How Satan attacks us.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

e are near the promise of the future new earth. Just as in times past when Jehovah’s people were very near promises being fulfilled Satan’s attacks became viscous. We must remember God can undo anything Satan and his people do. No one can undo what Jehovah does. This is a spiritual war that started in the Garden of Eden when Satan started desiring to have God’s throne so he lied to Adam and Eve to get them to rebel against God. They had no reason to believe God was deceiving them because he put them in a paradise garden and told them to make the whole earth like the garden. In rebelling against God they brought all the death , suffering , corruption, violence and many other things on the earth. Things are coming to a climax and very soon The rebellion against God will occur on a world wide scale when they try to completely replace God’s right to rule over the earth and they ban worship of God. When this occurs we do not have to fear God and Jesus will protect those who remain faithful and loyal.

We are to imitate Jesus and not let any deception be found in us, we are to walk worthily at all times even when under trial. We have to keep in mind Jehovah can read our hearts so we have to be careful we do not false reason to justify wrong doing. Our fruits will show Jehovah the intentions of our hearts. So it becomes clear we must produce good fruits in order to please Jehovah. By our actions we prove our faith. If we follow in Christ foot steps and try our best to please Jehovah, just as Jesus had no fear of anything except Jehovah we will not have any reason to fear anything even death. If we imitate Jesus and let no deception be found in us we will always let Jehovah’s word guide us no matter how dire things may seem. When the time is right we can have confidence that Jehovah will do what is right concerning us. If we do not then we have only one hope and that is death.

Now more then ever we need to be aware of our short comings. Satan can use these to pry his way in and destroy our lives. Job was attacked very bad by Satan. Because he had a deep love and strong faith for God , God said he was righteous but we are imperfect humans and fall short of God. When this happens it can give Satan an opportunity to attack us and accuse us. Just as he accused Job of only loving God because he protects him and blesses him we also are being accused. So the less room we give Satan to attack us the less difficult he can make things for us. If we continue to sin it will blind us to what God wants us to do. This works to Satan’s advantage because once we are blinded he can make us like a wave on the ocean easily blown about the direction the wind blows. In other words he can easily manipulate us into destroying our own lives, causing ourselves misery and even cost us our life. Thus making us an easier target to drag us down to the pit with he and others who are going there. How much better would it be that by our actions we prove to be righteous enough that our righteousness becomes so apparent that it cannot be hidden. So are slowly lured into sin because they will ignore certain scriptures that conflict with what they want to believe. This really opens the door for Satan and he can easily lure a person into committing many sin. All it takes is one door to be open for Satan to be able to open many more. Job believed he was more righteous then God. He ask questions of God he should not have ask. Once Job repented God blessed him.

The bible says bad associations spoil useful habits. We are not to even mention shameful conduct let alone do it. We are not even to keep company with those who do such things. Many will associate with those who have no faith in God believing it is ok because they are a nice person. We need to stop and consider God would be calling them to Jesus if he felt they were worthy. He can read their hearts and see things we cannot. Many in the bible have had bad associations that did not seem so bad but they drew them away from Jehovah and it has destroyed and even cost them their lives. We are not supposed to be a part of the world which means we put our faith in the heavenly kingdom and not humans. Those who may seem nice but do not have faith in God can lure us into putting our trust in man. The whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. He has corrupted most politicians and the ones he has not corrupted will die and anything they have done will be either forgotten or the person who replaces them will do away with the things they have accomplished. By getting involved in politics we are telling God we do not need him we can rule ourselves. Man has tried every form of government and we are only making things worse. We need to follow Christ example, he put his trust in the heavenly kingdom , which he knew God would seat him on the throne. He knew this is the only way the suffering, corruption and evil things happening on earth would be done away with.

In these calamitous times those who trust Jehovah and lean on him will have inner peace no matter what they endure. Those who obey Jehovah have no fear of death or man but those who do not trust Jehovah and do not let his word guide them always have that fear of judgment hanging over them.

We know we are very near the future hope of the promises of Jehovah. Satan’s attacks are an indication of this. He has always viciously attacked Jehovah’s people when they were near to the promises Jehovah made, being fulfilled. This system belongs to Satan and his people. We will not get full use of it like his people will. This system is temporary. We know we will suffer for our faith. We need to keep our eyes forward and see our suffering for what it is. If Satan can side track us get us to lose faith then we will start to lean on our own understanding and lose out on the future hope that is so near. Satan’s attacks are only going to get worse. He does not want us to make it. We must see these attacks for what they are and hold onto to our integrity. The new system belongs to the meek and the righteous. This will all be gone soon and is temporary so why waste time with this system be happy to make it through this system alive. Work to survive not to gain what will be lost when this system is gone.

So what are some ways Satan and his people attack you? One of Satan and his peoples main weapons is sex. It has gotten many to fall short of God and lose his favor. Satan likes to isolate people first then when he gets them isolated he will temp them in some way. This is when we are most vulnerable. Very soon they will attempt to isolate many of us, this is when we have to pray to God the most and trust him the most and be very aware of our short comings because Satan will use them against us.

Remember Jesus said members of our own household will be our enemies. When I started becoming no part of the world and learned most holidays and traditions of man had pagan origins and glorified mythical characters instead of God I stopped celebrating them. Those holidays and traditions are also full of idolatry something we are not to do. Many got very angry at me when I stopped celebrating them. Those holidays and traditions do not bring us closer to God. They actually anger him and make him jealous because during those times people give glory to symbols and idols rather then God. Jesus showed to celebrate his death because that marked the moment that man had been redeemed and our sins could now be forgiven meaning we could now live forever. Jesus never told us to celebrate his birth. His death marked the sealing of the new covenant. We need to remember that it was Jesus own people who killed him . We were warned in the last days that family would betray us. Things are rapidly winding down so we need to be much more careful of what we say and to who we say it to. We need to be absolutely certain we can trust someone whether it is family or a spiritual relative. The bible tells us many will make it through the great tribulation so not all will die but some will be betrayed.

Before the ransom sacrifice once you died you remained dead. Without the ransom sacrifice there would have been no hope for a resurrection so it is the memorial of Jesus death we should be celebrating. Not traditions or doctrine of man which is in opposition to God. This also removes the fear of death because we know if we die righteous and obedient to God we will experience a resurrection of life. Stephan had such faith even when he was being stoned to death he prayed for those stoning him. He did not fear death, he loved God and wanted others to know God as he did. Many of the apostle were killed with violence but they did not let that deter them from teaching others because how could someone put faith in God if they have not heard about him or learned about him. Things will occur very soon and some of us may be in danger but we will not have to fear death because the bible tells us even death cannot separate us from the love of God and the love of Jesus. Just a note during the apostles days those who were not worthy to partake of the wine and unleavened bread became ill.

We have the example of Job. Satan took his health, his children, his wealth and left him with nothing. Jobs short coming was pride. Job remained faithful and repented for his error and he was rewarded many times over. God corrected Job he repented and God forgave him and blessed him. By being aware of our short comings it can protect us from attacks by Satan. This is why we need to reflect in the mirror of Gods word and if we see something we need to work on we should correct it because any short coming Satan is aware of he will use to try and break your faith and attack you. Remember he is the accuser. He accuses man of only loving God because he blesses and protects us. By staying faithful and loving to God no matter what we endure we prove Satan to be wrong. Satan’s attacks can get pretty relentless. It is not what we do when things are going well that shows God we love him and are faithful it is what we do when things are not going so well. Look at what the apostles endured and they stilled accomplished a lot for God and glorified him.

False teaching is another way that Satan can draw people away from God so he can attack them. We were warned the great apostasy would come first. We were also warned in the last days people would gather teachers who would scratch their itchy ears. So they would tell them what they wanted to hear and not what they needed to hear. The bible even said many of the churches would follow teachings of demons. The bible said the deception would get so bad that even some of the elect would be led away from the truth and be deceived. If we write God’s word on our hearts by reading it and letting it guide all we do until it becomes a habit and we don’t have to think about what to do we will automatically know, it will be much more difficult for us to be deceived. The bible warned in the last days the great apostasy or man of lawlessness would be revealed. In other words the ones not obeying God and the commands Jesus gave us. If you learn you are not worshiping the way God would require do you make the changes needed to worship him in truth? Many will refuse to and it will cost them their lives. It would be sad to see someone give up their life because they did not want to give up a doctrine that had been taught so they could please God. Christ means anointed one. So many would claim to be anointed by God and lead many astray. Many think that they are going to claim to be Jesus but Jesus stated they would come on the bases of his name saying they are Christ. So they would claim to be anointed , and would claim to be representing Jesus. These false Christ can be identified because they will not teach what Christ taught. This is why Jesus said we would have to enter through the narrow gate. Jesus is the narrow gate so we have to observe all he told us to do and we have to try our best to imitate him.

Many still cling to images and idols in their worship. These do not bring a person closer to God and they actually offend him. This is a form of idolatry. Anything we covet more then our relationship with God is considered idolatry to God. We do not need images or idols we have God’s creation to observe and we can see his glory in all his creation. The human body is incredibly made, there are billions of stars and they move in such a predictable way they use them to keep more accurate track of time. This is why the bible refers to them as the soldiers of heaven it is like they march in formation. There are billions of stars out there and many we view in the night sky is actually whole galaxies. We could make no image that could compare to God. This is why we are told not to make or use images of heaven above or earth below in our worship. We can also have faith when we read about the miracles Jesus performed so we know the future promises of no more sickness, violence, crime, hatred, or suffering will be fulfilled. No promise God has made went unfulfilled so we can be certain the future promises will be fulfilled.

Satan lied about God in the Garden of Eden. Before then lies did not exist. That is why Jesus calls him the father of the lie. There is another way Satan attacks people he falsely accuses them. He had Joseph imprisoned for attempted sexual assault even though it was the woman who tried to assault Joseph and he fled. Jesus warned in Matthew 5:11 they would lie about you if you are trying your best to follow him. I experienced this first hand. It is very difficult when you hear people saying things that are not only untrue but they even get ridiculous and even falsely accuse you of criminal activities. They did this to Jesus so if you are going to follow Jesus you will be treated the same. When this occurs do not attack them or get angry it will only make things worse. Pray to God to help you through it and keep in mind God knows the truth no matter what they say or do. Jesus stated to the pharisees when they were lying that their father was Satan because he was the creator of the lie. So keep in mind if you are being lied against the source is Satan. Those who choose to lie are choosing Satan as their father instead of God. When Jesus had a conflict with Satan he did not insult or attack him but prayed to God for him to deal with it. We may have to endure some humiliating things when this system collapses but keep in mind it will only be for a short period of time. The new system will be worth whatever we have to endure. If we react in a way God would not approve of when falsely accused then we could lose God’s favor. The bible tells us when they start arresting those who worship in truth we will not have to worry about what to say because the holey spirit will tell us what to say.

Most know temptation is a way Satan can try and attack you. Once he gets you to fall short , he can destroy your life. As long as you do not give in to temptation he is limited in what he can do to you most of the time. For example he was not allowed to take Jobs life. It is when we give in to temptation that we endanger ourselves. The temptation is not always obvious. For example when Satan tempted Jesus he tried to get Jesus to put his trust in the political system of the world by offering him all the kingdoms of the earth. He even used God’s word to try and deceive Jesus when he was trying to temp him so we have to be careful because we know Satan and his messengers can appear as angels of light. Make certain something is from God and you do not have to compromise your values or to put your trust in material things of the world in order to get it. I have learned often times when you except something from someone , it can come with a heavy price. We are supposed to give without expecting anything in return but the world is not like that so we have to be careful. Satan could use our needs to temp us and draw us away from God. Jesus was fasting and he was hungry the first thing Satan did was try to get him to use the power and gifts God had given him for selfish reasons. Jesus made it clear to Satan it was obedience to God that comes first.

Many under estimate the authority Satan has , when he offered Jesus the kingdoms Jesus never contested Satan’s authority to do that. Jesus even stated he is the ruler of this world and would be cast out. So we cannot under estimate Satan’s authority but there is no authority higher then God’s so no matter how much he has corrupted things or influenced things God can provide the way out. We do not have to fear Satan and the demons. Whatever they put us through God can save us as long as we are obedient and faithful. We know Satan can perform man signs and wonders to deceive people. When he empowers the Beast and tries to force everyone to bow to it, we are told it will perform great signs and wonders. Jesus is the one anointed to sit on the heavenly thrown. He is the one that God has given the right to rule the earth to. By Satan trying to take that right on himself he is going against God and Jesus. This is why the Beast which is the United Nations and it’s allies will be destroyed and Satan will be bound for 1000 years. Christ means anointed one. Jesus is the one God anointed to set on his thrown . During that 1000 years he will work to restore the earth to the paradise it was meant to be.

Negative emotions is another way Satan can cause us tribulation. It is why we are told to forgive others. The bible warns if we go to bed angry it can give Satan an opportunity. So we should do our best not to hang on to anger. So if we are feeling emotions that could gave Satan a way to attacking us we need to work on correcting them as quickly as possible. As we can see Satan only needs us to give him a way and he can attack us. As things are winding down we need to make certain of everything and make certain we are doing all God requires so Satan will not have a way to attack us. When the beast has full power we do not have to fear. We may have to go into hiding but God will provide for us and protect us.

(1 Peter 2:21-25) 21In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. 22He committed no sin, nor was deception g in his mouth. 23When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. 24He himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness. And “by his wounds you were healed.” 25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.

(Ephesians 4:1-6) 4 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, appeal to you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, 2with all humility and mildness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, 3earnestly endeavoring to maintain the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace. 4One body there is, and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

(Jeremiah 17:10) 10I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works.

(Job 2:2-8) 2 Then Jehovah said to Satan: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered Jehovah: “From roving about on the earth and from walking about in it.” 3 And Jehovah said to Satan: “Have you taken note of my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth. He is an upright man of integrity, fearing God and shunning what is bad. He is still holding firmly to his integrity, even though you try to incite me against him to destroy him for no reason.” 4 But Satan answered Jehovah: “Skin for skin. A man will give everything that he has for his life. 5 But, for a change, stretch out your hand and strike his bone and flesh, and he will surely curse you to your very face.” 6 Then Jehovah said to Satan: “Look! He is in your hand! Only do not take his life!” 7 So Satan went out from the presence of Jehovah and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 . . .

(Ephesians 6:10-13) 10 Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11 Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12 because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13 For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm.

(Revelation 22:12-14) 12“‘Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to repay each one according to his work. 13I am the Al′pha and the O·me′ga, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14Happy are those who wash their robes, so that they may have authority to go to the trees of life and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates.

(Jeremiah 17:10) 10 I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works.

(Revelation 2:22, 23) 22Look! I am about to throw her into a sickbed, and those committing adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with deadly plague, so that all the congregations will know that I am the one who searches the innermost thoughts and hearts, and I will give to you individually according to your deeds.

(Colossians 3:15-17) 15Also, let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to that peace in one body. And show yourselves thankful. 16Let the word of the Christ reside in you richly in all wisdom. Keep on teaching and encouraging one another with psalms, praises to God, spiritual songs sung with gratitude, singing in your hearts to Jehovah. 17Whatever it is that you do in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.

(Matthew 10:27-31) … 28And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·hen′na. 29Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. 30But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.

(Luke 12:4, 5) Moreover, I say to you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after this are not able to do anything more. 5But I will show you whom to fear: Fear the One who after killing has authority to throw into Ge·hen′na. Yes, I tell you, fear this One.
(Hebrews 10:31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(Psalm 38:3-14) 3My whole body is sick because of your indignation. There is no peace within my bones because of my sin. 4For my errors loom over my head; Like a heavy burden, they are too much for me to bear. 5 My wounds stink and fester Because of my foolishness. 6I am distressed and extremely downcast; I walk around sad all day long. 7There is a burning within me; My whole body is sick. 8 I have grown numb and become completely crushed; My anguished heart makes me groan aloud. 9O Jehovah, all my desires are before you, And my sighing is not hidden from you. 10My heart pounds, my strength is gone, And the light of my eyes has left me. 11My friends and my companions avoid me because of my plague, And my close acquaintances keep their distance. 12Those seeking my life set traps; Those trying to harm me speak of ruin; They mutter deception all day long. 13But like someone deaf, I would not listen; Like someone speechless, I would not open my mouth. 14I have become like a man who cannot hear, Whose mouth has nothing to say in defense.

(Ephesians 5:3-5) 3Let sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as is proper for holy people; 4neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting—things that are not befitting—but rather the giving of thanks. 5For you know this, recognizing it for yourselves, that no sexually immoral person or unclean person or greedy person, which means being an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of the Christ and of God.

(1 Corinthians 5:9-13) 9In my letter I wrote you to stop keeping company with sexually immoral people, 10not meaning entirely with the sexually immoral people of this world or the greedy people or extortioners or idolaters. Otherwise, you would actually have to get out of the world. 11But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do you not judge those inside, 13while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.

(John 17:15-19) 15 “I do not request that you take them out of the world, but that you watch over them because of the wicked one. 16 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. 17 Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I also sent them into the world. 19 And I am sanctifying myself in their behalf, so that they also may be sanctified by means of truth.

(1 John 5:18-20) 18We know that everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin, but the one born from God watches him, and the wicked one cannot take hold of him. 19We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. 20But we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us insight so that we may gain the knowledge of the one who is true. And we are in union with the one who is true.

(Ephesians 4:17-19) 17So this is what I say and bear witness to in the Lord, that you should no longer go on walking just as the nations also walk, in the futility of their minds. 18They are in darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensitivity of their hearts. 19Having gone past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to brazen conduct to practice every sort of uncleanness with greediness.

(Proverbs 19:1-3) 19 It is better to be poor and walk in integrity Than to be stupid and speak lies. 2 A person without knowledge is not good, And the one who acts rashly is sinning. 3It is a man’s own foolishness that distorts his way, And his heart becomes enraged against Jehovah.

(Proverbs 19:1-3) 19 It is better to be poor and walk in integrity Than to be stupid and speak lies. 2 A person without knowledge is not good, And the one who acts rashly is sinning. 3It is a man’s own foolishness that distorts his way, And his heart becomes enraged against Jehovah.

(Isaiah 29:14) 14Therefore, I am the One who will again do wonderful things with this people, With wonder upon wonder; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, And the understanding of their discreet men will be hidden.


(Isaiah 29:15) 15Woe to those who go to great lengths to conceal their plans from Jehovah. Their deeds are done in a dark place, While they say: “Who sees us? Who knows about us?”


(Isaiah 26:3) You will safeguard those who fully lean on you; You will give them continuous peace, Because it is in you that they trust.


(2 Peter 2:9) So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment

(Isaiah 26:3) You will safeguard those who fully lean on you; You will give them continuous peace, Because it is in you that they trust.
(2 Peter 2:9) So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment


(Isaiah 48:17, 18) 17This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.


(1 John 2:15-17) 15Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Revelation 21:1-6) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven froSatan’s attacks can be relentless. They can knock you down pretty bad. Then is when you can really give God glory by showing your faith in him and continuing to do all he requires. It is not what you do when things are going well that shows God how faithful you are and how much you love him. It is what you do when things are not going so well that really shows God what is in your heart. Keep in mind those who may tell lies about you may be spiritual relatives to protect themselves so we have to be careful what we say and to who we say it to.

(2 Corinthians 12:7-9) . . .To keep me from becoming overly exalted, I was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan, to keep slapping me, so that I might not be overly exalted. 8 Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it would depart from me. 9 But he said to me: “My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you, for my power is being made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly, then, I will boast about my weaknesses, in order that the power of the Christ may remain over me like a tent. . .m God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” 5And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” 6 And he said to me: “They have come to pass! I am the Al′pha and the O·me′ga, the beginning and the end. To anyone thirsting I will give from the spring of the water of life free.

(Job 40:1-17) 40 Jehovah continued to answer Job:  2 “Should a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let the one who wants to reprove God answer.”  3 Job said in answer to Jehovah:  4 “Look! I am unworthy. What can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.  5 I spoke once, but I will not answer again; Twice, but I will say no more.”  6 Then Jehovah answered Job out of the windstorm:  7 “Brace yourself, please, like a man; I will question you, and you inform me.  8 Will you call into question my justice? Will you condemn me so that you may be right?  9 Do you have an arm as powerful as the true God’s, Or can your voice thunder like his? 10 Adorn yourself, please, with glory and majesty; Clothe yourself with dignity and splendor. 11 Release the fury of your anger; Look at everyone who is haughty, and bring him low. 12 Look at everyone who is haughty, and humble him, And tread down the wicked where they stand. 13 Hide them all in the dust; Bind them in the hidden place, 14 Then even I would acknowledge to you That your right hand can save you. 15 Here, now, is Be·heʹmoth, which I made as I made you. It eats grass like a bull. 16 Look at the strength in its hips And the power in the muscles of its belly! 17 It stiffens its tail like a cedar;. . .

(Job 42:10-13) 10 After Job had prayed for his companions, Jehovah removed Job’s tribulation and restored his prosperity. Jehovah gave him double what he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and all his former friends came to him and ate a meal with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him over all the calamity that Jehovah had allowed to come upon him. Each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. 12 So Jehovah blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the beginning, and Job came to have 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of cattle, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13 He also came to have seven more sons and three more daughters. . .

(John 18:35, 36) . . .” 36 Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.. . .

(John 15:17-23) 17 “These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. 20 Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours. 21 But they will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me also hates my Father.

(Proverbs 5:3-9)  3 For the lips of a wayward woman drip like a honeycomb, And her mouth is smoother than oil.  4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood And as sharp as a two-edged sword.  5 Her feet descend into death. Her steps lead straight to the Grave.  6 She gives no thought to the path of life. Her course wanders, but she does not know where.  7 Now, my sons, listen to me And do not turn away from what I am saying.  8 Stay far away from her; Do not go near the entrance of her house,  9 So thabible sneaky woment you may not give your dignity to others Nor reap years of what is cruel;

This was king Solomons downfall.

(Proverbs 5:3-9)  3 For the lips of a wayward woman drip like a honeycomb, And her mouth is smoother than oil.  4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood And as sharp as a two-edged sword.  5 Her feet descend into death. Her steps lead straight to the Grave.  6 She gives no thought to the path of life. Her course wanders, but she does not know where.  7 Now, my sons, listen to me And do not turn away from what I am saying.  8 Stay far away from her; Do not go near the entrance of her house,  9 So that you may not give your dignity to others Nor reap years of what is cruel;

(Proverbs 7:10-21) 10 Then I saw a woman meet him, Dressed like a prostitute, with a cunning heart. 11 She is loud and defiant. She never stays at home. 12 One moment she is outside, next she is in the public squares, She lurks near every corner. 13 She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss; With a bold face, she says to him: 14 “I had to offer communion sacrifices. Today I paid my vows. 15 That is why I came out to meet you, To look for you, and I found you! 16 I have spread fine covers upon my bed, Colorful linen from Egypt. 17 I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning; Let us enjoy passionate love together, 19 For my husband is not at home; He has gone on a distant journey. 20 He took a bag of money with him, And he will not return until the day of the full moon.” 21 She misleads him with great persuasiveness. She seduces him with smooth speech.

(Hebrews 13:3-6) . . .. 4 Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers. 5 Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” 6 So that we may be of good courage and say: “Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

(Proverbs 6:32, 33) 32 Anyone committing adultery with a woman is lacking good sense; The one who does so brings ruin on himself. 33 He will get only wounds and dishonor, And his disgrace will not be wiped away.

(1 Thessalonians 4:13-15) 13 Moreover, brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who are sleeping in death, so that you may not sorrow as the rest do who have no hope. 14 For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus. 15 For this is what we tell you by Jehovah’s word, that we the living who survive to the presence of the Lord will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep in death;

(John 3:16) 16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.

(John 5:27-29) . . .. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

(1 Corinthians 15:26-28) 26 And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. 27 For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. 28 But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(Romans 8:37-39) . . .. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Matthew 26:26-30) 26 As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the disciples, he said: “Take, eat. This means my body.” 27 And taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, saying: “Drink out of it, all of you, 28 for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you: I will by no means drink again any of this product of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in the Kingdom of my Father.” 30 Finally, after singing praises, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

(1 Corinthians 11:23-30) 23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night on which he was going to be betrayed took a loaf, 24 and after giving thanks, he broke it and said: “This means my body, which is in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” 25 He did the same with the cup also, after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood. Keep doing this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he comes. 27 Therefore, whoever eats the loaf or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty respecting the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 First let a man approve himself after scrutiny, and only then let him eat of the loaf and drink of the cup. 29 For the one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment against himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and quite a few are sleeping in death.

(Acts 7:54-60) 54 Well, at hearing these things, they were infuriated in their hearts and began to grind their teeth at him. 55 But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, 56 and he said: “Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” 57 At this they cried out at the top of their voices and put their hands over their ears and rushed at him all together. 58 After throwing him outside the city, they began stoning him. The witnesses laid down their outer garments at the feet of a young man called Saul. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death.

(Mark 13:9-13) 9 “As for you, look out for yourselves. People will hand you over to local courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues and be put on the stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them. 10 Also, in all the nations, the good news has to be preached first. 11 And when they are taking you to hand you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is. 12 Furthermore, brother will deliver brother over to death, and a father a child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all people on account of my name. But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.

(2 Peter 2:1-3) 2 However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. 6 From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, 7 always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(2 Thessalonians 2:3-5) 3 Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction. 4 He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I used to tell you these things?

(1 Timothy 4:1-5) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. 3 They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. 4 For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it.

(Mark 13:21-23) 21 “Then, too, if anyone says to you, ‘See! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘See! There he is,’ do not believe it. 22 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the chosen ones. 23 You, then, watch out. I have told you all things beforehand.

(Matthew 24:4-6) 4 In answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads you, 5 for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. 6 You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet.

(2 John 8-11) 8 Look out for yourselves, so that you do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that you may obtain a full reward. 9 Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. 11 For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.

(Hebrews 11:1-3) 11 Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities that are not seen. 2 For by means of it, the men of ancient times had witness borne to them. 3 By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is seen has come into existence from things that are not visible.

(2 Corinthians 4:17, 18) 17 For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting; 18 while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.

(Zechariah 13:1, 2) 13 “In that day a well will be opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for cleansing sin and impurity. 2 “In that day,” declares Jehovah of armies, “I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will rid the land of the prophets and the spirit of uncleanness.

(1 Corinthians 10:14) 14 Therefore, my beloved ones, flee from idolatry.

(Colossians 3:4-6) . . .Christ, our life, is made manifest, then you also will be made manifest with him in glory. 5 Deaden, therefore, your body members that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of those things the wrath of God is coming.

(Deuteronomy 5:8-10) 8 “‘You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. 9 You must not bow down to them nor be led to serve them, for I, Jehovah your God, am a God who requires exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing loyal love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

(Revelation 12:10-12) . . .“Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! 11 And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. 12 On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”

(John 8:44) 44 You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.

(Jude 8, 9) 8 Despite this, these men too are indulging in dreams, defiling the flesh, despising authority, and speaking abusively of glorious ones. 9 But when Miʹcha·el the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you.”

(Luke 4:1-13) 4 Then Jesus, full of holy spirit, turned away from the Jordan, and he was led about by the spirit in the wilderness 2 for 40 days, being tempted by the Devil. And he ate nothing in those days, so when they had ended, he felt hungry. 3 At this the Devil said to him: “If you are a son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him: “It is written, ‘Man must not live on bread alone.’” 5 So he brought him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time. 6 Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 If you, therefore, do an act of worship before me, it will all be yours.” 8 In reply Jesus said to him: “It is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” 9 He then led him into Jerusalem and stationed him on the battlement of the temple and said to him: “If you are a son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, ‘He will give his angels a command concerning you, to preserve you,’ 11 and, ‘They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.’” 12 In answer Jesus said to him: “It is said, ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’” 13 So the Devil, having finished all the temptation, departed from him until another convenient time.

(John 12:29-31) 29 The crowd that was standing there heard it and began to say that it had thundered. Others said: “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered: “This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for your sakes. 31 Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. . .

(Luke 4:5-8) 5 So he brought him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time. 6 Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 If you, therefore, do an act of worship before me, it will all be yours.” 8 In reply Jesus said to him: “It is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”

(1 John 5:18, 19) . . .. 19 We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.

(Ephesians 4:25-27) 25 Therefore, now that you have put away deceit, each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another. 26 Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; 27 do not give the Devil an opportunity.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) 9 But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders 10 and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 11 That is why God lets a deceptive influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.

(Revelation 13:11-15) 11 Then I saw another wild beast ascending out of the earth, and it had two horns like a lamb, but it began speaking like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first wild beast in its sight. And it makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first wild beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 And it performs great signs, even making fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the sight of mankind. 14 It misleads those who dwell on the earth, because of the signs that it was permitted to perform in the sight of the wild beast, while it tells those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the wild beast that had the sword-stroke and yet revived. 15 And it was permitted to give breath to the image of the wild beast, so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed all those who refuse to worship the image of the wild beast.

Dangers of spiritual blindness and deafness.

If you don't read it how can you have faith.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

There are physical blindness and physical deafness. I am going to speak of spiritual blindness and spiritual deafness. If we become spiritually blind then we cannot see the path clearly that Jesus laid out for us. This could result in our deaths and even our destruction. Another way spiritual blindness and deafness can harm us is when when are dealing with others. If we do not identify it in others or maybe someone we are teaching we will not see the obvious and it could entrap or endangers us. Jesus pointed out when people were spiritually blind and deaf. The bible indicated there would be many who know Gods word and know what is required but they would be spiritually blind and when the end came they would not be prepared. We need to be able to learn to identify when we may show signs of being spiritually blind.

Some examples of the spiritual blindness and deafness was the pharisees. Jesus pointed out areas they were blind or deaf many times. If we see it in others we need to pay attention to how they respond. In times past those who were spiritually blind would persecute and even kill those who where trying to show them the light. If you are teaching someone if they become confused about something be patient if they do not react in a violent, or angry way they may have beliefs that are deep set and if they keep clinging to those beliefs it can cause them to be blinded. If you push the issue it can cause them to become confused. Focus on teaching them other things and eventually they may come around. Beating them with the scriptures will only push them to the point they may lose faith or get frustrated and stop trying to learn. Surely we would not want to do that to someone. I have a tendency to flood people with scriptures. Some are just learning the bible and this can overwhelm them. A persons ears and eyes do not open over night, as I stated earlier some of them have things they have been taught that are not correct and are deep set in, those things take time to let go of. So what are some things that can cause a person to be spiritually blind or spiritual deaf?

If you ever noticed the contrast in the bible between those who were spiritually blind and deaf and those who were not it is very clear. Those who are spiritually blind or deaf when confronted with information that contradicted what they believed or if it made them aware of a short coming they would react with a variety of negative emotions. Those who were not spiritually blind or death were very receptive to the new information and would research it much more deeply and did not react negatively. If the information seemed incorrect , or they still did not understand they still did not attack the person they would ask questions. If you point out someones error and they do not react positively then be very cautious because they can also draw you away. Often times pride can cause this like it did with the pharisees and they tried try and prove they were right, they would act kind while doing very deceptive things to try and prove they were right. For example they had hired some people to lie about Jesus. Often times the pharisees would ask leading question that were meant to trip Jesus up. He usually had an answer but when the intentions of the question was to obvious he didn’t dignify it with a response. As things are winding down it can become more and more dangerous, even those who are spiritually or blood related who show spiritual blindness can effect us negatively. What things can we watch for that may indicate that someone is spiritually blind. If we react negatively in any way to a scripture we read then we should ask ourselves why? Is it contradicting a deep set belief we have, is it making us aware of a short coming we have? Is it making us aware we may have to make some dramatic changes in our lives we may not be comfortable making? If we refuse to accept thee things it could make us spiritually blind or deaf.

If they are spiritually blind it does not mean they do not love God or Jesus. It means they are not worshiping with their whole soul and their whole heart. How they react to new information when they are spiritually blind can tell us a lot. For example when I learned something new that conflicted what I had been taught I would become confused and even frustrated but after learning it I would look into things much more deeply. Sometimes I still did not agree and would ask more questions but I did not get angry. Eventually over time God opened my eyes and things become clearer for me. The ones we have to be careful of are those who read God’s word and do not progress to more solid spiritual food but they continue to take in milk. We also have to be cautious if they react violently. Sometimes those who do not want to have a deeper understanding may get confused but instead of looking at things deeper they may false reason with themselves and even try to take scriptures out of context to try and prove they are correct. If this happens do not debate them. Show them the truth and leave it at that. If they continue to try to validate a belief not supported by the bible then it is best to avoid talking about that specific area with them. Pay attention to how they react the next time you speak with them. If they try to refute all you say or get combative then I would not continue speaking about the bible with them. It could incite them to anger and even violence. Sometimes as I stated earlier the person may realize they have major changes in their life to make. This happened to me and I got confused , frustrated and overwhelmed. I had realized the changes I needed to make would effect other people and what they thought of me. I had realized they may even stop talking to me. I was fortunate the ones teaching me realized this and always had a scripture to build me up and keep my desire to learn God’s word.

So what can cause a person to become spiritually blind or deaf? We have the many examples in Jesus ministry. Sometimes it was pride , such was the case with the pharisees. Sometimes there were those who put more trust in material things and wealth of the world so devoted more time to those things. Sometimes people would leave themselves get so weighted down with the anxieties of life they would stop taking in God’s word and meditating on it, they would let those anxieties drown out the light and block their ears. When going through trials and tribulations it is very easy to get caught up in negative emotions. We were not mentally built to handle the things we have to deal with because they were not meant to happen. So when those things occur we need to turn to God in prayer, trust Jesus and take in his word even if we may not feel like it. All these things will be gone soon. When they are you need to ask yourself if you do not have a relationship with God what is left? Since we are in the last days it sometimes can be difficult to apply ourselves to spiritual things because of life events that are happening. If we find this occurring we should at least try to a lot a little time for bible study so that the anxieties of life do not drown out spiritual things and we eventually become blind and deaf.

There are other reasons the pharisees did not want to hear the truth. It would have required them to serve others and for them to be more humble. They believed they were above the others and they should be served this blinded them . Some did not want to make the changes they needed to make in order to worship in truth. Jesus fulfilled the old covenant. He was teaching about the new covenant his ransom a sacrifice would seal. This meant they would have to complete change how they worshiped. Many did not want to accept these changes. Some even knew these changes were foretold but would have had to lose their position of power and prominence. They did not want to give those up. For example they had many traditional celebration and Jesus had warned them about following traditions of man as if they were written biblical law and they were actually in opposition to God. We have many who practice traditional celebrations now and do not want to give them up. Some just do not want to admit they have been lied to all their lives. It is very difficult to accept and believe people you thought cared for you lied or deceived you. Sometimes they may not even know they are deceiving someone but have been taught those things all their life so believe they are doing God’s work. We have to remember also some want their itchy ears scratched so they will find teachers who will teach them what they want to hear and not what they need to hear. Those very ones were involved in killing Jesus so if someone does not want to accept the bible at it’s word it is best to shake the dust from your feet and move on because if not you may anger them and others and invite attacks on yourself. This does not mean God will never open their hearts. I have seen many who got very angry at me for years and then started asking me questions in sincerity. So never respond negatively always try to leave in peace.

Some other things mentioned in the bible that could blind or make a person deaf is glorifying God. We are told to glorify God by teaching others and continuing to take in his word and apply it in our lives. Our actions and how we live our lives should glorify God. Those all require dramatic changes and devotion. There are some who are corrupt and do not want to change because they reap many benefits from it. Some may be sinning and do not want to face their sin. The bible says that hurts their conscience. This angered many during Jesus ministry. For example some may be involved in sexual immorality, wild parties, have many bad associations, or even get intoxicated. They may not want to believe they are a sinning. There are more subtle sins that can blind someone also such as relying on oneself or putting too much trust in man.

Sometimes there are false teaching many do not want to give up that can blind them and make them deaf. For example many teach the false hell fire teaching when the bible clearly shows those who are unrepentant will be destroyed. Some try to use the bible to manipulate others and to take advantage of them. This has caused God’s name to be spoken of abusively. If this happens we should not take it personal. There is a lot of hypocrisy now days. Many do not practice what they teach. Some may be holding on to hatred in some form or another. The bible tells us to love everyone even our enemies. But hatred can also blind someone. Some believe they can be saved just by learning God’s word and may have the scriptures memorized like the pharisees did but they do not truly grasp the full meaning. Knowing there have been people taught by hypocritical teachers they may not realize they have been taught incorrect teachings. For example I new a man who would go out and get drunk. I showed him how he should repent and read his bible. He told me that his minister said once you accept Jesus and donate to the church your sins are forgiven so it doesn’t matter if you repent or not after that. I tried to explain to him why that was not true but he just got angry so I knew to drop it and shake the dust off my feet.

Man are involved in forms of idolatry which can also blind them. We are told not to use images of anything in heaven above or earth below in our worship. Many do not want to leave go of these things and it can blind them. Israel often times would get involved in that and become blinded to the truths in God’s word. Other forms of idolatry is when we covet things too much like material possessions or wealth. There are many celebration full of idolatry now days that people do not wan to give up. The bible warns you can not drink of the Cup of Jehovah and the cup of the Devil at the same time.

Even now I see people who claim to know their bibles. The signs clearly indicate we are in the final minutes of this system but the cannot see the time frame we are in and say we have lots of time to prepare. Surely we would not want to become blinded by any of these things only to realize to late what time frame we are in. The bible says many would claim to come in Jesus name and claim to have done his work and he would tell them “I never knew you!, get away from me you workers of lawlessness” . We would not want Jesus to view us as a worker of lawlessness. Not only that we are told to always stay alert so we would know how to prepare and be ready as the end of this system gets nearer and nearer. If we leave ourselves be spiritually blinded or made deaf , just like in Noah’s day , the end of this system and destruction would suddenly be upon us. The new system will be so amazing and their will be no suffering or violence or sadness. Even though things are getting very very tough we just have to endure a little longer and things will be much much better. The workers of lawlessness are those who do not obey Jesus and the commands he gave us. We should be aware of those who do not continue to grow spiritual not matter how nice them seem. Jesus is the narrow gate and we have to enter the narrow gate by imitating him as best we can and obeying him as our king.

One thing I do want to note. Since things are winding down many do not have the time they used to. If we are sharing bible truths we need to be aware of trials or tribulations they are enduring. Many do not have much time for even taking care of their personal life so sharing bible truths with ones in such a situation could become a burden if we are taking up too much of their time. We need to try and prepare and only share a few scriptures with them so we are not adding more burden on them.

So we can see how being spiritually blind can endanger us. Also not being aware of when someone is spiritually blind can endanger ourselves. We should not assume someone is spiritually blind if someone does not understand certain scriptures but we need to pay attention to how they react to them. If they react the way those who persecuted Jesus and killed him then we should be very careful with ones like that. If they are confused by what we show them give them time to think about it and even research it. They will ask questions if they want to know more. Be patient some have some things that are very deep set and it does not mean they do not love Jesus and God it, it may mean they need more time to let things sink in.

As things wind down we will need to be careful who we talk to and what we say to them. This includes spiritual relatives. We need to be aware when they are being spiritually blind or deaf. The bible warned many would turn on those who worship in truth even spiritual relatives and family will turn on those who worship in truth. By being aware of who is blind or deaf it can protect us, because they are the ones who will be most likely to turn on those who worship in truth. If we recognized any of these things mentioned in ourselves it should inspire us to do our best to work through them. If we are having difficulty we should pray to Jehovah about it and even seek the help of elders.

(2 Corinthians 4:1-4) 4 Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy that was shown us, we do not give up. 2 But we have renounced the shameful, underhanded things, not walking with cunning or adulterating the word of God; but by making the truth manifest, we recommend ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God. 3 If, in fact, the good news we declare is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, 4 among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.

(2 Corinthians 11:13-15) . . .. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. 15 It is therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness. But their end will be according to their works.

(Exodus 23:8) 8 “You must not accept a bribe, for the bribe blinds clear-sighted men and can distort the words of righteous men.

(Ecclesiastes 7:6, 7) . . .. 7 But oppression can drive the wise one into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

(John 3:19-21) 19 Now this is the basis for judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. 20 For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”

(Isaiah 29:9, 10)  9 Be stunned and amazed; Blind yourselves and be blinded. They are drunk, but not with wine; They are staggering, but not from alcohol. 10 For Jehovah has poured a spirit of deep sleep on you; He has closed your eyes, the prophets, And he has covered your heads, the visionaries.

(Isaiah 6:9)  9 And he replied, “Go, and say to this people: ‘You will hear again and again, But you will not understand; You will see again and again, But you will not get any knowledge.’

(Isaiah 42:16-20) 16 I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know And cause them to tread on unfamiliar paths. I will turn the darkness before them into light And turn the rugged terrain into level land. This is what I will do for them, and I will not abandon them.” 17 They will be turned back and will be utterly put to shame, Those who trust in carved images, Those who say to metal statues: “You are our gods.” 18 Listen, you who are deaf; Look and see, you who are blind. 19 Who is blind except my servant, So deaf as the messenger I send? Who is so blind as the one rewarded, So blind as the servant of Jehovah? 20 You see many things, but you do not keep watch. You open your ears, but you do not listen.

(Lamentations 4:14) 14 They have wandered blindly in the streets. They are polluted with blood, So that none are able to touch their garments.

(Zephaniah 1:17) 17 I will cause distress to mankind, And they will walk like blind men, Because it is against Jehovah they have sinned. Their blood will be poured out like dust, And their flesh like the dung.

(Matthew 13:14-17) 14 And the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled in their case. It says: ‘You will indeed hear but by no means get the sense of it, and you will indeed look but by no means see. 15 For the heart of this people has grown unreceptive, and with their ears they have heard without response, and they have shut their eyes, so that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back and I heal them.’ 16 “However, happy are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I say to you, many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things you are observing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them.

(Matthew 23:16-36) 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is under obligation.’ 17 Fools and blind ones! Which, in fact, is greater, the gold or the temple that has sanctified the gold? 18 Moreover, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is under obligation.’ 19 Blind ones! Which, in fact, is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore, whoever swears by the altar is swearing by it and by all the things on it; 21 and whoever swears by the temple is swearing by it and by the One inhabiting it; 22 and whoever swears by heaven is swearing by the throne of God and by the One sitting on it. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you give the tenth of the mint and the dill and the cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These things it was necessary to do, yet not to disregard the other things. 24 Blind guides, who strain out the gnat but gulp down the camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of greediness and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you resemble whitewashed graves, which outwardly indeed appear beautiful but inside are full of dead men’s bones and of every sort of uncleanness. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you build the graves of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous ones, 30 and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have shared with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 Therefore, you are testifying against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Well, then, fill up the measure of your forefathers. 33 “Serpents, offspring of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of Ge·henʹna? 34 For this reason, I am sending to you prophets and wise men and public instructors. Some of them you will kill and execute on stakes, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 so that there may come upon you all the righteous blood spilled on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zech·a·riʹah son of Bar·a·chiʹah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

(Luke 6:39-42) 39 Then he also told them an illustration: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Both will fall into a pit, will they not? 40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly instructed will be like his teacher. 41 Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye but do not notice the rafter in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to remove the straw that is in your eye,’ while you yourself do not see the rafter in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove the straw that is in your brother’s eye.

(John 9:38-10:11) . . .. 39 Jesus then said: “For this judgment I came into this world, that those not seeing might see and those seeing might become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with him heard these things, and they said to him: “We are not blind also, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them: “If you were blind, you would have no sin. But now you say, ‘We see.’ Your sin remains.” 10 “Most truly I say to you, the one who does not enter into the sheepfold through the door but climbs in by another way, that one is a thief and a plunderer. 2 But the one who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The doorkeeper opens to this one, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought all his own out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. 5 They will by no means follow a stranger but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus spoke this comparison to them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus said again: “Most truly I say to you, I am the door for the sheep. 8 All those who have come in place of me are thieves and plunderers; but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, and that one will go in and out and find pasturage. 10 The thief does not come unless it is to steal and slay and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. 11 I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his life in behalf of the sheep.

(John 12:36-43) . . .Jesus said these things and went off and hid from them. 37 Although he had performed so many signs before them, they were not putting faith in him, 38 so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, who said: “Jehovah, who has put faith in the thing heard from us? And as for the arm of Jehovah, to whom has it been revealed?” 39 The reason why they were not able to believe is that again Isaiah said: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and has made their hearts hard, so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their hearts and turn around and I heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory, and he spoke about him. 42 All the same, many even of the rulers actually put faith in him, but they would not acknowledge him because of the Pharisees, so that they would not be expelled from the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory of men even more than the glory of God.

(Romans 2:17-24) 17 If, now, you are a Jew in name and rely on law and take pride in God, 18 and you know his will and approve of things that are excellent because you are instructed out of the Law, 19 and you are convinced that you are a guide of the blind, a light for those in darkness, 20 a corrector of the unreasonable ones, a teacher of young children, and having the framework of the knowledge and of the truth in the Law— 21 do you, however, the one teaching someone else, not teach yourself? You, the one preaching, “Do not steal,” do you steal? 22 You, the one saying, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You, the one abhorring idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who take pride in law, do you dishonor God by your transgressing of the Law? 24 For “the name of God is being blasphemed among the nations because of you,” just as it is written.

(2 Corinthians 4:2-6) . . .. 3 If, in fact, the good news we declare is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, 4 among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through. 5 For we are preaching, not about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God is the one who said: “Let the light shine out of darkness,” and he has shone on our hearts to illuminate them with the glorious knowledge of God by the face of Christ.

(2 Peter 3:5-13) 5 For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people. 8 However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10 But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! 13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

(1 John 2:9-11) 9 The one who says that he is in the light and yet hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and is walking in the darkness, and he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

(Revelation 3:17-19) 17 Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all,” but you do not know that you are miserable and pitiful and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may become dressed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be exposed, and eyesalve to rub in your eyes so that you may see. 19 “‘All those for whom I have affection, I reprove and discipline. . . .

(1 John 1:5-10) 5 This is the message that we heard from him and are announcing to you: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. 6 If we make the statement, “We are having fellowship with him,” and yet we go on walking in the darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 However, if we are walking in the light as he himself is in the light, we do have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we make the statement, “We have no sin,” we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we make the statement, “We have not sinned,” we are making him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(Acts 26:17-23) . . .you 18 to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by their faith in me.’ 19 “Therefore, King A·gripʹpa, I did not become disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but to those in Damascus first and then to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Ju·deʹa, and also to the nations, I was bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance. 21 This is why the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 However, because I have experienced the help that is from God, I continue to this day bearing witness to both small and great, saying nothing except what the Prophets as well as Moses stated was going to take place— 23 that the Christ was to suffer and that as the first to be resurrected from the dead, he was going to proclaim light both to this people and to the nations.”

(Ephesians 5:6-14) 6 Let no man deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore, do not be sharers with them; 8 for you were once darkness, but you are now light in connection with the Lord. Go on walking as children of light, 9 for the fruitage of the light consists of every sort of goodness and righteousness and truth. 10 Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; 11 and stop sharing in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness; rather, expose them for what they are. 12 For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. 13 Now all the things that are being exposed are made evident by the light, for everything that is being made evident is light. 14 Therefore, it is said: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and the Christ will shine upon you.”

(Colossians 1:13, 14) 13 He rescued us from the authority of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 by means of whom we have our release by ransom, the forgiveness of our sins.

(2 Corinthians 4:1-6) 4 Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy that was shown us, we do not give up. 2 But we have renounced the shameful, underhanded things, not walking with cunning or adulterating the word of God; but by making the truth manifest, we recommend ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God. 3 If, in fact, the good news we declare is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, 4 among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through. 5 For we are preaching, not about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God is the one who said: “Let the light shine out of darkness,” and he has shone on our hearts to illuminate them with the glorious knowledge of God by the face of Christ.

(John 8:12-14) 8 12 Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will by no means walk in darkness, but will possess the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him: “You bear witness about yourself; your witness is not true.” 14 In answer Jesus said to them: “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my witness is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from and where I am going.


(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) 14 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” 18 “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

(Luke 11:33-36) 33 After lighting a lamp, a person puts it, not in a hidden place nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 The lamp of the body is your eye. When your eye is focused, your whole body is also bright; but when it is envious, your body is also dark. 35 Be alert, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is bright with no part of it dark, it will all be as bright as when a lamp gives you light by its rays.”

(Romans 13:11-14) . . .. 12 The night is well along; the day has drawn near. Let us therefore throw off the works belonging to darkness and let us put on the weapons of the light. 13 Let us walk decently as in the daytime, not in wild parties and drunkenness, not in immoral intercourse and brazen conduct, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.

(Jeremiah 6:10) 10 “To whom should I speak and give warning? Who will listen? Look! Their ears are closed, so that they are unable to pay attention. Look! The word of Jehovah has become something they scorn; They find no pleasure in it.

(Jeremiah 13:9-11) . . .. 10 These evil people who refuse to obey my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart, and who are following other gods, serving and bowing down to them, will become just like this belt that is completely useless.’ 11 ‘For just as a belt clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me,’ declares Jehovah, ‘to become to me a people, a name, a praise, and something beautiful. But they did not obey.’

(Psalm 58:2-4)  2 Instead, you devise unrighteousness in your heart, And your hands dispense violence in the land.  3 The wicked go astray from birth; They are wayward, liars from the time they are born.  4 Their venom is like the venom of serpents; They are deaf like the cobra that stops up its ear.

(Hebrews 5:11-14) 11 We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become dull in your hearing. 12 For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child. 14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.

(2 Timothy 4:2-5) . . .. 3 For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories. 5 You, though, keep your senses in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.

(Matthew 24:37-39) 37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.

(1 Corinthians 10:20-24) . . .. 21 You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of “the table of Jehovah” and the table of demons. 22 Or ‘are we inciting Jehovah to jealousy’? We are not stronger than he is, are we? 23 All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 24 Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

Balance in giving and receiving help.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

I am going to try and discuss the many aspects of help from receiving help, asking for help and on giving help. The reason I am writing this because I did not apply the scriptures and advice in the scriptures as I helped people it brought a lot of anxiety and frustration on me. Surely you would not want to do what I have done. Something to take note of only 20% of medical treatment now days is backed by valid science the rest is speculation. While many naturals have been proven in clinical trials. Yet people fear the things God gave us and trust corrupt man because they have been indoctrinated to fear those things to fatten the pockets of those who profit from illness.

Helping others is something I have been praying for. Not only that , I am having to learn to ask for help and when I receive it to accept it. I think this came from the fact I usually could solve any problem I had easily and often times helped others. We are in the final minutes of this system things are getting very crazy and overwhelming. The problems now days are so numerous it is becoming difficult to keep ourselves safe and healthy let alone helping others. We need to seek Jehovah God’s help first in any problems we are dealing with and ask him for the wisdom to get through the things we will endure. Even though we should approach God first in prayer Jesus is our king now so we have to approach God through Jesus. When we ask Jehovah God for something we have to ask in Jesus name. Also we should get advice from those who are spiritually qualified. If we need worldly advice we should be careful of the source and pay attention to the type of fruit they have produced. We may have to seek help from those who do not knobeast destroy false religionw God or who appear to know God but have fruits that God would not approve of. So we should be very careful of who we get advice form and whether it conflicts with the advice from God. The bible tells us if we are getting advice , if we do not like it we should not get easily offended. The bible warns the deviousness of the treacherous will destroy them. The bible also warns it is pride that usually causes this. It tells us when we need help we should ask for it. Pride could drive us to try and do things on our own. Often times we may feel we are a burden on others. Often times not seeking help will increase our burden which can negatively effect those around us. Not only that but often times getting help with burdens we have can bring us closer to our friends and family. . No one who is loving likes to see another over burdened. Imagine how confused they would be when a person who is burdened needs help but will not ask or will not accept the help. It could effect them because they may speculate and believe it is pride or even a lack of faith driving you to not seek the help of others. Sometimes if the help is too sudden it can add to the confusion. If this occurs we should let the person know we may need help but we are not ready for it yet.

This is something I am struggling with myself right now and I actually get angry when someone tells me not to help someone because it is not in my power to. I once needed tires for my car they were so bald the threads in the tires were showing through. This man had children , and he did drugs and drank heavily. I tried to share bible truths with him but he rejected them. I did not want to see the children go without food so instead of buying tires for my car I bought the family food. The next day one of my tires blew out and I could not make it to work. It really wasn’t in my power to help him and by doing so I put myself in a bad way and was possibly enabling the person’s bad behavior. So when we help others we need to consider if we have the resources spiritually, physically, emotionally and if we may be enabling someone. For example if a person is lazy or lacks the enthusiasm to do things for themselves when they have a problem we would be adding more burden on ourselves and enabling them to sin. The bible warns that helping lazy ones can bring a lot of problems on ourselves and others.

I am going to discuss the things I learn and hope I can learn to apply them. This system is winding down our emotional and physical resources are going to be more and more limited. If we do not learn to balance helping people it could harm not only ourselves but those we care about because we could neglect our friends or our family. As I study the bible I am learning I am guilty of this and possibly enabling others bad behavior.

The people who do not want to know God and ignore his word will bring many problems on themselves. If they blatantly ignore his warning and guidance then we are taking a part in their sin. Not only that but their sins can negatively effect our lives if we continue to help those who put themselves in bad situations because they refuse to obey God. Not only this but by helping them we could eventually be drawn in.

Another problem I have, is I tend to help to much. The bible warns you can wear out your welcome and the person can learn to hate you. The bible also tells us those who commit sins with no regard for God are mocking him. If we helped them wouldn’t we be also mocking God? We need to weigh are we enabling someone to sin or are we helping them get back on their feet. We need to also consider are we trying to be too helpful. Remember each person has their own burden to carry. We know that many of the trials and tribulations we endure teach us things and build endurance and wisdom when we do things in a way God would require.

I can tell you from personal experience emotional resources also get drained when you help the wrong people and you will start lashing out and getting angry at those who do not deserve it because of the stress it puts on you. So it is not only financially draining, spiritually draining it is emotionally draining. If all your vessels become empty then what does that leave you and what can you give to those who really deserve your help? We are told love bears all things but it does not rejoice in unrighteousness. In a sense if we continue to help someone willfully getting involved in wrong doing are we not rejoicing in unrighteousness?

There was a woman in the bible who gave all she had as a donation because of her love for God. If we spread our resources thin then we could not help ones like her who have a deep love for God and would deserve the help. This woman was producing good fruits, I have been in a position in my life were I helped someone who was ignoring God’s word because they were family. Then shortly after someone who produced many good fruits needed help and because I had already used my resources on someone who did not value God’s guidance I was not in a person to help them.

The bible tells us to ask and we will receive . So we have to remember to be aware when the help is from God and when the help is from a source God would not approve of. For example say we have to use the a lawyer and their advice is legal but would go against what God requires which often times does happen. It would be wise to obey God’s laws because this system is temporary and any suffering that may be brought on because we choose to stand on God’s side in matters will be temporary but the future hope given to us in God’s word is forever.

Things are rapidly winding down some things will occur that could mean life or death for us. We need to learn to rely on God first because there will be situations where no one can help us only God can. We know that Satan and his people persecute those who draw close to God. So we can expect to experience trials and tribulations. The persecution, trials and tribulation caused by Satan and his people often times are not obvious for example look at what Job had to endure because of the trials and tribulations Satan caused him but he endured and in doing so God blessed him many times over. God will leave us endure things because it can expose our short comings and weaknesses and it gives us an opportunity to work on them. When someone smelts precious metals they remove the dross. Dross are the impurities in the metals. When someone endures trials or tribulation it can expose areas spiritually they need to work on. When our short comings are exposed we can see the dross and work on removing it. This also gives us an opportunity to glorify God by showing our faith and loyalty to him no matter what we endure. If we are patient when a person is being refined it can reveal how they respond to something. For example are they lazy and expect others to do the heavy lifting for them? If so then they will continually try to get you to take more and more of their burdens on yourself and others when being tried. I do struggle with stepping in to help people too soon. God has made us industrious and creative. If we step in to soon we deprive others of the opportunity to learn to be industrious and creative in solving problems. The apostles endured many trials and tribulations they were often times told to be industrious. Look how they glorified God in-spite of the things they endured. When a person is under trials and tribulations they will either glorify God or they could smear his God’s name. If the person shows no initiative, they constantly complain about something but do not do the little things to fight their way out, if they do not constantly seek God’s word and seek him in prayer and we step in and help them we could be preventing them from learning the importance of putting God first. When a person endures hardships it reveals whether they are worthy of the heavenly kingdom or not.

So when we are helping someone we need to weigh many things for example is the person turning to God first to help them through the hard times? Are they doing things in a way God would require? Do they really need our help? If we become overly helpful we could be hindering the person from leaning things and to glorify God by showing their endurance and love for God through their hardship. This does not mean we totally abandon them it means we ask them if they need our help. We need to be aware of the circumstances that lead up to them needing help. If it was because of something sinful like excess drinking of alcohol or laziness and they are not trying to overcome those things then we would be enabling them. We need to learn to balance helping others between whether they are trying to help themselves, whether helping them would make us a part of their sin by enabling them, also if a person is not asking for help it may be because they have resources we are not aware of or they have the faith God will get them through it. If they truly need help they will most likely ask for it. If not you could ask them for help but should not help without asking.

Things are rapidly winding down. Many of us will have to turn to those we feel we have no right to because they are not directly related. They are our spiritual relatives which make the bond closer then if they were blood relatives. If we have to get help from them , most of the time they will be happy to help us. Imagine the burden it would be on them seeing us struggle and we did not ask them for help? Many came from the world and the world would hate them. So many of their families are part of the world and because they have chosen to be no part of the world they do not have their families to turn to they only have their spiritual family. We know those who are truly trying to follow Jesus will be hated by the world, persecuted, looked down on and treated poorly so we need to do our best to help each other when possible but also to except our limits and know when is within our power to help another so we do not spread ourselves too thin. It is unreasonable to not expect to experience hard ships. The closer a person draws to God the more the world will hate them. These are ones we should really focus our resources on helping. Those who are part of the world and have cause their own problems , if we help them we are not only enabling them we are becoming a part of their sins by not letting them suffer the consequences of the things they have done. Now if they have repented and are struggling to recover from the damage they have done then we should help them within reason.

When we help someone we should not expect anything in return. If we are in a position where we have been blessed by God and have the resources to help someone else this is a privilege given to us freely from God so we should not expect something in return for our helping others. Most of all we are to take care of those in our household. We are told those who do not have disowned the faith. If we do have to borrow from someone we should do our best to pay it back. We have to be wise about helping others and not letting them take advantage of us. Since we are in the last days we need to weigh why they are in need. Is this a pattern of things caused by them not being responsible or caused by some things they may be doing bringing the need on themselves or is their need because of the things now occurring since these are the last days? When we help someone we should not boat about it or tell others as many in the media do. They do this to get attention and to show their false righteousness. If we are truly giving from the heart and it is love guiding us we do need the attention and acknowledgment of the good things we have done. God gave the world a gift no one could match. He gave the life of his only begotten son as a ransom for our sins so that we could be forgiven. No one could match that gift. So any gift given by a human deserves to be bragged about because he could never compare to the gift God has given us.

Those of us enduring trials. We should accept the comfort of others who have endured trials themselves. They have already built up the knowledge and endurance that they could impart to us. We also need to learn to accept help when we need it. This sometimes takes humility. Many of us have not been in a position where we needed help. Some of us do not want to be a burden on others. When we except help we are giving others a chance to express their love towards us. Imagine how they would feel if they want to help us and it is in their power to do so and we refuse to accept their help because we feel we will be a burden. Would you not feel hurt if you wanted to help a friend or family member you cared about and even though they needed the help they refused it? Some have been blessed by God so they could share their blessings. Wouldn’t it be selfish if we had too much pride or felt we were a burden if we refused the happiness and joy that comes with sharing your blessing with others. How do you feel if someone refuses blessings God has given you when you try to share them?

If we are asking for God’s help we have to make sure we are doing nothing that will hinder our prayers or cause him not to hear them. We have to ask in God’s name and do so through Jesus Christ. Also understand God will not immediately remove us from the difficult situation or hardships but he does promise if we persist in prayer he will give us peace in our minds that will guard our hearts. This is why the bible tells us not to be anxious about anything this system is passing away and so is it’s desires. All this will be gone so very soon all suffering will end we just have to endure a little longer. If a person tries to help us without asking we should not get too harsh it is because they care. We should let them know we will ask in a nice way if we need help. It is always best to ask if you can help before offering to help. We could actually be complicating things for someone if we just try and give them help and they are not prepared for it. We have to remember they have their own plans and way of doing things and when we just help we may cause confusion. By asking we give them a chance to think about it and even prepare.

Things are going to get very difficult soon. We have to be careful we do not overextend ourselves and only help when it is within our power. We also have to be cautious who we help. There will be some we may not be in a position to help. In such situations we can pray for them.

Even now we see them empowering the disgusting thing Jesus mentioned and giving it more and more authority. The disgusting thing is the beast that man is putting in place to try and replace God’s authority over the earth. Once they form this one world order God will put it in their hearts to destroy false religion, once this occurs the beast will turn on true worship. Once this occurs the end of this system will come because Jesus will destroy mans rule and the heavenly kingdom will rule the earth again. These things will never occur again. By balancing helping others and knowing when to ask for help we may walk through the great tribulation into the new system. Those who endure to the end and remain faithful even if they face death will not experience the second death because they will experience a resurrection of life.

(Proverbs 11:2, 3)  2 When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones.  3 The integrity of the upright is what guides them, But the deviousness of the treacherous will destroy them.

(Proverbs 26:12) 12 Have you seen a man who thinks he is wise? There is more hope for someone stupid than for him.

(Proverbs 28:25, 26) . . .But whoever relies on Jehovah will prosper. 26 Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid, But the one who walks in wisdom will escape.

(Matthew 11:26-30) . . .. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one fully knows the Son except the Father; neither does anyone fully know the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son is willing to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. 30 For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”

(Matthew 7:7-11) 7 “Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you; 8 for everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking, it will be opened. 9 Indeed, which one of you, if his son asks for bread, will hand him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not hand him a serpent, will he? 11 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him!

(John 14:12-14) . . .. 13 Also, whatever you ask in my name, I will do this, so that the Father may be glorified in connection with the Son. 14 If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

(Proverbs 26:13-16) 13 The lazy one says: “There is a young lion in the road, A lion in the public square!” 14 A door keeps turning on its hinges, And the lazy one on his bed. 15 The lazy one buries his hand in the banquet bowl, But he is too tired to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The lazy one thinks he is wiser Than seven people who give a sensible reply.

(Proverbs 12:15, 16) 15 The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, But the wise one accepts advice. 16 A fool immediately shows his annoyance, But the shrewd man overlooks an insult.

(Proverbs 3:27) 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it If it is within your power to help.

(Proverbs 24:6)  6 By skillful direction you will wage your war, And through many advisers there is victory.

(2 Thessalonians 3:10) 10 In fact, when we were with you, we used to give you this order: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.”

(James 1:2-8) 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3 knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything. 5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. 7 In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; 8 he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(1 Timothy 5:7, 8) . . .. 8 Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.

(Ephesians 5:10-13) . . .; 11 and stop sharing in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness; rather, expose them for what they are. 12 For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. 13 Now all the things that are being exposed are made evident by the light, for everything that is being made evident is light.

(Proverbs 13:20, 21) 20 The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly. 21 Calamity pursues sinners, But prosperity rewards the righteous.

(Proverbs 25:17) 17 Rarely set foot in your neighbor’s house, So that he does not get tired of you and hate you.

(Galatians 6:7-10) 7 Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; 8 because the one sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but the one sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit. 9 So let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due time we will reap if we do not tire out. 10 So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.

(Proverbs 23:21) For a drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.

(Luke 15:13, 14) A few days later, the younger son gathered all his things together and traveled to a distant country and there squandered his property by living a debauched life. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred throughout that country, and he fell into need.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

(Mark 12:43, 44) . . .. 44 For they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her want, put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

(Matthew 7:7-11) 7 “Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you; 8 for everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking, it will be opened. 9 Indeed, which one of you, if his son asks for bread, will hand him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not hand him a serpent, will he? 11 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him!

(Jeremiah 17:7, 8)  7 Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Jehovah, Whose confidence is in Jehovah.  8 He will become like a tree planted by the waters, That sends out its roots to the stream. He will not notice when heat comes, But his leaves will always flourish. And in the year of drought he will not be anxious, Nor will he quit producing fruit.

(2 Corinthians 1:8-11) 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the tribulation we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under extreme pressure beyond our own strength, so that we were very uncertain even of our lives. 9 In fact, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. This was so that we would trust, not in ourselves, but in the God who raises up the dead. 10 From such a great risk of death he did rescue us and will rescue us, and our hope is in him that he will also continue to rescue us. 11 You also can help us by your supplication for us, in order that many may give thanks in our behalf for the favor we receive in answer to the prayers of many.

(Matthew 5:10-12) 10 “Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them. 11 “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you.

(Zechariah 13:8, 9) . . .And the third part will be left remaining in it.  9 And I will bring the third part through the fire; And I will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people,’ And they will say, ‘Jehovah is our God.’”

(Isaiah 48:10) 10 Look! I have refined you, but not in the form of silver. I have tested you in the smelting furnace of affliction.

(Isaiah 40:29-31) 29 He gives power to the tired one And full might to those lacking strength. 30 Boys will tire out and grow weary, And young men will stumble and fall, 31 But those hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; They will walk and not tire out.”

(2 Thessalonians 1:4, 5) 4 As a result we ourselves take pride in you among the congregations of God because of your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the hardships that you are suffering. 5 This is a proof of the righteous judgment of God, leading to your being counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you are indeed suffering.

(James 1:2-8) 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3 knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything. 5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. 7 In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; 8 he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(John 15:17-21) 17 “These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. 20 Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours. 21 But they will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know the One who sent me.

(Isaiah 49:15) 15 Can a woman forget her nursing child Or have no compassion for the son of her womb? Even if these women forget, I would never forget you.

(2 Peter 2:8-10) . . .. 9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment, 10 especially those who seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority.. . .

(1 Peter 5:6-11) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 11 To him be the might forever. Amen.

(Psalm 34:18, 19) 18 Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. ר [Resh] 19 Many are the hardships of the righteous one, But Jehovah rescues him from them all.

(Leviticus 25:35-37) “‘If your brother who is nearby becomes poor and cannot support himself, you must sustain him as you would a foreign resident and a settler, so that he may keep alive with you. 36 Do not take interest or make a profit from him. You must be in fear of your God, and your brother will keep alive with you. 37 You must not lend him your money on interest or give out your food for profit.

(Luke 6:32-36) 32 “If you love those loving you, of what credit is it to you? For even the sinners love those loving them. 33 And if you do good to those doing good to you, of what credit is it to you? Even the sinners do the same. 34 Also, if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, of what credit is it to you? Even sinners lend to sinners so that they may get back as much. 35 On the contrary, continue to love your enemies and to do good and to lend without hoping for anything back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked. 36 Continue being merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

(1 Timothy 5:7, 8) . . .. 8 Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.

(Hebrews 13:15, 16) . . .. 16 Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.

(Acts 2:43-47) 43 Indeed, fear began to fall upon everyone, and many wonders and signs began to occur through the apostles. 44 All those who became believers were together and had everything in common, 45 and they were selling their possessions and properties and distributing the proceeds to all, according to what each one needed. 46 And day after day they were in constant attendance in the temple with a united purpose, and they took their meals in different homes and shared their food with great rejoicing and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and finding favor with all the people. At the same time Jehovah continued to add to them daily those being saved.

(Romans 13:8-10) 8 Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another; for whoever loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law. 9 For the law code, “You must not commit adultery, you must not murder, you must not steal, you must not covet,” and whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this saying: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does not work evil to one’s neighbor; therefore, love is the law’s fulfillment.

(Matthew 6:1-4) 6 “Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.

(John 3:16) 16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.

(1 Corinthians 10:32, 33) Keep from becoming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God, 33 just as I am trying to please all people in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, so that they may be saved.

(Acts 20:34, 35) . . .. 35 I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”

(1 Corinthians 4:12, 13) 12 and to toil, working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless; when persecuted, we patiently endure; 13 when slandered, we answer mildly; we have become as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things, until now.

(2 Corinthians 1:3-7) 3 Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God. 5 For just as the sufferings for the Christ abound in us, so the comfort we receive through the Christ also abounds. 6 Now if we face trials, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are being comforted, it is for your comfort, which acts to help you to endure the same sufferings that we also suffer. 7 And our hope for you is unwavering, knowing as we do that just as you share in the sufferings, so you will also share in the comfort.

(1 John 3:16-18) . . .. 17 But whoever has the material possessions of this world and sees his brother in need and yet refuses to show him compassion, in what way does the love of God remain in him? 18 Little children, we should love, not in word or with the tongue, but in deed and truth.

(1 Timothy 6:17-19) 17 Instruct those who are rich in the present system of things not to be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy. 18 Tell them to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous, ready to share, 19 safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life.

(Mark 11:24, 25) 24 This is why I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for, have faith that you have received them, and you will have them. 25 And when you stand praying, forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father who is in the heavens may also forgive you your trespasses.”

(Philippians 4:4-7) 4 Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! 5 Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

(1 John 2:15-17) 15 Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17 Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Matthew 24:9-22) 9 “Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. 10 Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; 12 and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. 13 But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. 14 And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 15 “Therefore, when you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken about by Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place (let the reader use discernment), 16 then let those in Ju·deʹa begin fleeing to the mountains. 17 Let the man on the housetop not come down to take the goods out of his house, 18 and let the man in the field not return to pick up his outer garment. 19 Woe to the pregnant women and those nursing a baby in those days! 20 Keep praying that your flight may not occur in wintertime nor on the Sabbath day; 21 for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. 22 In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short.

(Revelation 17:15-18) 15 He said to me: “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is sitting, mean peoples and crowds and nations and tongues. 16 And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her devastated and naked, and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire. 17 For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought, yes, to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, until the words of God will have been accomplished. 18 And the woman whom you saw means the great city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth.”

(Revelation 18:4-10) 4 And I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. 5 For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind. 6 Repay her in the way she treated others, yes, pay her back double for the things she has done; in the cup she has mixed, mix a double portion for her. 7 To the extent that she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, to that extent give her torment and mourning. For she keeps saying in her heart: ‘I sit as queen, and I am not a widow, and I will never see mourning.’ 8 That is why in one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong. 9 “And the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality with her and lived with her in shameless luxury will weep and beat themselves in grief over her when they see the smoke from her burning. 10 They will stand at a distance because of their fear of her torment and say: ‘Too bad, too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived!’

(2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) 6 This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you. 7 But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength,

(Revelation 2:10, 11) 10 Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison so that you may be fully put to the test, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: The one who conquers will by no means be harmed by the second death.’

Weapons used by Satan and how we can protect ourselves.

Written by Lee Stevenson. Sorry I am not very good at editing. I did this article in sections.

Now the thing that will protect us the most is putting on the full armor of Jehovah. I will discuss that at the end of this article but first I want to discuss the most common weapons Satan uses to lure us away.

Fear has been used by Satan many times. He has used intimidation tactics , used fear in the loss of wealth, fear of being homeless, fear of change and many other types of fear to get people to lose faith. We have to remember in times past when God’s people had to flee and leave their homes and possessions behind God provided provide for them and sustained them. Even when God’s people were severely outnumbered they prevailed because God protected them. Fear can be a sin if we are doing what God requires and we lose things or our lives are threatened and we start fearing man more then God and give in to their will instead of God’s. Fear of failing God or of not having faith in him and trusting him is a sin. So if Satan or his people can instill improper fear and get us to lose our faith they can sway us. I have seen many reject bible truths because they knew they would be rejected by their families or would even be hated. The world warned if we followed in Jesus foot steps the world would hate us so that includes member so our own families. We have to work very hard to build our faith in God because very soon all types of fear are going to be used to try and break our faith. Even if we die we have no reason to fear if we die faithful to God because he will remember us during the resurrection. God is the life giver. There is no one with more authority. So if we obey him above man then we can be sure he is with us. As long as our faith remains strong we have the upper hand because no one is more powerful then God.

(Isaiah 35:4)  4 Say to those who are anxious at heart: “Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance, God will come with retribution. He will come and save you.”

(Matthew 6:33, 34) 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

(John 6:26, 27) . . .. 27 Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for everlasting life, which the Son of man will give you; for on this one the Father, God himself, has put his seal of approval.”

(Romans 8:37-39) . . .. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Psalm 27:1) 27 Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Whom should I fear? Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Whom should I dread?

Distractions are another way our faith can be weakened. Jesus was visiting Martha and Mary. Martha seemed caught up in making a big feast for Jesus. She most likely was overfilled with joy that he was there. Jesus knew that the Jewish system of things were going to end very soon and wanted all his disciples to be prepared. So when Mary complained that Martha was not helping her Jesus pointed out that she needed to keep things more simple. Just as the Jewish system ended this system is going to end on a world wide scale. By keeping our lives simple and free of distractions we can focus more on spiritual things which Jesus was pointing out to Mary. The more things we own the more thing not spiritually related we get involved in the more we increase our anxiety and the less we can focus on spiritual matters like praying, reading and researching God’s word and sharing what we learned with others. Could you imagine if no one took the time to teach God’s world. How many would still not have the answers they are seeking. You never know when a moment you gave to vanity may have been a moment someones eyes had been opened by you. The things in this system will perish soon, so why accumulate or get involved in things that will perish? The treasures stored up in heaven is forever and so is the promises that come with those who endure and are faithful until the end. If we put the pursuit of money or other things over the pursuit of spiritual things we are not storing up treasures in heaven. The bible warned you can be a slave to the treasures of the world or store up treasures in heaven but we cannot be slaves to both.

When Jehovah’s great day comes it is going to come in a day we do not expect. We are warned people will be confident there will be peace and security so will pay no attention to the signs of what is about to occur. The bible warns us many would take no note of the times we are in until it was too late and God’s great day would be suddenly upon them. Just as in Noah’s day Noah and his family heeded God’s warnings and built the ark as they were instructed and Noah and his family survived the destruction that came upon the earth. Many will heed God’s warnings and stay alert and walk through the great tribulation. In order to learn what God requires so you can be one of the ones who walks through the great tribulation and do not suffer the destruction that those who ignore God’s warnings or who oppose him do we need to learn what he requires.

(Luke 10:38-42) 38 Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village. Here a woman named Martha received him as a guest in her house. 39 She also had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and kept listening to what he was saying. 40 Martha, on the other hand, was distracted with attending to many duties. So she came to him and said: “Lord, does it not matter to you that my sister has left me alone to attend to things? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 In answer the Lord said to her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about many things. 42 A few things, though, are needed, or just one. For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Matthew 6:28-34) 28 Also, why are you aSolanum jamesiinxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin; 29 but I tell you that not even Solʹo·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. 30 Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? 31 So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ 32 For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

(1 John 2:15-17) 15 Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17 Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Matthew 6:19-24) 19 “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. 23 But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark. If the light that is in you is really darkness, how great that darkness is! 24 “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches.

(1 Thessalonians 5:1-5) 5 Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. 3 Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape. 4 But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves, 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness.

(Matthew 24:36-41) 36 “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. 41 Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandone. . .

(Revelation 7:13-17) 13 In response one of the elders said to me: “These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” 14 So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one who knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 That is why they are before the throne of God, and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down on them nor any scorching heat, 17 because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.”

Doubt can draw us away from God. Not only that but doubt can result in apathy and we may lose focus and start being drawn away from God and become part of the world which is passing away. The bible has warned us what is about to occur, if we doubt God’s word we could be misled and not realize the time-frame we are in. Most of the prophecies concerning the last days have been fulfilled indicating we are in the final minutes of this system. Now more then ever we need to over come any doubt we may have. We can do this by taking in God’s word and applying it in all we do. If we have doubt we may start putting our faith ourselves or man more then God and be drawn away from God. Man will perish but God cannot die and will endure forever. There is no one wiser we can be certain of his wisdom by the grandeur of his creation and the knowledge it would have taken to create such things. There is no one more powerful then God so we can be sure he will fulfill the promises he gave us that give us a future hope. If we have doubt we may become one of the mockers mentioned. who claim God’s great day is not near. Since we have inherited sin from Adam and Eve each day we need to work to over come these imperfection and become new creations and do our best to imitate Christ. Very soon we will be put in some very difficult situations but we do not have to worry God says he will fight for us and our enemies will become as dust under our feet. Even death will be done away with. Satan created doubt in Adam and Eve and got them to disobey God. Adam and Eve knew what God required. They had no reason to doubt God he had only done good things for them and gave them good work that would be happy work to do. So they should not have listened to Satan when he was trying to deceive them. Not only this but he convinced Eve she would not die. We still hear this lie being told today when people say you do not die you either go to heaven or hell. The hell fire teaching was not taught by Jesus. The fire of destruction was taught by Jesus. Jesus words induced hope and trust in God and taught us how much God loved us. His words encouraged us to draw closer to God.

(James 1:5-8) 5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. 7 In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; 8 he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(Matthew 21:22) And all the things you ask in prayer, having faith, you will receive.”

(Hebrews 11:6) Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.

(Jeremiah 17:5)  5 This is what Jehovah says: “Cursed is the man who puts his trust in mere humans, Who relies on human power, And whose heart turns away from Jehovah.

(2 Peter 3:2-11) . . .. 3 First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.” 5 For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people. 8 However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10 But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion,

(2 Corinthians 5:16, 17) 16 So from now on we know no man from a fleshly viewpoint. Even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, we certainly no longer know him in that way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; look! new things have come into existence.

(Malachi 4:1-3) 4 “For look! the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the presumptuous ones and all those practicing wickedness will become like stubble. The coming day will certainly devour them,” says Jehovah of armies, “and it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But on you who honor my name, the sun of righteousness will shine, with healing in its rays; and you will skip about like fattened calves.” 3 “And you will tread the wicked underfoot, for they will be like dust under the soles of your feet on the day when I take action,” says Jehovah of armies.

(Isaiah 25:7-9)  7 In this mountain he will do away with the shroud that is enveloping all the peoples And the covering that is woven over all the nations.  8 He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah himself has spoken it.  9 In that day they will say: “Look! This is our God! We have hoped in him, And he will save us. This is Jehovah! We have hoped in him. Let us be joyful and rejoice in the salvation by him.”

(Genesis 3:3-7) . . .” 4 At this the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die. 5 For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad.” 6 Consequently, the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was something desirable to the eyes, yes, the tree was pleasing to look at. So she began taking of its fruit and eating it. Afterward, she also gave some to her husband when he was with her, and he began eating it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made loin coverings for themselves.

We need to learn to forgive. The bible warns holding onto anger can give Satan an opportunity. If we hold onto anger we are judging others. It does not matter if the person repents or not. We have to keep in mind God is the judge and he gave that right to Jesus because he is our king. We are imperfect and our hearts are imperfect. Not only that we cannot read others hearts to know if something they have done was intentional or not. God can read hearts, he has given Jesus the ability to read hearts and Jesus will judge. We do not have that right Jesus earned the right to the throne. The princes gathered from the earth will judge with Jesus but while on earth we are not to judge others. God does lay guidelines on who we should associate with and if our anger was because of a sin committed we should be cautious associating with them if the are unrepentent, when possible. But we need to learn to forgive even our enemies so that we do not hold anger in and leave an opportunity for Satan. If someone has wronged us or has sinned against us we should talk to them about it. If it is serious enough we should talk to an elder but we should not judge them or hold anger towards them. We are to let love guide all we do. Jesus set the example by forgiving those who persecuted him and he prayed for those persecuting him. Anyone can love those who love them but it takes getting to know God and Jesus to be able to love all even those who hate you. We have to remember if we are forgiving God will forgive us but if we judge others we will be judged likewise. We are told if we let love guide us it covers a multitude of sins.

(Ephesians 4:25-27) 25 Therefore, now that you have put away deceit, each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another. 26 Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; 27 do not give the Devil an opportunity.

(Leviticus 19:17) “‘You must not hate your brother in your heart. You should by all means reprove your fellow man, so that you will not bear sin along with him.

(Matthew 5:23, 24) “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. First make your peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift.

(Matthew 5:43-48) 43 “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

(Matthew 7:1, 2) 7 “Stop judging that you may not be judged; 2 for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged, and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you. . .

(Luke 6:37, 38) 37 “Moreover, stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. Keep on forgiving, and you will be forgiven. 38 Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.. . .

(1 Peter 4:7, 8) 7 But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. 8 Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

There are many temptations that we can be overcome by. Since we are born imperfect and inherit sin we have to take in God’s word to teach us to be aware of our sinful nature so temptation cannot overcome us. Satan has been very busy making sin much more accessible. Once we give in to temptation we do not only separate ourselves from God but often times our sin can effect others negatively causing them harm. When we give into sin it can rob us of our joy and drag us down into a life that is very hard to recover from. I have seen many in my life get involved in self destructive behavior that ended in either them acquiring diseases from immoral behavior, or from alcohol or drug abuse that resulted in them dying at a very young age. Not only this but it effected many around them negatively and even cost their families large amounts of money. I have seen marriages end from those giving in to sin that destroyed the lives of innocent children. Giving into sin comes with more then spiritual consequences we also have to deal with the mess we create after we sin. So we can fully see why God gets so hurt in his heart when we sin. He desiresnone to perish but desires all to repent and attain eternal life. King David once sinned against God and it resulted in a mans life being lost. He desired the mans wife so he manipulated things so that the man would get killed in battle. This was after he had relations with the mans wife and caused her to become pregnant. He did these things to try to hide his error. You can tell this effected some of his family because one of his sons committed even grosser sins. So the example we set could either draw others closer to God or could get them to sin against God. Job would not even look at a woman in an inappropriate way. He stated he had a covenant with his eyes. In other words before he had an inappropriate thought he would stop looking. David repented but he had to pay the consequences for his sin. Satan can use sin to trap us so that he can harm us.

(1 Corinthians 10:12, 13) 12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

(2 Samuel 11:2-4) 2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the rooftop of the king’s house. From the rooftop he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful. 3 David sent someone to inquire about the woman, and he reported: “Is this not Bath-sheʹba the daughter of E·liʹam and the wife of U·riʹah the Hitʹtite?” 4 Then David sent messengers to bring her. So she came in to him, and he lay down with her. (This happened while she was purifying herself from her uncleanness.) Afterward, she returned to her house.

(Job 31:1) 31 “I have made a covenant with my eyes. So how could I show improper attention to a virgin?

(Matthew 5:27, 28) 27 “You heard that it was said: ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(James 1:22-25) 22 However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.

Satan uses adversity to try and draw us away from God. He hit Job with so many things at once that while one messenger was delivering bad news another would enter. Satan did not get Job’s faith to falter or get him to reject God. Because of that God rewarded Job. Very soon things like this will happen on a world wide scale to those who choose to remain loyal to God and refuse to do and act of worship to the beast. Through this adversity we will need friends we can count on and trust to be loyal to Jehovah. So now more then ever we need to choose our friends wisely. The bible even cautioned us about having many friends. It is better to have a few friends that we know we can count on to help us with adversity. True friends will not abandon or avoid you when you are going through tough times but will be by your side through thick or thin. Most of all we need to stay close to Jehovah and put our burdens on him and he will sustain us.

(Job 1:16-21) 16 While he was still speaking, another one came and said: “Fire from God fell from the heavens and blazed among the sheep and the servants and consumed them! I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was still speaking, another one came and said: “The Chal·deʹans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them, and they killed the servants with the sword. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was still speaking, yet another one came and said: “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. 19 Suddenly a great wind came from the wilderness, and it struck the four corners of the house, so that it fell on the young people and they were killed. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” 20 At that Job got up and ripped apart his garment and cut the hair off his head; then he fell to the ground and bowed down 21 and said: “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, And naked I will return. Jehovah has given, and Jehovah has taken away. Let the name of Jehovah continue to be praised.”

(Job 42:10-15) 10 After Job had prayed for his companions, Jehovah removed Job’s tribulation and restored his prosperity. Jehovah gave him double what he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and all his former friends came to him and ate a meal with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him over all the calamity that Jehovah had allowed to come upon him. Each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. 12 So Jehovah blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the beginning, and Job came to have 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of cattle, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13 He also came to have seven more sons and three more daughters. 14 He named the first daughter Je·miʹmah, the second Ke·ziʹah, and the third Kerʹen-hapʹpuch. 15 No women in all the land were as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers.

(Proverbs 17:17) 17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.

(Ruth 1:16, 17) But Ruth said: “Do not plead with me to abandon you, to turn back from accompanying you; for where you go I will go, and where you spend the night, I will spend the night. Your people will be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May Jehovah do so to me and add to it if anything but death should separate me from you.”

(1 Samuel 19:2) Since Saul’s son Jonʹa·than was very fond of David, Jonʹa·than told David: “My father Saul wants to have you put to death. Please be on your guard in the morning, and go to a secret place and remain hidden.

(Proverbs 18:24) 24 There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. . .

(Psalm 55:22) 22 Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall.

(Jeremiah 29:11-14) 11 “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. 12 And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’ 13 “‘You will seek me and find me, for you will search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will let you find me,’ declares Jehovah. ‘And I will gather your captives and collect you together out of all the nations and places to which I have dispersed you,’ declares Jehovah. ‘And I will bring you back to the place from which I caused you to go into exile.’

Division is another method Satan uses to draw people away from God. Some may not like what they are hearing so will find teachers who will teach what they want to hear and now what they need to hear. Those who teach what people need to hear will be hated by the world we have to remember Jesus warned the student would be not better then the teacher. We know what they did to Jesus. We can expect to be persecuted and ridiculed also. They even taunted him when he was on the torture steak. At that time Jesus had been made king by God. He was being taunted and they were telling him if you are truly the Christ save yourself. We will most likely be given the same kind of treatment but we do not have to answer them. God will answer for us. Taunts like that do not deserve or require an answer. If we are arrested we do not have to rehearse what to speak. God will send the holy spirit which will instruct so we will know what to say. The pharisees and sudducess caused divisions because theu taught traditions and other things that were not a part of true worship or what God required. They also lacked humility and would promote themselves which caused divisions. They would do things like pray in public to put a show on. We need to keep humble and not make a show of our faith in God. We need to make certain what God requires because we were warned in the last days there would be many false teachers.

(Luke 22:63-65) 63 Now the men who held Jesus in custody began to mock him, hitting him; 64 and after covering his face, they kept asking: “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other blasphemous things against him.

(Luke 23:34-38) . . .. 35 And the people stood looking on. But the rulers were sneering and saying: “Others he saved; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 36 Even the soldiers mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was also an inscription over him: “This is the King of the Jews.”

(Luke 12:11, 12) 11 When they bring you in before public assemblies, government officials, and authorities, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak in defense or what you will say, 12 for the holy spirit will teach you in that very hour the things you should say.”

(Acts 6:8-10) 8 Now Stephen, full of divine favor and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some men of the so-called Synagogue of the Freedmen came forward, along with some Cy·reʹni·ans and Alexandrians, and some from Ci·liʹcia and Asia, to dispute with Stephen. 10 But they could not hold their own against the wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking.

Satan will use slander to turn people against those who worship in truth. These rumors and gossip are divisive and can effect our spiritual brothers and sisters. We have the example of Korah because he knew God’s word as well as Moses he thought he should be the one leading Israel. He started gossiping and got others to back him. This was in defiance of God because Moses was chose by God to lead Israel. It is best if we do not get involved in gossip or the spreading of rumors. I have seen false rumors break whole families up. Korah had caused others to rebel against Jehovah and it cost many lives. We have have to keep in mind Satan is called the accuser. Those who choose his side in this spiritual battle are also going to copy his behavior and will be constantly making accusations. Something I experienced when I first learned bible truth is that I had given up many sinful habits. My past sins were constantly being thrown in my face and held against me by the world. Even though I repented for many years they would still throw those sins in my face and falsely accused me. At first it caused me deep distress but then I came to realize they are not my judge. Jesus is our king and judge he knows the truth so no matter what false accusations they make Jesus knows the truth. Something to keep in mind Satan and Devil are terms and not names. Satan means adversary or accuser so we can be certain not only him but those who do not worship in truth will constantly doubt your reasons for your faith. Now more then ever when being accused we need to turn to God in prayer and he will strengthen us. We know that Satan has been cast out of heaven and has great wrath and is seeking to take many down into the pit of destruction with him. The persecution and the accusations are going to get much worse but the bible tells us these are a signs that our redemption is near so we are very very close to all this suffering being over.

(Numbers 16:28-35) 28 Then Moses said: “By this you will know that Jehovah has sent me to do all these things, that it is not of my own heart: 29 If these people die a natural death as all men do and if their punishment is the same as that of all mankind, then Jehovah has not sent me. 30 But if Jehovah does something extraordinary with them and the ground opens and swallows them and everything that belongs to them and they go down alive into the Grave, you will certainly know that these men have treated Jehovah disrespectfully.” 31 As soon as he finished speaking all these words, the ground beneath them split apart. 32 And the earth opened and swallowed them up, along with their households and everyone who belonged to Korʹah and all their goods. 33 So they and all who belonged to them went down alive into the Grave, and the earth covered them over, so that they perished from the midst of the congregation. 34 All the Israelites who were around them fled at their screaming, for they said: “We are afraid that the earth may swallow us up!” 35 Then a fire came out from Jehovah and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.

(James 4:11, 12) 11 Stop speaking against one another, brothers. Whoever speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks against law and judges law. Now if you judge law, you are not a doer of law but a judge. 12 There is only one who is Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and to destroy. But you, who are you to be judging your neighbor?

(Matthew 10:36-39) 36 Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his soul will lose it, and whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it.

(John 15:17-20) 17 “These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. 20 Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

(1 Peter 5:6-11) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 11 To him be the might forever. Amen.

(Revelation 12:10-12) 10 I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! 11 And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. 12 On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”

Pride is one that many of us have been guilty of at one time or another. Pride is what got Satan in the position he is in now and he will be destroyed some day. Jesus remained humble by keeping in mind that his father had more knowledge then him and that all authority and power came from God. No matter what we do there is nothing we could do that would be greater then what God can. Jesus told us he only did what he had seen his father do. He never took credit for the wisdom and gifts God had given him. He always gave the credit to God. If it was not for God we would not exist so no matter how much money we have, how many friends , how much power we have it does not draw us closer to God. Being humble and realizing we are just human and things of the world are not what makes us who we are. God guides and teaches us. Jesus showed so much humility, love, loyalty and faith in God that he entrusted him with the heavenly throne. God has put everything under Jesus authority even the angels so he can fulfill the work of restoring the earth and heaven to their original purpose. The heavens have already been restored because Satan and the demons have been cast out. Now the earth will be restored and the original purpose for the earth will be fulfilled and the earth will be filled with peaceful people and there will be no more wars, suffering or pain. There will be no more tears or death. When this work is done Jesus will show his humility again by handing the throne back to God and he will subject himself to God. So no matter how much knowledge, wealth, power or notoriety we may achieve we should keep in mind the example Jesus set who knew how much authority he had but still washed the apostles feet which was something that servants would do. The bible warns us if we exalt ourselves we will be humbled. If we humble ourselves we will be exalted. When being persecuted it is difficult not to look down on those doing the persecuting but keep in mind the Apostle Paul and one time persecuted God’s people and we know he worked very heard to spread the good news when his eyes were opened. If we look down on our persecutors we react in a way that could set a bad example and possibly hinder them from learning the truth.

(Ezekiel 28:16, 17) 16 Because of your abundant trade, You became filled with violence, and you began to sin. So I will cast you out as profane from the mountain of God and destroy you, O covering cherub, away from the stones of fire. 17 Your heart became haughty because of your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom because of your own glorious splendor. I will throw you down to the earth. I will make you a spectacle before kings.

(John 5:19, 20) 19 Therefore, in response Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son does also in like manner. 20 For the Father has affection for the Son and shows him all the things he himself does, and he will show him works greater than these, so that you may marvel.

(John 14:27, 28) . . .. 28 You heard that I said to you, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am.

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28) 24 Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. 25 For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. 26 And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. 27 For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. 28 But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(John 13:3-9) 3 So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. 5 After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him: “Lord, are you washing my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand after these things.” 8 Peter said to him: “You will certainly never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him: “Lord, wash not only my feet but also my hands and my head.”

(Luke 14:7-14) 7 He then told the invited men an illustration when he noticed how they were choosing the most prominent places for themselves. He said to them: 8 “When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast, do not recline in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished than you may also have been invited. 9 Then the one who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Let this man have your place.’ Then you will proceed with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the man who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, go on up higher.’ Then you will have honor in front of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 12 Next he said also to the man who had invited him: “When you spread a dinner or an evening meal, do not call your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors. Otherwise, they might also invite you in return, and it would become a repayment to you. 13 But when you spread a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 and you will be happy, because they have nothing with which to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous ones.”

(Romans 12:14-16) 14 Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes.

(Acts 26:9-18) 9 I, for one, was convinced that I should commit many acts of opposition against the name of Jesus the Naz·a·reneʹ. 10 This is exactly what I did in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the holy ones in prisons, for I had received authority from the chief priests; and when they were to be executed, I cast my vote against them. 11 By punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to recant; and since I was extremely furious with them, I went so far as to persecute them even in outlying cities. 12 “While doing this as I was traveling to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests, 13 I saw at midday on the road, O King, a light beyond the brilliance of the sun flash from heaven around me and around those traveling with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice say to me in the Hebrew language: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? To keep kicking against the goads makes it hard for you.’ 15 But I said: ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said: ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet. This is why I have appeared to you, to choose you as a servant and a witness both of things you have seen and things I will make you see respecting me. 17 And I will rescue you from this people and from the nations, to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by their faith in me.’

One thing I almost forgot to mention many of the weapons Satan uses is designed to isolate you especially from spiritual things. Very soon there will be many times we will not have our spiritual brothers and sisters. We may be imprisoned, or isolated because tactics Satan has used to separate us. Many of us have family who reject bible truths. When the beast is fully empowered by the nations family will turn on many of us. These things are designed to isolate us in hopes Satan or his people can break us spiritually. In those times we will need to really on God and Jesus more then ever. We need to believe God cares for us and they he hears us and they we are not truly alone. He will put pressure on us to try and separate and isolate us from God spiritually. In those times it is very important to read God’s word and be persistent in prayer. We have the example of Jesus when he was fasting and alone in the wilderness. So Jesus would have been hungry and alone. Satan seized this opportunity to try and tempt Jesus. Satan even used scriptures to try and deceive Jesus. Because Jesus knew God’s word so well even when he was hungry and alone he did not give in to Satan. We have to be very careful we do not become over confident and isolate ourselves by associating less with spiritual brothers and sister and by not attending meeting. The bible warns this can cause us to fall and we are more easily temped. So you can see isolation is another weapon used against us by Satan. When possible we must do our best to prevent Satan from isolating us.

(Matthew 4:1-11) 4 Then Jesus was led by the spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After he had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he felt hungry. 3 And the Tempter approached and said to him: “If you are a son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered: “It is written: ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s mouth.’” 5 Then the Devil took him along into the holy city, and he stationed him on the battlement of the temple 6 and said to him: “If you are a son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: ‘He will give his angels a command concerning you,’ and, ‘They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him: “Again it is written: ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’” 8 Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him: “All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” 11 Then the Devil left him, and look! angels came and began to minister to him.

(James 4:7-10) 7 Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones. 9 Give way to misery and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into despair. 10 Humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah, and he will exalt you.

(Hebrews 3:12-15) 12 Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; 13 but keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin. 14 For we actually become partakers of the Christ only if we hold firmly down to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. 15 As it is said, “Today if you listen to his voice, do not harden your hearts as on the occasion of provoking to bitter anger.”

(1 Corinthians 10:12, 13) 12 So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

What is the suit of armor of God and how do we put on the full suit. Well to understand that we need to understand each aspect of that suit of armor. We need this suit of armor because this spiritual battle involves world governments and other authorities, we are battling Satan and the demons and those who have chosen Satans side in this battle. Satan and his demons can easily influence man so we have not only the inherited human imperfection to deal with but we also are dealing with those who have been influenced by Satan and the demons.

The belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness are mentioned in the same sentence. If we wear the belt of truth which is taking in God’s word and applying it and letting it guide all we do it will help to keep us blameless so when accused or if we are arrested we can have peace of mind knowing we did no wrong. We can also have peace of mind knowing no matter what happens Jesus will redeem us.

Our feet need to be shod in readiness to declare the good news. So we need to teach others what we have learned. In doing so it helps put it deeper into our hearts, builds our faith and helps others learn how to put on the full suit of armor. Not only that but there are many looking for answers. The good news of the heavenly kingdom gives all who put there faith in God hope. If we did not know about the heavenly kingdom what hope would we have. If someone had not told us about the good news of the heavenly kingdom what would it be like for us now? We most likely would be living in a state of panic and confusion like many are now days. Our hope gives us peace that those who do not accept the bible truth will not experience.

We are to take up the large shield of faith. So we must trust God will guide is through what is about to occur. He will protect us and take care of us no matter how bad things may seem. Already many have had their homes taken from them because of their faith in God. Some have been imprisoned. Some are going hungry but Jehovah God is sustaining them. He has in the past no matter how much the odds seemed to be against someone who was loyal to him. In the end those causing the harm were judged and destroyed. This is going to occur on a world wide scale. We have no need to be afraid because even death will not separate us from the love of God and the love of Jesus. God performed man amazing miracles in the past to protect his people and I am certain he will again. No matter what accusation or what harm we are threaten with we can be certain like Daniel we are worshiping the one true God and he will protect us like he did Daniel and his companions when they were throne in to the fiery furnace.

The helmet of Salvation that is in God’s word. By learning about the ransom sacrifice of God’s only begotten son and the purpose for it. We get a better understanding of God’s love. He gave his only begotten son to make atonement for the sins of Adam. Because of that ransom sacrifice , death was defeated. So those who make it into the new earth will not die. Those who experience a resurrection of righteousness will not die either. So if we do our best to imitate Jesus, be faithful and loyal even death will not have a hold on us and we will be resurrected.

We must put on the sword of God’s spirit, which is God’s word. If we let God’s word guide all we do then we will be protected not only by God but by the wisdom his word will impart to us. Very soon we will be forced into positions were we have to be certain when to make our yes mean yes and our no mean no. If we do not know God’s word and have it written on our hearts we could have doubts as to when we should say yes or no. This could cost or lives.

We are to persist in prayer. At times it may seem God is not listening. Sometimes we have to repeatedly pray let God know it is him we trust and not ourselves or man. If we do not get an answer then it may be a no answer and we need to believe God knows what is best and when the best timing for things are. Sometimes the answer to the prayer may be delayed because we are not quite ready to have it answered and have some growing spiritually or it may not be what is best. If we persist in prayer it helps us to think on it more and more and adjust our prayers which would show God our spiritual growth and determination. If we get a no answer it does not mean God does not love us. It may mean that at the time giving a yes answer may not be what is needed. Sometimes we endure things to help to temper and strengthen us and build our faith and wisdom. One thing I found is if I am praying asking for a yes or no answer I ask for a specific sign that will be so unique I will have no doubt what his answer is.

(Ephesians 6:10-20) 10 Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11 Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12 because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13 For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. 16 Besides all of this, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. 17 Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18 while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end stay awake, constantly making supplication in behalf of all the holy ones. 19 Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me when I open my mouth, so that I may be able to speak boldly in making known the sacred secret of the good news, 20 for which I am acting as an ambassador in chains, and that I may speak about it with boldness, as I ought to speak.

Do not fear the accuser.

If you don't read it how can you have faith.

Written by Lee Stevenson, I apologize for being such a lousy editor.

To fully grasp things we need to understand there is a difference between a test and being tried or accused. God test us. Before he test us he prepares us by giving us the knowledge and resources we need to pass that test. Satan on the other hand tries us and he will take resources from us even our health to try and get us to fail the trial. We need to prepare things are going to get much worse. We need not be afraid no one is more powerful then God.

Why is Satan called the accuser? The name of the devil is not given in the bible. Satan and devil are terms that describes specific qualities of the angel that chose to rebel against God. Satan means opposes or adversary. Devil means slanderer or false accuser. So you can see Satan’s main qualities are he will oppose those who do not side with him and he will slander and falsely accuse those who side with God.

(1 Peter 5:6-10) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you.

Let’s discuss when Satan is first mentioned as making accusations. God had given Adam and Eve very specific instructions. They had to obey God to continue to receive life and dwell in the garden. The word used for the Garden of Eden could not be accurately translated. The nearest words we have now days to compare to the meaning would be words we use to describe an amusement park. So the garden was fun. Adam and Eve were given a job to make the whole earth like the garden and populate the earth. God never lied to Adam and Eve and only did good towards him so they had no excuses for listening to Satan when he started accusing God. God only had one requirement they do not eat fruit from from the tree of knowledge. By listening to God they would show their loyalty and trust in him. Satan Convinced Adam and Eve God was hiding things from them and convinced them if they rebelled against God they could be like him having knowledge and since God does not die he convinced Adam and Eve they would not die. You still see these lies being relied on now days. People are told they do not die they go someone else when they die and become spirit creatures like God. Man still depends on their own reasoning and thinking instead of following God’s word. Man lacks the foresight, wisdom or power that God has. So even if a person had God intention they could not fix the mess Satan and the two rebels brought about. Man continues to believe these lies.

You might ask why did God not just destroy Adam and Even and create new humans. We have to keep in mind Satan was so deceptive he even got some of the angels to rebel against God. If God had done that then Satan could say see I was right. God had to let the lies be thoroughly proven wrong , in doing so he removed all doubt that Satan had caused. Man has thoroughly proven that Satan lied and Adam and Eve were wrong. Man has tried every form of government and ideas and instead of making the earth into a paradise we have thoroughly destroyed it. We have destroyed it spiritually, morally, physically, chronic illness and death is rampant on the earth, violence and many other things are only getting worse. Even if a human could bring about good changes our power is limited and they would frequently meet opposition and eventually die and the things they had done would be destroyed or forgotten. Add to these facts Satan and the demons which are the angels Satan got to rebel against God will still continue to oppose and accuse God and those who put faith in him until mans rule has come to it’s completion and all lies have been thoroughly proven to be wrong. Man has so thoroughly polluted the earth that many circles of life that keep our food supply going have been broken and many species of plants and creatures on the earth are now extinct and many more are on the verge of extinction. There is no doubt we need Gods guidance, wisdom , authority and power to accomplish the original goal for the earth.

(Genesis 2:15-17) 15 Jehovah God took the man and settled him in the garden of Eʹden to cultivate it and to take care of it. 16 Jehovah God also gave this command to the man: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. 17 But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will certainly die.. . .

(Genesis 3:1-5) 3 Now the serpent was the most cautious of all the wild animals of the field that Jehovah God had made. So it said to the woman: “Did God really say that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?” 2 At this the woman said to the serpent: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. 3 But God has said about the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden: ‘You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it; otherwise you will die.’” 4 At this the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die. 5 For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad.”

(Isaiah 14:12, 13) 12 How you have fallen from heaven, O shining one, son of the dawn! How you have been cut down to the earth, You who vanquished nations! 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens. Above the stars of God I will lift up my throne, And I will sit down on the mountain of meeting, In the remotest parts of the north.

(Ezekiel 28:14-17) 14 I assigned you as the anointed covering cherub. You were on the holy mountain of God, and you walked about among fiery stones. 15 You were faultless in your ways from the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you. 16 Because of your abundant trade, You became filled with violence, and you began to sin. So I will cast you out as profane from the mountain of God and destroy you, O covering cherub, away from the stones of fire. 17 Your heart became haughty because of your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom because of your own glorious splendor. I will throw you down to the earth. I will make you a spectacle before kings.

(Jude 5, 6) . . .. 6 And the angels who did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place, he has reserved with eternal bonds in dense darkness for the judgment of the great day. . .

(2 Peter 2:4) 4 Certainly God did not refrain from punishing the angels who sinned, but threw them into Tarʹta·rus, putting them in chains of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment. . .

(Genesis 6:4) The Nephʹi·lim were on the earth in those days and afterward. During that time the sons of the true God continued to have relations with the daughters of men, and these bore sons to them. They were the mighty ones of old times, the men of fame.

(Ephesians 6:12) because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.

We were warned in the bible of the signs to watch for when Jesus has sat down on the thrown and has started the work God had given him. We were not told it would get better , but worse because Satan and the demons have been cast out of heaven. They have been cast down to earth and know they do not have much time left. So the accusations and attacks on those who put their faith in God will increase and things on the earth would become much much worse. Most signs have taken place. Jesus defeated Satan by staying loyal and faithful to God even in when facing death. In doing so he shattered all the lies Satan built the foundation of his rebellion on. Since Satan’s lies have been proven to be false he knows his days are short and wants to take as many humans into the fire of destruction with him as he can.

(Revelation 12:7-9) 7 And war broke out in heaven: Miʹcha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them any longer in heaven. 9 So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.

(Genesis 3:15) 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head, and you will strike him in the heel.”

(Revelation 21:5-8) 5 And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” 6 And he said to me: “They have come to pass! I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga, the beginning and the end. To anyone thirsting I will give from the spring of the water of life free. 7 Anyone conquering will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and the sexually immoral and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This means the second death. . .

(Revelation 2:9-11) . . .. 10 Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison so that you may be fully put to the test, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: The one who conquers will by no means be harmed by the second death.’

Things are winding down Satan’s attacks are already relentless. As we endure trials , we are to give each other an ear to listen to. Not to complain but to talk and counsel each other. Do not make the mistake Job’s friends did by falsely accusing him when Satan was attacking him but be a true friend.

If you have a friend like that realize their value because when you are talking about the things that trouble you those who are not true friends will avoid talking to you. They think and say things like you are bringing me down or stealing my joy. If they are true friends they would not avoid you in times of need but they would give you an ear. If you have a friend like that see their value and hold on tight to them.

Most of all very few will find friends like that so God is always listening we have to continue to talk to him. If you are a true friend keep in mind when we are enduring trials or tribulation people sometimes say or do some irrational things or may behave in a way not normal for them. They may become confused. This is were patients and love comes in. It lets them know there is someone they can trust and that they are not alone. If we abandon them when they need us most then we are no different then the accuser because we are telling them they are only worth having as a friend when things are going well for them. We should be happy to be there for them and to strengthen and encourage them when they are being tried by the world or by Satan. When someone is being tried we need to choose our words wisely. We should always make sure our words are giving comfort, encouragement and strength When being accused Satan’s attacks are relentless. This is a time when we need a friend who will be there and will listen or we need to be that friend if another is being attacked by Satan or enduring trials or tribulation.

(Psalm 34:15) 15 The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, And his ears listen to their cry for help.

(Proverbs 17:17) 17 A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress. . .

(Proverbs 18:24) 24 There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

(Proverbs 20:6)  6 Many men proclaim their loyal love, But who can find a faithful man?

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) 9 Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their hard work. 10 For if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the one who falls with no one to help him up? 11 Moreover, if two lie down together, they will stay warm, but how can just one keep warm? 12 And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart.

Now lets cover some ways Satan accuses man and how severely he attacks man to try and destroy their faith and trust in God. We have the example of Job. Satan claimed Job only obeyed God because God blessed him and protected him. Satan was so relentless in his attacks that while one messenger was still speaking when delivering the bad news another would enter with bad news. Job didn’t even have time to recover and even think on the first bad news he had received. As you study the bible you will notice this is a common tactic of Satan he will try and overwhelm his victims.

As you can see Satan will accuse us of only loving God because he protects or blesses us. Satan claims if things are not going well we will not obey God, will not have faith in him and that we would reject him. Satan even turns family and friends against someone when he is trying them. Knowing what to expect and knowing the source of these things will helps us to better understand what is happening and why to help us keep a clearer mind and also keep us from falsely accusing or making assumptions when someone is enduring trials or tribulation.

We have been warned in Revelations when Satan and the demons have been cast down they would accuse the loyal and faithful ones day and night. As we learned from Job’s example he will take many things from those who are loyal and obedient to God. He took Job’s belongings, he took Job’s health, and for some he will even take their freedom. The whole time Job never accused God of bad things or of evil. He knew God was a God of love and even mentioned this when he expressed if he died God would be yearning to resurrect him from the grave. Job remained faithful and loyal to God even though he thought he may be facing death and even desired it because he knew it would be rest from his suffering.

(Job 1:8-22) 8 And Jehovah said to Satan: “Have you taken note of my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth. He is an upright man of integrity, fearing God and shunning what is bad.” 9 At that Satan answered Jehovah: “Is it for nothing that Job has feared God? 10 Have you not put up a protective hedge around him and his house and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock has spread out in the land. 11 But, for a change, stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your very face.” 12 Then Jehovah said to Satan: “Look! Everything that he has is in your hand. Only do not lay your hand on the man himself!” So Satan went out from the presence of Jehovah. 13 Now on the day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said: “The cattle were plowing and the donkeys were grazing beside them 15 when the Sa·beʹans attacked and took them, and they killed the servants with the sword. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was still speaking, another one came and said: “Fire from God fell from the heavens and blazed among the sheep and the servants and consumed them! I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was still speaking, another one came and said: “The Chal·deʹans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them, and they killed the servants with the sword. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was still speaking, yet another one came and said: “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. 19 Suddenly a great wind came from the wilderness, and it struck the four corners of the house, so that it fell on the young people and they were killed. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” 20 At that Job got up and ripped apart his garment and cut the hair off his head; then he fell to the ground and bowed down 21 and said: “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, And naked I will return. Jehovah has given, and Jehovah has taken away. Let the name of Jehovah continue to be praised.” 22 In all of this, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing anything wrong.

(Revelation 12:10-12) 10 I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! 11 And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. 12 On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time. . .

(Job 14:14, 15) 14 If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief comes. 15 You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.

A tactic Satan uses is he will isolate people by turning all those around them against them. Jobs family and friends would no longer have anything to do with him and they even became his enemies. We were warned in the last days this would occur so we must prepare to support each other when possible. When Jobs friends started accusing him he did not attack them. He ask them why they accused him and reminded them they should be offering words that would strengthen and bring relief.

Job said some things he should not have said out of lack of knowledge. God corrected him. God also corrected his friends because of their behavior but also knew it was out of lack of knowledge. When God disciplined Job and his friends he required Job to forgive and even pray for his friends. Because Job proved his love, loyalty and trust for God , God blessed Job and he lived a happy and satisfying life. We should not judge others if they do not respond to us in a why God would desire. They may not have the knowledge they need and may be still growing spiritually. When we are going through trials and tribulation we need to set the example and in doing so our strength, wisdom acquired through Gods word and our endurance can help to guide others and build their faith.

(Job 19:14-19) 14 My close companions are gone, And those whom I knew well have forgotten me. 15 Guests in my house and my slave girls consider me a stranger; I am a foreigner in their eyes. 16 I call for my servant, but he does not respond; With my mouth I beg him for compassion. 17 My very breath has become loathsome to my wife, And I am a stench to my own brothers. 18 Even young children despise me; When I rise up, they begin jeering at me. 19 All my close friends detest me, And those whom I loved have turned against me.

(Job 15:34-16:5) 34 For the assembly of godless ones is sterile, And fire will consume the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive trouble and give birth to what is wicked, And their womb produces deceit.” 16 Job said in reply:  2 “I have heard many things like these before. All of you are troublesome comforters!  3 Is there an end to empty words? What provokes you to answer this way?  4 I could also speak as you do. If you were in my place, I could make persuasive speeches against you And shake my head at you.  5 Instead, though, I would strengthen you with the words of my mouth, And the consolation of my lips would bring relief.

(Job 42:5-8)  5 My ears have heard about you, But now I do see you with my eyes.  6 That is why I take back what I said, And I repent in dust and ashes.” 7 After Jehovah had spoken these words to Job, Jehovah said to Elʹi·phaz the Teʹman·ite: “My anger burns against you and your two companions, for you have not spoken the truth about me as my servant Job has. 8 Now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job, and offer up a burnt sacrifice for yourselves. And my servant Job will pray for you. I will surely accept his request not to deal with you according to your foolishness, for you have not spoken the truth about me as my servant Job has.”

Job 42:12-17 12 So Jehovah blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the beginning, and Job came to have 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of cattle, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13 He also came to have seven more sons and three more daughters. 14 He named the first daughter Je·miʹmah, the second Ke·ziʹah, and the third Kerʹen-hapʹpuch. 15 No women in all the land were as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers.

16 After this Job lived for 140 years, and he saw his children and his grandchildren—four generations. 17 Finally Job died, after a long and satisfying life.

We are in the last days. This system is rapidly winding down and things are going to get very confusing as they were for Job and may even seem overwhelming.

Anyone can show fruits of the spirit when things are going well but those who truly love God and put there faith in him will be strengthened when they are being tried or persecuted and this is when they shine. Their examples of endurance and strength set examples for others helping teach them to be faithful and trust God. No matter how much we may think we can no longer endure God has many times in the past given his people the strength to endure things way beyond what is normal. Their faith and obedience while going through tribulation set examples of faith for us to follow and learn from.

(Isaiah 40:29) He gives power to the tired one And full might to those lacking strength.

(2 Corinthians 4:7) However, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us.

(2 Corinthians 12:9, 10) But he said to me: “My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you, for my power is being made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly, then, I will boast about my weaknesses, in order that the power of the Christ may remain over me like a tent. 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in times of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.

We know we are in the last days so very soon Satan and his people will hold nothing back. We will experience what many others in times past experienced, only this time it will occur on a world wide scale. Put on the armor of God so we do not lose our boldness to speak. We may lead others to God. We know since the end of this system is near Satan will falsely accuse us, he may throw our former past mistakes in our faces, he may take all we have material wise, he will turn many against us and we may be alone. We are never truly alone we have Jehovah God and his only begotten Son Jesus. Jesus is a king and is now setting on the throne and he will redeem those who remain loyal and faithful. We need to put on the complete suit of armor from God. This means we need to take in and apply bible truths in our lives, do our beast to remain blameless which works as a protection, we should always be prepared to share bible truths and give hope in the future promises that the heavenly kingdom will fulfill. If we have faith it will protect us. We will not fear or get angered, discouraged or stumble even if we may be facing death. We can be certain even death can not separate us from the love of God and the love of Jesus.

The bible has warned us if we follow the path Jesus laid out that we may suffer many of the things he has but the reward is eternal. For those who oppose God they will be destroyed for those who stay loyal and faithful , and prove their love for God they will be given the gift of eternal life.

(Ephesians 6:10-20) 10 Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11 Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12 because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13 For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. 16 Besides all of this, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. 17 Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18 while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end stay awake, constantly making supplication in behalf of all the holy ones. 19 Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me when I open my mouth, so that I may be able to speak boldly in making known the sacred secret of the good news, 20 for which I am acting as an ambassador in chains, and that I may speak about it with boldness, as I ought to speak.

(1 Peter 3:13-18) 13 Indeed, who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear what they fear, nor be disturbed. 15 But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect. 16 Maintain a good conscience, so that in whatever way you are spoken against, those who speak against you may be put to shame because of your good conduct as followers of Christ. 17 For it is better to suffer because you are doing good, if it is God’s will to allow it, than because you are doing evil. 18 For Christ died once for all time for sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, in order to lead you to God. . .

(1 Peter 2:21-25) 21 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. 23 When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. 24 He himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness. And “by his wounds you were healed.” 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.

(1 Corinthians 4:9-13) 9 For it seems to me that God has put us the apostles last on exhibition as men condemned to death, because we have become a theatrical spectacle to the world, and to angels and to men. 10 We are fools because of Christ, but you are discreet in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in dishonor. 11 Down to this very hour we continue to hunger and thirst and to be poorly clothed and to be beaten and to be homeless 12 and to toil, working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless; when persecuted, we patiently endure; 13 when slandered, we answer mildly; we have become as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things, until now.

(Hebrews 11:36-40) 36 Yes, others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by chains and prisons. 37 They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn in two, they were slaughtered by the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in need, in tribulation, mistreated; 38 and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and caves and dens of the earth. 39 And yet all of these, although they received a favorable witness because of their faith, did not obtain the fulfillment of the promise, 40 because God had foreseen something better for us, so that they might not be made perfect apart from us.

(Romans 8:35-39) 35 Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” 37 On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What if someone was suffering and we said hurtful things to them? When someone is going through trials or tribulations do we make assumptions and accuse them of bringing it on themselves or assume they deserve it? If we do then we would be judging them. We are not to judge anyone, if we judge others we put ourselves under judgment and will be judged likewise. If we are wronged and we forgive we will be forgiven also. Our actions and our words should be encouraging and up-building to those who are going through hard times. We should let love guide all we do. We should not hate our enemies but pray for them and do not hold grudges against them. Anger and hatred we need to let go because those can effect the ones we love or are close to. We should be ready to give our lives for our friends just as Jesus gave his life for us.

(Ephesians 4:31-5:2) 31 Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, as well as everything injurious. 32 But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you. 5 Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and go on walking in love, just as the Christ also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice, a sweet fragrance to God.

(Luke 6:32-37) 32 “If you love those loving you, of what credit is it to you? For even the sinners love those loving them. 33 And if you do good to those doing good to you, of what credit is it to you? Even the sinners do the same. 34 Also, if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, of what credit is it to you? Even sinners lend to sinners so that they may get back as much. 35 On the contrary, continue to love your enemies and to do good and to lend without hoping for anything back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked. 36 Continue being merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Moreover, stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. Keep on forgiving, and you will be forgiven.

When being accused, especially when it is from things you have repented from keep in mind when we truly repent God forgives completely and does not hold our past sins against us. If it is an outright blatant lie or exaggeration keep in mind the source of lies. The bible tells us Satan is the father of the lie. God knows the truth so we need not get upset, they lied about Jesus and the apostles frequently. They did not let this slow them down or deter them. Some of the apostles were hungry, thirsty, barely able to keep clothes on their backs, had health problems and didn’t have any place to live but they still left their light shine and shared bible truths with many and did not leave all they endured slow them down. Most of all do not gossip or grumble against our spiritual relatives. We all are imperfect and they have to deal with our imperfections as much as we do theirs. Now more then ever we need to stick to our spiritual relatives. We need to continue in prayer and have faith more now then ever. To protect our hearts we need to let love guide us it will protect us. So we should not be overly proud of things, we should not get jealous easily except when it comes to Godly things, we should do our best to remain blameless, we do not hold what others did against them by holding grudges, we should be patient and endure hard times or persecutions. In doing so we will be letting love guide all we do and set and example for others and possibly help draw them to God.

(John 8:43, 44) . . .. 44 You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.

(James 5:9-11) 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you do not get judged. Look! The Judge is standing before the doors. 10 Brothers, take as a pattern of the suffering of evil and the exercising of patience the prophets who spoke in the name of Jehovah. 11 Look! We consider happy those who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.

(Proverbs 18:24) There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

(John 15:13) No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends.

(1 Corinthians 16:13, 14) 13 Stay awake, stand firm in the faith, carry on in a manly way, grow mighty. 14 Let everything you do be done with love.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

We need to keep our eye on the prize. In doing so it will help us to remain joyful and strengthen our faith. By staying focused and continuing to love God with our whole soul we will be accepted into the heavenly kingdom and reap the rewards that come from that. If we die before the new system is here we God will not forget what we have done and will resurrect his loyal ones. Jesus endured hostile speech but he did not become ashamed or let it deter him from the work God had given him to do. We need to continue sharing God’s word and giving hope to others in the future promises. In the new system bad memories will be replaced by the new good memories. We will not even call the bad memories up in our minds. In the new system before someone finishes praying God will answer their prayers. Death and sadness will be no more. Since we are so close to this new system now more then ever we need to prepare. We may make it and get to see loved ones we have lost when they are resurrected.

(Matthew 5:10) “Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.

(Hebrews 12:1-3) 12 So, then, because we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also throw off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such hostile speech from sinners against their own interests, so that you may not get tired and give up.

(2 Corinthians 4:1-6) 4 Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy that was shown us, we do not give up. 2 But we have renounced the shameful, underhanded things, not walking with cunning or adulterating the word of God; but by making the truth manifest, we recommend ourselves to every human conscience in the sight of God. 3 If, in fact, the good news we declare is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, 4 among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through. 5 For we are preaching, not about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God is the one who said: “Let the light shine out of darkness,” and he has shone on our hearts to illuminate them with the glorious knowledge of God by the face of Christ.

(Isaiah 65:17-19) 17 For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. 18 So exult and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For look! I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joy And her people a cause for exultation. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.”

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Isaiah 65:23-25) 23 They will not toil for nothing, Nor will they bear children for distress, Because they are the offspring made up of those blessed by Jehovah, And their descendants with them. 24 Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, The lion will eat straw just like the bull, And the serpent’s food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,” says Jehovah.

(John 5:27-30) . . .. 28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. 30 I cannot do a single thing of my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I seek, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

We need to be ready to handle naysayers.

If you are to follow in Jesus foot steps you will be ridiculed , hated, accused of being crazy, lied about, and persecuted in many ways. Often times these things were done by Jesus own people and family. The bible tells us the student is no better then the teacher. We should not answer the naysayers the bible says if they reject the truth then to shake the dust from our feet and move on.

(Matthew 10:13-15) . . .. 14 Wherever anyone does not receive you or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it will be more endurable for the land of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah on Judgment Day than for that city.

Our putting God’s things first may seem harsh to others because we may may choose spiritual well being over other things. They may even think we do not know how to be happy because they have forgotten how to enjoy the simple things in life. Take away all the things they own and what will they have if they do not have God or Jesus on their side? We know many would appear to have faith but few will make it. We need to continue going through the narrow gate.

Often times as we change people will try to get us to look back. We become a new person and need to stay focused and look forward and not back at the person we used to be. That person no longer exist to God. Once we have repented and changed we are a new person to God. We have to keep in mind all this will be gone soon and all the things in this system will be gone but the treasures we store up in heaven will last forever.

Many times in the past they had ridiculed and even made fun of God’s people. They even falsely believed nothing would change and that God would not do anything and things would continue as always. Just as in Noah’s day they would take no note until it was too late. Following Jesus will not be easy because as we grow spiritually many we were close to well start hating the new person we are becoming. This is why Jesus said members of a persons own household would become their enemies. Some will only take in baby food and be so caught up in the world they never grow spiritually. The bible even warns us about associating with those how do not grow spiritually because this could effect us. We have obligation to family we must fulfill but we also must do our best to protect ourselves spiritually because as we change if they do not continue to put on the new personality daily we will grow apart from them because they will not understand us and our reasons for our faith. These ones are more physical and put their faith in the physical things of the world. We need to be careful we do not put our faith in physical things first. We should always do our best to put spiritual things first. If we do not we could lose what progress we have made and end up like others and have to take in spiritual milk instead of mature spiritual food.

We should never be ashamed of our faith or be afraid when made fun of or persecuted. We do not have to worry what to say the bible says Jesus will send the helper the holey spirit to help us when we are being tried to recall to mind the things we have learned. So we should never reply to a matter before hand but be patient God will helps us.

Whether it be family, friends or a stranger a stranger if they do not take it personal. If they refuse the truth pray for them and leave it to God. If they persecute you or shame you shake the dust off your feet and let it at that and hope some day you set and good enough example of faith it that will give a good enough witness that their eyes may be opened.

As we learn and apply God’s word we become a new person daily so some may be disappointed in our changes especially when it comes to our putty spiritual things first. To them this is not rational. As they focus on the things seen we focus on the things unseen. So they cannot see the things unseen because their spiritual eye has not been trained so our behavior is confusing to them.

I know this can be very difficult because many we love deeply will not respond to the truth but will put more faith in the physical things. Faith is one of the fruits of the spirit if someone is not excepting the truth are showing by their behavior they are just going through the motion we should be cautious so our faith is not affected. We have to continue to let love guide all we do but deal with people who show a lack of faith cautiously will feeding those who do take an interest more spiritual food. No one wants to lose family and friends but if we truly love God he has to be first in our lives. Without him there is not hope. It is from him that life comes and he is the one who can bring true happiness. No human can promise true happiness and eternal life. We need to continue to love those who hate us and pray for their eyes to be open.

We have to stay steadfast because and do our best to remain blameless because we do not want to give anyone a reason to accuse us. The more blameless we are the more their short comings stand out, in order to justify the things they do they will try to smear those who put their faith in God and try and make it look as if we are no different. Because we are more difficult to manipulate and fool they may even get upset with us because we do not easily give into their will because we know what God requires and do our best to do his will.

Because we do not put our faith in human things like wars, people, money or many other things of the world they view us as week or defenseless but no one is wiser or more powerful then God so they are very very mistaken.

(Romans 1:16, 17) 16 For I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it God’s righteousness is being revealed by faith and for faith, just as it is written: “But the righteous one will live by reason of faith. . .

(1 Peter 4:12-14) 12 Beloved ones, do not be surprised about the fiery trials that you are experiencing, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you.

New personality

(Colossians 3:10, 11) and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythʹi·an, slave, or freeman; but Christ is all things and in all.

(Ephesians 4:22-24) . . .. 23 And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, 24 and should put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.

We cannot look back.

(Luke 9:62) 62 Jesus said to him: “No man who has put his hand to a plow and looks at the things behind is well-suited for the Kingdom of God. . .

(1 Corinthians 9:24) 24 Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.

(Mark 10:28-31) . . .” 29 Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the coming system of things, everlasting life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.. . .

How the world will treat those who choose to put faith in God and Jesus.

(Matthew 5:11, 12) 11 “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. . .

Store up treasures in Heaven

(Matthew 6:20, 21) 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Accused of being out of their minds

(Acts 26:24) 24 Now as Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice: “You are going out of your mind, Paul! Great learning is driving you out of your mind!”

(Mark 3:21, 22) 21 But when his relatives heard about it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying: “He has gone out of his mind.” 22 Also, the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying: “He has Be·elʹze·bub, and he expels the demons by means of the ruler of the demons.”

We lose family friends and maybe even material things.

(Philippians 3:6-9) . . .. 7 Yet, the things that were gains to me, I have considered loss on account of the Christ. 8 What is more, I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in union with him, not because of my own righteousness from following the Law, but because of the righteousness that is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.

(Luke 21:16-19) 16 Moreover, you will be handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17 and you will be hated by all people because of my name. 18 But not even a hair of your heads will perish. 19 By your endurance you will preserve your lives.

Yes means yes, many will get upset that we cannot be easily manipulated or accused.

(Matthew 5:36, 37) . . .. 37 Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean yes, your ‘No,’ no, for what goes beyond these is from the wicked one.

(2 Timothy 3:15-17) . . .have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

(John 8:31, 32) 31 Then Jesus went on to say to the Jews who had believed him: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.. . .

We are freed from all the hatred and many other bad things that go on in the world.

(James 1:24, 25) . . .. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does. . .

(Matthew 7:22, 23) Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness

(Hebrews 11:13) 13 In faith all of these died, although they did not receive the fulfillment of the promises; but they saw them from a distance and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land.

(Romans 14:22, 23) 22 The faith that you have, keep it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who does not judge himself by what he approves. 23 But if he has doubts, he is already condemned if he eats, because he does not eat based on faith. Indeed, everything that is not based on faith is sin.

We have to try and tell people the things we have learned if we do not how could they learn to have the faith we have?

(John 4:39-42) 39 Many of the Sa·marʹi·tans from that city put faith in him because of the word of the woman who bore witness, saying: “He told me all the things I did.” 40 So when the Sa·marʹi·tans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 As a result, many more believed because of what he said, 42 and they said to the woman: “We no longer believe just because of what you said; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the savior of the world.”

We cannot give up because all these things are temporary. So there is no good reason to love the world and the things in them when they will be done away with soon.

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18) 16 Therefore, we do not give up, but even if the man we are outside is wasting away, certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day. 17 For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting; 18 while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.

(1 Corinthians 2:6-10) 6 Now we speak wisdom among those who are mature, but not the wisdom of this system of things nor that of the rulers of this system of things, who are to come to nothing. 7 But we speak God’s wisdom in a sacred secret, the hidden wisdom, which God foreordained before the systems of things for our glory. 8 It is this wisdom that none of the rulers of this system of things came to know, for if they had known it, they would not have executed the glorious Lord. 9 But just as it is written: “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, nor have there been conceived in the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” 10 For it is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.

(1 John 2:15-17) 15 Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17 Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

Getting caught up in worldly things can destroy our faith and relationship with God.

(Proverbs 11:28) 28 The one trusting in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the foliage.

(1 Timothy 6:9, 10) 9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.

(1 Corinthians 3:1-3) 3 So, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ. 2 I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough. In fact, neither are you strong enough now, 3 for you are still fleshly. Since there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?

(Hebrews 5:11-14) 11 We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become dull in your hearing. 12 For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child. 14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.

(Ephesians 4:14, 15) 14 So we should no longer be children, tossed about as by waves and carried here and there by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in deceptive schemes. 15 But speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.

(Luke 21:13-15) . . .. 14 Therefore, resolve in your hearts not to rehearse beforehand how to make your defense, 15 for I will give you words and wisdom that all your opposers together will not be able to resist or dispute. . .

(Psalm 69:7, 8)  7 I suffer reproach on your account; Humiliation covers my face.  8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, A foreigner to the sons of my mother.

Jesus own brother lacked Faith

(John 7:3-5) . . .. 4 For no one does anything in secret when he seeks to be known publicly. If you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 His brothers were, in fact, not exercising faith in him. . .

(John 14:26, 27) . . .send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you. 27 I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear.

We are in the last days we do not have much longer. We just need to remain faithful to the end. We know that many will ignore the signs until it is too late.

(2 Timothy 3:1-4) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God,

(2 Peter 3:2-7) . . .. 3 First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.” 5 For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people. . .

(Matthew 24:36-42) 36 “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. 41 Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. 42 Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. . .

(Luke 21:34-36) 34 “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you 35 as a snare. For it will come upon all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth. 36 Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that must occur and in standing before the Son of man.. . .

Many will be blinded to the truth because they choose to disobey God and put their faith in the world and worldly things. They will not put up with healthy teaching but will gather teachers who will scratch their ears and make them feel good instead of telling them what they need to hear.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9-11) 9 But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders 10 and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 11 That is why God lets a deluding influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie,

(2 Timothy 4:3, 4) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories.

(2 Thessalonians 2:9-11) 9 But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders 10 and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 11 That is why God lets a deluding influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie,

(2 Timothy 4:3, 4) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories.

(Matthew 27:41-43) 41 In the same way also, the chief priests with the scribes and the elders began mocking him, saying: 42 “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake, and we will believe in him. 43 He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s Son. . .

(1 Corinthians 1:22-25) 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks look for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ executed on the stake, to the Jews a cause for stumbling but to the nations foolishness. 24 However, to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because a foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God is stronger than men. . .

(1 Timothy 4:1, 2) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. . .

(2 Chronicles 30:10-12) 10 So the couriers went from city to city throughout the land of Eʹphra·im and Ma·nasʹseh, even to Zebʹu·lun, but the people were making fun of them and mocking them. 11 However, some individuals from Ashʹer, Ma·nasʹseh, and Zebʹu·lun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 The hand of the true God was also in Judah to unite them to carry out what the king and the princes had commanded by the word of Jehovah.

(John 15:17-21) 17 “These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. 20 Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours. 21 But they will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know the One who sent me.

This corrupt world has nothing to offer us so we need to seek heavenly things first.

(1 John 5:18, 19) . . .. 19 We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. . .

(Matthew 6:33, 34) 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

(Hebrews 13:5) 5 Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.. . .

(Matthew 6:19-21) 19 “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(James 5:1-3) 5 Come, now, you rich men, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted, and your clothing has become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have rusted away, and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh. What you have stored up will be like a fire in the last days.

Why many will not understand and will be blind to what is occuring.

(1 Corinthians 2:14-16) 14 But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. 15 However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man. 16 For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ. . .

(Matthew 10:14, 15) 14 Wherever anyone does not receive you or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it will be more endurable for the land of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah on Judgment Day than for that city.

(Acts 18:5, 6) When, now, both Silas and Timothy came down from Mac·e·doʹni·a, Paul began to be intensely occupied with the word, witnessing to the Jews to prove that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But after they kept on opposing him and speaking abusively, he shook out his garments and said to them: “Let your blood be on your own heads. I am clean. From now on I will go to people of the nations.

(Ezekiel 12:1, 2) . . .: 2 “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see, but they do not see, and ears to hear, but they do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. . .

what God has to offer because what man has to offer will be gone soon but God’s promises are forever.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Isaiah 11:4) 4 He will judge the lowly with fairness, And with uprightness he will give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth And put the wicked to death with the breath of his lips.

(Isaiah 65:17) 17 For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.

(2 Peter 3:13) 13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. . .

Is the world fond of you or is God?

Is the world fond of you or is God? It is not those that the world speak highly of like powerful politicians or those who have wealth or even those who put on a big show that have God’s approval but it is those that the world looks down on and those that Satan and his people attack that have God’s approval and it is the very reason we will go through trials and tribulation.

(Luke 6:26) 26 “Woe whenever all men speak well of you, for this is what their forefathers did to the false prophets.

(John 15:19)If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you.

(James 4:4)Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God.

(1 John 4:5)They originate with the world; that is why they speak what originates with the world and the world listens to them.

Being not part of the world means we will be persecuted. Some is obvious and some like with Job is not obvious. Being no part of the world means the world will hate you. We have to remember those who choose God as their king instead of man will be opposing the world. In doing so the world will hate you. The bible says they will lie about us and do many wicked things to us.

(Hebrews 10:32-39) 32 However, keep remembering the former days in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle along with sufferings. 33 At times you were publicly exposed both to reproaches and to tribulations, and at times you shared with those who were having such an experience. 34 For you expressed sympathy for those in prison and you accepted joyfully the plundering of your belongings, knowing that you yourselves have a better and an enduring possession. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. 37 For yet “a very little while,” and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.” 38 “But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,” and “if he shrinks back, I have no pleasure in him.” 39 Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives. .

(Matthew 5:11, 12) 11 “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. . .

Nothing has changed as a matter of fact the end of this system is near so Satan and his people will increase in badness and also in their persecution of those who choose to follow our king Jesus instead of man. This is nothing new they have always persecuted those who chose to be not part of the world.

(2 Chronicles 36:16) But they kept ridiculing the messengers of the true God, and they despised his words and mocked his prophets, until the rage of Jehovah came up against his people, until they were beyond healing.

(Acts 7:52) Which one of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? Yes, they killed those who announced in advance the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become

Jehovah did not forget what they had done in his name. In his word he even declared that the world was not worthy of them. They remained faithful and God remembered what they had done and what they endured.

(Hebrews 11:37-40) 37 They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn in two, they were slaughtered by the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in need, in tribulation, mistreated; 38 and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and caves and dens of the earth.

We have born witness to them and delivered the good news of the kingdom. When it is time to flee there blood is on their own hands. We will have no guilt because we have warned them and tried to show them there is a better future hope. Their actions towards us shows who’s side they have chosen. We need to shake the dust from our feet and spend time with those who receive the message in a favorable way. We all want to be loved but we have been warned about the love of the greater number cooling off so hatred would abound world wide. But we do know that our heavenly father and his son Jesus love us and even death cannot separate us from their love.

We have born witness to them and delivered the good news of the kingdom. When it is time to flee there blood is on their own hands. We will have no guilt because we have warned them and tried to show them there is a better future hope. Their actions towards us shows who’s side they have chosen. We need to shake the dust from our feet and spend time with those who receive the message in a favorable way. We all want to be loved but we have been warned about the love of the greater number cooling off so hatred would abound world wide. But we do know that our heavenly father and his son Jesus love us and even death cannot separate us from their love.

(John 15:17-22) 17 “These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. 20 Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours. 21 But they will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. . .

(Romans 8:35-39) 35 Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” 37 On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We know that all the signs are in place and that deliverance is near and our heavenly father is ready to give his son the command to set matters straight.

(Luke 21:26-28) 26 People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

We are in the final minutes of this system and the end will be sudden so we must stay alert and draw even closer to Jehovah now more then ever.

(Luke 21:34-36) 34 “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you 35 as a snare. For it will come upon all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth. 36 Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that must occur and in standing before the Son of man.. . .

(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) . . .. 2 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. 3 Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape. 4 But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves, 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness. 6 So, then, let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But as for us who belong to the day, let us keep our senses and put on the breastplate of faith and love and the hope of salvation as a helmet 9 because God assigned us, not to wrath, but to the acquiring of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us, so that whether we stay awake or are asleep, we should live together with him. 11 Therefore, keep encouraging one another and building one another up, just as you are in fact doing.

Our endurance will be rewarded if we do not give out.

(Romans 5:3-5) 3 Not only that, but let us rejoice while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; 4 endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, 5 and the hope does not lead to disappointment; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, which was given to us.

(James 1:12-15) 12 Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him. 13 When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone. 14 But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death. . .

Some of us will walk through the great tribulation into the new system, and some will be resurrected into the new system. We can let sin have master over us or Jehovah. The promises of sin  is death. God gives hope of life if we are a slave for him. Either way we will be a slave, which master we choose determines if we have a future hope or not.

(Romans 6:15-17) 15 What follows? Are we to commit a sin because we are not under law but under undeserved kindness? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But thanks to God that although you were once the slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.

(Romans 6:22, 23) . . .. 23 For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord. . .

(Matthew 25:46) These will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life

Some Methods And Types Of Persecution.

  1. There will be a belief that the teachings of the truth is a new teaching. (Mark 1:27) (Acts 17:19)
  2. Because you do not choose the way of the world but choose God’s way and do not pursue wealth or material things or whatever else the world has to offer people will be confused, even to the point of thinking you lost your mind. (1 Peter 4:34) (Mark 3:21) (2 Corinthians 4:11-13) They will even look down on a true worshipper. Jesus own family thought that he lost his mind.
  3. Because true worship does not get caught up in the commercialism of worship by using idols and symbols which by now most people know is not permitted by God, or getting involved in traditional celebrations that were not ordained by God. Or because Jesus followers refuses to bow down to those idols or images the world will hate and be angered by it. (Collossians 2:18) (Jeremiah 10:2-5) (Acts 19:23-28) For some their greed over rides their reasoning so they get angered because when people stop buying their images for false worship they lose money.
  4. Because followers of Jesus try their best to obey God and share the truth as he did it exposes false worship. Also those who want to continue in false worship do not want their sins exposed. They will have a form of Godly devotion like the pharisees so they will oppose true worship. (Jeremiah 20:10)
  5. Just as Jesus has done, true worshippers will follow his example. They will not tickle peoples ears but will tell them what they need to hear. Satan’s seed will not want to hear the truth. (2 Timothy 4:3) Because of the demonic influences in the world many peoples minds have been molded by them. (James 3:13-16) Others will persecute just because they have the power to. So they will scheme things against true worship. (Micah 2:1)
  6. Some would view disobedience to God as sport. So persecuting Jesus modern day followers would be sport to them. (Proverbs 10:23, Proverbs 14:6-9)
  7. The world does not want reminded that they will be held accountable so they reject God, so they are going to reject his messengers. (John 8:42-44)
  8. Most of the world would view God’s warnings as a joke. (Genesis 19:14) So just as in times previously they would not seek to know God but get caught up in the world and the destruction will come on them before they have a chance to do anything to protect themselves. (Matthew 17:28-30)
  9. They will try to discredit true worshippers by contradicting everything they say. (Acts 13:45)
  10. Because the world lacks faith they would put their confidence in the world. So they do not desire to pursue spiritual things. (1 John 4:4)
  11. People will try to publicly humiliate those who worship in truth. They will attempt to make a spectacle of them to cause embarrassment. (Hebrews 10:33) (1Peter 4:16))
  12. When they can’t get Jesus followers to give in to the world and it’s ways they will mock, beat, imprison, kill them and even force them to live in poverty. God is aware of what his worshippers are enduring and God won’t forget what they have done for his names sake. (Hebrews 11:35-38) (1 Peter 4:16)
  13. Some will persecute just because they have the power to. They scheme things against God’s people. (Micah 2:1)

We need to prepare things are rapidly winding down.

We need to prepare mentally and spiritually for the things that are occuring and are about to occur. This system is rapidly winding down and very soon Jesus is going to put and end to all the bad.

Jesus did not answer loaded questions. He would sometimes respond with a question that could not be answered unless they answered truthfully but he would not respond with an answer.

(Luke 20:1-8) 20 On one of the days while he was teaching the people in the temple and declaring the good news, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came 2 and said to him: “Tell us, by what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority?” 3 He replied to them: “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” 5 Then they drew conclusions among themselves, saying: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ the people one and all will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7 So they replied that they did not know its source. 8 Jesus said to them: “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things.”

We will be mocked and made fun of. Jesus gave no answer , the motives of his accusers were clear. When Jesus was before the courts he did not answer some questions because he had already knew what they had decided and that they were only looking for reasons to justify what they were doing. By not answering he gave them nothing they could twist in order to try and smear him.

(Luke 23:8-11) 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he rejoiced greatly. For a considerable time he had been wanting to see Jesus because he had heard much about him, and he was hoping to see some sign performed by him. 9 So he began to question him at length, but he gave him no answer. 10 However, the chief priests and the scribes kept standing up and vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod together with his soldiers treated him with contempt, and he mocked him by clothing him with a splendid garment and then sent him back to Pilate. . .

(Matthew 27:11-14) 11 Jesus now stood before the governor, and the governor put the question to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus replied: “You yourself say it.” 12 But while he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him: “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” 14 But he did not answer him, no, not a word, so that the governor was very surprised.

This is nothing new we know Jesus said the gate is narrow and few would make it. Those who are following the correct path will be hated and ridiculed. This is nothing new, even Israelite who fell away from true worship ridiculed and persecuted those who worshiped in truth.

(Psalm 22:7) All those seeing me mock me; They sneer and shake their heads in derision:

(Matthew 26:67, 68) Then they spat in his face and hit him with their fists. Others slapped him on the face, 68 saying: “Prophesy to us, you Christ. Who struck you?”

(2 Chronicles 36:15, 16) 15 Jehovah the God of their forefathers kept warning them by means of his messengers, warning them again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling place. 16 But they kept ridiculing the messengers of the true God, and they despised his words and mocked his prophets, until the rage of Jehovah came up against his people, until they were beyond healing.

(Matthew 5:11, 12) 11 “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. . .

(Hebrews 11:36-38) 36 Yes, others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by chains and prisons. 37 They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn in two, they were slaughtered by the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in need, in tribulation, mistreated; 38 and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and caves and dens of the earth.

Most would not worship in truth so would persecute those who choose to worship in truth. We were not promised it would be easy. Since we are in the last days it will become much more difficult because just as in times past false worship is dominant throughout the earth and those who do not worship in truth have always attacked and persecuted God’s people.

(2 Timothy 3:12, 13) 12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. 13 But wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.

Because we do not choose their ways of worship which God does not accept they will reject us. They did not want to hear the truth but want their ears itched. If we respond to them when they are trying to ask misleading questions or trying to trap us in the words we use we will be helping them. You will recognize those who do not worship in truth by their fruits. These ones will not only get involved in the worldly matters but would also teach other to hate those who worship in truth. The persecution is not always obvious, if it was then things would be much easier. Often times it is very subtle and done silently. The persecution that is blatant and obvious is easy to understand but it is when they are pretending to help you while undermining what you do that is the less obvious and most common form of persecution.

(1 Timothy 4:1-5) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. 3 They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. 4 For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it.

(Mark 7:5-8) 5 So these Pharisees and scribes asked him: “Why do your disciples not observe the tradition of the men of former times, but they eat their meal with defiled hands?” 6 He said to them: “Isaiah aptly prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me. 7 It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.’ 8 You let go of the commandment of God and cling to the tradition of men. . .

It is God we have to please not men. Anything man does to us God can undo. We have to be on our guard because they will appear to be ministers of righteousness but will not guard true worship and would permit such things as gossip, fighting in wars, and even put their faith in man by getting caught up in human political matters instead of put their faith in the heavenly kingdom. Because we do not do these things they will think badly of us.

(Galatians 1:8-12) 8 However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond the good news we declared to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, I now say again, Whoever is declaring to you as good news something beyond what you accepted, let him be accursed. 10 Is it, in fact, men I am now trying to persuade or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be Christ’s slave. 11 For I want you to know, brothers, that the good news I declared to you is not of human origin; 12 for neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it was through a revelation by Jesus Christ.

(2 Corinthians 11:13-15) 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. 15 It is therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness. But their end will be according to their works.

(Matthew 7:21-23) . . .. 22 Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’

(Matthew 7:13-17) 13 “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it. 15 “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. . .

We have to be strong and remain faithful. God will not forget the work we have done. In spite of all the persecution we still manage to thrive and draw others to the truth Jesus and the apostles taught. We should not get deterred if others respond by persecuting us it is the few that we seek as Jesus warned the gate is narrow and few would make it. So if we are being persecuted whether it be more subtly or whether it is obvious we need to keep in mind they have always persecuted those who worshiped in truth. It is better to find favor in God’s and Jesus’s eyes then to find favor in the world . Even if we die we cannot be separated from the love God and Jesus has for us.

(Hebrews 10:32-39) 32 However, keep remembering the former days in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle along with sufferings. 33 At times you were publicly exposed both to reproaches and to tribulations, and at times you shared with those who were having such an experience. 34 For you expressed sympathy for those in prison and you accepted joyfully the plundering of your belongings, knowing that you yourselves have a better and an enduring possession. 35 Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. 37 For yet “a very little while,” and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.” 38 “But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,” and “if he shrinks back, I have no pleasure in him.” 39 Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.

(2 Corinthians 12:10) 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in times of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful. . .

(Hebrews 6:9-12) . . .. 10 For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. 11 But we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, 12 so that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

(Romans 8:31-39) 31 What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who will be against us? 32 Since he did not even spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, will he not also, along with him, kindly give us all other things? 33 Who will file accusation against God’s chosen ones? God is the One who declares them righteous. 34 Who will condemn them? Christ Jesus is the one who died, yes, more than that, the one who was raised up, who is at the right hand of God and who also pleads for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” 37 On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. . .

Very soon there will be no more wars, no more illness, no more tears of sadness.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Isaiah 34:17-35:4) 17 He is the One who has cast the lot for them, And his own hand has measured out their assigned place. They will possess it for all time; They will reside in it throughout all generations. 35 The wilderness and the parched land will exult, And the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron.  2 Without fail it will blossom; It will rejoice and shout for joy. The glory of Lebʹa·non will be given to it, The splendor of Carʹmel and of Sharʹon. They will see the glory of Jehovah, the splendor of our God.  3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the knees that are shaking.  4 Say to those who are anxious at heart: “Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance, God will come with retribution. He will come and save you.”

God will deal with the evil doers we need to remain focused on learning and doing his will.

(Isaiah 31:1, 2) 31 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for assistance, Who rely on horses, Who trust in war chariots because they are numerous, And in warhorses because they are mighty. But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, And they do not search for Jehovah.  2 But he is also wise and will bring calamity, And he will not take back his words. He will rise up against the house of evildoers And against those who help wrongdoers. . .

The bible draws a contrast between those who worship in truth and those who appear to worship in truth. Haughtiness would be a prevailing quality among those who put their faith in the world while they appear to be worshiping God. This haughtiness results and many of the problems we see now days because they refuse to accept true worship and let it guide in truth. Those who worship in truth will do their best to pursue peace by setting and example so would not fight in wars or put their faith in this political system.

(James 4:1-6) 4 What is the source of the wars and fights among you? Do they not originate from your fleshly desires that carry on a conflict within you? 2 You desire, and yet you do not have. You go on murdering and coveting, and yet you are not able to obtain. You go on fighting and waging war. You do not have because of your not asking. 3 When you do ask, you do not receive because you are asking for a wrong purpose, so that you may spend it on your fleshly desires. 4 Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that for no reason the scripture says: “The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing”? 6 However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones. . .

(2 Corinthians 13:11) Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you

We have to realize for many of us even our own families will turn against us. When the time comes we do not have to rehearse what to say or do the holy spirit will guide us. We need to persevere in prayer and do our best to give God glory in all we do. Notice the bible tells us if we remain faithful even to the point of death we will not perish. For many these things have already started to occur. It is time for us to stand up straight and not drop our shoulders from being discouraged or frustrated. It is a sin our redemption is very very near.

(Mark 13:9-13) 9 “As for you, look out for yourselves. People will hand you over to local courts, and you will be beaten in synagogues and be put on the stand before governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to them. 10 Also, in all the nations, the good news has to be preached first. 11 And when they are taking you to hand you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is. 12 Furthermore, brother will deliver brother over to death, and a father a child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all people on account of my name. But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. . .

(Luke 21:16-19) 16 Moreover, you will be handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17 and you will be hated by all people because of my name. 18 But not even a hair of your heads will perish. 19 By your endurance you will preserve your lives.

(Matthew 10:29-31) 29 Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows. . .

These things occurring are a reminder we need to keep on the watch and draw even closer to God and Jesus. We cannot let anyone whether it is criticism from family, or outright persecution deter us. We are very near being redeemed. Many will be shaken when Jesus is given the command by God to put and end to all the bad on the earth. Those who’s faith is strong and who remain loyal will not tremble in fear and they will remain.

(Matthew 24:44) On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.

(Matthew 25:13) “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.

(Revelation 3:3) Therefore, continue mindful of how you have received and how you heard, and go on keeping it, and repent. Certainly unless you wake up, I will come as a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I will come upon you

(Hebrews 12:25-27) 25 See that you do not refuse to listen to the one who is speaking. For if those who refused to listen to the one giving divine warning on earth did not escape, how much more will we not escape if we turn away from him who speaks from the heavens! 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised: “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.” 27 Now the expression “yet once more” indicates the removal of the things that are shaken, things that have been made, in order that the things not shaken may remain.

(Luke 21:28) 28 But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

Jesus showed us how to conquer the world and not let the world conquer us.

Bible
How to use.

 

To learn to conquer the world in the context Jesus was talking about we need to understand what he was referring to when he referred to the world. When you read in the bible often times you see it is referring to the people in the world and the rebellious system of the world which is run by the people and influenced by Satan.

(John 1:29) 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and he said: “See, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

(1 John 2:1, 2) 2 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. 2 And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. . .

Since Adam and Eve who were perfect brought this sinful rebellion into the world it took a perfect human to show us the way out and for a ransom of a perfect human to be provided to cover those sins.

(2 Corinthians 5:18, 19) 18 But all things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was by means of Christ reconciling a world to himself, not counting their offenses against them, and he entrusted to us the message of the reconciliation.

(Romans 5:18, 19) 18 So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, so too through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is their being declared righteous for life. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person many will be made righteous.

So when the bible says the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one it is referring to the people and this system of rebellion of man choosing to rule themselves and decide right from wrong for themselves. So it is referring to man and man’s system of things.

(John 12:31) 31 Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world. . .

(2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) 3 If, in fact, the good news we declare is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, 4 among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.

Jesus Conquered the world.

In order to conquer the world we need to follow the one who conquered the world, God’s only begotten son Jesus. The ruler of this world has already been defeated and judged. Jesus stayed focused on the things above and not on the worldly things.

(John 16:33) 33 I have said these things to you so that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.. . .

(John 16:8-11) 8 And when that one comes, he will give the world convincing evidence concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment: 9 first concerning sin, because they are not exercising faith in me; 10 then concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 then concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. . .

(Colossians 3:1, 2) 3 If, however, you were raised up with the Christ, go on seeking the things above, where the Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep your minds fixed on the things above, not on the things on the earth.

Things that can cause us to be conquered by the world.

Pride has been the downfall of many and it was the downfall of the king in Babylon in Daniels time. God does not take pride lightly. It has caused the downfall of many kings.

(Proverbs 16:18, 19) 18 Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19 Better to be humble among the meek Than to share the spoil of the haughty. . .

(Daniel 4:30-32) The king was saying: “Is this not Babylon the Great that I myself have built for the royal house by my own strength and might and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the word was yet in the king’s mouth, a voice came down from the heavens: “To you it is being said, O King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar, ‘The kingdom has gone away from you, 32 and from mankind you are being driven away. With the beasts of the field your dwelling will be, and you will be given vegetation to eat just like bulls, and seven times will pass over you, until you know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that he grants it to whomever he wants.

(Acts 12:21-23) 21 On a set day, Herod clothed himself with royal raiment and sat down on the judgment seat and began giving them a public address. 22 Then the people who were assembled began shouting: “A god’s voice, and not a man’s!” 23 Instantly the angel of Jehovah struck him, because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten up with worms and died.

So we can see those who become haughty from pride Jehovah opposes but he favors those who are humble.

(James 4:6) 6 However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones. . .

(Proverbs 3:34) 34 For he mocks those who ridicule, But he shows favor to the meek. . .

(Psalm 37:11) But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.

(Psalm 138:6) Though Jehovah is high, he takes note of the humble, But the haughty he knows only from a distance

Jesus set a pattern of humility for us to follow and he demonstrated this by washing the apostles feet something that a servant usually would do. Even though he knew he would be seated on the thrown in the heavenly kingdom and was the only begotten son of God he did not let that go to his head and remained humble and was happy to serve others in a way that pleased his heavenly father.

(John 13:14-17) 14 Therefore, if I, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another. 15 For I set the pattern for you, that just as I did to you, you should also do. 16 Most truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, happy you are if you do them. . .

(Luke 9:48) and said to them: “Whoever receives this young child on the basis of my name receives me also; and whoever receives me also receives the One who sent me. For the one who conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one who is great.

Avoid being conquered by hatred.

Our actions show whether we are filled with love or filled with hatred. We know we are in the last days and that men will do many hateful and selfish things. The bible has warned us what the last days would be like many times.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. 6 From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, 7 always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

Hatred is a very serious sin. If we have hatred in our hearts it forfeits our chances of eternal life.

(1 John 3:14, 15) . . .. The one who does not love remains in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has everlasting life remaining in him. . .

This contrast the fruits of the spirit in which love is one of them.

(Galatians 5:22-24) 22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires. . .

Love would be an identifying mark of those who worship in truth. This love would be so deep if necessary they would give their lives for each other.

(John 13:33-35) . . .I now say it also to you. 34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.. . .

(John 15:11-13) 11 “These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made full. 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. 13 No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends.

We are not to show impartiality, Jesus demonstrated this in his treatment of the Samaritan women. Samaritans were very good at counterfeiting legal documents. They would counterfeit documents of their human linage. So no one was certain if they were really jews or gentiles. They were not trusted and for the most part avoided. The Samaritan was aware that the gentiles would also be welcomed to worship the true God and be considered part of the nation of Israel. Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman would be a spiritual nation he also revealed to her that he was the messiah who would fulfill the things she had mentioned.

(John 4:7-26) 7 A woman of Sa·marʹi·a came to draw water. Jesus said to her: “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone off into the city to buy food.) 9 So the Sa·marʹi·tan woman said to him: “How is it that you, despite being a Jew, ask me for a drink even though I am a Sa·marʹi·tan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Sa·marʹi·tans.) 10 In answer Jesus said to her: “If you had known of the free gift of God and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 She said to him: “Sir, you do not even have a bucket for drawing water, and the well is deep. From what source, then, do you have this living water? 12 You are not greater than our forefather Jacob, who gave us the well and who together with his sons and his cattle drank out of it, are you?” 13 In answer Jesus said to her: “Everyone drinking from this water will get thirsty again. 14 Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.” 15 The woman said to him: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may neither thirst nor keep coming over to this place to draw water.” 16 He said to her: “Go, call your husband and come to this place.” 17 The woman replied: “I do not have a husband.” Jesus said to her: “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ 18 For you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. This you have said truthfully.” 19 The woman said to him: “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our forefathers worshipped on this mountain, but you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where people must worship.” 21 Jesus said to her: “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, because salvation begins with the Jews. 23 Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him: “I know that Mes·siʹah is coming, who is called Christ. Whenever that one comes, he will declare all things to us openly.” 26 Jesus said to her: “I am he, the one speaking to you.. . .

(Acts 10:34, 35) 34 At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, 35 but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. . .

Jesus also set the example of love by praying for those persecuting him. He commanded us to love our enemies, many love those who love them that is easy but to truly follow in Jesus foot steps we must love those who hate us.

(Luke 23:34) 34 But Jesus was saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Furthermore, they cast lots to distribute his garments.

(Matthew 5:43-48) 43 “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

(Galatians 6:10) 10 So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.

Are we to pray for all sinners? The answer is no. There are sins that incur death and they are sins against the holy spirit. We are not to pray for those who are sinning against the holy spirit.

(1 John 5:16) 16 If anyone catches sight of his brother committing a sin that does not incur death, he will ask, and God will give life to him, yes, to those not committing sin that incurs death. There is a sin that does incur death. It is concerning that sin that I do not tell him to make request. . .

(Mark 3:29) But whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit has no forgiveness forever but is guilty of everlasting sin.

Love the only begotten son and our heavenly father Jehovah.

The way we react to the bibles teachings and apply them in our lives shows whether we love Jesus and our heavenly father. It will not be easy because being no part of the world means you will be hated and persecuted by the world. Jesus warned us many times of this. By following Jesus teachings and applying them in our lives we will be in union with Jesus and our heavenly father.

(John 14:21) 21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. In turn, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly show myself to him.”

(John 15:17-20) 17 “These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. 20 Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

(John 17:15-19) 15 “I do not request that you take them out of the world, but that you watch over them because of the wicked one. 16 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. 17 Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I also sent them into the world. 19 And I am sanctifying myself in their behalf, so that they also may be sanctified by means of truth. . .

(John 16:27, 28) 27 For the Father himself has affection for you, because you have had affection for me and have believed that I came as God’s representative. 28 I came as the Father’s representative and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.. . .

So observing God’s commands and having faith we can conquer the world.

(1 John 5:2-4) . . .. 3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome, 4 because everyone who has been born from God conquers the world. And this is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith. . .

Jesus did not say it would be easy.

Jesus warns those living in harmony with him and our heavenly father will be persecuted. He tells us the student is no better then the teacher. If the world hated him they would also hate those who loyally follow him.

(2 Timothy 3:12, 13) 12 In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. 13 But wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled. . .

Many will not heed our warning and will ridicule us.

(2 Peter 3:2-4) . . .. 3 First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning. . .

(Jude 17-23) 17 As for you, beloved ones, call to mind the sayings that have been previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 how they used to say to you: “In the last time there will be ridiculers, following their own desires for ungodly things.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, animalistic men, not having spirituality. 20 But you, beloved ones, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, and pray with holy spirit, 21 in order to keep yourselves in God’s love, while you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view. 22 Also, continue showing mercy to some who have doubts; 23 save them by snatching them out of the fire. But continue showing mercy to others, doing so with fear, while you hate even the garment that has been stained by the flesh.

We must be careful this ridicule can cause us to let down our guard and we could be lured into the world. This is also why we are warned not to become unevenly yoked with the world.

(Luke 21:34-36) 34 “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you 35 as a snare. For it will come upon all those dwelling on the face of the whole earth. 36 Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that must occur and in standing before the Son of man. . .

(2 Corinthians 6:14-17) 14 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.. . .

The world views people by their status in society if we pursue things of the world and we risk becoming like them which can cause us to become bias towards those who are in need and develop an incorrect view of them. They even show favoritism towards those who are well off, something we are warned not to do.

(James 2:1-4) 2 My brothers, you are not holding to the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ while showing favoritism, are you? 2 For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in splendid clothing comes into your meeting, but a poor man in filthy clothing also enters, 3 do you look with favor on the one wearing the splendid clothing and say, “You take this seat here in a fine place,” and do you say to the poor one, “You keep standing” or, “Take that seat there under my footstool”? 4 If so, do you not have class distinctions among yourselves, and have you not become judges rendering wicked decisions?

Ephesians lays out the complete way to protect ourselves by putting on the complete armor of God. The belt of truth with is the truth in God’s word will protect and guide us. Be remaining blameless it protects us. Our faith is our shield, and putting our faith in our redeemer and the hope of salvation is our helmet. Also taking in God’s word and applying it is the Sword of the Spirit. And praying and asking God in times of trouble help us.

(Ephesians 6:10-13) . . .. 11 Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12 because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13 For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm.

The bible does not promise wealth or that we would live in comfort. We must remember if we follow in Jesus foot steps will will be falsely accused, many will hate and turn on us. Many of us will go without food. All these things would not stop us from enriching people spiritually.

(2 Corinthians 6:3-10) 3 In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, so that no fault may be found with our ministry; 4 but in every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by times of need, by difficulties, 5 by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by hard work, by sleepless nights, by times without food; 6 by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by holy spirit, by love free from hypocrisy, 7 by truthful speech, by God’s power; through the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left, 8 through glory and dishonor, through bad report and good report. We are regarded as deceivers and yet we are truthful, 9 as unknown and yet we are recognized, as dying and yet look! we live, as punished and yet not handed over to death, 10 as sorrowing but ever rejoicing, as poor but making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.

When we endure patiently it may draw others to the bible truths. We must do our best not to let the world shape who we are but to let Jehovah and his word shape us, it will protect us from being conquered by the world. In doing so we conquer the evil with the good.

(2 Timothy 2:23-26) 23 Further, reject foolish and ignorant debates, knowing that they produce fights. 24 For a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, showing restraint when wronged, 25 instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him to do his will. . .

(Romans 12:9-21) 9 Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good. 10 In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead. 11 Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah. 12 Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer. 13 Share with the holy ones according to their needs. Follow the course of hospitality. 14 Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same attitude toward others as toward yourselves; do not set your mind on lofty things, but be led along with the lowly things. Do not become wise in your own eyes. 17 Return evil for evil to no one. Take into consideration what is fine from the viewpoint of all men. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” 20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good. . .

Our endurance and faith shows our love for Jesus and his father. In remaining faithful and strong we set on example for others. Jesus did not say it would be easy he warned that to follow him we would have to endure the same things as he did. Just as they falsely accused him , persecuted him in many ways so those who follow him in truth will be treated. God did not promise us wealth as a matter of fact Jesus did not have a home to sleep in.

(James 1:2-4) 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3 knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4 But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything. . .

(Matthew 10:24-31) 24 “A student is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the student to become as his teacher, and the slave as his master. If people have called the master of the house Be·elʹze·bub, how much more those of his household? 26 So do not fear them, for there is nothing covered over that will not become uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, preach from the housetops. 28 And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henʹna. 29 Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows. . .

(Matthew 8:20) But Jesus said to him: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.

Those who put their faith in the world and things of the world cannot put faith in God and will not learn to love him. It can hinder their relationship with God. These things will all be gone soon and all we will have is our relationship with God. If we do not have a relationship with God we will not fair well when this system collapses.

(1 John 2:15-17) 15 Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17 Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever. . .

Exercising Faith.

The bible tells us to exercise faith showing we have to work to build our faith. In doing so we will receive the power from God to endure the things that will occur. Many had faith in Jesus but did not want to lose their status in society so they would not acknowledge him. Jesus warned them that the things he said were given as commanded to him by God. To disobey his commands we would be disobeying God which shows a lack of faith.

(John 14:1) 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Exercise faith in God; exercise faith also in me.

(John 12:42, 43) 42 All the same, many even of the rulers actually put faith in him, but they would not acknowledge him because of the Pharisees, so that they would not be expelled from the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory of men even more than the glory of God. . .

(John 12:47-50) 47 But if anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I came, not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 Whoever disregards me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment means everlasting life. So whatever I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me. . .

(Romans 3:28-31) 28 For we consider that a man is declared righteous by faith apart from works of law. 29 Or is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of people of the nations? Yes, also of people of the nations. 30 Since God is one, he will declare circumcised people righteous as a result of faith and uncircumcised people righteous by means of their faith. 31 Do we, then, abolish law by means of our faith? Not at all! On the contrary, we uphold law. . .

We can see that exercising faith means that we adhere to the teachings of Jesus and follow his example.

(John 3:16-21) 16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world for him to judge the world, but for the world to be saved through him. 18 Whoever exercises faith in him is not to be judged. Whoever does not exercise faith has been judged already, because he has not exercised faith in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. 19 Now this is the basis for judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. 20 For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”

We need to work towards strengthening our faith because it will help us to endure. The things we endure teaches and strengthens us and those who lack faith give up but we endure things through our faith that is beyond normal.

(1 Peter 5:6-11) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 11 To him be the might forever. Amen.

Exercising faith means we would have such a deep love for God and his son Jesus that we will give testimony about them even if it may cost our lives.

(Acts 20:24) Nevertheless, I do not consider my own life of any importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God

(Luke 9:24) For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake is the one who will save it.

(Revelation 12:11) And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death.

We have a helper.

Jesus told the apostles he would send a helper. This helper is the spirit of truth from God.

(John 14:25, 26) . . .. 26 But the helper, the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you. . .

(Matthew 10:19, 20) However, when they hand you over, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak, for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; 20 for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you

(John 14:16, 17) 16 And I will ask the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, 17 the spirit of the truth, which the world cannot receive, because it neither sees it nor knows it. You know it, because it remains with you and is in you.

If we do not have the spirit of truth we cannot worship God in spirit and truth because our minds will be set on material things.

(Romans 8:5) 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit.

Getting too caught up in the world can lure us in and we may start drinking of the cup of the devil which would inhibit our receiving the spirit.

(1 Corinthians 10:20, 21) 20 No; but I say that what the nations sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers with the demons. 21 You cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons; you cannot be partaking of “the table of Jehovah” and the table of demons.

We do not just receive the spirit we must ask for it. How would a parent know your needs if you do not ask. We have to let God know we desire and need his helper.

(Luke 11:12, 13) . . .? 13 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!. . .

How do we know when we have received the spirit? Because we will produce the fruits of the spirit. Love will guide all we do, we will find joy even though we will be heavily persecuted and have to endure much tribulation, we will have an inner peace , we will be more patient , we will strive to be good, our faith will increase, we will be known for our mildness and self-control.

(Galatians 5:22, 23) 22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. . .

Of the fruitage of the spirit love is the most important one. It can cover a multitude of sins. Love should guide all we do. It is the love God has for us that drove him to provide a ransom sacrifice for us. If we do not love we cannot know God.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. . .

(1 John 4:8-10) 8 Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. 9 By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. 10 The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins. . .

(1 Peter 4:7-9) 7 But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. 8 Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Our salvation depends on the fruits we produce. It is an expression of our love for Jehovah and his only begotten son Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 1:8, 9) 8 Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him and are greatly rejoicing with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of your faith, your salvation. . .

(Romans 6:21-23) 21 What, then, was the fruit that you used to produce at that time? Things of which you are now ashamed. For the end of those things is death. 22 However, now that you were set free from sin and became slaves to God, you are producing your fruit in the way of holiness, and the end is everlasting life. 23 For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.

We can see it is not the status of someone that determines their status with God but the fruits they produce and it is an identifying mark of those worshiping in truth. False prophets will produce bad fruits. We learned this in 2 Timothy 3:1-8 which speaks of the last days and the results of false teachings.

(Matthew 7:15-20) 15 “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.

Jesus promised us peace.

Jesus promised us peace but it would not be peace as man knows peace but it would be an inner peace because of our faith and the hope in the future promises. We would have an inner peace because we would not live in fear as many others do now days. Fear can be used to deceive people and manipulate them. Because we do no live in fear it cannot be used as a weapon against us. We also have the peace of knowing all can now worship God in truth through the ransom sacrifice of God’s only begotten son Jesus Christ. This ransom sacrifice removed all barriers.

(John 14:27) 27 I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear.

(Ephesians 2:13-18) 13 But now in union with Christ Jesus, you who were once far off have come to be near by the blood of the Christ. 14 For he is our peace, the one who made the two groups one and destroyed the wall in between that fenced them off. 15 By means of his flesh he abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments consisting in decrees, in order to make the two groups in union with himself into one new man and to make peace, 16 and to reconcile fully both peoples in one body to God through the torture stake, because he had killed off the enmity by means of himself. 17 And he came and declared the good news of peace to you who were far off, and peace to those near, 18 because through him we, both peoples, have free access to the Father by one spirit.

This peace that we receive guards our hearts. If you read Psalm 27:1-14 you will see why Jesus had peace even though he was heavily persecuted. His faith was in Jehovah so it gave him the courage and strength to endure. This drove Jesus to teach the good news of the heavenly kingdom which give a future hope of better things to come.

(Philippians 4:6, 7) 6 Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. . .

(2 Timothy 1:7-10) 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but one of power and of love and of soundness of mind. 8 So do not become ashamed either of the witness about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but take your part in suffering adversity for the good news by relying on the power of God. 9 He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and undeserved kindness. This was given to us in connection with Christ Jesus before times long ago, 10 but now it has been made clearly evident through the manifestation of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has shed light on life and incorruption through the good news,

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Destruction of the wicked.

We must be patient and endure because God desires none to be destroyed but wants all to have the opportunity to know him and to repent. So we must do our best to warn others and to teach them about the one true God while we patiently wait knowing that many of our spiritual brothers and sisters are still out there waiting for someone to show them the way out. Sharing God’s word, being persistant in prayer will help keep us awake so that we will be ready when the destruction of the wicked comes. We know it will happen suddenly and at a time people least expect.

(2 Peter 3:8-10) . . .. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10 But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.

(Revelation 16:15) 15 “Look! I am coming as a thief. Happy is the one who stays awake and keeps his outer garments, so that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness.. . .

(Matthew 24:43, 44) 43 “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.

Those who conquer the world their name will not be blotted out and they will be remembered. This will be those who have figuratively washed their robes. In other words they have repented from the ways of the world and have drawn closer to God.

(Revelation 3:4, 5) . . .. 5 The one who conquers will thus be dressed in white garments, and I will by no means blot out his name from the book of life, but I will acknowledge his name before my Father and before his angels. . .

(Revelation 22:13-15) . . .. 14 Happy are those who wash their robes, so that they may have authority to go to the trees of life and that they may gain entrance into the city through its gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.. . .

This gives us courage beyond what is normal because we do not fear those who can kill the body. We know the heavenly father and his son love us and would not forget the work we have done and the love we have shown for Jehovah’s great name.

(Matthew 10:28-31) 28 And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henʹna. 29 Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.

(Hebrews 6:10-12) 10 For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. 11 But we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, 12 so that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

This is why now more then ever we need to put God’s word into our hearts to better equip us for the work ahead. Just a while longer and the bad memories will be gone they will be replaced by the good memories of the fulfillment of the future promises.

(2 Timothy 3:16, 17) 16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

(Isaiah 65:17) 17 For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. . .

(2 Peter 3:11-13) 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! 13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. . .

(Psalm 37:28, 29) 28 For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. ע [Ayin] They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. 29 The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it.

We can find comfort in knowing nothing not even death can separate us from the love that Jehovah has for us and the love his only begotten son our heavenly king has for us.

(Romans 8:35-39) 35 Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” 37 On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We must remember to continue to pray for those persecuting us remembering that the apostle Paul also once persecuted those who worshiped in truth.

(Acts 7:54-8:1) 54 Well, at hearing these things, they were infuriated in their hearts and began to grind their teeth at him. 55 But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, 56 and he said: “Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” 57 At this they cried out at the top of their voices and put their hands over their ears and rushed at him all together. 58 After throwing him outside the city, they began stoning him. The witnesses laid down their outer garments at the feet of a young man called Saul. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death. 8 Saul, for his part, approved of his murder. . .

(1 Timothy 1:12-16) 12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, 13 although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and with a lack of faith. 14 But the undeserved kindness of our Lord abounded exceedingly along with faith and the love that is in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these, I am foremost. 16 Nevertheless, I was shown mercy so that by means of me as the foremost case, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his patience, making me an example to those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life.

This link is a good article explaining how to recognize true worship so we do not make the same error Paul made.

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/good-news-from-god/recognize-true-worshippers/#?insight%5Bsearch_id%5D=80147093-0f96-400a-9756-6f29ef57a5d9&insight%5Bsearch_result_index%5D=2

Time frame we are in , in reference to the end of this system of things.

If you don't read it how can you have faith.
This is not finished I am doing it to show the time frame we are in. We need to compare our time to times past when God brought destruction on peoples. As I was trying to do this many things come up so I had to put it together quickly. Those who remain silent and said nothing for the down trodden and would not speak up for them will also be held accountable. Their lack of concern reveals a lot about their heart condition to Jehovah.
It seems things are nearing this now. Countries that were enemies are starting to be allies.
1 Thessolonians 5:1Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
One of the final acts of rebellion man will hand their authority over to the United Nations all nations will bend to the U.N.s will. So will false religions and they will attack true worship.
Matthew 24:15“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Things that have brought others to destruction. This keys us into the time frame we are in concerning the destruction of this system.

They would look down on the poor and take advantage of them. They would offer no help to those in need but would be critical of them. While some starved others would be glutinous. It would be like the days of Noah violence would be rampant.

Ezekial 16:49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.
Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Deuteronomy 710 But those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction; he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him.
11 Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today.
Deuteronomy 7:26 Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.
Not following God’s guidance on appointing spiritual leaders would result in true worship being corrupted. That is why it was prophesied true worship would have to be restored in our time.
1 Kings 13 33 Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places. 34 This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth.

We have done our best to speak for those who are struggling. We can sleep at night knowing we have warned our neighbors and have spoken up for the down trodden.

Proverbs 31:8 ESV

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.

We are seeing this occur now, the corruptions is becoming clearer and clearer. The inability of man to be able to exist without God’s guidance is becoming clearer and clearer.

Philippians 3:19 ESV

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

2 Peter 3:10 ESV

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
It is why we are told the way is hard, just as it was for the apostles. We were not promised it would be easy.
Jesus is the narrow gate but few would choose to walk in his foot steps because he did not choose wealth and material things over spiritual things. He always put God’s will first. We see how there is a great delusion now and people believe wealth is a sign of approval by God. If that were true then how could pursuit of wealth be following Jesus foot steps?

Matthew 7:13-14 ESV

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 24:36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ESV

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Matthew 24:9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

1 Corinthians 15:20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27For he “has put everything under his feet.”c Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
Many who believe they do not have to worry will be among those who are destroyed. They lack the courage to speak up for what is right. They do not warn others or tell them God’s name or tell them about our king Jesus and the heavenly kingdom. They may fear what others thing, or fear what will happen if they do. God does not except cowardice as an excuse.

Revelation 21:8 ESV

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
The reward is worth it and it is eternal. This is all temporary.

Revelation 21:1-27 ESV

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” …

Isaiah 2:1-22 ESV

The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. …

Persecution Why And Who?

    If you don't read it how can you have faith.If You Worship In Truth You Will Be Persecuted.

Why Are People Persecuted?

  The bible warns us that those who are    pursuing true worship and righteousness will be persecuted. It

also warns us that the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. Having this knowledge helps us to realize that the persecution will come from many directions even from our own family (1 John 5:19) (Jeremiah 12:6) Not all will be persecuted for righteous reasons. Some will be persecuted for the disgusting sins they have committed in disobedience to God. In doing so they have caused God’s good name to be smeared. (Romans 2:17-24) Those who have done those detestable things are reaping what they have sown. The sad part is those false Christians make it appear as if they are being persecuted and falsely accused. I know true worshippers do not profess to be guilty when they are innocent. They trust God to clear their name. Instead of confessing their sins and accepting the punishment they continue in their lies and are still leading others into their detestable form of worship. (Matthew 7:21-23) The bible warns us that not all professing to be followers of Jesus would make it especially those being lead by those false teachers. Not only do they get involved in their sins but by worshipping with them they show their approval of that behaviour.

We have the example of Joseph in the bible who was wrongly accused and convicted of rape with no solid evidence. He put his faith in God, he never admitted to something he did not do. Yet those who are smearing God’s name and are guilty, still will not admit their guilt even with evidence against them.

Those who choose to worship in truth and follow the path Jesus laid out for us will be persecuted just as he was. Because they choose the spiritual things and not the things of the world, in which we know lies in the power of the wicked one, he and his children will persecute true worshippers(John 15:18-19) (1 Peter 2:21-23) One very important aspect of true worship that professed Christians ignore is the importance of using God’s name Jehovah. Because Israel had forgotten God’s name Jesus and the disciples had to make it known again. (John 17:26, Psalm 83:18)

Some Methods And Types Of Persecution.

          1. There will be a belief that the teachings of the truth is a new teaching. (Mark 1:27) (Acts 17:19)

          2. Because you do not choose the way of the world but choose God’s way and do not pursue wealth or material things or whatever else the world has to offer people will be confused, even to the point of thinking you lost your mind.

            (1 Peter 4:34) (Mark 3:21) (2 Corinthians 4:11-13) They will even look down on a true worshipper. Jesus own family thought that he lost his mind.

          3. Because true worship does not get caught up in the commercialism of worship by using idols and symbols which by now most people know is not permitted by God, or getting involved in traditional celebrations that were not ordained by God. Or because Jesus followers refuses to bow down to those idols or images the world will hate and be angered by it. (Collossians 2:18) (Jeremiah 10:2-5)

            (Acts 19:23-28) For some their greed over rides their reasoning so they get angered because when people stop buying their images for false worship they lose money.

          4. Because followers of Jesus try their best to obey God and share the truth as he did it exposes false worship. Also those who want to continue in false worship do not want their sins exposed. They will have a form of Godly devotion like the pharisees so they will oppose true worship. (Jeremiah 20:10)

          5. Just as Jesus has done, true worshippers will follow his example. They will not tickle peoples ears but will tell them what they need to hear. Satan’s seed will not want to hear the truth. (2 Timothy 4:3) Because of the demonic influences in the world many peoples minds have been molded by them. (James 3:13-16) Others will persecute just because they have the power to. So they will scheme things against true worship. (Micah 2:1)

          6. Some would view disobedience to God as sport. So persecuting Jesus modern day followers would be sport to them. (Proverbs 10:23, Proverbs 14:6-9)

          7. The world does not want reminded that they will be held accountable so they reject God, so they are going to reject his messengers. (John 8:42-44)

          8. Most of the world would view God’s warnings as a joke. (Genesis 19:14) So just as in times previously they would not seek to know God but get caught up in the world and the destruction will come on them before they have a chance to do anything to protect themselves. (Matthew 17:28-30)

          9. They will try to discredit true worshippers by contradicting everything they say. (Acts 13:45)

          10. Because the world lacks faith they would put their confidence in the world. So they do not desire to pursue spiritual things. (1 John 4:4)

          11. People will try to publicly humiliate those who worship in truth. They will attempt to make a spectacle of them to cause embarrassment. (Hebrews 10:33) (1Peter 4:16))

          12. When they can’t get Jesus followers to give in to the world and it’s ways they will mock, beat, imprison, kill them and even force them to live in poverty. God is aware of what his worshippers are enduring and God won’t forget what they have done for his names sake. (Hebrews 11:35-38) (1 Peter 4:16)

          13. Some will persecute just because they have the power to. They scheme things against God’s people. (Micah 2:1)

Next we will discuss the outcome for those who are persecuting those in true worship.

Results Of The Persecution On Those Who Persecute.

            1. The opposer’s sins can reach a level that God will no longer listen to their prayers. He won’t even listens to the prayers of others praying for them. (Jeremiah 11:14)

            2. In the past God’s people seemed defenseless to the persecutors. They will view his modern day people as defenseless. The results will be the same, their total destruction. Sometimes at their own hands when God turns them against each other. (1 Chronicles 20:1-4, Ezekiel 38:8-10,18-23) (Exodus 14:21-27)

            3. When people try to hinder God’s work they eventually are the ones that get embarrassed because they eventually realize that the work is being accomplished by God. (Nehemiah 6:16)

            4. People will ignore God’s warnings just as they have in former times. When the destruction comes it will be sudden. People will be carrying on with life ignoring God’s messengers until it is too late. Just as Jehovah closed the door on the ark in Noah’s days he will close the door to the heavenly kingdom in our times. (Genesis 7:11-16) (Luke 13:24-30)

            5. Even the demons will not escape the one true God’s judgement. (Jude 6)

Next we will consider the results of the persecution on those who remain loyal to God.

Results Of Persecution For Those Worshipping In Truth.

              1. Most are aware we are in the last days, because of this man as a whole will have to endure many things. True worshippers will depend on our heavenly father for guidance and wisdom. So their hearts and minds would be protected. (Philippians 4:6,7)

              2. Just as in the days of the Baal worshippers it would be difficult to distinguish true worship from false worship it will be likewise in our days. True worshippers will know God and be able to clearly identify false worship. So they will not suffer the same fate that the Baal worshippers did. Those who ridicule and oppose true worship will. (1 Kings 18:21,39) (Hebrews 8:10) (2 Peter 3:3,4)

              3. Satan has already been defeated even more so with the witnessing of the truth. They did not and will not let Satan’s attacks stop them because of their love for Jehovah God and his only begotten son Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:11)

              4. When the calamity comes the obedient will be protected just as in times past. (Daniel 3:15,25) (2 Kings 6:17,18:26)

              5. When all things on earth are done away with true worshippers will not lose their treasure because they are stored were no one not even Satan can take them away. (Matthew 5:11,12) (Matthew 6:19-21)

              6. The persecution with Gods help will build endurance, wisdom and strength in in those being persecuted. (James 2:1-5)

              7. Those who have true faith in God will see his invisible qualities and will be protected so no weapon will succeed against them weather it is spiritual or physical. Even if they get imprisoned wrongly God will take care of them. (Isaiah 54:17) (Hebrews 11:1,2) (Acts 55:17-20)

              8. The obedient ones are blessed with authority over demons instead of Satan and the demons having authority over them. A good reason why Satan and the demons put pressure on people to disobey  God. (Luke 9:1)

              9. Not even death can separate us from God and his only begotten son Jesus Christ love. (Romans 8:38)

If you are not being persecuted you may want to check your standing with God. The only way to do this is to get to know him by studying your bible daily. If you are persecuting anyone, remember you reap what you sow. These list are in no way comprehensive. There are many other forms of persecution and many other ways God punishes and rewards people. Research your bibles and look for those hidden gems.

If you desire to learn more about persecution their is a wonderful article here that can show you more. http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2003723?q=persecution&p=par