Without getting too graphic, the definition of a harlot is someone who takes a beautiful thing that God created for the purpose of reproduction and the expression of love in marriage and perverts it to fulfill their greed and lust. In the book of Revelation, we’re warned of a worldwide organization that’s described as a “great harlot”. As Pastor Mike will suggest in today’s message, this very well could represent a global, mainstream church that’s taken what God has designed and perverted it to satisfy the desires of men.

Things in the world are pretty crazy right now. Chaos, discord, suffering, and violence are just about everywhere you look. And as Pastor Mike explains today, these are all signs pointing to the end days. Jesus encouraged his followers to be ready. You must seek to live your life in light of Jesus’ imminent return. You must be ready and prepared for when Jesus returns for you, even when you least expect it. Live your life following Jesus’ example desiring to bring others to heaven with you.

It’s much more appealing to read about God’s love and grace than it is to learn about his judgment to come and the eternal punishment for sin. But, it’s important to understand the full nature of God. Today, Pastor Mike will explain why God’s judgments on the sinful world are so severe in the tribulation period. God created mankind and commanded us to worship him only. In the tribulation period, Satan will be worshiped. God cannot stand that abomination and his punishment will be poured out.

Any talk of judgment, punishment or eternal torment is either shushed up or ignored as crazy talk. Yet, the reality of hell must be understood and shared with others. As Pastor Mike teaches today, God’s wrath against sin is real. The punishment for sin is eternity spent in Hell. Jesus himself discussed hell often in his teachings. He wanted people to recognize the seriousness of sin and the great gift of his salvation. If you believe and put your trust in Him, you won’t go to hell, but instead, spend eternity in Heaven with him.

Life during the tribulation period will be terribly difficult and painful for those who’ve professed faith in God who are left on earth. There will be greater persecution, more rejection, and greater suffering than believers experience on earth now. Yet, as Pastor Mike teaches today, they will stand firm. They’ll be true to God and his word, and will not forsake God. They won’t conform to the incredibly godless and vile world they’re living in and will live beyond reproach.

God’s covenant people, the Jews, whom he sought to reach the world through, rejected his son, the salvation of the world. They in fact crucified him. Yet, as Pastor Mike teaches today, he hasn’t forgotten and will not forsake his people, the Jews. God will use the trials and suffering of the tribulation period to bring his people back to himself. Some of them will finally recognize Jesus as Messiah and confess faith in him before it’s too late. They will grieve their original rejection of Jesus and finally worship Him as he deserves.

In the second coming of Christ, Jesus will have with him 144,000 believers sealed by God, with God’s name on them. And whether a literal name is written on them or it’s simply known they’re God’s children isn’t clear. But, as pastor Mike teaches today, if you’re a believer in Christ, it should be obvious to others by the way you live your life. It should be easy to tell if you’re a true follower of Christ by your character, your lifestyle, and your devotion to the Lord. Do others know you’re God’s child by your life?

How convenient would it be to not have to carry any money? No cash, no cards – nothing. It’s not hard to see the appeal. Whatever form the mark would take – it could be a tattoo or a microchip, or even some kind of biomarker that could easily be marketed as more convenient and secure, when it ultimately allows government control on an unprecedented level. As Pastor Mike will illustrate in today’s message, this technology is already in place and could be easily implemented on a broad scale.

All of us want unity. That’s a God-given desire. Unfortunately, we have a very clever enemy who knows how to use even the noblest human desires against us. He convinces us that we can find unity through war, government, money, religion, or a number of different means – anything but Christ. The truth is, only Jesus can bring unity that overcomes the selfishness in our hearts. As Pastor Mike will warn in today’s message, it’s this weakness that will allow many people who’ve rejected Jesus to welcome an Anti-Christ.

The book of Revelation makes people uncomfortable. The events and environment it describes aren’t “family-friendly” – in fact, if they were accurately depicted in a film, it would need at least an “R” rating. For many of us, we may feel a sense of fear as we study its prophecies. But, as Pastor Mike will remind us in today’s message that if you are in Christ, you can take comfort. He won’t allow His beloved followers to suffer through the terror and destruction that will reign during the time that Satan is let loose.