Preparing for End Times

The Bible warns that in the last days, believers will face numerous significant stumbling blocks. These challenges include widespread deception, the distractions of everyday life, a rise in lawlessness leading to moral decline, and intense persecution. As a result, many Christians may experience apostasy, drifting away from their faith and allowing their love to grow cold. Ultimately, these circumstances will render them vulnerable to the influence of the Antichrist.

Key stumbling blocks:
Deception by False Teachers and Prophets:
Jesus' first warning regarding the end times was, "Take heed that no one deceives you" (Matthew 24:4.) Many false Christs and false prophets will arise, performing great signs and wonders to mislead people, even the elect, if possible. This deception often originates within the church, where leaders may preach a false gospel or use the name of Christ to propagate falsehoods. The underlying issue is a lack of love for the truth of God's Word, which renders individuals vulnerable to "believing lies and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1)

Worldly Cares of Life:
Jesus warns his followers to be vigilant and spiritually alert as they await his return, lest they be caught off guard. (Luke 21:34-36) He urges believers to avoid having their hearts "weighed down" by dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, which he says can prevent them from being prepared for his return. The meaning emphasizes that worldly distractions and excess can lead to spiritual unresponsiveness, making the day of his coming a sudden and unexpected trap.
Jesus calls us to live a disciplined, watchful, and prayerful life, ready to meet Him by staying focused on Him and avoiding the things that numb spiritual sensitivity.

Lawlessness and Moral Decay:
The Bible warns of a significant increase in lawlessness (Matthew 24:12). People will exhibit a range of ungodly traits, including being "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, unholy, without love, unforgiving, without self-control, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
This moral decline can make it difficult for believers to maintain their moral compass and resist conforming to worldly standards.

Love Growing Cold:
Due to the abundance of sin and wickedness, "the love of many will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). This can manifest as a lack of charity, compassion, and fervency in their faith and relationships with others.

Apostasy (Falling Away from Faith):
Scripture prophesies a "great falling away" where some will abandon their faith to follow "deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). This departure is often linked to an unwillingness to endure sound biblical doctrine, preferring instead teachings that cater to personal lusts and "itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). A general atmosphere of doubt and disbelief in God's Word contributes to this departure from the faith.

Persecution and Tribulation:
Believers will face severe persecution, being hated by all nations for the name of Jesus, and some will even be killed for their faith (Matthew 24:9). This intense pressure can cause some to be offended, betray one another, and ultimately fall away. Christians will face various forms of tribulation, including wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, which can become spiritual stumbling blocks. Persecution for their faith will also intensify, requiring perseverance and steadfastness.

Materialism and Worldliness:
An overemphasis on money and an attachment to the material things of the world can become a form of idolatry, distracting believers from their relationship with God. (Ezekiel 14:3) The pursuit of comfort, wealth, and public approval can cause believers to compromise their values.

Spiritual Pride and Self-Sufficiency:
Temptations toward spiritual pride, self-elevation, and self-sufficiency can lead Christians to depend on their own efforts rather than on God's grace and guidance. This can manifest as an unwillingness to be corrected or a focus on outward appearances of godliness while denying its true power.

Lack of Biblical Knowledge:
A general lack of knowledge of God's Word (Hosea 4:6) makes believers vulnerable to false teachings and deception. Without a strong foundation in Scripture, Christians can be easily swayed by cultural trends or erroneous doctrines.

Complacency/Lukewarmness:
A state of being neither hot nor cold in faith (Revelation 3:16) can be a major issue, where Christians become apathetic and lack spiritual discipline and zeal.

How to Prepare:
A Practical Checklist
For followers of Christ, this checklist will equip believers to endure intense persecution, combat widespread deception, and overcome significant hardships while staying faithful to God and accomplishing their mission.

 Abiding in Christ, serves as the cornerstone and essential key for confronting the end times.
Without abiding in Christ, none of the other attributes will be effective. Navigating the challenges of the end times will be impossible without a continual connection to Jesus Christ.

Abiding means making an enduring commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ—trusting Him, believing Him, obeying Him, and loving Him. It involves maintaining a constant and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, dwelling with Him, and being aware of His continual presence in our lives. This understanding emphasizes that, without Jesus, we can do nothing. It requires turning to Christ in every situation we encounter and relying solely on Him for the strength that empowers us through our weaknesses.

  Psalm 91:1, 1 Peter 1:23, John 8:31, John 15:4-5, John 15:10, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:24, John 14:17, 1 John 4:13

Such abiding refers to maintaining a close relationship with Christ and His teachings. In a world where many may fall away—called the Great Apostasy—abiding in Christ ensures that we remain spiritually grounded. This connection allows us to draw strength from Him, enabling us to produce spiritual fruit and resist the prevailing lawlessness and coldness of heart.

 Watch, stay awake, and be alert are warnings repeated in scripture concerning the end times and are the main takeaways of the end-time parable of the ten virgins, in which they all fell asleep. The ten virgins in this parable represent the church.

Believers are called to be spiritually alert and vigilant for the signs of the times and the return of Christ, as emphasized in passages like Matthew 25:13 and 1 Peter 4:7. This alertness helps them to avoid spiritual complacency, recognize false teachings and temptations, pray effectively, and live in a constant state of readiness for the Lord's coming.

(Matthew 26:41, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Colossians 4:2, Luke 21:36, Mark 14:38, Mark 13:37, Mark 13:37)

We are to watch ourselves that we're growing in our faith, living pure lives rather than stagnating.
We are to watch out for our fellow believers as well, "encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25) These challenges call for us, as Christians, to remain watchful, grounded in the Bible, and to persevere in faith until the end.

 Pray for Strength to Escape in the Last Days. This is an important end time instruction.
Jesus said, "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 21:36 ESV

Spiritual Strength, which is derived from God rather than self-reliance, is essential for withstanding the intense trials and spiritual battles of the end times. Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 16:13 ("Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong") and Isaiah 40:29–31 highlight the importance of divine empowerment to prevent weariness or falling away in the face of the increasing darkness and lawlessness in the world.

  Build your faith and strengthen your resolve by reading Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Their persecution and martyrdom are sobering, yet their testimony is encouraging, just like our testimony will be to those who witness our persecution. Foxe's book is available as an audiobook on YouTube.  --Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4

  Patient Endurance is essential, according to the Bible, to prepare us for the coming persecution by imprisonment or worse, martyrdom. 
The Bible consistently stresses the necessity of patient endurance (also translated as perseverance or steadfastness) to remain faithful until the very end. Matthew 24:13 states, "But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Endurance allows believers to bear hardships, suffering, and persecution without giving up their hope, ultimately leading to spiritual maturity and the promised eternal life.

The Bible says we need Endurance as well as Faith for facing persecution in the end times:
If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance [or perseverance] and faith of the saints.
--- Revelation 13:10

The Bible teaches us that we need ENDURANCE and FAITH to confront the challenges of imprisonment and the possibility of death.
And the Lord also tells us how to obtain these two attributes:
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance," --- Romans 5:3

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. --- James 1:2-3 NASB

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." --- Romans 10:17

 Choose to be courageous each day; choose today whom you will serve. Remember, Jesus exhorts us not to be afraid or cowardly.
Moreover, scripture tells us that God sees cowards like murderers and idolaters:
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
--- Revelation 21:8

The end times are described as perilous times in 2 Timothy 3:1 , marked by opposition and animosity toward the name of Christ. For believers, courage is crucial in standing firm in their convictions, speaking the truth with boldness, and confronting challenges with bravery and integrity. This courage reflects a determined resolve that enables them to trust in God's sovereignty instead of giving in to fear.

During the difficult times that lie ahead, we may not always feel courageous. However, we must remember that courage is a choice we make, rather than something dictated by our feelings.
It is essential to decide to live fearlessly for the LORD, fully surrendering to God's will.
Choose to be fearlessness.

  --- Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 27:14, Mark 5:36, Revelation 21:8, Psalms 56:11, Psalms 118:5-7, Isaiah 41:10

The Bible says that the last days will be the most difficult time in all history (Matthew 24:21, Daniel 12:1). This is sobering. But as followers of Jesus Christ, we also know that God is in control, and every detail of the end times is in His sovereign hands. (2 Chronicles 20:6) But we all know that when we take our eyes off Jesus like Peter did while walking on the Sea of Galilee, the violent, chaotic world around us is frightening.
But scripture calls us to be "strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:9) When fearful moments come, as the end times unfold, we have to look to Jesus who is our stronghold. (Psalm 27:1)

To overcome fear, we must love the Lord and trust Him completely.
For we know that "love casts out all fear." (1 John 4:18)
When we truly love the Lord, we will have NO FEAR and we will believe and completely trust Him!

When we trust in the Lord, He guides us out of fear to a place of peace. When fear arises, we need to remember to place our anxious thoughts at the foot of the cross and ask for the peace of God to be with us.

Peace from God helps us remain calm and unafraid in difficult times. Remember that God is with us throughout these challenges, providing His peace and comfort every step of the way. By turning to Him in prayer and casting our worries upon Him, we can experience the peace that "surpasses all understanding."

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
--- John 16:33

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-- Philippians 4:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
--- John 14:27

To overcome anxiety and fear,
we need faith, courage, self-control, and especially love.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?
Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.
-- Psalms 27:1 NASB, Psalms 27:3 NASB



  Keep your testimony, no matter the cost.  --2 Timothy 1:8, Revelation 12:11
A strong personal testimony of faith is crucial for personal steadfastness and evangelism, especially in the last days. Enduring trials with hope acts as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the reality of God's power and promises in a world that often denies His existence. The book of Revelation speaks of believers who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, often in the face of death or persecution.

Become salt and light to the world around you. Do not hide the light of Christ.  Keep your "testimony" lit, making sure you have enough oil like the five wise virgins. (Matthew 25:1-4)

Emotions play a big part in our fears. Manage anxiety and address your fears by acknowledging them. Do not focus on your circumstances; rather, focus upon Jesus and His word. Meditate on Scripture, nurture godly relationships, and practice having a thankful, grateful heart.

  Read, meditate, and memorize scripture daily to build your faith and discern the will of God. Make sure you have a physical Bible, as online Bibles will probably become corrupted or unavailable. Buy a pocket-sized Bible that you can easily carry with you. Begin accumulating physical Bibles for new converts, as they may become scarce in the end times.
Make a list of Bible verses to memorize.  Memorizing Romans 12:12 is a good starting point.
--- Joshua 1:8, Psalms 19:14, Proverbs 7:2-3, Deuteronomy 11:18

Every day, Read:
1 Thessalonians 5:1-28
Psalm 37:1-40
1 Peter 4:1-19
Romans 12:1-21
Matthew 10:1-42

These chapters explain the day of the Lord and detail what our conduct and attitudes should be during the end times. 

 Prepare your heart and mind for likely persecution and possible suffering or even death.  --Matthew 5:10, Romans 14:8, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 12:14, 1 John 3:13

 Decide not to let your heart grow cold.  --Matthew 24:12, John 15:12, Romans 13:10, Matthew 5:44, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:18

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
--- Matthew 5:13-16

--Colossians 4:6, Matthew 5:13-16

  Purpose in your heart to "not be overcome by evil, but (to) overcome evil with good.  --Romans 12:20-21, Psalm 37:27

  Make a plan for worshiping in small groups.  --Hebrews 10:25

 Recognize that it is OK to flee or stay according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, but speak truth in love to those around you, not hiding your testimony of the LORD Jesus Christ.

Going into hiding for the duration of the tribulation is NOT the solution. Flee persecution, yes. But not hide in a cave or mountains until the end. We have a testimony to give to overcome Satan. (Revelation 12:11)
We have to depend on the LORD for protection while understanding that, according to scripture, some will be taken captive and some will die.(Revelation 13:10)

The Bible says, "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes." --- Matthew 10:23

  --Ephesians 4:15, Matthew 10:28

  Find a witnessing buddy in Christ.  --Ecclesiastes 4:9, Luke 10:1

  Encourage others in Christ.  --1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25

  Conduct yourself with wisdom toward outsiders.  Always looking for doors of opportunity to speak the truth of Christ and give your testimony of the LORD while understanding, many will be betrayed. Do not let the fear of betrayal affect your testimony.

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
--- Colossians 4:5-6 NASB

--Colossians 4:5-6, Matthew 7:12, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 5:14, 1 Peter 3:8-9, Proverbs 25:21-22, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, James 2:8

  Pray and Fast
Pray without ceasing. Pray for wisdom, discernment, strength, endurance, and to be an overcomer.   --1 Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2, Matthew 26:41

Fasting is important when seeking God's guidance or making important decisions. Fasting humbles us before God, acknowledging dependence while seeking divine directions.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps believers develop self-control and mastery over the desires of the flesh.

The desires of the flesh are temptations that Satan uses in the end times, just like he did in the Garden of Eden.

The physical world around us is corrupt. Satan corrupted it. Anything that disconnects us from the physical world and connects us to God is good. When we meditate on God's word with our eyes closed and in a quiet place, seeking God's presence without distractions, it is good.
(Psalms 46:10, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 4:4, Ecclesiastes 3:7, Exodus 14:14, Proverbs 17:28, Isaiah 26:3, Proverbs 13:3, 1 Chronicles 16:11)

When we fast, it is good.
(Matthew 6:16, Acts 13:3, Exodus 34:28, Esther 4:16, Nehemiah 1:4, Luke 2:37, Matthew 4:4, Joel 2:12, Daniel 9:3, Matthew 9:15)
These activities help us disconnect from the corrupt world and connect to a Holy, righteous God. Fasting and meditating on the word of God are important.

Fasting teaches discipline by denying our physical needs. It is important when interceding for others. Fasting strengthens us in our spiritual battles to overcome areas of temptation.
Fasting is very important for believers if they are to overcome the Antichrist.
-- Matthew 6:16-18, Ezra 8:21, Ezra 8:23, Acts 13:2, Acts 14:23, Acts 13:3, Luke 2:37, Matthew 4:4, Joel 2:12-13, Daniel 9:3, Matthew 17:21 NASB

  Begin each day THANKING and PRAISING the LORD our God.  
Something happens within us when we begin thanking and praising God; we enter into His presence. We leave the world behind and become God focused.  --Psalm 146:1-2, Psalm 150:1,6, Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 34:1, Psalm 69:30, Daniel 2:23, Psalm 119:7, Psalm 92:1, Psalm 109:30, Psalm 100:4

  Practice standing firm for Jesus. Yes! Practice. The day is likely coming when your faith in Jesus Christ will be challenged. Do not compromise with the world, but rather obey God rather than men. The Bible says, "do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths." --- Psalm 119:3, NLT

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." --- Philippians 1:27 NIV

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
--- 1 Corinthians 2:2

Practice acknowledging Jesus as LORD of your life.
Do not deny the Lord.
Be immovable!
This alone is a testimony.
Set your "face like flint." -- Isaiah 50:7

The Bible says that if you are challenged about your faith in Jesus Christ, do not worry about what to say. The Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.
"And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit." --- Mark 13:11

If pressured to take the mark of the beast, I have often thought an appropriate response would be to paraphrase the answer Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego gave King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:16-18 and say:

"I don't even need to give you an answer, for the LORD my God is able to deliver me. But even if He doesn't, I will not serve or worship your gods or the image you have set up."

  -- 1 Corinthians 16:13, Philippians 1:27, 1 Peter 5:9, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Matthew 10:33, Matthew 16:24, 2 Timothy 2:12, Psalm 62:2, Revelation 2:10, Joshua 24:15

 Walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7).
"Walk by faith" signifies a continuous way of life or daily conduct based on confident belief and trust in God's character and Word, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
As believers, we should be guided by faith, not swayed by immediate circumstances, physical appearances, or what is visible in the natural realm, since these things are temporary.

Ultimately, this scripture encourages us to focus on the unseen and eternal realities of God's kingdom. It invites us to trust in His guidance and provision as we face the challenges of the end times.

We cannot believe our eyes, as we know, in the end times, "false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." --- Matthew 24:24

 Look to Jesus for all your provision, especially in the end times.
God promises in scripture that He will meet all our needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical—according to His infinite, glorious riches.
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." --- Philippians 4:19

This is a guarantee, not just a wish. The word "supply" (Greek pleroo) means to "fill to the full". The focus is on actual needs (necessities) rather than selfish wants or desires, and it encompasses every kind of need, from daily sustenance to spiritual strength and peace.

In the end times, when only those who take the mark of the Beast can buy or sell, will will look to our Lord for all our needs.
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;" --- 2 Corinthians 9:8

(Romans 8:32, 2 Peter 1:3, James 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:17, Isaiah 58:11)

 Let go of the world and the things in the world. Cling to Jesus not worldly things. Make your focus the LORD Jesus Christ. Be firm in the faith, steadfast, and immovable.

The things of the world, from our money to our entertainment, from our cars and houses, from comfort to our "need" for a cup of coffee, have more of a hold on us than most will admit. Possessions have become gods to many in the world today.

Those who cannot let go of the world and the things in the world will take the mark of the beast.
We need to embrace the reality of the end times and place our eternal lives in the hands of the LORD.

In the second seal of Revelation (the letter to Smyrna), Jesus talks about the poverty of the saints.
If you follow the Lord Jesus Christ, by the end of the second year of tribulation, you will be very poor.
Mystery Babylon will have taken all your "things." Begin to let go of them now and cling to Jesus.

  --- 1 John 2:15-17, James 4:4, 1 John 5:4-5, Romans 12:2, Deuteronomy 13:4 NASB

  Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.     --- John 14:15, James 1:22, Luke 6:46, John 14:23, Matthew 7:21,

  Look to Jesus and fix your eyes upon Him.
"looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." --- Hebrews 12:2

    --- Hebrews 9:28, Isaiah 8:17, Psalms 141:8

  Decide to be anxious for nothing!   --- Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25, 1 Peter 5:7
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  Purpose in your heart not to defile yourself. Be a Daniel!
Do NOT eat food sacrificed to idols or take the mark of the beast.

Jesus chastised the fourth-year tribulation church for eating "food sacrificed to idols" (Revelation 2:20 NASB). I believe this is food obtained from taking the mark of the beast.

--- Daniel 1:8-12, Revelation 14:9-10, Revelation 2:20, Ezekiel 5:11

  Stockpile some food and supplies for family and others. Not as a hide-in-a-cave-prepper, looking out only for oneself, but as outreach to those in need during the famines that Jesus foretold in Matthew 24. Food and supplies will also be needed when the mark of the beast (an unforgivable sin) is introduced.
--- Proverbs 21:20 NIV, Revelation 13:17, Revelation 14:9-10

Become a type of Joseph, as Jesus alluded to in the Olivet Discourse when He was explaining the last days: 

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?"
--- Matthew 24:45

It is noteworthy that this riddle is part of Jesus explanation of the end times.

But also remember that in the last days, the LORD promises to give "hidden manna" to "him who overcomes." (Revelation 2:17)

And in Psalm 37, we have this promise:
"they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance." --- Psalm 37:19

  Be an OVERCOMER in the last days.
---1 John 5:4-5, Romans 12:21, Revelation 2:7 NASB, Revelation 2:11 NASB

  Believe God!   The word of God is perfectly fitted together and perfectly true!     --- Isaiah 40:8, Proverbs 30:5, John 14:6, Isaiah 55:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 16:13, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 119:130, Psalm 33:4, John 17:17, Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 4:4, Psalm 119:105, John 1:14, Matthew 24:35,



And like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the day may come where we will have to stand firm and say,
"...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us.... and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

  Make the most of your time  each day, being wise how you live. We should live blameless and innocent, without blemish, in the midst of this crooked and twisted generation. (Philippians 2:15-16)    

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
--- Ephesians 5:15-17

  Live for the Lord 
"For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s." Romans 14:8

Romans 14:8 is a foundational statement about Christian identity and purpose: it declares that as believers we belong completely to Jesus Christ, and therefore our lives and deaths are to be lived for His honor and glory, not our own.

Living for the Lord:
Every action, decision, and aspect of a Christian's daily life, including even mundane activities like eating or drinking, should be carried out with the intention of honoring and serving God. Believers are not their masters; they live under the authority and will of Christ. We are not our own; we have been bought at a price. We belong to Jesus. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Dying for the Lord:
In the end times, persecution of Christians is a foregone conclusion. And the coming persecution will extend to martyrdom for many. We need to prepare our hearts and minds for whatever comes. Persecution is an expected part of the Christian life, leading to a great heavenly reward and providing an opportunity for faithful witness. As believers, we are called to rejoice in suffering and to love and pray for our persecutors.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
--- Matthew 5:10

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,"
--- 2 Timothy 3:12

"I said to him, 'Sir, you know.' And he said to me, 'These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'"
Revelation 7:14

The circumstances and timing of death are under God's sovereign control and fulfill His purposes. For Christians, death is not an end; rather, it serves as a transition to a new life with the Lord. This understanding alleviates the fear of death and offers profound peace and hope.

(1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 8:35-37)

Belonging to the Lord:
The conclusion emphasizes the fundamental truth that we are Christ's possession, bought at a price—His own life through the crucifixion and resurrection. This sense of ownership grants our lives meaning, security, and a unified purpose, both in this life and the next.