God does not delight in the death of a sinner so Jesus has commanded us in Matthew 28: 19 to disciple the nations. 2 Peter 3: 9 says the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Why should we preach Jesus to the world?
Why should I follow Jesus?
1 Peter 3: 18-22 has set out why we must follow Jesus. In summary, Christ died for sins once for all that we may be redeemed to God, put to death in flesh but alive in the spirit. Christ’s salvation is not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience by his resurrection. Jesus sits right now in heaven at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. Romans 5: 6, 8 say while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Sometimes fear or feeling of inadequacy dents our resolve for Jesus. However, 2 Kings 6: 16-17 say fear not, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. Then Elisha prayed and said, O Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see. So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire about Elisha. The Lord struck the people with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. Jesus said in Matthew 26: 53 do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?
Fear of persecution also creates fear. Jesus said in Luke 12: 11-12, and when thy bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. In Daniel 3:12-30 the three Hebrew boys did not give up in the furnace. In Daniel 6:12-2, Daniel did not give up in the Lion’s den. In Exodus 10-15 Moses went back to Egypt on God’s word in the face of eminent prosecution for murder. In 1 Samuel 17 David faced Goliath in God’s might. In Acts 16:26 Paul and Silas were set free from jail. John 8: 36 says if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Is God aware of our calamities?
Matthew 10: 26 says so have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Psalms 12:14 says the Lord who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Revelation 22:13 says God is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. We watch and know all our sufferings which are for a purpose. Let us seek knowledge and understanding of his plans rather than castigating Him.
Colossians 3: 3 says for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Jesus said in John 17: 12, while I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the Son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. John 10: 28-29 say I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. Christ Jesus did not say there will be no calamities but said he will be with us always.
One of the ways out is in Matthew 10:16 where Jesus said, I send you out as sheep amidst wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. We need wisdom from above on this mission.
How soon will Jesus return?
Matthew 24: 22; Mark 13: 20 says if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. Revelation 22: 20 says SURELY I AM COMING SOON. AMEN. COME , LORD JESUS! As we wait for the Lord’s second coming, John 14: 1 says let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me. Acts 16:31 says believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. We testify of Jesus’ presence with us every moment and we pray that you will know and understand him with knowledge so you will be a blessing to others.
Jesus has finished his work on the cross and he is waiting for you to respond. 1 Peter 2: 9 says he has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Revelation 1: 18 says I died, and behold I am alive for evermore. He said In John 12:32 and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. He will return to take his elect away with him. Matthew 24: 31; Mark 13: 27 says he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Will we be among God’s chosen who will return with Christ Jesus when the trumpet sounds?
Who and where is the antiChrist?
Many of us are confused because we do not search the scripture. An antichrist is a false Christ or a false prophet, who oppose God by his doctrines or deeds. 1 John 2: 18 says children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come; therefore we know that it is the last hour. John continues in 1 John 2: 22 says who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the spirit of the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
Elucidating the description or identity of the antichrist, 1 John 4: 3 says and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that was coming, and now it is in the world already. 2 John 1: 7 also says for many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Matthew 24: 27 says false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Lo, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, Lo, he is in the wilderness, do not go out; if they say, Lo, he is in the inner rooms, do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of man. We must watch out for what we hear and accept as the truth.
Seek Jesus the messiah
Rather than seeking righteousness, we are busy seeking the antichrist. 2 Thessalonians 2: 7-9 says for the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearance and his coming. The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are to perish, because they refuse to love the truth and so be saved. So, John 8: 32 says ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. Be covered by the blood of Christ Jesus the Lord.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, graciously redeem us in your blood from the antichrist. Let us know you more and to understand the challenges of life. Keep us holy in your blood so we may return with you when you come. On our voyage of discipleship, preserve us in your peace and in your name, Amen!!
