Be Prepared! (Part 3)

Six ways to be prepared for 2024

Be Ready for Deception and Persecution!

12.10.2023

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Review

Philippians 3:13-14 (HCSB)

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

The days of casual Christianity are over. Don’t ride the fence.

Ephesians 5:8-21 (NKJV)

Don’t be a sleepy believer, unaware of your surroundings or of the time we’re living in…

Romans 13:11-14 (NKJV)

It’s a good day to give ourselves regular spiritual checkups.

Socrates – The unexamined life is not worth living.

2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NKJV)

Six ways to be prepared for 2024

1. Stay Full of the Word.

Where are you with the Word?

Convert

Epistle

Disciple

Minister

2. Stay full of the Holy Ghost!

He brings to the table truth, discernment, and direction.

3. Stay close to family.

Stay aware of the anti-family undercurrents today. Teach your children about family life. Model it to them!

God planned families with a male dad and a female mom.

There is no place in God’s plan for a family with two dads or two moms.

The Antichrist, Marxist ideal that is seeking to break down our country and freedoms is against strong families. That is the reason that the “woke” ideology of homosexual, lesbian, transgender way of life are being pushed in our schools and universities.

4. Be aware of deception.

One last time, Satan will seek total control of this planet through his man antiChrist. But judgments from God will ruin his plans.

To navigate the strange time we live in, notice the first thing Jesus said:

Luke 21:8

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them.”

Luke 21:8 (ESV)

And he said, “See that you are not led astray…”

Luke 21:8 (CJB)

He answered, “Watch out! Don’t be fooled! For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time has come!’ Don’t go after them.”

Luke 21:8 (God’s Word)

Jesus said, “Be careful that you are not deceived. Many will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am he!’ and ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them!”

Luke 21:8 (TPT)

Jesus responded, “Deception will run rampant with many who will appear on the scene, saying I have sent them, or saying about themselves, ‘I am the Messiah!’ And the doomsday deceivers will say, ‘The end of the age is now here!’ But listen to me. Don’t be fooled by these imposters.”

This is a time to be careful as to what we hear and what we choose to believe.

There is a spirit of deception stronger now than ever. The only antidote to it is to know the truth of the Word of God!

The time just prior to Jesus’ return is typified as a time of unusual deception, and that’s the reason we so need to learn how to be guided and alerted by the Holy Spirit!

AI – Artificial Intelligence – just may be the most dangerous thing we face in our future. It can mimic most anything. It is used to write. It can look, speak, and act human.

Anything created by man is corrupt because of the human heart!

Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

Learn to listen within you when you hear anything from any source – news media, Facebook, Reels, Instagram, websites, podcasts, magazines, newspapers, YouTube, Twitter.

I use these as tools to get the gospel out. I do not disengage from the world and isolate. I insulate myself from the inside with the Word and a keen ear to the Holy Spirit.

A majority of what you see and hear on social media is propaganda, and has the underlying belief it propagates that comes from the person or group that funds it! They leave a LOT out of their content. It is not even there, so it is to them as though it is not important.

And they want you to deem as important what you constantly see and hear. Be aware of this.

A good example is the Israeli war with Hamas. There is an anti-Israel slant everywhere today. God ordained that they come back to their God-promised land before Jesus returns.

Learn to counterbalance everything you see and hear with truth.

If your spiritual nature is trained and full of the Word of God, you will be able to sense deception when you see or hear it!

We are surrounded by deception today!

Quote

Robert Malone – 5th Gen Warfare Terms And Tactics

The most effective 5th Generation warfare strategies employed by those lacking integrity are not purely based on pushing false narratives, mis- or dis-information. The most effective strategies mix truth with fiction, and act to increase confusion and disorder in the thoughts and minds of those being targeted, so that they are not sure what or whom to believe.

https://open.substack.com/pub/rwmalonemd/p/5th-gen-warfare-terms-and-tactics?r=1v3jki&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post

Listen to the these passages:

Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Matthew 24:4 (NKJV)

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you .

1 Timothy 4:1-2 (TPT)

The Holy Spirit has explicitly revealed: At the end of this age, many will depart from the true faith one after another, devoting themselves to spirits of deception and following demon-inspired revelations and theories. Hypocritical liars will deceive many, and their consciences won’t bother them at all!

2 Timothy 3:13 (NKJV)

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

John 8:44 (NKJV)

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers [occult practitioners, witchcraft], idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

Matthew 24:24 (NKJV)

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Listen to Noah1 Webster’s 1828 definition of deceive:

1) To mislead the mind; to cause to err; to cause to believe what is false, or disbelieve what is true; to impose on; to delude. 2) To beguile; to cheat. 3) To cut off from expectation; to frustrate or disappoint; as, his hopes were deceived. 4) To take from; to rob.

Deception is first seen with Satan tempting Eve by distorting truth in Genesis 3:

Genesis 3:2-5 (NKJV)

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Today, deception and truth twisting have permeated the world.

And this is a precursor for what is coming.

A cousin to deception is delusion.

Delusion:

1. An erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary.

2. A false belief that is resistant to confrontation with actual facts.

Mass formation psychosis.

Why is censorship necessary today if what is being said over and over is factual?

The truth needs no help. It will always reveal itself!

3. A delusion is a belief held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the contrary.

The results of misinformation – lies that are spoken over and over again are delusions!

People begin to believe what they hear over and over…

The antiChrist is typified in Scripture as a deceptive person that will create delusional living.

The spirit of antiChrist is preparing the entire world for a future of global deception.

Stay With Truth!

5. Prepare for persecution.

Are you willing to be persecuted – libeled, slandered, vilified, lied about, have your character slandered – because you believe what you do?

Matthew 10:16-22 (NLT)

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. 17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. 18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. 19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 5:10-12 (NLT)

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very

glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Matthew 5:10-12 (MSG)

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. 11 “Not only that — count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12 You can be glad when that happens — give a cheer, even! — for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Matthew 24:9-10 (NLT)

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. (10) And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.

Mark 10:28-31 (NLT_

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. 29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. 31 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

Luke 6:22-23 (NLT)

What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.

Luke 12:11-12 (NLT)

“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

Luke 21:12-18 (NLT)

But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. 13 But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish!

John 15:18-23 (NLT)

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. 21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the One who sent me. 22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.

John 16:1-4 (NLT)

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.

2 Timothy 3:10-12 (NLT)

But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Hebrews 10:32-36 (NLT)

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

1 Peter 3:14-16 (NLT)

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

1 Peter 4:12-16 (NLT)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

How do I prepare for persecution?

1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Pray for boldness

Acts 4:29-31 (NLT)

And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

6. Keep love in the center of how you relate to others.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:12 (MSG)

For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

My life was transformed when I learned to let love rule my actions, words, and responses to people.

John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Hebrews 13:1-2 (AMP)

LET LOVE for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]. 2 Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.

1 Peter 4:8 (AMPC)

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].

Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (AMP)

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

(Dake Study Bible Notes)

Nine Ingredients of Divine Love:

1. Patience–love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things (1Cor. 13:4,7).
2. Kindness–love in action: never acts rashly or insolently(boldly rude); not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (1Cor. 13:4).
3. Generosity–love in competition: not envious or jealous (1Cor. 13:4).
4. Humility–love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires (1Cor. 13:4).
5. Courtesy–love in society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (1Cor. 13:5).
6. Unselfishness–love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge (1Cor. 13:5).
7. Good temper–love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful (1Cor. 13:5).
8. Righteousness–love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (1Cor. 13:6-7).
9. Sincerity–love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present.

Action Points:

1. Are you aware of the mass deception taking place today?

2. What are you doing to counteract the deception you face?

3. Are you prepared to be persecuted for what you believe?

4. Are you willing to stand your ground when challenged for what you believe?

5. Is love the center of how you think, live, and respond today?

6. Have you made a commitment to love in a world of anger and hate?