“A Message to the Wise. ”Author and Writer Ronald Nelson

BIBLE MEDITATION: 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

ENCOURAGING WORD: 

In John 16:33; “Jesus explains that He shared these things so they may find peace in him, despite facing trouble in the world. He concludes with encouragement: "But take heart! I have overcome the world"

When I say the true born-again Christians, that is exactly what I mean. I know far too many people that call themselves Christians, but then they turn around and support the evil politicians that go against everything the Word of God teaches. If you don’t know who I am referring to, you are most likely one of them. For example, the catholic faith teaches against abortion, but yet many that follow this faith vote for those that support abortion. You are a hypocrite at the highest level if you fall into this category. If you are truly a born again Christain, you will understand what I am going to share in this blog. If not, you won't understand a Word that I am saying.

For those that are truly born again, you have to notice how evil our world, specifically America, has become. I don’t know exactly how other states are doing, but Wisconsin over the last twenty years or so have fallen into a dump heap. Wisconsin used to be a pinnacle state where we lived by Biblical Standards and most people were relatively Christian and voted for the polititions that held to biblical moral values. Ever since the Clinton administration took over, we have slowly evolved into the anti-Christian country that we now live in.

Well, all is not lost, everything that is happening has been prophesied thousands of years ago. God is still in charge. Let me explain according to the scriptures what is going on.     

Bible verses regarding end-times persecution highlight that Christians will face increased hostility, betrayal by family, and imprisonment for their faith as Jesus' return approaches. Key passages, including the Olivet Discourse and Revelation, characterize this period by global, severe attacks against believers, demanding endurance. 

Matthew 24:9-14;  “Then they (The unbelieving world rulers) will deliver you up to tribulation (Persecution) and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My (Jesus’s) name’s sake. (The Tribulation that is in focus here is not the great tribulation that will last seven years) And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

These verses are so prevalent in these days in which we live. There used to be a day when people would disagree with one another, but they still maintained their maturity through their discussions. When one political party would win an election, regardless of what party, they would still work together and support the party that won. They never tried to destroy or dishonor the presiding president. We know have two parties, but they are not the parries that we are used to growing up with, we know have those that try to conserve biblical values and the other party who opposes everything that the Bible teaches. Hatred beyond words, from this demonic, Satan serving group, that is going to eventually destroy America. They are more than half way to their objective. The final chapter is coming soon. What is mostly disturbing to me is the people that continue to support Satan and his worldly deception. Unless God personally intervenes, there is no way our country can turn around to what it once was. With that  being said, God is able to do what He wishes, and you can be sure that everything that happens here in America is Father filtered. God is allowing all this evil because Satan’s rule on this world is coming to an end so he is doing as much damage as he can. Those that survive this persecution will be saved and spend eternity with Jesus Christ.      

Mark 13:13; “ And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

To be hated by "all" is to be hated by all types of people, but not every person that is in existence. There are many that will not fall into this catagory. The world naturally divides itself into different groups with different beliefs as we can clearly see. We see this drastically highlighted, especially in politics. If we truly follow Christ and hold fast to God's wisdom, those characteristics that divides us will not be reflected in any manmade group or club. Every earthly, manmade interests or philosophy will ultimately have reason to hate or despise believers. This includes all the religious sects of Christianity that go by any name that connects them with rules and regulations. These rules are being forced on those that join these religious sects of Christianity. Most of the rules and regulations that they are forced to obey are not supported in the Word of God. They are in reality a cult. (a system of religious beliefs and rituals) There is definitely one obvious cult that fits this desciption perfectly. If you don’t believe and practice what this religious sect tells you to obey, you can’t take part in any of their rituals. The one ritual that stands out is the Eucharist. If you are not a confirmed member of this church, they won’t allow you to partake in the their receiving if the body and blood of Jesus Christ. They don’t have the right to deny the body and blood of Jesus Christ to anybody that accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Bible does, however, refute anybody that is not a believer in Jesus Christ not to partake in communion. According to 1 Corinthians 11:27-29; taking communion without true faith—specifically, without "discerning the Lord’s body"—results in eating and drinking which will bring judgment upon oneself. The verses warn that partaking communion in an "unworthy manner" means being guilty of the body and blood of Jesus, which can lead to physical illness or spiritual weakness. 

1 Corinthians 11:27-29; “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then nobody has the right to deny you the body and blood of Jesus Christ regardless of what denomination that you belong to. I don't see anywhere in the scriptures that gives any Chrsitian church the right to deny them the body and blood of Jesus Christ. You will be held account for them that you turn away. 

Some Christians have the idea that once they accept Christ, all their problems will go away. This verse strongly says otherwise. Jesus warns that we should expect persecution; Matthew 5:10–12; “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Jesus points out, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" John 15:20; “Paul says, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" 

2 Timothy 3:12; “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”

Based upon Paul's own experiences “2 Timothy 3: 12” Paul could confidently point out that faithfulness to Christ leads to persecution from this ungodly world. This stands in stark contrast with the "prosperity gospel" of our time, which teaches that faithfulness to God leads to material blessings in this life. It could certainly have something to do with blessings from God. The Bible does contain numerous promises of blessings from God, covering spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical aspects of life. These blessings are often linked to obedience to God’s commands, faith in Him, and living according to His wisdom. They range from inner peace and salvation to provision and divine favor. God will continue to bless us throughout our life when it is His will to do so. This is also considered the “Seeker Sensitive Gospel”. Paul taught that godly living included persecution. His own life served as a living testimony to this teaching. Even at the time of this letter, Paul was in prison, awaiting pending death for his faith.The other apostles and many in the early church also experienced persecution for living a godly life in Christ Jesus. Traditionally, all of the apostles were martyred for their faith except for The Apostle John, who was instead exiled to the island of Patmos where he was instructed by God to write the book of Revelation. God spared Johns life so he could write the book of Revelation. God must have felt it was an important book, to go through the trouble of sparing John his life. None of the denominational churches that I am aware of ever teach from the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation should be read and understood by all, especially in these days in which we live. If you read, study and understand this book, it will bring you clarity to all that is happening in today’s world. If your pastors or priests do not teach from the whole counsel of God, then that is a sin of omission.

Hebrews 11 below speaks of the suffering that many of God's people have had to endure, "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised.

Hebrews 11:39–40; “And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” The awards for God's people are eternal rather than mere earthly blessings, though God may choose to provide material blessings, as well. Hebrews 11:39 signifies that Old Testament saints, despite their immense faith and approval by God, did not receive the final promise—the Messiah and the full, perfected salvation—during their lifetimes. Instead, they awaited Christ's redemptive work to be "perfected" alongside New Testament believers, emphasizing that God's ultimate plan is for all generations to share in the same eternal fulfillment.

1 Peter 4:12-14; “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached (Criticized) for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” 

Peter begins a new section of his letter, summing up and adding to what he has previously written about the believer's attitude towards suffering. He begins by calling his readers "beloved" or "dear friends." Peter certainly cares deeply for the scattered Christians of Asia Minor and, by extension, for all the believers who would read his words. Most of us, including me, wonder if we did something wrong when we go through a test or trial. Where that may be the case, it isn’t necessarily the reason. Trials and tribulation are a necessary component of our spiritual growth. That is why James say in the following verse; James 1:2-4; “ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" James 1:2-4; is a call to view trials as opportunities for spiritual growth, not despair. It commands believers to choose joy, knowing that testing produces patience, which matures faith and leads to being "perfect and entire, wanting nothing". However, he again urges them (and us) to expect fierce trials, instead of being surprised by them. We should not see persecution as strange and unusual for God's people;

John 16:1–4; “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. (This is extremely prevalent in our world. The religion of Islam teaches that they should kill every Jew and Christian. Their God (Satan) is behind this Satanic religion; therefore they believe that they are doing a service to their god, they are a psychosis) And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father (The True God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob.) nor Me. (Jesus) But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.”

Hardships of all kinds will come. For these first century Christians, it would include intense political and social persecution for their faith in Christ. False teachers mislead Christians, even today, telling us to expect only good days if we make God-pleasing choices. Peter shreds that idea, telling believers to expect just the opposite. In essence, Peter says to not judge God's character or trustworthiness by the quality of our circumstances. Those fiery trials test our faith or, as Peter writes, serve as a kind of crucible for the church to purify its faith. God's set-apart people should not be shocked when suffering comes our way.

Now, let me share why things seem to be getting worse and worse every day. The Bible indicates that the world will get worse and worse as the day of Jesus's return. This will incude intensifying spiritual warfare, lawlessness, and deception. Key verses like 2 Timothy 3:13 state that "evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse," while Jesus described these times as "birth pangs" Matthew 24:8; “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” referring to increased tribulations.

Key Scriptures Describing Why Things Get Worse:

Matthew 24:12 (The Increase of Lawlessness): "And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold". Jesus is describing to the disciples the harsh reality that awaits them after He leaves and before the end of the age when He returns. He has said that they will be hated for their association with Him, that they will be persecuted and killed. Many who seem to follow Jesus will fall away due to that pressure and some will even betray others. False prophets will rise to teach false doctrine and lead many people away from the truth of Jesus,

Once again, we are seeing this manifesting at an incredible rate. Have you noticed the laws that we use to live by and obey. They only seem to apply to those that are for the most part, law abiding citzens. Even our politicians get away with murder, literally. All this starts at the top and filters down to everybody else. When it says that many seem to fall away, that is referring to the apostasy. (an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith)  This was also prophesied to take place in the end days. With all the evidence that we are witnessing every day about end time promises being fulfilled, you would have to be blind not to see it. True Christians will see it and know the time is near for the return of Jesus Christ to remove His Bride from what is shortly coming to pass. 

Matthew 24:8 (The Birth Pangs): Jesus describes wars, famines, and earthquakes as the "beginning of birth pains," suggesting they worsen as the end nears. We have seen wars, famines, and earthquakes since the beginning of time, but if you follow the statistics over the last thirty years or so, you will notice a huge increase of these events, like never before. All these catastrophic phenomena are Gods minor judgements. They will continue to increase as the end is near.

2 Timothy 3:1-5: Describes "perilous times" or "terrible times" in the last days, marked by selfishness, disobedience, and lack of love. Where do I even begin with this one. Selfishness, disobedience and lack of love are off the charts. Disobedience being the most obvious one. Over the last few decades, we have been setting the table for what we are living in today. Society has made it so parents can’t even discipline their children, but when the children get in trouble, they always blame the parents. Yes, its true that it is the parents blame for the most part, but our education system is equally responsible. Unless you haven’t noticed, we are heading in the direct of socialism and that is what the education system is teaching our children. I can promise you that socialism and eventually communism will take over the world. But once again, if you are a Bible believing Christian, you should already know this.   

Revelation 12:12: Suggests Satan acts with great fury because he "knows that he has a short time". Here is one that needs clarification. A lot of people do not believe that Satan is real. Satan knows that he has but a little time to destroy as many souls as he can. God has turned the world over to Satan for one more attack on the Jews and the Christian body. If you are truly a Christian, one that Satan hates, although he hates everybody, you should have noticed an overwhelming continuation of trails and tribulation. God has given Satan his last hurrah at trying to turn people against Him (God) Many are already turning from God because they feel that God is the reason for all the turmoil in our world. Read the book of Job and you will totally understand what we are going through and why. Its kind of ironic that those that blame God for all the evil in our world are the same people that say they don't believe in God in the first place. God already knows who will stay faithful to Him and who will depart from the faith, but the choice is still ours to make. Revelation 12:12; “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

The voice from heaven that John heard called on all of creation to rejoice. The Devil's defeat and banishment from heaven will be an occasion of great joy for believers. However, the voice also pronounced woe to thsoe that are left after the rapture of the church because the Devil will be confined to the earth. Further, the Devil knows his time is going to be short. Soon after he tribulation he (Satan) will be confined to the bottomless pit and then to the lake of fire. So he will try to do as much damage as he can in the brief time that he has left. This is why the persecution of Christians is on the rise and why we are being persecuted the way we are. Specifically, at this point in time, (Half way through the tribulation) Satan knows he only has 1,260 days, the second half of the tribulation, to vent his fury. Although Satan is not omniscient—all knowing—he knows the Scriptures. He used them in a futile attempt to trip Jesus and cause Him to sin. He knows the Scripture foretells his appointment with eternal judgment. But how will he vent his fury in the second half of the tribulation? 

Revelation 12:13–17; “Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman (Israel) who gave birth to the male Child. (Jesus) But the woman (Israel) was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, (Petra) where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, (Three and a half years)  from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.  But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood (Israels opposing forces ) which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman, (Israel) and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, (Those that survived the flood of her enemies) who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” The last three and a half years of the tribulation,

The serpent (Satan) spewing a river of water to sweep away the woman (symbolizing Israel after failing to destroy her child.) This "flood" that is spoken of in these verses represents a massive surge of persecution, lies, or invading forces (like armies or false doctrines) designed to destroy believers during the end times, which God subsequently intervenes to stop. 

This description of the rest of the woman's offspring clearly identifies believers in Jesus. They may be a group of Jews, and possibly some Gentiles who welcomed the message of the 144,000 Jewish Evangelists identified in chapter 7. The tribulation period certainly leaves no room for wishy-washing professors of Christ. The severe trials of the tribulation will demonstrate genuine faith. As the apostle Peter explained, faith that is tried proves its genuineness and results in "praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" 

Luke 21:34-36: Warns that the day will come unexpectedly as a "snare" on the whole earth, urging vigilance; “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

These verses are describing the rapture of the church, which is great news for all believer in Jesus Christ. These verses are telling us that there is a way of escape from all the evil that is coming to the world during the seven year tribulation. If Jesus is not talking about the evil that is taking place in the world at this time, what else could He be referring to? This is absolute proof why we should pay attention to Gods promise’s relating to end times. God has done everything He can to let us know what is coming and how to escape it. If you stand before Jesus in judgment and plead innocence, He will recall all the verses in the Bible that you should have read and then you wouldn’t be standing before Jesus at the white throne judgement. It is our reasonability to know the Word of God and there will be no excuse when you stand in judgement before Jesus Christ at the “White Throne Judgment.”

Now, back to why I said this blog is for believers in Christ. Most people that say they are Christians, are just Christians in name only. If you are truly a born again Christian, then you should be aware of all that I have written. If you deny these truths, then its obvious that the Holy Spirit does not indwell you. When you become born again, the Holy Spirit takes residence in your life and guides you through all truth. Without the Holy Spirit as your guide, there is no way for you to understand the Bible the way it was meant to be understood. That is why we have so many different doctrines, its because the Holy Spirit does not guide organized religions through the scriptures. Organized religions have their own interpretation of what they believe the Bible teaches.

Let me end with this personal message. I’ve been writing these blogs for quite some time now. I don’t know who reads them or passes them on. I do know this. If you are on my list of people who receive my blogs, it is Gods will. God is trying to reach you. You may not have any respect for me or anything that I share, but I know for a fact that everything that I write comes by way of the Holy Spirit. We are living in a time where prophecies are being fulfilled, and the end of all things are at hand. God is trying to reach certain people with His truth before He comes back, and He is using people like me and many others to do so. If you are rejecting God Word, just so you know, there is no other way to be saved. Let me share a verse with you that better wake people up.

"God will not always strive with man" Genesis 6:3 means that God's patience with human sinfulness is not infinite. It indicates a limit to His grace and the Spirit's convicting work, often leading to judgment after a period of warnings. The verse highlights that humanity is "flesh" (mortal and sinful), and God's tolerance, while long, has a designated endpoint. Genesis 6:3;  “Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal, their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”

A direct, stern warning where God states He will stop rescuing those who habitually forget Him and refuse to repent is found in; Psalm 50:22; “"Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you." This passage emphasizes a finality to divine intervention when individuals turn away. 

Key themes regarding the cessation of God's saving or intervening help include:

Judgment on the Forgetful: Psalm 50:22 highlights that forgetting God and ignoring His covenant will result in a point where no one else can rescue the sinner.

If God is trying to get your attention and you keep rejecting His gift of grace, He will eventually stop trying. While God is described as patient and long-suffering, seeking to bring individuals to repentance, persistent and long-term rejection of His truth can lead to a point where He stops striving with a person. Continual, deliberate resistance can cause a hardening of the heart, resulting in being allowed to face the consequences of separating oneself from Him.

God does know before you die, where you are going to spend eternity because He knew before the foundation the world who would be Saved. You may ask, then why does He keep trying if He already knows that you will never come to repentance. I’ll tell you why, because when an unbeliever stands in judgment before Christ, Jesus will show you every chance that you had to be saved so then when you get sentenced to the Lake of Burning Fire, you will know why. You won’t have a leg to stand on in your defense.

So, you still have time to repent and give your life over to Jesus Christ, but that day will come to an end, and it could be soon. Once the rapture, there will be no more chance to be saved by grace. There will be people that will be saved during the tribulation at the expense of getting martyred for their conversion to Christ. If you reject Jesus before the rapture, then you may not get another chance during the tribulation. Do you want to take that chance?  

Some believe those who heard the gospel during the Church Age but rejected Christ’s gift of salvation cannot be saved after the Rapture. They also believe the multitudes saved during the Tribulation are people who never heard the gospel before the Rapture. They have several reasons for holding this position:

2 Thessalonians 2:9-11; “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them (Those that rejected Jesus) strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,”

And now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.