How Christians Should Be Living and What They Should Be Doing in End Times

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
--- Romans 8:13

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
--- Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
--- Romans 12:12-14

►Do not be Deceived or Misled:
Many false prophets will come and deceive the world.

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
--- 2 Peter 2:1-3 NASB

Moreover, the Antichrist will come deceitfully portraying himself as a savior but will really be a counterfeit of God. He destroys the world system of Babylon the great (Revelation 17:3-6), which everyone hates, and thus looks like a savior of the world, but he is not. His deceit will "mislead, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24:24 NASB).

Most people think that they won't be deceived and most people will be wrong. Seeds of deception began long ago and deception takes many forms.
It is easy to be deceived
and Satan is a master at it.
We all need to be humble before the Lord.
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." -- Matthew 26:41 NIV

-- Matthew 24:24, 1 John 4:1, Colossians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Luke 21:8, Deuteronomy 11:16, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Matthew 7:15

But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
-- 2 Timothy 3:13

► Be on Alert/Be Watchful:
Be aware and be diligent to guard your heart from becoming entangled with worldly views and sin. Many will try to manipulate you to believe and partake in the world view. Stand firm and stay the course.
-- Matthew 24:42-43, Luke 12:35-38 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Romans 13:11 NASB, 1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB, Revelation 16:15 NASB, Revelation 22:20, Revelation 3:3 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:6 NASB, 1 Peter 4:7 NASB, Revelation 22:7, Psalm 121:1-2, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Luke 21:26-28 NASB, Luke 21:36, Matthew 24:36-44

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
--- 1 Corinthians 16:13

Jesus warned us time and again about watching, being alert, being strong in the Lord, sober in spirit.

Many read these warnings but do not fully understand why it is so crucial to be alert and sober in spirit during the end times.
It is because the deception of the Antichrist will be enormous.
The Antichrist "disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14)
and
"by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

Moreover, "there is no truth in him... for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)

Jesus warns us that the deception is going to be so great
"as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."(Matthew 24:24)

It will be so easy to "fall into sin" and to "fall away from the Lord" due to "deception", "greed", and "persecution". We know this from seed parable. (Mark 4:13-20)

Click here for more about the Great Falling Away called the Apostasy.

We need fervent (earnest, intense, devout) praying during these treacherous times that we not fall victim to the schemes of the devil. It is VERY IMPORTANT that we maintain our TESTIMONY and focused prayer life (Luke 22:46).
We must "stay awake at all times, praying" (Luke 21:34,36) .

Many will not endure the difficult times ahead.
We need to watch, pray, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit not to fall into temptation to sin (Matthew 26:41).
But remember,
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,
but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you
may be able to endure it.
--- 1 Corinthians 10:13

► Be self-controlled and sober-minded; Seek the heart and mind of God.
-- Colossians 3:1-4, Romans 8:6, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 5:8 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:21

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
--- 1 Peter 4:7

Set Your Mind on the Things Above not on the things of this world.
--Colossians 3:2

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
-- 1 Peter 1:13

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
--- Titus 2:11-14

► SANCTIFY YOURSELF Sanctify means to be set apart, to be made holy, or to consecrate. All those in Christ Jesus are sanctified at salvation. After salvation, sanctification becomes a process of self-discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27) as we strive to live a holy life, obedient to the LORD and set apart for God's special use and purpose.
The LORD has a special purpose for us in the end times, as our testimony will play a part in defeating Satan and, by extension, the Antichrist. (Revelation 12:11)

-- 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Leviticus 22:32, Psalm 4:3, 1 Peter 1:14-16, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 12:1, Leviticus 20:7-8, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 2:21, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 12:14,

"Consecrate (or "Sanctify" in KJV) yourselves, therefore, and be holy; for I am the LORD your God."
--- Leviticus 20:7 ESV
--- Leviticus 20:7 KJV

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
--- John 17:17

And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you."
--- Joshua 3:5 NKJV
(Note: Joshua said this to the people before the battle of Jericho. The Jericho story found in the book of Joshua is a foreshadowing of the end times.)

► Pray/Fast:
--- Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 John 5:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 32:6, Psalm 42:8, Psalm 66:19, Proverbs 15:29, Matthew 26:41, Matthew 9:38, Matthew 21:22, 1 Timothy 2:1, James 5:13-18, 1 Peter 4:7,

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
--- Colossians 4:2

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

PRAYER is going to play an important part in end times.
Click here to learn more

► Be Hopeful:
Do not be alarmed at the surrounding circumstances. Do not keep your focus on world events.
Keep your eyes on the LORD for He is the God of Hope.
(Romans 15:13)

And it is through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures that we receive hope.
--- Romans 15:4 NASB

Want more HOPE?
Read and Meditate on the Word of God.
Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:15, Psalm 119:27, Psalm 119:147, Psalm 130:5

Memorize Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 37:31

Sing Hymns and Praises
Psalm 9:11, Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19

-- 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 1 Peter 1:13, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, Colossians 1:23, 1 John 3:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, John 14:3, Psalm 39:7 NASB, Psalm 38:15 NASB, Psalm 42:5 NASB, Romans 5:5 NASB, Romans 12:12 NASB, 1 Corinthians 13:13 NASB, 2 Corinthians 1:10 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NASB, 1 Timothy 4:10 NASB, Titus 2:13 NASB, Hebrews 10:23 NASB

Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord. --- Psalm 31:24

► Abide in Christ: Maintaining a close, intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is essential. Abiding is a continual awareness of His divine presence and the understanding that, apart from Him, we can do nothing.
(for more see webpage on "Abiding in Christ")

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
--- John 15:4-5

"The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."
--- 1 John 3:24

"Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming."
--- 1 John 2:28

(John 8:31, Psalm 91:1, John 15:10, John 15:7, 1 John 4:13, 1 John 2:27)

► Devalue your money and your possessions: Begin to let go mentally/emotionally of "things" in your life and cling instead to Jesus. You cannot have both in the last days. Prepare your heart.

You have to decide which is most important: worldly things or Jesus.
And yes, this could include your very life.
Are you willing to die for Jesus?

We know that in the end times, Mystery Babylon controls the world for a short time before the Antichrist and is "drunk on the blood of the saints." (Revelation 17:6)
This is a core understanding

"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."
--- 1 John 2:15

"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money,... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,"
--- 2 Timothy 3:1-4

"If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."
--- Matthew 10:39 NLT

(Revelation 2:10, John 12:25, Romans 14:8)

► Do Not be Anxious or Fearful about the Future: Remember who is in control, and remember who you are in Christ.
Jesus says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." -- John 14:1 NIV

A central theme of the end times is that God provides for His children as we "overcome" by trusting and obeying His word.

God provides strength in the end times (Exodus 15:2).
He provides provision (manna) (Revelation 2:17, Matthew 6:25).
He provides what to say (Matthew 10:19).
He provides hope (Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:6).

He provides everything we need
(Philippians 4:19).
God is our all in all.
Remember that God provides for the birds, and He will provide for you. And even if you become homeless in the end times, do not worry; God clothes the grass of the field, and He will clothe you. Pray for His provision and expect Him to provide. (Matthew 6:26-34)

-- 2 Timothy 1:7, John 14:1, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 6:25-27, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 56:3, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 35:4

For more about "Overcoming Fear and Anxiety": Click here

Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
--- Philippians 4:6-7

► Do Not Grumble or Murmur, Do Not Test God:
Grumbling implies we don't trust God. And to test God is to insist that He prove that He is trustworthy. Testing God is unacceptable when the test is rooted in doubt.

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, -- Philippians 2:14-15

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

--- Philippians 2:14-15, James 5:9, 1 Peter 4:9, Numbers 14:27, Deuteronomy 1:27, Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7, Psalm 106:25, Exodus 16:8, Jude 1:16

► Be Patient/Wait:
--- Titus 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Jude 1:21, James 5:7-8, Psalms 62:1, Lamentations 3:25-26, Psalms 37:7, Psalms 130:5-6, Micah 7:7, Hosea 12:6, Galatians 5:5, Psalms 25:5, Psalms 39:7-8, Genesis 49:18, Isaiah 40:31

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
--- Psalms 27:14

Waiting is going to play an important role in end times. To learn more
Click Here

► Do Not Grow Weary of Doing Good:
And help sustain others in Christ who are becoming weary.
--- Galatians 6:9-10, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 31:25, Isaiah 50:4

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. --- Hebrews 12:3 NASB

I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. -- Revelation 2:3

► Be Holy, Walk Uprightly, Walk in the Light
--- 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Psalm 96:9, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Ephesians 1:4 NASB, Leviticus 11:45, 1 John 1:7, Ephesians 5:8, John 8:12, Psalm 84:11, John 12:46, 2 Corinthians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:5, Matthew 5:14-16, Luke 11:33-36, Acts 26:17-18

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
--- Ephesians 5:15-17

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 1:15-16

► Be Confident, Calm, and Self Controlled
--- Isaiah 50:7 NASB, Psalm 27:3, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 13:6, Psalm 78:7, Proverbs 14:26, 1 Peter 4:7, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:2,6, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, , 1 Corinthians 15:58, Galatians 5:23, Proverbs 25:28, Colossians 1:23 NASB, Hebrews 3:14

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -- 2 Timothy 1:7

► Stand Firm in the Faith; Determined in your heart today not to bow your knee to any other god. Be an overcomer by trusting and obeying the word of God.
--- 1 Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 5:1, Philippians 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Peter 5:9, Ephesians 6:11 NASB, Daniel 3:14-18

The following scripture from Daniel foreshadows the end times. And like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, the day may come where we will have to stand firm and say, "My God is able to deliver me, but even if He doesn't, I will not bow my knee to your god."

14 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?

15 ...But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

--- Daniel 3:14-18 NASB

We are in the end times, and the book of Daniel is being unveiled before our eyes. Remember God told Daniel to seal up the book until the end. (Daniel 12:4)
Pray for wisdom, then reread Daniel as an "instruction book" for the end times.

Remember how Daniel did not defile his body by eating the king's food:
"Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food.."
--- Daniel 1:8

The food in the end times that is bought by those who take the mark of the beast will likewise be defiled.
I believe this is what Jesus is referring to in Revelation when He said:
But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.
--- Revelation 2:14

We must stand firm and not defile ourselves.

► Fear God, Not Man:
-- Proverbs 3:7, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Psalm 112:1, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 33:8, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 19:9, Proverbs 14:26, Luke 12:5, Isaiah 8:13, Proverbs 10:27, 1 Samuel 12:14, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Psalm 34:9, Psalm 2:11, Proverbs 16:6, 2 Corinthians 5:11, Proverbs 2:1-5

I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!.
--- Luke 12:5 NASB

► Live for the LORD with reckless abandon, completely surrendering to the will of God. Die to self. It is a life whose focus is the word of God, not the world, not circumstances, not feelings. It is a life of choosing to believe God no matter what the world says. It is a life of joy, peace, hope, and contentment from making the LORD the center of your life.
--- Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Philippians 4:11-13, Matthew 6:25, Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 11:6, Jeremiah 17:7, Philippians 1:21, John 12:24, Colossians 3:3, Revelation 12:11

► Live by Faith, not sight: We will need great faith in the end times. Remember, the faithless (Revelation 21:8) will end up in the lake of fire along with murderers, sorcerers, and idolaters.
Yes, we need faith!
--- Hebrews 11:6, Proverbs 28:20, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:7

for we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
--- Revelation 2:10

►Live as if sheep to be slaughtered:
The metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the call to follow Christ's example of sacrificial love and endurance. It highlights the humility and submission of believers who, like Christ, may be called to suffer unjustly.
In the end times, we must be willing to risk persecution and even death to courageously give ourselves for others as a testimony of the love of Christ.
"As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." --- Romans 8:36

"For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body." --- 2 Corinthians 4:11

--- Psalm 44:22, Psalm 44:11, Isaiah 53:7, Jeremiah 12:3, Acts 8:32

► Be Courageous:
We will need great courage in the end times. Often overlooked is the fact that the cowardly (Revelation 21:8) will end up in the lake of fire along with murderers, sorcerers, and idolaters.
Yes, we need courage!
--- Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 27:14, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Mark 5:36, Psalm 112:7, 2 Corinthians 5:8, 2 Samuel 10:12, 2 Chronicles 15:7, Psalm 31:24, 2 Corinthians 5:6, Philippians 1:20

For more about "Overcoming Fear and Anxiety": Click here

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
--- Joshua 1:9

► Be loving, compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. --- 1 Timothy 6:11-12, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:7, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Matthew 22:37-39, John 15:12, Colossians 3:12

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. --- Ephesians 4:32

To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
--- Romans 12:20-21

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
--- Galatians 6:10

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"
--- Matthew 25:34-40

► Live in such a way that you are in the world but not of the world. Our citizenship is in heaven.
Do not allow greed to draw you to worldly "stuff" and chase after worldly pleasures. Do not conform to worldly values. Rather, seek the LORD with all your heart and pull away from worldly things.
Do not love the world; love the LORD. Cling to Jesus, not the world. Set yourself apart from the world to serve and honor God.

The Antichrist spirit has control of the world. We need to let go of the world and the things in the world. Those who cannot let go of the world will take the mark of the beast.

God is holy, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, He calls us to be holy too. Live in the perfect will of God. Live a holy life.

The Church at the beginning of the tribulation will be too attached and dependent on the "world." Many will lack devotion to God.
During the first year of the tribulation, Jesus has only one complaint.
To the first year Church (Ephesus), Jesus says:

But I have this against you,
that you have left your first love.
--- Revelation 2:4

By the beginning of the tribulation, it seems that many Christians will have lost their zeal for the LORD.
For we also know that ... the love of many will grow cold -- Matthew 24:12

--- John 17:14, James 4:4, Romans 12:2, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 16:26, John 15:19, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 3:13, John 17:16, 2 Timothy 2:21, Colossians 3:2, Matthew 5:48, 2 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 2 Timothy 1:9, Philippians 3:20, 1 Peter 1:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

The Apostle John says:
"Do not love the world nor 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

Jesus said,
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:26

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
--- Mark 8:36

► We are called to be a witness for Christ. Serve Jesus in the fear of the Lord as that great and terrible day draws near. We need to work while we have light. It is getting darker every day.
Become BOLD in your witness of the LORD.
Pray for boldness.
The LORD will provide doors of opportunity to bear witness of the gospel during the end times, even amidst persecution.
Luke 21:12–13, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 3:15, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:8, Matthew 24:14, John 1:5, John 8:12

But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
--- Luke 21:12-13

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. --- John 9:4

► Run with Endurance; Persevere in Faith:
Fight the Good Fight, Finish the Course, Keep the Faith;

We must have Patient Endurance like the Apostle John (Revelation 1:9) in the last days. Find out why, click here

--- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:7, Acts 20:23-24, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 5:7-8, Philippians 2:16, James 5:7-11 NASB, Luke 8:15 NASB, Romans 2:7 NASB, Romans 5:3-4 NASB, Romans 8:25 NASB, Romans 12:12 NASB, Romans 15:4-5 NASB, 1 Timothy 4:16 NASB, 1 Timothy 6:11 NASB, James 1:12 NASB, Revelation 2:2-3 NASB, Revelation 2:19 NASB, Revelation 13:10 NASB, Revelation 14:12 NASB, 2 Timothy 2:12

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, --- Hebrews 12:1 NASB

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. --- Revelation 3:10

►Encourage Other Believers:
Encourage one another and build one another up; strengthen the brethren. Be a Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)
--- Hebrews 3:13, Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Romans 15:5, Romans 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Romans 15:2, Acts 15:32, 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 27:17, Philippians 2:3-4, Acts 14:22

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
--- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

► Read, Memorize, and Meditate on God's Word:
Immerse Yourself in the Word of God... Be God Focused...
Fix your Eyes upon Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2).
--- Joshua 1:8, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:15, Psalm 63:6, Psalm 119:48, Psalm 119:97-99 , Psalm 119:16, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 119:23, Psalm 1:2-3, Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:16, Romans 15:4

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
9 Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
--- Joshua 1:8-9 NASB

► Sing Hymns to become God focused and build your faith.
Hymns are based on scripture and singing them allows you to speak and hear the word of God. Singing Hymns also brings hope and encouragement to all who hear.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. -- Colossians 3:16

The Apostle Paul sang hymns while in prison: "But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;" -- Acts 16:25

--- Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, Ephesians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Acts 16:25, Psalm 147:1, Psalm 92:1, Hebrews 2:12, Romans 15:9, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 68:4, Psalm 9:2, 2 Samuel 22:50, 1 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 47:6-7

► Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5 each day
The entire chapter concerns the day of the Lord and details what we should be doing during the end times.

Here are some highlights of 1 Thessalonians 5:

So then let us not sleep, keep awake
1 Thessalonians 5:6

let us be sober
1 Thessalonians 5:8

put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:8

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up
1 Thessalonians 5:11

respect those who labor among you and are over you
1 Thessalonians 5:12

and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
1 Thessalonians 5:13

Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:13

admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
1 Thessalonians 5:14

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:15

Rejoice always
1 Thessalonians 5:16

pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17

give thanks in all circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Do not quench the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:19

Do not despise prophecies
1 Thessalonians 5:20

test everything; hold fast what is good
1 Thessalonians 5:21

Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22

► Love the Truth
--- 1 Corinthians 13:6, John 14:6, Psalm 119:160, 1 Peter 1:22, John 17:17, Romans 2:8, Psalm 15:2, Psalm 25:10, Psalm 43:3, Psalm 51:6, Psalm 69:13, Psalm 85:10, John 3:21, John 4:23-24, John 8:32, Romans 1:25, 2 Corinthians 13:8, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 6:14, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:7, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, James 3:14, 1 John 1:8, 1 John 2:4, 3 John 1:4

that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.
--- 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

► Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus:
Do not love your very life but rather prepare you heart for persecution or even death.

Determine in your heart now that you will arm yourself for the same purpose as Christ and "live for the will of God."
read (1 Peter 4:1; 1 Peter 4:2)

--- 1 Corinthians 15:31 , Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:24, Romans 6:6, Matthew 10:38, Romans 6:11, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, John 12:25, Revelation 12:11 NASB

►Maintain Your Testimony: What you say (and do not say) and what you do (and do not do) becomes your testimony.

We all have a Testimony

Even your decision not to take the mark of the beast becomes your testimony.
And your testimony will play a major role in overcoming the Antichrist.

---Ephesians 6:11, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Matthew 24:14, Mark 13:9, Luke 21:12-14,

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. --- Revelation 12:11 NASB

►Be an Overcomer: During the last days, build a mindset of overcoming to accomplish all of God's plan and purpose for your life. It is by our faith in the LORD Jesus Christ that we become overcomers.
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."
--- 1 John 5:4

1 John5:4

--- 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:4-5, Revelation 3:5 NASB, Revelation 12:11 NASB, Revelation 21:7 NASB, Revelation 2:7 NASB, Revelation 3:21 NASB, Revelation 2:17 NASB, Revelation 5:5 NASB, Revelation 2:11 NASB, Revelation 3:12 NASB

... because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
--- 1 John 2:14

He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
--- Revelation 2:26 NASB

►Prepare your heart and mind for the difficulties that lie ahead: Prepare for Persecution
Set your face like flint to proclaim Jesus Christ no matter the cost.
--- Isaiah 50:7 NASB, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 51:10, Colossians 3:23, Galatians 2:20, Proverbs 3:5, Revelation 2:10, Philippians 4:13, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 23:4, Joshua 1:9, John 14:1

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
--- 1 Peter 1:13 NASB

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

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
"He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
--- 1 Peter 2:21-24 NIV

► Keep Looking Up:
Our Blessed Hope Is Coming
--- Titus 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:30, Psalm 121:1-2

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
--- Luke 21:28 NASB

► Live each day as if immortal, because in Christ Jesus, you are!
In Christ Jesus is eternal life. Boldly proclaim the gospel.
"...whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."-- John 3:16

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." --- John 10:28

--- John 17:3, John 3:15, John 3:36

► Live each day according to 1 Peter 4:1-19: be self-controlled and sober-minded, be loving, show hospitality, and serve one another. Be stewards of God's grace.

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian:
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
--- 1 Peter 4:1-19

"for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s."
-- Romans 14:8