Tag Archives: signs of end times

When the Spirit of the Anti-Christ Comes

Posted on September 23, 2020 by expressyourself4him

During the Passion Week, Jesus’ last week on earth prior to his crucifixion, a series of clues are left behind in Matthew 24. The context of this conversation begins on the steps of the temple. Jesus uses this structure to foretell future events beginning with the great earthquake immediately following his death on a cross. After taking a seat on the Mount of Olives, Jesus privately meets with his disciples, revealing the signs of End Times.

Not to allow your minds to be quickly unsettled or disturbed or kept excited or alarmed, whether it be by some [pretended] revelation of [the] Spirit or by word or by letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] arrived and is here. 3 Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition), 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3.

The content of this information was so powerful that Matthew devotes an entire chapter of his gospel to these words. According to Jesus, a series of events will result in the love of many Christians growing cold, Matthew 24:12. If you place this passage in the context of 2020 with church services shut down during the Coronavirus pandemic in many states, the Spirit of the Anti-Christ is getting closer. The apostle Paul takes at closer look by examining what these days will resemble on earth.

Who opposes and exalts himself so proudly and insolently against and over all that is called God or that is worshiped, [even to his actually] taking his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming that he himself is God. 5 Do you not recollect that when I was still with you, I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining him [from being revealed at this time]; it is so that he may be manifested (revealed) in his own [appointed] time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world, [but it is] restrained only until he who restrains is taken out of the way, 2 Thessalonians 2:4-7.

In his second letter to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul shares his own revelations about the second coming of Jesus. This includes an interesting statement that presupposes that the Holy Spirit keeps Satan on a leash until Christ returns. However, after the Rapture, Satan will turn the earth into a concentration camp, Revelation 13:17. Only those who receive the mark of the beast will be able to buy or sell. Thus, as Spirit of the Anti-Christ draws near, prepare your heart and mind now so that you won’t be deceived.

by Jay Mankus

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Cancelled by Coronavirus

Posted on March 14, 2020 by expressyourself4him

In a matter of days, college and professional sports seasons, public education classes and my volleyball league have either been cancelled, closed their doors for two to four weeks or suspended their seasons. The culprit, the Coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID-19 is to blame for this latest pandemic. While out picking up weekly supplies during my normal time, local shoppers treated Thursday afternoon as if the world was coming to an end. With this in mind, what does the Bible say about viruses?

At midnight the Lord slew every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. 30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead, Exodus 12:29-30.

The most famous plague of the Old Testament struck Egypt prior to the Exodus of the Jews. According to Moses, every family was impacted, losing the first born male overnight. Meanwhile, cattle farmers lost first born calves as well. According to Numbers 16:49, 14,700 individuals died in a plague brought on by the disobedience of Korah. Another 24,000 Israelites were wiped out by a similar plague in Numbers 25:9. There are other accounts of angels of death, deadly plagues and a real Devil who daily seeks to steal, kill and destroy the lives of weakened souls, 1 Peter 5:8.

So I looked, and behold, an ashy pale horse [black and blue as if made so by bruising], and its rider’s name was Death, and Hades (the realm of the dead) followed him closely. And they were given authority and power over a fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword and with famine and with plague (pestilence, disease) and with wild beasts of the earth, Revelation 6:8.

Whenever individuals experience the unknown, doubt, fear and panic can take hold of troubled hearts. In just one week, life as we know it has been turned upside down. The only recent pandemic that is comparable was the H1N1, back in the Spring of 2009. My oldest son contracted the Swine Flu months later during the Cross Country season. Although James missed nearly 3 weeks of school, he made a complete and full recovery. As human beings, not being in control of your health and well being conceives emotions of hopelessness. Yet, the only thing that you can do right now until COVID-19 goes into remission is pray to the God of miracles.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Holy Spirit Takes Over

Posted on August 9, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There are several theories about what will occur in the end times on earth.  Known as eschatology, this term refers to the theological interpretations of biblical content on this subject.  Although movies have portrayed some of  these views, few writers have touched one of the teachings of Jesus.  A sign of the last days is a supernatural phenomena where the Holy Spirit literally falls upon Christians and takes over their conversations.

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit, Mark 13:11.

The context of the passage above will take place during a period of persecution of believers, when the world will hate Christianity.  At the looks of the current cultural climate, this day may not be far off; possibly in its infancy stage.  Often buried in the news, crucifixions, imprisonment and  mass executions of Christians is occurring throughout the world, weekly in Africa and the Middle East.

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved, Mark 13:13.

In my life, I’ve experienced two moments where I blacked out, not knowing what I said during a conversation.  However, based upon others who came to me afterward, the only logical explanation I can come up with is the Holy Spirit took over.  During the first sermon I ever preached, crowds of people came to the altar to accept Christ and confess their sins.  I only remember my first and closing sentence, the rest is a blur.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

The only other experience similar to Jesus’ words occurred when I helped my spiritual mentor,Ken Horne, a youth pastor in Wilmington, with an overnight lock in.  After bowling at a local alley, the youth group spent the night at church.  However, one individual was a distraction, an evil presence, affecting the morale of the others.  Not sure what to do, I took him aside when the Holy Spirit took over.  The next thing I knew we were praying as this rebellious teenager was accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  Therefore, the next time you find yourself with your back against the wall, draw near to God and perhaps the Holy Spirit will take over.

by Jay Mankus

 

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