Study of the gospel of Matthew (#7)

Olivet discourse:
This is a famous prophecy from God Himself. It’s true the signs Jesus mentions for the end times are in every generation but not to the extent they are just before the second coming of Jesus (i.e. wars, peoples and countries fighting, famines, earthquakes and lawlessness). What hasn’t happened yet is Christians being persecuted on a large scale and executed for not renouncing their faith in God.  We see it increasingly in China and the Middle East and even secular America is starting to target the Christian faith. This is only the beginning. When the persecution starts in earnest it will result in millions of Christians being beheaded. These will be the saints in heaven crying out for God to judge the nations.

Jesus also said there would be a great falling away of the church due to false teachings and false prophets fooling the faithful. We need to know God’s Word intimately so we can make sure any teachings don’t contradict Scripture. We don’t need the opinions of others, we need confirmation in the Bible.  Jesus said even the elect will be fooled so depend on prayer and the Holy Spirit to warn you of evil men. It seems to me a majority of church denominations will be corrupted so it’s up to each of us to decide for ourselves and not be led like sheep to the slaughter.  Don’t listen to me either; look for yourself.

Parable of the ten virgins – Five virgins were waiting for the bridegroom with lamps full of oil while five had lamps without oil. When the bridegroom came to the banquet only the virgins with lamps full of oil were allowed to enter. The other virgins were turned away because they were unprepared. I’m asking you to be prepared or suffer the same fate as these virgins. The parable of the talents carries the same message to be ready.  I’m astounded when Christians treat Jews badly. Don’t they know we will all be judged on how we treat Israel and the Jewish people? God is jealous of His chosen people. All you have to do is look at all the wars where Israel was attacked and any fool should be able to see when Israel wins repeatedly against 1,000 to one odds that God is fighting for them. Harm the Jewish people at your own peril.

As for me, I love Israel and the Jewish people because we Gentiles have received salvation through the Jews and we have all been blessed through Abraham as God promised. My Lord and Savior is a Jewish rabbi.  If I hated the Jews I would then have to hate Jesus because He is a Jew.  It makes no sense.  Love the Jewish people like family because they are.  The Jewish people are my brothers and sisters and I will die for them if need be. You need to evaluate things and decide now where you stand on this issue and speak out before things get worse.  Satan hates the Jewish people most of all and he has stirred up hatred for the Jews throughout history.  Don’t be influenced.