The Great Controversy Advances
“…those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Mark 13:19)
Scripture tells us that the great controversy between good and evil, between Christ and Satan will reach a literal boiling point.
Think things are bad now?
Maybe its time to examine what Scripture tells us about last day events and how to be prepared. Jesus’ words here in Mark 13:19 are directly alluding to other passages in the Old Testament, showing us how the Bible is united on what is happening in the great controversy. Note here in the book of Daniel, for one example:
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which Stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Dan 12:1
Several of the disciples marked the words of Jesus regarding a time of trouble such as never was since the world began:
“For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Mat 24:21)
Even the beloved Psalmist has noted some promises we can count on during the coming world crises:
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. (Psalms 27:5)
The major preparation needed for Jesus’ second coming is for us to be born again:
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3)
Here is how we are born again:
You have made yourselves pure by obeying the truth. Now you can have true love for your brothers and sisters. So love each other deeply—with all your heart. You have been born again. This new life did not come from something that dies. It came from something that cannot die. You were born again through God’s life-giving message that lasts forever. (1 Pet 1:22-23)
For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.
The Scriptures say, “Our lives are like the grass of spring, and any glory we enjoy is like the beauty of a wildflower. The grass dries up and dies, and the flower falls to the ground. But the word of the Lord lasts forever.” And that word is the Good News that was told to you. (1 Pet 1:24-25)
While Jesus, our Intercessor, pleads for us in heaven, the Holy Spirit works in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Phil 2:13,Luke 11:13)
All heaven is interested in the salvation of the soul. what reason have we to doubt that the Lord will and does help us?
We who teach the people must ourselves have a vital connection with God. In Spirit and Word we should be to the people as a wellspring, because Christ is in us a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. Sorrow and pain may test our patience and our faith; but the brightness of the presence of the Unseen is with us, and we must hide self behind Jesus.
Talk courage to your church; lift them up to God in prayer. Tell them that when they feel that they have sinned, and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray.
Many feel humiliated at their failures, that they have been overcome by the enemy in the place of overcoming. Worldliness, selfishness, and carnality have weakened them, and they think it is no use to approach unto God; but this thought is one of the enemy’s suggestions. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but they must pray and believe. As they confess their sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive them their sins, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). Though the mind may wander in prayer, be not discouraged, bring it back to the throne, and do not leave the mercy seat until you have the victory.
Are you to think your victory will be testified by strong emotion? No!
“this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
The Lord knows your desire; by faith keep close to Him, and expect to receive the Holy Spirit.
The office of the Holy Spirit is to control all our spiritual exercises. The Father has given His Son for us that through the Son the Holy Spirit might come to us, and lead us unto the Father. Through divine agency, we have the spirit of intercession, whereby we may plead with God, as a person pleads with their friend.
Even you who are bad know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father knows how to give the Holy Spirit to the people who ask him.” (Luke 11:13)
Jesus assures us of the essential role of The Holy Spirit in being ready for whatever comes our way:
Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. (John 14;24-29)
Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he had been teaching them. This promise ensures the validity of the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember without taking away their individual perspectives. We can be confident that the Gospels are accurate records of what Jesus taught and did (see 1 Cor 2:10-14).
The Holy Spirit will always help us in the same way. As we study the Bible, we can trust him to plant truth in our mind, convince us of God’s will, and remind us when we stray from it. (1 Cor 2:10-14)
Don’t be fooled during these serious times we live in. If you are told or if you believe that Bible prophecy and other truths cannot be accurately determined, Jesus says the following that there is but one way for us to know for sure whats what:
People who really want to do what God wants will know that my teaching comes from God. They will know that this teaching is not my own. If I taught my own ideas, I would just be trying to get honor for myself. But if I am trying to bring honor to the one who sent me, I can be trusted. Anyone doing that is not going to lie.(John 7:17-18, ERV)
Those who attempt to know God’s will and do it will know intuitively that Jesus was telling the truth about himself. Have you ever listened to religious speakers and wondered if they were telling the truth? Test them: (1) Their words should agree with, not contradict, the Bible; (2) their words should point to God and his will, not to themselves. (Life Application Notes)
Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews. Religious teachers read the Bible in the light of their own understanding and traditions; and the people do not search the Scriptures for themselves, and judge for themselves as to what is truth; but they yield up their judgment, and commit their souls to their leaders. The preaching and teaching of His word is one of the means that God has ordained for diffusing light; but we must bring every man’s teaching to the test of Scripture. Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. They will understand the Scriptures.
“If any person is willing to do whatever God reveals to them in His Word, they will know what is true or not true.” John 7:17 {DA 459.1}