Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1 v 5: "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake."
The times we are living in today are tough, but permitted by God to prepare us for what is coming upon this world soon. The state of the world causes people to draw near to our Saviour for assurance of rescue. It also informs us of greater hardships to come as government slogans are saying A Better Life For All. It's a lie from Hell.
The "last days" refers to the last two days equal to 2000 years since the death and resurrection of Jesus. (One day is like a 1000 years). In these last days the Holy Ghost has been sent as the Father promised, to equip us with gifts like tongues and prophecy to help us through the tough times.
Our gospel comes with power. Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons, opened blind eyes while walking among the people of Israel. Then He preached to them because He had their attention. He healed incurable diseases like leprosy and the miracles gave them hope and gave His gospel power.
Acts 1 v 9 - 11: "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
After He ascended the Holy Ghost came and with Him the ability to do all Jesus had done and greater works than these. Jesus was confined to one place and time without any modern media. We have Jesus in our hearts; many millions of hearts everywhere. We have social media which has enhanced the spread of the truth about Jesus into lands where Bibles and missionaries are forbidden.
We have much assurance from our Lord that our prayers are heard and answered; we witness the healings; deliverance from drugs and alcohol and other problems. We know Jesus will return as He promised and we know the time is not far off. Many do not know or understand what is happening or the significance of it. That is our work for the kingdom - to be ambassadors who spread the advantages of our home country (Heaven) around the world.
We need to share the gospel; the power; the Holy Spirit to give them much assurance for the trials which lie ahead. We have a testimony, a faith, a love that will uplift and encourage those in need. If you have been saved 40 years and your only testimony is about how you got saved, you need to be more pro-active. Share these Bible studies or study the Bible and write your own but don't vegetate.
The Holy Spirit gives us much assurance that He is with us. His gifts are powerful and the more we use them the more powerful they become. The Antichrist is rattling his weapons that bring fear, doubt, panic and worry, however Jesus assures us that He has everything under control. We are His army with far more powerful weapons that are indestructible.
Today I heard Ukrainians calling Putin the Antichrist. Their president says he will never be forgiven and must face the Day of Judgment. Putin is doing such despicable things for his own extremely selfish reasons, and must give an account to God for brutalities being committed against a neighbour that was not provoking him. There is no Godly assurance here. He will hear Jesus say, I never knew you! Meaning go straight to Hell.
Those who had the Ark of the Covenant could never be defeated. We have One greater than the Ark who will live forever and so will we. We must not be passive in this spiritual war that has raged since before Eden. We must find our part to play and do it with diligence. We must continue to rescue souls out of enemy hands and give them much assurance of salvation.
Our only passport into Heaven is our personal relationship with Jesus. I know Jesus and He knows me, personally. It's literally not what you know but Who you know!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have kept every promise to us and this gives us much assurance. Help us to spread this assurance to the fearful and the lost. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and help us. In Jesus' name. Amen.