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Karen Pourbabaee
“Children, it is the last hour and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so many antichrists have appeared.
Thus we know this is the last hour.” 1 John 2:18 NAB
Who knows the last hour? Only the Father. (Matt. 24:36)
But Jesus tells us to be prepared in Matthew 24:42-44.
He warns us to stay awake and be watchful.
The many antichrists in the world are awake and watching for opportunities to thwart our way.
In an antichristic world, what can I do to counteract the encroaching evil? How can I keep my way?
What can I do to be pro-Christ among a myriad of antichrists?
1 John 2 provides many key points of readiness for the last hour:
Know Him (v.4)—practice a strong prayer life and keep daily fellowship with Him.
Keep His Word (v.5)—to keep it, we must know it.
Study is essential!
Further elaboration tells us, “the word of God remains in you and you have conquered the evil one.”(v.14)
Hide the Word in your heart—keep it and be protected from the evil one. Recall Jesus used the Word to demolish all temptations in the desert.
Love your brother (v.9)—because that’s the spirit of Christ in the world that defeats the many antichrists. God is love.
Do not love the things of the world (v.15)—love the things of the Lord.
Confess the Son (v.23)—in word and deed.
Be pro-Christ in an antichrist world.
Remain in Him (v.24-28)—this is emphasized four times in these four verses! We cannot stray, or we will be snatched away.
Be vigilant to remain in Him.
Lord, may I be still and know You more.
May I keep Your Word and conquer evil in Your Name.
May I love others as You love them and love not the things of this world. May I confess You in word and deed.
And may I evermore remain in You, safe until the last hour.
Amen.
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