The words of Jesus are in red text.

Introduction There are unbelievable human behaviors occurring across the globe and within our communities that defy human logic and common sense. These horrific actions range from nations attacking nations, to persons selectively and randomly murdering one another; while others are verbally and physically venting uncontrolled anger. As such, all of this is causing many of us to question how and why this is occurring—because there is no form of rational justification for this type of destruction, death and behaviors. • How can the leader of one nation justify murdering men, women and children in another nation? • Why would someone take a gun and randomly kill people? • Why are people publicly venting unbridled anger against other persons? • What is causing all of this madness? Most base their perception from an earthly view—because humans are carrying out this inconceivable behavior. However, the true source that is driving these actions is unseen; it is not within the physical realm; and it is spiritual. As such, what we are witnessing cannot be stopped by conventional means; it is both an indicator and prelude to the unimaginable darkness that will occur during the last days; and it will only cease when Jesus Christ returns. Spirits (both good and bad) operate through humans to accomplish spiritual objectives. For example, the Holy Spirit works through Christians to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who seek, find and love truth; those who believe in the sacrificial death of God’s Son for their sins; those who personally witness the changes within their heart, mind and soul; and those who’s love for God continually grows—are those who desire to share the light of truth to those who are in darkness—as they are compelled by the Holy Spirit. However, those who reject God; those who embrace sin; those who live in spiritual darkness; those who are oblivious to the lies; and those who are unaware of their spiritual condition—are candidates for evil influence and control. These are those who are manipulated by the lies of Satan, fallen angels and demons; these are those who proclaim lies and twist the truth; these are those who are compelled to cause destruction and death; and these are those who justify their behavior with more lies. Humans cannot justify lies with truth…because truth exposes the lie. As such, those who live in delusional darkness will use lies to justify the lies that are driving their behavior. All humans who murder—including national leaders and neighborhood killers—are pawns who are manipulated by evil entities to do their bidding. All humans who exude anger, hatred and malice towards others are manipulated by evil entities to do their bidding. All humans who speak lies, use caustic words to attack others, and create division are manipulated by evil entities to do their bidding. For what we see is caused by what we cannot see. Evil forces are causing these worsening human behaviors—which are quickly becoming “normal” in our daily lives. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 The ability of these evil forces to influence and manipulate darkened human minds via delusional lies will increase as we get closer to the last days. For God will unshackle Satan as a final means to separate the those who will be saved from those who will be condemned. This is when unimaginable darkness will occur as Satan propagates unrighteous deception via the beast and the false prophet. “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 9-12 Christians must prepare for turbulent times that will be unlike any time in the history of man. Jesus said, “There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22 The influence of evil will magnify beyond logical comprehension as new boundaries of inconceivable behavior are broken. That which seems shocking today will become commonplace as Satan—the abomination who causes desolation—is granted increased power to deceive and destroy. Jesus warned us to prepare. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27 Deceptive lies—planted within darkened minds—is the primary means evil spirits use to cause division, devastation, and death. When there is war; when there is murder; when there is social conflict and division; when people argue and speak caustic words; when there is a breakdown of the nuclear family; and when there is personal devastation caused by sin—these all occur as CONSEQUENCES OF LIES! Growth in the number of communication channels and the proliferation of lies. During the past few years there has been a rapid growth in the number of different means (or channels) of communication. For example, the number of users of social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram (and more) has exponentially grown to billions of users. In addition, the number of news websites has also grown. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of social media and news sources has also provided increased opportunities for evil entities to disseminate lies that: • Magnifies fear, anger, and hatred. • Divides and destroys. Meanwhile, the foundational bonds that once held us together is being torn apart by Satan: the one who deceives the nations (Revelation 12:9), and the abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15). The only means Satan has to redirect and separate humans from the truth—and cause spiritual death—is by deceptional lies. Jesus said of Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44 Therefore, it is imperative for Christians to: • Recognize the ever-increasing darkness. • Foundationally build their life upon God’s word and no other source. • Actively seek revelatory guidance from the Holy Spirit. • Realize these horrific behaviors are a prelude to (and indication of) the last days. • Become more aware of the worsening world events and last day realities that are before us. • Prayerfully seek spiritual insight into the manipulative lies that are causing the calamity. • Understand, embrace and use the means of spiritual protection God has given us. o The Holy Spirit o The Armor of God o Skepticism and Analytical Discernment The Holy Spirit God provides us with the means to overcome Satan’s lies. For example, God gives us the Holy Spirit, who: • Helps us. John 14:16, 26 • Dwells with us and in us. John 14:16-17 • Is the Spirit of Truth: John 14:17, 26 • Teaches us all things. John 14:26 • Testifies of Jesus. John 15:26 • Convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgement. John 16:8 • Speaks through us. John 15:27; Matthew 10:20 The Armor of God God provides us with additional spiritual means to stand against evil. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, correlated the armor and weapons commonly used by warriors at that time, to spiritual armor and spiritual weapons Christians may use when battling against spiritual enemies. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Ephesians 6:10-18 Gird your waist with truth because we live in a world that suffers the consequences of lies. Wear the breastplate of righteousness that mirrors our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, for all to see. Shod your feet with the gospel of peace because only God’s grace can change the hearts of those who are lost. Use the Shield of faith in completely trusting God for all aspects of life, and for victory when in spiritual battles. Wear the helmet of salvation as assurance we are eternally redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Use the sword of the Spirit: God’s word and the best weapon we can use to overcome attacks by spiritual enemies. Pray always because we are completely dependent upon God for everything. Skepticism and Analytical Discernment God also designed us with internal attributes to help protect us from lies: skepticism and analytical discernment. • Skepticism is defined as doubting the truth of something or someone and is a beneficial protective mechanism. Without skepticism we would have an increased propensity to believe everything we see and hear. We have all experienced a situation where skepticism has caused us to question a declared truth. This occurs when there is either a “disconnect” between what is said (a potential lie) and what we know to be true, and/or there is a “disconnect” between what they say and what they do. When we encounter “disconnects,” skepticism will cause an internal “uneasy feeling” that something is not right (i.e. a “red flag,” a perceived warning, or we should proceed with caution). In addition, these “disconnects” will cause us to analytically discern what we see and hear. • Analytical discernment comprises of our ability to segment, evaluate and compare the individual components of what we see and hear, and discern (contrast/compare) if it aligns with God’s word, His will, and if it glorifies God or man. It also formulates our rationalized response to the situation. Government agents responsible for the eradication of counterfeit money do not learn their trade by studying the various types of fake currencies that have been created. They learn by studying genuine bills. Once they master the look of the real thing (truth), they can more easily identify fake currency (lies). The same is true for Christians! Jesus warned us about those who profess to know God, but attempt to hide their lies and clandestine evil intent behind a façade of “appropriate Christian behavior.” However, when you look closely, you will see “disconnects” (or bad behavioral “fruits”) that will cause skepticism to arise. Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus also warned us about last day deception. Many will be anxiously awaiting His return; and there will be many who will declare they are Him. Jesus said, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many.” Mark 15:5-6 Here is how to use skepticism and analytical discernment when you encounter disconnects and potential lies: • Do not accept what they do and what they say at face value. • Pray for spiritual guidance and revelation of truth. • Evaluate their persona, behavior and words (which reflects the spiritual condition of their heart and soul). • Seek to determine if a stated fact or opinion is comprised of one or more of Satan’s lying techniques: o A mixture of truth and falsehoods. o A twisting of the truth into a different meaning. o Declaring lies as absolute truth. • Does the messaging magnify fear, anger, hatred, or division? • Evaluate the validity of a stated fact or opinion by seeking trusted sources of information. • Test everything against scripture. • If this person claims to be a Christian: o Does this person’s words and behavior reflect and elevate Jesus Christ? o Does this person humbly give praise, honor and glory to God—because they are unworthy? However, never attack, condemn, judge, or express anger towards someone if they are manipulated by lies. Remember…you also once lived in darkness and were manipulated by lies. Always (1) seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in how you should respond; and (2) humbly demonstrate the peace, grace and love of God as you reveal the light and truth of His word.  Why will God allow this to occur during the last days? Because of God’s grace and love for us, approximately 2,000 years ago God made a New Covenant with all of mankind: He sacrificed His Son as a propitiation (received the punishment) for our sins. As such, we are presently living in a time when we are able to receive God’s grace; when we can be forgiven for our sins; and we can be saved from eternal damnation—which simply requires a belief and faith in Jesus Christ. It is a free gift; it cannot be purchased (because it has already been paid for); and it cannot be earned by good behavior. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:4-9 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:2 Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” John 6:47 However, although God is longsuffering and patient with us, His free gift will not be offered forever, and it will come to an end when Jesus returns. Belief and faith in His Son will no longer be a prerequisite for salvation because all will see and hear the resurrected Christ when He destroys the beast, the false prophet, the kings of the earth, and their armies that are gathered together to make war against Jesus and His heavenly army (Revelation 19). This is also when Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit during the millennial reign of Jesus (Revelation 20:1-6). As such, during the last days, all will be compelled to make an eternal decision: to believe in and faithfully accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord, or not. We Are Made in His Image Take time to thoughtfully consider the following personal questions: • Do you desire to have a close relationship with—and be in the presence of—those who love you? • Do you experience heart-felt pain if you do not have a close relationship with (and/or are unable to be in the presence of) those whom you love? • Do you have a desire to support and enrich the lives of those who love you? We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). God also desires an intimate relationship with—and to be in the presence of—those who love Him. With regards to the pain associated with the absence of (and/or rejection by) those whom we love, read “The Mystery of God’s Heart” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. And, with regards to supporting and enriching the lives of those who love Him: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 However, God’s free gift of salvation is coming to an end. God’s allowance of darkened global influence during the last days will polarize light from dark, and the saved from the unsaved. Global turmoil and tribulation will expose the underlying motivations deep in each person’s heart—for that what we truly believe in will rise to the surface and drive our behavior. Those who believe in Jesus Christ will recognize the times; they will understand the consequences of falling prey to the lies; they will reject the beast, his mark and will not worship the beast; and they will be willing to pay the “ultimate price” for their faith. Those who reject Jesus Christ will fall prey to the lies; they will worship the beast and accept his mark; they will be filled with hatred against God and His faithful; and they will seek to destroy those whom Jesus purchased with His blood.   The final segmentor between the saved and non-saved will occur when the false prophet will cause all to receive the mark of the beast to buy and sell. A decision to accept the mark means it will be easier to buy and sell—but has dire eternal consequences. A decision to reject the mark means it will be difficult to survive. As such, the mark of the beast is an absolutely diabolical, cruel, and evil means to globally attack Christians—but yet an effective means to separate the wheat from the chaff. In addition, all will know the price and consequences of the mark. “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:16-17 “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’” Revelation 14:9-11 These will be horrific times—unlike any time in the history of man—and it’s scary to think about it. The evil spirits that manipulated Hitler and his followers to murder millions of Jews during World War 2 will be the same evil spirits who will cause those who follow the beast to harass, persecute and murder God’s faithful. Jesus said, “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.” Luke 21:12-17 “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4 Light overcomes darkness As it becomes darker at night, light becomes more visible. For example, the light emitted by a small candle in a lit room provides little value. However, as the room becomes darker, the light from the small candle will progressively provide increased light to see. This occurs because the pupil in our eyes open wider to permit additional light to enter. Our capability to see a small amount of light in a dark room is analogous to seeing the light of truth in a darkened world. As we get closer to the final days and as darkness pervades, the light of Jesus will become brighter (as our “spiritual pupils” enlarge)—thereby enabling us to compare His truth against the lies. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 In addition, as darkness permeates all corners of the globe, God will continue to seek and save the lost. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 During the last days God will pour out His Holy Spirit upon His faithful—who will be divinely inspired to prophetically declare His truth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, they will also proclaim the true identity of the beast and the identity of the one who is manipulating his behavior; they will speak against his lies; they will describe the global destruction the he will cause; they will warn of God’s pending wrath—and many will be saved. “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Joel 2:28-32 God will make sure all inhabitants upon earth will hear the truth and will have no excuses for believing the lies. “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’” Revelation 14:6 God will send His two witnesses who will prophesy for 3½ years. The two witnesses will demonstrate divinely- appointed power; declare to the world what will occur in the future; proclaim His truth; and provide spiritual strength to those who decide to believe and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.” Revelation 11:3-6 “When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 11:7-10 “Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.” Revelation 11:11-12 Think about the following…It has only been possible within the past few years to instantly communicate to every corner of the world: to the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations. With the recent advancements in satellite communications, the Internet and cell phone technologies, it is now possible for all who dwell upon earth to see fulfilled prophesy in real time. Even at a time when darkness and hopelessness attempt to extinguish the faith of believers, God will reinforce His declared truth as He raises the two witnesses from death to life. All will hear a heavenly voice call them; all will see them ascend to heaven; and all who rejoiced upon the death of the two witnesses will know of God’s pending wrath and their eternal demise awaits them. The Rapture Although the word “Rapture” is not in the Bible, it is commonly used to define a biblical event described in the Bible. The word Rapture: • Is derived from the Greek word “harpazo,” which means to snatch away, take by force, and claim for one’s self. • Defines when Jesus will return to claim those whom He purchased by His sacrificial blood on the cross. • Provides us with hope in that we will not experience the tribulation of the last days. “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” I Corinthians 15:51-52 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:36-44 No one knows when the Rapture will occur—but God. But what’s most important, the Rapture will occur at an unexpected time—and some will not be ready and left behind. In the twinkling of an eye—in a fraction of a second—a countless number of persons will cease to physically exist on earth. For those who remain, consider the depth of loss and mourning for loved ones and friends. Also consider the degree of anxiety and terror experienced by those who knew the truth but delayed their decision—as they reflect upon the horrific challenges they must now go through to join those who are now with Jesus. The content of this lesson is not pleasant to read and consider. If you are like me…you may have an uncomfortable feeling in the gut of your stomach as you consider the future. But it’s real; it’s God’s word; and it’s inevitable. Jesus said, “Be ready and dressed. Have your lights burning. Be like men who are waiting for their owner to come home from a wedding supper. When he comes and knocks on the door, they will open it for him at once. Those servants are happy when their owner finds them watching when he comes. For sure, I tell you, he will be dressed and ready to care for them. He will have them seated at the table. The owner might come late at night or early in the morning. Those servants are happy if their owner finds them watching whenever he comes. But understand this, that if the owner of a house had known when the robber was coming, he would have been watching. He would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You must be ready also. The Son of Man is coming at a time when you do not think He will come.” Luke 12:35-40   As such, every one of us must determine if we are spiritually prepared and ready. • Have you made a decision to believe in Jesus and accept Him as your Savior and Lord? • Is there an aspect of your sinful flesh that keeps getting in the way of being more like Jesus? If yes: o What instruction / guidance is the Holy Spirit giving you to overcome your weakness? o Why have you not obeyed? o What are the spiritual benefits of allowing this part of you to be crucified with Christ? • Are you ready for His return? If not, what’s lacking? For more information on the Rapture, read “Rapture” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. The light of Jesus will continue to shine amongst the darkest days! Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 As unimaginable darkness attempts to extinguish all life, the light of Jesus will illuminate truth amongst the lies. As such, many will turn to Jesus Christ during the last days—for God revealed to John the multitudes who will be saved during the Great Tribulation. These are those who will remain faithful—and will experience hunger, thirst, anguish, and the destructive consequences of unimaginable darkness. And they will receive their promised eternal reward. God provided us prophetic insight when He revealed to John the multitudes who will come out of the Tribulation. “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.’” “Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?’” “And I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’” “So he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Revelation 7:13-17 I believe there is a correlation between the depth of our sin and the amount of joy, happiness and love we express towards God after He changes us from within. Those who have been forgiven much loves much (Luke 7:36-50). As such, I envision those who were dying in the depths of darkness and controlled by the lies of sin—and are saved—will cry out with the loudest voices in Heaven—because the memories of who they were and what they did—and where they now are—will magnify their joy as they praise and worship God with all their spiritual being will allow. Note: Our memories are spiritual and will go with us after we die! For more information, read “Memories” UniqueBibleStudies.com. In truth… • We are all sinners • It is impossible for us to “get our act together” to a point where we are acceptable to God. • We need to be forgiven for who we are and what we do. • Sin separates us from God, destroys us from within, and negatively impacts those whom we love. • This is why God—as an expression of His love and grace—sacrificed His Son as a means to be forgiven for our sins. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 21 Is there is any thought, reasoning or challenges in your life that conflicts with you seeking God with all of your heart, soul and mind? If you answer yes, with skepticism and analytical discernment identify the source…because what stands between you and God is based upon a lie. If the Rapture occurs before the Tribulation, there is still a chance for salvation. However, the personal cost, the survivalistic existence, and the unimaginable darkness that will occur during the last days will be far worse than what someone is presently experiencing. As such, is waiting to make a decision worth the risk? To learn more about what it means to be a Christian, read “3 Types of Death 1 Source of Life,” and “What is a Born-Again Christian” on UniqueBibleSt udies.com. It is my prayer this lesson opens your spiritual eyes so that you can see the: • Ever-increasing darkness that is occurring across the globe. • Evil lies that are manipulating the shocking behaviors of delusional minds. Yes…it is all difficult to look at and consider all that will occur during the last days. But it is far better to be prewarned, prepared, and remember “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 All for His Glory! Harold D. Thomas Bible Study Thought-Provoking Questions The purpose of the thought-provoking questions is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Bible, this Bible study topic, and ourselves. The questions may be answered by each reader, or used by a Bible study group leader or church pastor. The following questions should be answered or discussed during or after reading “Unimaginable Darkness.” The following questions are answered based upon individual opinions. As such, no answers are provided. Questions Identify 3 ongoing or recent events—caused by humans—that defy logic and can only be explained by evil influence. The lesson states spirits (both good and bad) operate through humans to accomplish their spiritual objectives. • How is it possible for the Holy Spirit to operate through persons? Can you provide examples? • How is it possible for Satan and his minions to operate through persons? Can you provide examples? “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 9-12 Based upon the above scripture answer the following: • Who is “He who now restrains?” • Is the lawless one the beast, or is it Satan, or is it Satan working through the beast? • What is meant by “they did not receive the love of the truth” and “believe the truth?” • What is meant by “had pleasure in unrighteousness?” • What “techniques” will the lawless one use to deceive and condemn those who prefer unrighteousness? • What do you think is the lie the condemned will be deceived by and believe? The armor of God lists 7 protective components. • Which do you think are the three most important, and why? • Have you used one or more? Explain. The lesson describes “disconnects.” Can you describe a disconnect you have encountered? • Did you use one or more of the suggested responses listed under skepticism and analytical discernment? • If yes, what happened? • The lesson states never attack, condemn, judge, or express anger towards someone. o Do you agree or disagree, and why? o What may occur if you attack, condemn, judge, or express anger? o One of the components of the armor of God is the gospel of peace (because only God’s grace can change the hearts of those who are lost). ▪ How does this relate to encountering disconnects? ▪ How would you use other components of the armor of God when encountering disconnects? Does God have a bigger long-term plan than what we are experiencing upon earth? Explain. The lesson states God’s grace via His Son will come to an end. Do you agree or disagree? Explain. The lesson states the last days will separate the saved from the non-saved. • Who will be the instigators of this great division? • Read Revelation 14:9-11, 20:10, 20:15. Who is eternally cast into the lake of fire? Why is the Rapture important to know about and understand? What is the relevance of the declaration by Jesus that He is the light of the world? Is the following declaration by Jesus relevant to each of us? Explain. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 • Consider/explain what it means to let your light shine. • Identify at least one reason why a Christian would let their light shine for others to see. • As we are transformed (because of pride) we have a tendency to elevate ourselves. As such, which will cause the light to shine the brightest: glorification of self or God? Explain. Are you prepared for His return? If not, what is lacking? Did you learn anything new? Did any of the lesson content speak to your heart? Explain. You may download a PDF versio n of the questions by clicking on this button. Can you think of someone who may benefit from this lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!