Signs of The End Times
Matthew 24:3-4|While He was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately and said, Tell us, when will this take place, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end (the completion, the consummation) of the age? 4 Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error]. AMPC
Matthew 24:9-13|Then they will hand you over to suffer affliction and tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.10 And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred.11 And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error.12 And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity,13 But he who endures to the end will be saved. AMPC
OFFENSE DISTORTS AND DARKENS:
John Bevere:
You can divide all offended people into two major categories: (1) those who have been treated unjustly or (2) those who believe they have been treated unjustly. People in the second category believe with all their hearts that they have been wronged. Often their conclusions are drawn from inaccurate information. Or their information is accurate, but their conclusion is distorted. Either way, they hurt, and their understanding is darkened. They judge by assumption, appearance, and hearsay.
PRIDE BLINDS AND DECEIVES:
John Bevere:
Pride keeps you from dealing with truth. It distorts your vision. You never change when you think everything is fine. Pride hardens your heart and dims the eyes of your understanding. It keeps you from the change of heart repentance that will set you free. Pride causes you to view yourself as a victim. Your attitude becomes, I was mistreated and misjudged; therefore, I am justified in my behavior. Because you believe you are innocent and falsely accused, you hold back forgiveness. Though your true heart condition is hidden from you, it is not hidden from God. Just because you were mistreated, you do not have permission to hold on to an offense. Two wrongs do not make a right!