THE END TIMES AND THE ANTICHRIST
From what I can see of the world today, the end times may be closer than we would like to think.
We must keep our eyes on JESUS at all times, and keep watching what happens in Israel, because the end times are focussed on Israel and the temple in Jerusalem.
As I understand it, someone will come and appear to bring peace in Israel and the middle east, which will make them feel safe, and confident enough to rebuild the temple. 2 Thessalonians 9 says 'The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan, will be with all power, and with pretended signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who perish, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.' This person who will come, who brings pretended 'peace' will, I think have control over the world's economy, because the world will trust him, but he will have someone working for him who will begin to force people to worship him, and will force them to receive a mark to show that they accept this person as God.
Those who refuse to worship this person will not be able to buy or sell anything - even basic food and water, and many will die. Most of the world will be blinded to his evil, or too scared to refuse. But Revelation 14:8-10 warns us NOT TO receive the mark - no matter what, or we will suffer the wrath of God.
Revelation 14:12 says, 'HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS.' Which I think means, This is when we must stay strong and refuse even if we have to die! (My bible says, 'here is a call for endurance! those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.').
And it will only be our faith that gets us through this horrendous time.
But notice verse 13. 'And I heard a voice from heaven saying, *"Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.'' (in this time). "Blessed indeed" says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!"'
When you see the worlds armies come up against Israel - mentioned in Psalm 83, which may have been written during King David's reign, in a time of peace, and also in Ezekiel 38-39, where he is talking of Gog and Magog, or Gog from magog, (which is also Revelation 20:8 after the 1,000 years of peace under Christ's rule). Then you know our Lord will be returning very soon.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 tells us that the Lord will appear and destroy the evil one with the breath of his mouth. It may mean by what he says, or simply that he breathes out and blows them away!
Revelation 19:17 says, 'Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly in midheaven, "Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, small and great.' (anyone who has come up against Israel and Jesus).
So, take heart when you see these things because Jesus is in control and is on his way. No-one can stop him.
Stand firm and strong in the faith you have in Jesus, because you are *blessed indeed! and he will not disappoint!
This is how I understand my God.
Read for yourself, see what you think.