Our World

Our world, like heavy waters, presses our submarine from all sides and seeks any opportunity to penetrate inside. Even the smallest hole in the hull of the vessel is enough for it to sink us. And everyone feels this pressure. No matter how well we live here, as long as Satan exists, and as long as his army has influence in this world, I cannot be in absolute safety. In the Lord, I find protection and peace, in Him is the strength of my soul, but He leads me through fire and allows Satan to test me for strength. And this is God's plan for our preparation for Eternal life. The enemy of the soul pushes us out of this world into Eternity. With his attacks, he makes us more experienced and stronger and teaches us to rely completely on Jesus. And the more terrible the storm, the closer I become to God. The enemy hates us, and he understands his powerlessness in this war, and yet continues to pursue us, wanting us to at least die in Christ, just to stop our influence. But our deeds follow us even after death.

Satan knows that in open confrontation he has no chance of winning, and now he very skillfully masks his plans. He comes as an angel of light and a smiling lucky one. And through such deceptions, he gains many followers. The great empire of Satan, which has engulfed the whole world, has appeared in our time in all its splendor. Its name is Babylon. And we live in it. We build our life under the influence of this city.

We read in Revelation 18:23: "... and by your sorcery all the nations were deceived."

In the original, the word "sorcery" is written as φαρμακείᾳ. This term is now used in medicine as pharmacology - the effect on the human body through medication. And the enemy of the soul, together with his subjects, is now busy enchanting the world to control it and carry out his plans. And this spirit reigns in the air. Until the Second Coming, we will be subject to such pressure from outside.

But God has a plan. He did not give Satan absolute power. He established His Kingdom of Love called Agape. And it successfully resists the onslaught of the enemy, confidently defeating the forces of darkness. God Himself is the Head of this Kingdom. It's a piece of Heaven in our world. The Lord knows the power of the influence of evil and the pressure it exerts on a person, so He does not expect my human victories from me, but He Himself wages war in me and wins.

The love that Jesus advises us to acquire is strong enough to overcome all obstacles. It is not subject to the power of enchantment and rejects everything unclean. Love is pure, like sunlight, like dewdrops, it created man for itself, and knows what a person needs for happiness, for a full life.

Laodicea is presented to us as the last period of history. There is nothing after it. And it's worth straining all your thoughts to understand what God offers me at this time.

Friends, it is vital to understand what the Lord says when addressing Laodicea. If I don't accept this, then I won't be able to possess it and won't crave and ask for it. And God offers Himself, He came for this personally, and is waiting. The Holy Spirit reveals this truth very clearly. And if I don't hear His voice, and reject His help and victory, then who should I go to? Satan already has a solution ready. To him? No way! But if I reject God, or if I remain indifferent, then I cannot live on my own. Another force will take possession of me, and I will dine with it, and it with me, and we will have fun and be well, and ahead of us awaits a beautiful death without any hope. Is this what I should live for? Is this what the Lord wants to give me?

The history of Christianity teaches us how good the Lord is, and how gently and carefully He led His people, sending them truth and prophets in His time. But the light of a hundred years ago is not enough today. I might miss important details. The pioneers of Christianity gave us many discoveries and laid a solid foundation, but our growth did not end there. Now we have come to the finish line, and what do we have? Disputes, enmity, disagreements, indifference, heresies, and more. Is this what God plans to take into Eternity? Is this what He will put His seal on? Is this what the Holy Spirit is working for, to cover lawlessness with God's righteousness?

We have studied the law, learned it, memorized it, we talk about it to people, but have we dissolved it in God's love of our relationships so that it becomes edible?

We are not to blame for being born and living at this time. And God does not judge us for living in Babylon, but He offers a solution and asks: "Come out of her, my people!" But where should I go? To Sodom? To Gomorrah? Where is this place? Where should I direct my steps?

Jesus gives the answer. He is that door, and what He offers in the message to Laodicea will become my protection and weapon in the last time. And what does He advise me to acquire? The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Better than These Treasures for the soul, God has nothing. This is the Most valuable thing He has left at the end. All of Heaven is emptied to become ours. And if the Lord Himself is already standing at the door and knocking, who after Him can be better? And what am I doing? I justify myself by saying that I can't crawl to the door and open it. Or maybe I don't want to? Maybe I'm deceiving myself? Well, there's no strength!!! There is strength, but not for what is needed.

I think a person looks very stupid when, having so much light, he chooses darkness, having so much delicious food, he prefers crackers, having Christ, he goes to Satan.

And what can the Holy Spirit do for those who reject all His calls, convictions, advice, and requests? What can God give to people who turn their backs on Him? How else can He convince me of His love if I reject it?

What's wrong with asking for and receiving love? Changes will begin. My old views and stereotypes will collapse. I will have to forgive everyone, review everything, delete a lot. All my sins will be mercilessly exposed and presented in the most disgusting form. My carnal thoughts and feelings will begin to leave me, and I will never be able to use them again. I will see how beautiful and wise God is and how much He respects my freedom. I will have new friends who will respond to my love in the same way. Happiness will tease my heart and deprive me of sadness and anxiety. All of life will turn into a battlefield where I will be an absolute winner in God's strength. God's peace will become my barometer. And this is just the beginning of those heavenly adventures that will fill my life with light and peace. And think for yourself, is it worth acquiring all this in exchange for vanity and vainglory, which feed pride and carnal pleasures?

How else can God convince me that Salvation in Christ is better than this whole sinking world. If He Himself came and offers Himself, then maybe it's better to accept this gift after all?

The end of everything is rapidly approaching. God is acting. His army of angels is in full combat readiness. Love is open and available to all. Whoever thirsts - come and drink. The doors of grace are still open. Jesus asks to be Friends, and along with Himself will bring both the Father and His Spirit. There has never been such a time. All of Heaven is in tension waiting for what I will choose. And I turn on social networks and watch the stories of friends?

Questions for reflection on this chapter:

1. What interesting things were revealed to you in this chapter?

2. What is God's plan of preparation for Eternity?

3. What strategy and power does Satan have in this last time?

4. Will God send a New prophet with an explanation of a new way of salvation or with a new message to the church?

5. What is the strength and peculiarity of the love that God advises Laodicea to acquire in this last time?

6. What happens to me when I receive love?

7. Should I study the symbols of the message to Laodicea?

8. Please read Revelation 3:18-22, Daniel 7:13-14, Hebrews 9:14, Romans 5:2-5, Revelation 18:4-5, James 2:3-6, 1 John 2:15, Revelation 12:17, 14:8, Isaiah 44:3, 45:8, 47:10-11, John 16:11, Revelation 21:6 in light of this chapter.