The Last Days
Last night in my Bible reading through the One Year Bible I read the passage below. I remember reading an excript from Michael Hiser where he defines Biblical Nations and Kingdoms. In the ancient languages Nations are people groups or races, and kingdoms are in the spiritual realm.
I was a little surprised as I read the passage in that context. Mainly because we are living in a time in our country where there is a literal war among the Nations going on with battles nearly daily. Some of the latest news indicates that the ACLU, which used to protect all our constitutional rights is now pnly focusing on “race” crimes and will no longer assist in defending free speech cases.
I feel that we are only a short time away from the second half of Jesus prophecy in the United States, when Christians will be arrested, persecuted and even killed for our faith in Jesus and I question if the church is really ready to stand firm in their faith. I pray that I can hold fast and stand firm, but must admit I am a little fearful of what is to come.
Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 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. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:4-14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.24.4-14.NLT
