Major end times fear

[Sunflower Garden]

My head aches from this stuff.


This is something that’s been making me really anxious lately. I’ve been bawling my eyes out over it and it is one of the main things making me question my salvation and standing with God.

I’m terrified by end time theology. In the last few months, I’ve been asking God to show me the truth about things, and I’ve found things that have terrified me to my core. Conspiracy theories about an “Illuminati” or a demonic elite running our world’s civilized countries. Claims that 95% of churches are spreading a false gospel, and 99% of Christians are going to hell. Or that only 1% of American Christians are true followers of Christ. That we’re just following a “feel-good Christianity” that’s gonna kill us all. That all It shakes me to my core, making me question “how the heck is anyone gonna feel at peace with God knowing all of this?” Just recently, I came across an Instagram account, called @seeworldtruth which has some pretty crazy stuff.

After all, a lot of this applies to me...if I really knew and loved God, I would obey Him. I wouldn’t have backslid as many times as I did since “conversion.” I wouldn’t have defended homosexuality so long or still struggle to hate it as I should.

If I really knew and loved God, I wouldn’t have anxiety and cry over this all the time. He doesn’t give us a spirit of fear. I’d be able to read this stuff without getting scared, but I am. Is that because I already know I’m condemned and can’t do anything about it?

If I really knew and loved God, then I would hate the world, the idea of leaving my comfort zone wouldn’t scare me, I’d be willing to give up anything for Him...yet I ask myself, “if God asked me to stop attending art school and/or give up art forever, would you?” and feel terrified because I feel like my hesitation to answer really shows where my heart lies. Same love for my parents, family, friends, animals, playing games, secular music, doing things that are “fun...” do those things actually take away from God? What is true discipleship? What is true ministry? If I’m scared of losing everything I love and becoming hated by others for God’s sake, am I really a Christian? Do I really know His love? After all I should love Him most! He said that whoever loses his life will save it, and whoever saves his will lose it...what does this mean?

I also know Jesus meant it quite literally when he told his followers to sell all they own in order to follow him...to disconnect from the world, to disconnect from materialism. I agree materialism is bad yet now I feel guilty of it. I’ve seen followers of Jesus give up a comfortable middle class life and go completely homeless on the streets so they’d be closer to God. I should be willing to do this too, for Jesus...yet I hesitate. How dare I call myself a child of God? Am I really a child of hell?

Is the fact that I struggle with giving up the idea of earthly pleasures or ambitions show my heart isn’t right with God like I thought it was? Am I gonna die?? Am I gonna burn forever?? Why can’t I hear Jesus?? Why can’t I feel God’s voice and presence in my life?!? I feel like I don’t want God enough, that I don’t love Him enough, I don’t strive for His kingdom enough, I don’t fear eternal judgment enough, I’m not concerned for the unsaved enough, I’m not concerned for myself enough...I know Jesus Christ said that few people shall find His kingdom. That number feels smaller and smaller to me everyday. It feels inevitable that I’m gonna be cast out from God’s love forever, that I never knew Him and am never going to, I’m just lost forever and DEAD and I can’t stop crying and worrying!!

Am I really saved? Really born again? How do I let Jesus live in me and lead my life? How do I give up myself? How do I crucify myself? How do I live as He did?


It’s these that make me terrified I’m not saved, that make it feel impossible for me to be saved. That make me feel selfish and that I don’t truly love God. That make me worried I’m gonna be deceived. That I’m not elect. That I’m hopeless. That I’m just another Judas.

 

[d taylor]

If you believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah from The Tanakh prophecies and have trusted in Jesus for the free gift of His Eternal Life. Then you have Eternal Life and have crossed over from death to life never to cross back over to death.

As for the end time look forward to them, all the lies of this world (and there are many) will be destroyed.

 

[Salvadore]

My head aches from this stuff.


This is something that’s been making me really anxious lately. I’ve been bawling my eyes out over it and it is one of the main things making me question my salvation and standing with God.

I’m terrified by end time theology. In the last few months, I’ve been asking God to show me the truth about things, and I’ve found things that have terrified me to my core. Conspiracy theories about an “Illuminati” or a demonic elite running our world’s civilized countries. Claims that 95% of churches are spreading a false gospel, and 99% of Christians are going to hell. Or that only 1% of American Christians are true followers of Christ. That we’re just following a “feel-good Christianity” that’s gonna kill us all. That all It shakes me to my core, making me question “how the heck is anyone gonna feel at peace with God knowing all of this?” Just recently, I came across an Instagram account, called @seeworldtruth which has some pretty crazy stuff.

After all, a lot of this applies to me...if I really knew and loved God, I would obey Him. I wouldn’t have backslid as many times as I did since “conversion.” I wouldn’t have defended homosexuality so long or still struggle to hate it as I should.

If I really knew and loved God, I wouldn’t have anxiety and cry over this all the time. He doesn’t give us a spirit of fear. I’d be able to read this stuff without getting scared, but I am. Is that because I already know I’m condemned and can’t do anything about it?

If I really knew and loved God, then I would hate the world, the idea of leaving my comfort zone wouldn’t scare me, I’d be willing to give up anything for Him...yet I ask myself, “if God asked me to stop attending art school and/or give up art forever, would you?” and feel terrified because I feel like my hesitation to answer really shows where my heart lies. Same love for my parents, family, friends, animals, playing games, secular music, doing things that are “fun...” do those things actually take away from God? What is true discipleship? What is true ministry? If I’m scared of losing everything I love and becoming hated by others for God’s sake, am I really a Christian? Do I really know His love? After all I should love Him most! He said that whoever loses his life will save it, and whoever saves his will lose it...what does this mean?

I also know Jesus meant it quite literally when he told his followers to sell all they own in order to follow him...to disconnect from the world, to disconnect from materialism. I agree materialism is bad yet now I feel guilty of it. I’ve seen followers of Jesus give up a comfortable middle class life and go completely homeless on the streets so they’d be closer to God. I should be willing to do this too, for Jesus...yet I hesitate. How dare I call myself a child of God? Am I really a child of hell?

Is the fact that I struggle with giving up the idea of earthly pleasures or ambitions show my heart isn’t right with God like I thought it was? Am I gonna die?? Am I gonna burn forever?? Why can’t I hear Jesus?? Why can’t I feel God’s voice and presence in my life?!? I feel like I don’t want God enough, that I don’t love Him enough, I don’t strive for His kingdom enough, I don’t fear eternal judgment enough, I’m not concerned for the unsaved enough, I’m not concerned for myself enough...I know Jesus Christ said that few people shall find His kingdom. That number feels smaller and smaller to me everyday. It feels inevitable that I’m gonna be cast out from God’s love forever, that I never knew Him and am never going to, I’m just lost forever and DEAD and I can’t stop crying and worrying!!

Am I really saved? Really born again? How do I let Jesus live in me and lead my life? How do I give up myself? How do I crucify myself? How do I live as He did?


It’s these that make me terrified I’m not saved, that make it feel impossible for me to be saved. That make me feel selfish and that I don’t truly love God. That make me worried I’m gonna be deceived. That I’m not elect. That I’m hopeless. That I’m just another Judas.

 

[Tone]

May Abba Yah Breathe Comfort into this Body and raise us up in Yahshua ha Mashiach. Amen.

Sounds like the noise is loud around you, but His Loving Voice is still there and He will keep you in His Sight as He has promised. Be encouraged sister. Shalom.

 

[chevyontheriver]

My head aches from this stuff.

And here I am thinking that God wins in the end, and that's something to look forward to. It will be a relief to be done with the slide towards Gommorah, to see the great and glorious return of Jesus. I find myself praying 'Maranatha' fairly often these days.

But you are right that it will not be peachy fine for everyone. You mentioned Judas. Judas and Peter both betrayed Jesus. One repented in bitter tears and was forgiven and restored. The other hanged himself. Pick one to emulate.

I can't tell when the end will come. Tomorrow? In a million years? In ten minutes? I'm thinking shorter rather than longer. I'm just trying to be ready, to be reconciled with Jesus as best I can, to pray as best as my muddled heart and soul can muddle on.

If you were Catholic I could say you should go to confession. Some Lutherans actually still do that. Maybe you could see if your kind of Lutheran does/

 

[GaveMeJoy]

My head aches from this stuff.


This is something that’s been making me really anxious lately. I’ve been bawling my eyes out over it and it is one of the main things making me question my salvation and standing with God.

I’m terrified by end time theology. In the last few months, I’ve been asking God to show me the truth about things, and I’ve found things that have terrified me to my core. Conspiracy theories about an “Illuminati” or a demonic elite running our world’s civilized countries. Claims that 95% of churches are spreading a false gospel, and 99% of Christians are going to hell. Or that only 1% of American Christians are true followers of Christ. That we’re just following a “feel-good Christianity” that’s gonna kill us all. That all It shakes me to my core, making me question “how the heck is anyone gonna feel at peace with God knowing all of this?” Just recently, I came across an Instagram account, called @seeworldtruth which has some pretty crazy stuff.

After all, a lot of this applies to me...if I really knew and loved God, I would obey Him. I wouldn’t have backslid as many times as I did since “conversion.” I wouldn’t have defended homosexuality so long or still struggle to hate it as I should.

If I really knew and loved God, I wouldn’t have anxiety and cry over this all the time. He doesn’t give us a spirit of fear. I’d be able to read this stuff without getting scared, but I am. Is that because I already know I’m condemned and can’t do anything about it?

If I really knew and loved God, then I would hate the world, the idea of leaving my comfort zone wouldn’t scare me, I’d be willing to give up anything for Him...yet I ask myself, “if God asked me to stop attending art school and/or give up art forever, would you?” and feel terrified because I feel like my hesitation to answer really shows where my heart lies. Same love for my parents, family, friends, animals, playing games, secular music, doing things that are “fun...” do those things actually take away from God? What is true discipleship? What is true ministry? If I’m scared of losing everything I love and becoming hated by others for God’s sake, am I really a Christian? Do I really know His love? After all I should love Him most! He said that whoever loses his life will save it, and whoever saves his will lose it...what does this mean?

I also know Jesus meant it quite literally when he told his followers to sell all they own in order to follow him...to disconnect from the world, to disconnect from materialism. I agree materialism is bad yet now I feel guilty of it. I’ve seen followers of Jesus give up a comfortable middle class life and go completely homeless on the streets so they’d be closer to God. I should be willing to do this too, for Jesus...yet I hesitate. How dare I call myself a child of God? Am I really a child of hell?

Is the fact that I struggle with giving up the idea of earthly pleasures or ambitions show my heart isn’t right with God like I thought it was? Am I gonna die?? Am I gonna burn forever?? Why can’t I hear Jesus?? Why can’t I feel God’s voice and presence in my life?!? I feel like I don’t want God enough, that I don’t love Him enough, I don’t strive for His kingdom enough, I don’t fear eternal judgment enough, I’m not concerned for the unsaved enough, I’m not concerned for myself enough...I know Jesus Christ said that few people shall find His kingdom. That number feels smaller and smaller to me everyday. It feels inevitable that I’m gonna be cast out from God’s love forever, that I never knew Him and am never going to, I’m just lost forever and DEAD and I can’t stop crying and worrying!!

Am I really saved? Really born again? How do I let Jesus live in me and lead my life? How do I give up myself? How do I crucify myself? How do I live as He did?


It’s these that make me terrified I’m not saved, that make it feel impossible for me to be saved. That make me feel selfish and that I don’t truly love God. That make me worried I’m gonna be deceived. That I’m not elect. That I’m hopeless. That I’m just another Judas.

This anxiety and fear you have is not from God and is an attack on you from the devil. The devil wouldn’t attack you in this way if you didn’t belong to Christ. Pray and ask god for peace and read about the joy that Christ died for you to have, no matter what your circumstances
JOY verses



The holy grail of joy verses first!



Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Philippians 4:4-7



salm 90:14 New International Version (NIV)


14


Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,


that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.



Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


1 Thessalonians 5:16-18



20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”


Luke 10:20



9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.


John 15:9- 11



You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.


Psalm 16:11



Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."



May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Romans 15:13



I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.


Philippians 1:23-26


(Paul says that continuing to inspire progress and joy in the church was one of the only reasons he was still even alive on earth.)



Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.


Habakkuk 3:17-18



And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.


Romans 8:28


Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more GLADLY about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


2 Corinthians 12:8-10



When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”


Acts 7:54-56



Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”


Daniel 3:19,21,24-25



Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Romans 8:35-39



John 16:20


Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.



So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.


John 16:22



John 16:24


Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.



33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”


John 16:33



1 Peter 5:10


After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.


Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.


James 1:12



Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


James 1:2-4



Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.


-1 Peter 4:12-13


At this time, Emperor Nero was burning the bodies of Christians to light his gardens in the evenings



In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,


2 Timothy 3:12




And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.


2 Corinthians 8:1-2



I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.


Romans 8:18-19



“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.John 15:9-11



Romans 5:1-5 New International Version (NIV)


Peace and Hope


5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.



But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.


1 Peter 2:20-21



Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”


Neh 8:10



Psalm 51:12


Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.



Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector 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 12:1–2)



Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."




Psalm 5:11 "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."


The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.


Psalm 103:19



Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.


Romans 12:11-12


So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.


1 Peter 4:19



Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!


Psalm 32:11



It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.


3 John 1:3-4



Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector 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 12:1–2)


When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.


Jeremiah 15:16

 

[Salvadore]

Sunflower, My doctor recommended I read the news once per week, if at all. It does seem the world is in trouble, but try not to dwell on it. Remember Jesus is the Son of God. He died for you. He loves you and knows you intimately. Trust him. Obey and confess your sins. A lot of people in the past and present have fallen away at some time. For me, the journey has not been a straight line upward. There continue to be peaks and valleys. As much as Peter loved our Lord, he denied him THREE times (valley). Try to relax. Think of moderation when it comes to material things. Give to others (moderation), but don't become homeless (extreme). Thank you for sharing. Don't read anymore end of the world stuff. Practice God's presence (He is with you) and take in the wonders of the world. Balance your activities and include God each day.

 

[paul1149]

I’m terrified by end time theology

Ultimately the answer is to focus on Jesus and to cooperate what He wants to do in you and through you. If you're immersing yourself in things that bring malignant fear, that's not God and will drag you down. It's the Psalms, I believe, that tell us the fear of the Lord is clean. And it is the beginning of wisdom.

Jesus told us that without Him we can do nothing. If you're walking too close to the edge of a cliff and are terrified, then by all means back off. I'm speaking here about any kind of serious sin. But if your fear is due to the vague hyperbolic warnings of man, then you need to get alone with God and let Him minister to you and define who you are.

I stopped tuning in to the doomsday preachers. Not that there's not some truth to what they say, but because it's out of balance and constitutes a very unhealthy steady diet. I found it left me manipulated into a works mentality, I had to do this or that to be really Saved. That's not Biblical. I am Saved, and the works that I now do I do in union with Christ, with His strength supporting me.

I've come to value my spiritual peace highly, and am learning to guard it carefully. Perfect love casts out fear, and we are the recipients of perfect love. Maybe you need to draw near to Christ and abide in that love. Then you will discern clearly between the valid fear that can have its place, and the kind that is fruitless, destructive, and in fact illegal for the believer. And perhaps you need to put on the full armor of God (Eph 6), which includes the helmet of salvation and the righteousness Christ gives us, and start resisting the accusations of the enemy of your soul. "The grace of God has appeared in these last days, teaching us to say No to ungodliness."

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matt 11:28-30​