End-Time Insights

Jesus nachzufolgen erfordert die Bereitschaft, für ihn zu leiden. Verfolgung zu ertragen ist die höchste Ehre in seinem Reich . Vergeltung und Gewalt sind für den Jünger Jesu keine angemessenen Reaktionen auf Feindseligkeiten. Stattdessen müssen wir Bedrohungen und Angriffen mit Demut, Barmherzigkeit und Vergebung begegnen. Das ist es, was es bedeutet, " sich selbst zu verleugnen ", " sein Kreuz auf sich zu nehmen " und dem Lamm zu folgen, " wohin es auch führt ". Wenn wir unseren Feinden Gutes tun, werden wir " vollkommen wie unser himmlischer Vater ".

Following Jesus requires the willingness to suffer for him. Enduring persecution is the highest honor imaginable for his disciples . Retaliation and violence are not appropriate reactions to hostility for the disciple of Jesus. Instead, we must meet threats and assaults with humility, mercy, and forgiveness. This is what it means to “ deny yourself ,” “ take up his cross ,” and follow the Lamb “ wherever he leads .” Doing good to our “ enemies ” is how we become “ perfect as our Heavenly Father .”

Before the End, Satan will launch his final war to exterminate the Church, the men and women who have the Testimony of Jesus . At the end of the present age, Satan will launch his final war to annihilate the Church. Several passages in the  Book of Revelation  describe the ongoing cosmic battle between “ the Dragon ” and “ the Lamb ,” a process that will culminate in this last confrontation on “ the great day of God Almighty ” at the place called ‘Armageddon’.

Satan is the Great Red Dragon that attacks the Lamb by persecuting his followers, the men and women who have the Testimony of Jesus . The  Book of Revelation  is designed to “ reveal what things must come to pass ,” not to conceal them. Too often in popular preaching, we ignore the clear text of Scripture as Satan and his earthly agents are transformed into global political leaders that fit our political biases and expectations.

At the end of the age, Satan will wage his final war on the saints, the followers of the Lamb . The  Book of Revelation  portrays the ongoing Cosmic War between the “ Dragon ” and the “ Lamb .” It is being waged on the Earth as Satan’s servants, both human and nonhuman, seek to destroy the followers of Jesus.  The conclusion of this war will affect the entire Cosmos. Following the Lamb’s final victory over his enemies, life will be changed forever throughout the Universe, and death and evil will be no more.