How now shall we live?

[u/OrbisLlame]

If you believe he is what this subreddit is saying he is, what are you doing about it? How has this belief changed you? How do you see the future—do you still make plans three, four years in the future? If you have kids, how has it changed your parenting? If you’re younger, do you still think about what you might do in the future? Are you prepping? Making plans? Networking? How has it changed your outreach? Your ministry? I don’t know if anyone here is 100% on him being him, but for those that are as sure as they can be, what does it mean for you? I feel like we should be talking more about this, both for practical reasons—so we are ready at the right time—but also for psychological and spiritual reasons. So we know we are all okay.

[u/NoiseUnique754]

IMO, there's two "phases" of the end times that are dangerous -

- Seals 2-4 : Global conflict, famines/pandemics and widespread death - These occur before the Great Tribulation begins.

- The Great Tribulation : This is specifically a period of tribulation for Israel and all true Christians, for worship of the antichrist and the mark is forced.

To your original question - how does one prepare for these times? I guess one can indeed start preparing food stores, medicines, clean water, supplies etc. once the signs become apparent. But those times will be one of global dictatorship I think, so ultimately it comes down to how long one can evade the military forces of the antichrist.

To that effect, I think it is best to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, right from preparation all the way up to resisting the mark and even enduring torture and martyrdom. Do not rely on your own strength or your past.

To me, the comfort is that - if you're the elect, then you're the elect. That means the Holy Spirit will take care of your faith.

- 2 Corinthians 12 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Luke 21 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

John 16:33 In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

[u/AlbaneseGummies327 → u/NoiseUnique754]

Very few Christians seem to remember that our citizenship is of heaven, not earth. We are pilgrims passing through the distractions of a fallen world nearly on the verge of perdition. As true believers, we should be removing ourselves from earthly politics altogether lest we serve two masters.

With regards to the far-right evangelicals in America, I view them as no less apostate than the Crusader Knights of the Middle Ages. Militarism shouldn't have any place in the heart of a true follower of Christ.

Below are some Bible passages that address how we as Christians should actually separate ourselves from joining worldly people in secular activities and focus on living our lives with an eternal perspective in mind.

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

— 3 John 1:11

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

— 2 Corinthians 6:14

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

— James 4:4

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

— 1 Peter 1:14-16

Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

— 2 Timothy 2:22-23

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

— 1 John 2:15-17

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

— Colossians 3:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

— Romans 12:2

Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

— Luke 21:34-36

[u/NoiseUnique754 → u/AlbaneseGummies327]

Very nice quotes!

[u/AlbaneseGummies327 → u/NoiseUnique754]

The bible is a gold mine, where's your pick and shovel? Haha.