Introduction
This is an important warning The Lord has entrusted me to share with the body of Christ- The Rapture Saints and The Tribulation/Martyr Saints. Please take heed and take this in prayer before The Lord to receive clarity, direction and wisdom in these last days. Please keep in mind, this is what He has shown me and called me to share. He put this title in my heart over two years ago. And I am now ready and released to share this.
When The Lord gave me this assignment, I only understood what I had gathered up to that point. But He has shown me that this time is now upon us and many will be caught off guard- even Christians.
The reason for this is that they are asleep, not listening to the alarms that have been sounding; because they choose to be in the world instead of being set apart; and because they are intoxicated with the cares of this life (the world). However, the hour of trial is upon us and we will all be faced with the moment of truth. This will be a time that will test our faith like never before, a time when we will know where our hearts truly are and who truly is our first love.
Over the past few years I have wondered about; wrestled with; and asked The Lord about how some Christians could be "left behind" and others "raptured". As I began to study God's Word and asked The Lord to show me and guide me through The Holy Spirit- revealing what He wanted me to see and know and eventually share.
I believe that I now understand and am ready to share what The Lord has called me to share.
I realize that some will bear witness in spirit; while others will completely dismiss; and still others will be left with many questions. And I will say with full confidence that each reaction is the right one and no surprise to God.
He knows exactly where each one of us are- yes even those who do not believe in Christ- He knows you and He wants you to hear this too. And rest assured, wherever you are on your life's journey- if you seek Him, He will guide you into all Truth.
I feel impressed to preface by quoting this sobering group of words:
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" - Philippians 2:10
If we as Christians, if we as the church, taught this more- perhaps we would realize that being saved is the only option. In other words, evangelizing to the lost would encompass this truth: You have a choice to surrender your life now (which is a gift from God Himself) by acknowledging Christ as Savior and Lord or surrendering your life at the risk of losing it then (to the Antichrist). But the time is coming soon when all will bow and all will confess, that He IS Lord (Romans 14:11).
Can we even imagine, how many more hearts would be humbled to repentance?
The world is franticly searching for the truth in these last days and we (true believers in the true Messiah) have access and ability to share this Truth with them- and yet, we don't always.
God knew this before time began. He knew we would be...human. This is why He sent His Son- to redeem us from out fallen state. This is why He will send The King of kings, The Lord of lords- The Lord Jesus Christ to come back, for one final moment of salvation.
What On Earth Is Going On?!
If you're old enough to know, then you have seen just how crazy things have become on our planet!
From the weather anomalies and earthquake and volcanic activity to the strange and tragic news stories about people. It is not your imagination- things ARE getting worse, and globally. Would you be surprised to know that these things have been prophesied in the Bible? Jesus Himself warns us in the synoptic gospels (specifically The Olivet Discourse) of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. These things are happening before our very eyes. It is surreal. It is daunting. But it is prophesied in Scripture and this is the time we are in.
What are we to do?!
As nice as it sounds to "think positive" and "things will get better", this is simply not the case. And if you at this time cannot quite see this, it won't be long before you will.
The Bible, the Word of God is true and their prophetic pages written long ago are coming to life- now, in our time.
The Lord has warned that life as we've known is about to change- in an instant.
When I stop to think about the natural disasters that have happened this Summer alone (2018), it is hard to fathom: these people all over the world were having a normal day and suddenly, their entire life as they knew was over- in an instant.
We cannot change what is happening or what is to come. It is prophesied in The Bible. It will happen as it is written.
Nonetheless, we are not to be complacent, indifferent or fearful.
God is in control of all things. God knows the good that is happening. God knows the evil that is happening. God protects His children.
We must accept The Truth. We must be surrendered to The Truth. We must live by The Truth. We must share The Truth.
We each have an important role in our lives and the lives of others. We are part of God's creation- a broken, desperately sick, and in need of a Savior- creation.
The Under-Prepared Contemporary Church
The contemporary church, overall, is not ready for what is about to take place.
The primary reason for this is that the church has shied away (and perhaps blatantly avoided) the teaching of Christ' Return. It is often a 'sensitive' or 'controversial' 'topic'- at least that is what has been understood and inadvertently expressed to congregations world wide.
Nevertheless, Christ' Return, The Day of The Lord, The End of The Age, and all the events that encompass this time period are not a topic- they are part of Scripture. And they are vital for us to know and understand as we are living in the last days.
Many Christians are apathetic when the 'topic' of Christ's Return arises. I have often wondered how and why could such an important part of our Christins lives can be ignored. After seeking The Lord about why, this is what I came to understand:
1. Unbelief
Many just plain scoff at the "possibility" that we could very well be the living generation to witness the return of The Lord. They will usually say or ask provoking and sarcastic questions like; "How do you know?"; "No one knows the day or the hour"; or "Who cares, people have been fear mongering for years."; "Life goes on".
2. Ignorance
Many are ignorant either in the Scriptures or in the times. Their response is "Don't know. Don't care"; "I go to church"; "I'm a good person".
3. Fear
Many have some inkling of the possibility that we are living in the last days, but rather than accept it they hide behind "works salvation". That is, they figure since they are volunteering at church or doing charitable works, they don't need to be concerned with the 'when' of Christ returning.
4. Carnality
Many and perhaps even most who scoff at the imminent return of Christ are firmly planted in the ways of the world. This means that while they know enough and cover the basics (like church attendance and works), they spend daily life immersed in the culture of the world. Too much "cool" or "fun" stuff going on to even notice that we are living in the last days.
The reason that it is paramount for the church to know and understand the hour we are living in, is so that we will know how to :
1. Explain to a lost, frantic, dying world of what is happening, as things begin to unfold and occur.
2. To serve during this chaotic time of need and point people to the true source of 'peace and security'- who is Christ Jesus.
3. Help prepare the tribulation saints who will minister to the lost in the final hour of repentance.
The majority of the church these days has strayed so far from what the original church (Acts 2) was like that we may as well be like the world. Perhaps you can agree. Perhaps you do not. But the compromise is in our modern churches, and because of this they are not fully alert, or fully prepared.
Are these my brothers and sisters- the ones who suffer for righteousness sake; the ones who spend the week battling in the spirit just to stay in the spirit; the ones who share in my sufferings?
No doubt there are some who truly follow. No doubt there are many who do not.
Can you tell the difference? Did you know we are called to test the spirits?(1 John 4). Yes all spirits. Your pastors and teachers are no exception. What's more, while many leaders may be saved- they're teachings can be tainted with deception.
Wow. How can that be?! A saved person can be deceived? Yes.
In fact, Paul warns us constantly in the new testament that we must guard against being deceived- by ANYONE.
Is it any wonder then that the church- the followers of Christ- are not prepared for The Great Deception?
The deception has crept into the church. And truthfully, it has been doing so since Paul's day. How much more in our day... the last days?
We are on the brink of the hour of Great Deception. This deception is unlike anything we have ever seen, in measure or scale. We are on the brink of The Antichrist taking his seat in the temple of God.
Please, take heed. This will occur. It is written for us in 2 Thessalonians 2. Please read this now. Please tell all those you know in Christ.
This Antichrist will bring "peace". This Antichrist will bring "safety". This Antichrist will bring many to believe he is "god". He will use false signs and wonders to deceive those who are falling away. This strong delusion is already in the works.
Truth is distorted. Even within the church. Yes, the "church".
It may be hard to believe that church (the building that holds services with both believers and nonbelievers) can be tainted with partial truths and half lies. But this is the reality.
There are many wolves in sheep's clothing leading the sheep astray (1 Timothy1; 6; 2 Peter 2;).
How could this have happened? Isn't church supposed to be a "safe place"?
The short answer is no. But then again, yes it should.
By now you may be wondering: should I even go to church? After all, if it is full of deception... And the answer is a resounding YES!!!! The church is the body of Christ- it is the born again, spirit-filled believing, children of God. "Going to church" is an act of worship that believers make to honor God. In our culture this is recognized typically as Sunday mornings and/or evenings, Saturdays, and some churched on Wednesday evenings. We are not to neglect the gathering (Hebrews 10:25). Do not be deceived! The world is full of deception, the church is no exception. But that does not mean we don't gather with other believers in reverence to our Heavenly Father. The Bible often calls church (the place of worship ) "temple courts", and in the book of Acts, the believers met there daily. We are to meet in the contemporary "temple courts" and worship The Lord God.
We are far from the original church laid out in the book of Acts so it is not any wonder that deception can easily creep in.
But despite this, we are given the Spirit of God to guide us into all Truth. The Holy Spirit supernaturally discerns when deception is present, both inside and outside of the church.
The Great Deception
Deception is defined as: The act of deceiving someone: a thing that deceives
Ok, so what is "deceive" : (of a person) cause (someone) to believe something that is not true, typically in order to gain some personal advantage.
Synonyms of "deceive" are: mislead, fool, delude, beguile, trick, out wit, double-cross, hoodwink, swindle...
So deception is something or someone that lies. The Great Deception (also known as Apostasy) is a "great lie".
Apostasy is defined as: an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith
Therefore, The Great Apostasy is the ultimate act of refusing to continue to follow, obey or recognize a religious faith, namely, the Christian faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. And we are on the brink of this happening.
It has only been in recent months that much news has been shared about The Bible being banned, even in the United States. This was unheard of even a decade ago. The reason is, as hard as it may be to fathom, is that Christianity is no longer recognized with the same reverance as it once was, specifically in the United States. In fact, it will not be long before it is no longer tolerated. This will come on the heels of the reign of The Anitchrist- who will proclaim himself to be "god". This one-world-religion is prophesied in scripture and all things are converging for it's rise. Many will be caught off guard as they were tantalized by the social mores of "tolerance and acceptance of all faiths"; "unity"; "universal love"; etc. and many will be deceived into thinking that he is god. But this is The Great Deception. THIS IS THE GREAT DECEPTION.
From Truth To Where?
If you are reading this and things are going as closely to the normal way they have been going, then you have a moment- now- to stop reading this and pray. Ask God to reveal to you through The Holy Spirit everything He needs you to know now and where He is leading you.
If you are reading this now and things are chaotic and strange and scary- I am very sorry. I cannot imagine what you're feeling or thinking right now. But still- take this moment to pray and ask God to reveal to you through The Holy Spirit everything He needs you to know at this very moment. Seek Him in His word and find you're strength there. His promises are true and they will come to pass. Believe this. It is truth and it will come to pass.
But, seriously- what if you are reading this and WWIII has broken out; food is rationed; plagues are running rampant; the earth is falling apart; the seas are coming upon the land; meteors are falling from the sky...
STOP. GET ON YOUR KNEES AND HUMBLE YOURSELF BEFORE THE LIVING GOD. REPENT OF YOUR SINS. REND YOUR HEART TO THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. PRAY THAT HE WILL LEAD YOU ON HIS PATH NOW. THIS IS YOUR FINAL MOMENT TO GO TO HIM AND BE SAVED.
Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life.
He Is Preparing You, Even Now
If you are a rapture saint, The Lord is preparing you.
If you are a tribulation saint, The Lord is preparing you.
We are His bride, and He is refining us and preparing us for the works He prepared before the foundation of the earth, that we may walk in them and glorify Him.
You do not need to fear anything but The Lord God. He is the Creator of all things and His will and purpose will stand and come to pass.
The Great Tribulation
If you have been walking with The Lord for anything length of time then you know that the Christian walk is not an easy one. We are called out of the world and it's ways to be shaped into His image. This requires letting go of our old life and it's sin-natured ways to embrace the new life in Christ so to adopt the ways of Christ. This has been happening since the beginning of the gentiles' adoption into the kingdom of God.
But we are coming to the end of the time of the gentiles. This means that times are harder, and trials are harder than before. If you are "awake" you have a clear idea of what I am talking about. Have you ever wondered why it is that some Christians understand why you are letting go of the old, while others mock or even abandon you for it? It is because some of us have chosen to allow The Holy Spirit to sanctify us- to change us. We don't want to stay the same. We want to grow in Christ,we want to become more like Him- from glory to glory. Those who choose to remain as they are have chosen instead to ignore the work of the Holy Spirit- this is why they remain the same. But, as born again believers- we are given The Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Some of us accept the help- those who are awake. Some of us ignore the help- those who are asleep. But both are saved.
I respect that there are some who believe salvation can be easily lost. But I am not one who stands by this belief. Salvation is assured and sealed. Falling away, however, is possible.
It may surprise you to know that Christians, not nonbelievers, can fall away- but they can, they have and they are. Falling away has everything to do with quenching The Holy Spirit and instead being tantalized by the spirit of the world, your own flesh (sin-nature) and the wiles of the devil. Let me tell you, it doesn't take long to put your guard down and start listening to the wrong frequency in the spirit. We are presently living in days of serious deception. It is even written plainly for us in the news if we have eyes to see. Fake is real and real is fake. Is it any wonder, people- even Christians- are confused? No. Not at all.
What's the secret safeguard from falling away?
Read John 14-17. Jesus tells us plainly after allowing us understanding of Himself; The Holy Spirit; the paramount importance of abiding in Him; and the hatred the world will have for us as His followers.
Jesus knew and therefore warned the disciples, as He is also warning us through the living Word of God- we will be persecuted for our faith, our obedience, and our following Christ. But in Him, nothing and no one in this world can snatch us out of His hand.
What is The Great Tribulation?
The Great Tribulation is a time when the wrath of God will literally destroy the entire earth and all creation within it. Wow. I need to take a moment...
This is beyond imagination's realm. But this is prophesied in scripture. And therefore truth that will come to pass.
Are You Ready? Am I?
The blog you are reading is called: The Ready Bride.
The Lord prompted me to name it so, because we are called to be a ready bride for His return. But how do we know if we are ready for all of this that is happening and is to come?
First, you must be born-again. If you are not a believer in The Lord Jesus Christ, you will not be able to understand any of this. Being born again means that you acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and that He gave His very life so that you may live, eternally, with Him and earthly for Him.
What if you are born again and you still have trouble feeling like you're hearing from Him? Will you be ready when He returns?
As born again believers we should be able to hear God speak to our spirit, and the gentle impressing, promptings, and instructions of The Holy Spirit.
But as I mentioned earlier, if you cannot it can be linked to three areas: the world's influence, the flesh, or the devil. As christians we have three arenas of spiritual warfare we wage daily. If you are complacent in your walk then your armor is off and your guard is down and you are easy prey for the enemy, the spirit of the world and your own selfish desires.
What's the remedy? SPEND TIME WITH THE LORD.
I share in the "Bridal and Wedding Preparation" tab the importance of spending time in relationship in order for that relationship to grow. If you don't spend much time with someone, you will not know them very well. In the same way, if we do no spend time with God: in His Word, in prayer, in communion, in fellowship, we will not grow in our relationship- and we will certainly not be able to know when He is speaking to us.
You learn to hear the voice of God by spending time with Him.
There is no substitute for this- not going to church, not asking others to pray for you. It is a personal relationship- between you and The Lord.
Let me tell you something beautiful and amazing: He is always speaking to us. Yes, always. Even when you forget about Him to do our own thing. If you are a born again, spirit filled- The Holy Spirit is always speaking and guiding. If we cannot hear, it is on our end and requires adjusting our hearing to the right and true frequency.
Now then, you are born again and listening to The Holy Spirit of God and learning to yield- are you ready now?
I would say yes. We are ready to hear what He is speaking to us and what He is calling us to do.
Now the question left for you to answer is: Are you willing to do what He asks?
When The Lord began speaking to me and asking me to step out in faith to share these things I was terrified:
'Do a Bible study with my family and tell them that many unimaginable things are going to happen soon? Ask my husband to start storing water and food? Talk to the church about Jesus coming back?
They'll think I'm crazy! They'll laugh at me!'
Yes, they did. But I praise God that He gave me the strength and confidence I needed to share those things. Because here we are many years later and it's pretty hard to ignore that things are not the way they were, even 6 years ago.
Whatever The Lord is calling you to do- He will give you all you need to do it. You only need to believe. You only need to listen, yield and follow. It is how we are called to live- by faith.
Ready or Not
Whether or not we are ready, Jesus is coming soon! How soon? I don't know. Only The Father in Heaven knows.
But we are called to be ready, to be watchful and to look up 'when these things begin to happen'. He has a plan for each of us. And His plan is perfect.
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