandments, as well as crosses and other demonstrations of the Judeo-Christian ethic and beliefs, are regularly vilified by humanists, atheists, and those who hate the Church. Believers are regularly demonstrated in movies and TV to be "crazies", while non-religious people are shown to be the "sane ones". LGBTQ groups, state and even federal agencies regularly target Christian groups, filing endless lawsuits, legal restrainers, invasions of home and other harassment, protests and verbal abuse, while the very laws intended to protect them are conveniently ignored. The mere mention of God now has caused such strife on online forums that many of the secular ones have strict rules against speaking on religion and politics. Our nation has gone from "One Nation Under God" to "Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out", as our country is inexorably decided to throw God out of the United States. To stand for one's faith now can cost you your career, friends, even your finances as lawsuits and fines against "hate speech" grow exponentially, while "conservative groups" are now being actively targeted by several agencies. Persecution has started in the Untied States,
The sound draws closer...
All of this is not simply within the US; other nations such as Canada, the UK, France, etc, suffer from these issues and are steadily retreating on the rights of the general population, in favor of those of the relative few. And while these nations fester in much the same way the US is, the UN, the EU and other satellite groups affiliated with them seek a "great reset". All finances would be electronic, and the claim is "you will own nothing and be happy". Meanwhile, AI has exploded onto the world stage and is rapidly transforming life on all levels, while in the East, China continues a massive buildup of technology, military forces and seeks to become the next world power.
The sound becomes deafening.
Most in this world, who have not been paying attention to Scripture, would miss this sound in the distance. But as we careen throughout history into the future, the general feeling of time running out is starting to grip the people of this world. The Bible warns us in several passages of the times approaching:
"Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” (Daniel 12:1-4, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
"Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn is spread over the mountains, So there is a great and mighty people; There has never been anything like it, Nor will there be again after it To the years of many generations." (Joel 2:1-2, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
The Lord Jesus Himself gave His disciples warnings about the times to come in the end days:
"As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:3-14, NASB, emphasis mine)
And Paul clarified the situation further:
"Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." (2 Thessalonians 2, 1-12, NASB, emphasis mine)
Paul explains here that the Second Coming (The Day of the Lord) won't come unless and until the Man of Lawlessness (The Antichrist/ The Beast) is revealed. And that cannot happen while the Restrainer is still present, restraining evil in the world. That Restrainer has to be someone more powerful than Satan, with the omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence to stop him and his minions. And He is the same one who seals the heart of every believer...
The Holy Spirit.
Beloved, I am convinced that we are indeed looking down the proverbial "gunbarrel" of The Great Tribulation; within a short time, conditions have deteriorated, old powers broken and new ones raised up, and depravity allowed to escalate to a level in this world we have never seen before. Yet, we are told not to fear, but to watch for our redemption and His coming:
“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28, NASB, emphasis mine)
"Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
It would not be much of an encouragement if we had to go through the Tribulation; instead, we would be warned to steel ourselves towards it. Bu we also have the promise made to the church at Philadelphia:
"I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’" (Revelation 3:8-12, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
While this was written by John to the seven literal churches, I believe they each represent a type of church out there today, which the Lord uses to rebuke, challenge, console, comfort and warn.
All of that said: while we will not be here for the Tribulation, we are seeing the clouds of dust and hearing the beating of hooves on the "horizon" of reality. And as it grows louder, our redemption draws closer, and the arrival of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, draws closer.
But as for those who will remain, they will see whose hoofbeats are making the dust and the sound:
"Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer." (Revelation 6:1, NASB 1995, emphasis mine)
The Great Tribulation will have begun. God will judge the Earth.
In these closing hours, let's be salt and light as much as possible to those we encounter, both online and in real life. We need to warn them of the hoofbeats we hear on the horizon now, and give them the Gospel while there is yet time and daylight to do so.
I bid you all peace.
YBIC,
-Sojo414
l've corrected it.
