Many people that I've spoken with in the past 7 months or so have a sense that we are nearing the end of all things. It has been a horrible year because of the actions of tyrannical governors that have ruined businesses, ended careers, violated precious human rights and completely disregarded the U.S. Constitution.
"But there have been many worse years in mankind's history."
Yes, this is true. For example, there have been ACTUAL pandemics such as the Black Plague that decimated Europe (during a later outbreak of the plague, Martin Luther preached hundreds of sermons to crowds of believers by the way). There have also been horrendous wars and causes of death such the Irish Potato Famine, America's Great Depression, over 60 million killed in the USSR, and so on. So why is 2020 so unique?
1) Our woes in 2020 are global, and entirely manufactured. There is no pandemic, but there is a response to this scam that is advancing tyranny worldwide. One headline read, "More People Are Now in 'Lockdown' Than Were Alive During World War II." American's tend to view the United States as the center of the world, but during this time we are seeing the entire world suffer, and the lockdowns in places like Australia are particularly heinous.
2) The church has never suffered from government persecution in the United States like it is experiencing today. This also, is a result of the global lockdowns. One article said, "Liquor stores are considered 'essential,' but worship is not in most countries during the pandemic." Once again, this is global persecution of the church.
"Our obligation to promote the public good extends as much to the opposing every exertion of arbitrary power that is injurious to the state as it does to the submitting to good and wholesome laws. No man, therefore, can be a good member of the community that is not as zealous to oppose tyranny, as he is ready to obey magistracy." - Samuel West
3) Many prophecies in the Bible regarding End Times concern the State of Israel. Ezekiel 34 is one location in Scripture that makes it clear that Israel will be gathered together once again, which happened in 1948 after almost 1900 years of being scattered among other nations. Less than a hundred years after that, in 2020, several Arab nations are signing peace treaties with Israel, and it's possible more will follow. Remember, it is a peace deal (Daniel 9:27) that begins the seven-year Great Tribulation period. Also we have Ezekiel 38 that talks about peace in Israel right before mass invasion. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 says, "For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape."
4) "No mask, no service" is now a common expression and this can be seen on many storefronts today. I believe strongly that this is a stepping stone towards the Mark of the Beast as detailed in Revelation 13. Additionally, the technology now exists for a "mark" (microchip) to be implanted in the backs of human hands to be used for commerce.
For the above reasons and more I do believe that the end is near. So what does that mean? It means we should share with gospel with everyone. It means we should spend more time in prayer to help us strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ in preparation for worsening persecution. It means we should be, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ."
"For the first time in 2000 years, the church has been sequestered all around the world at the exact same time. That's a message." - Pastor Jack Hibbs
