Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.1
The bible is God’s word. Throughout the OT prophesies were proclaimed about the coming Messiah; and Jesus was the fulfillment of those prophesies. I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.2
There was much talk about end times. And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray.3 Without knowledge of Scripture you may be easily deceived. Through the prophet Hosea, God forewarned that his people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.4
Repeatedly, Jesus said, “But be on your guard.”5 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.6 Be on guard; keep awake.7 Staying awake is a posture of readiness—being prepared. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, . . . And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”8
The gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.9 Indeed there will be an end, a point of reckoning before Jesus, the King of kings! Meantime, he instructs his disciples to proclaim the gospel to all nations. . . say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.10
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”11 Beware the scheme of the enemy to trip you. 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. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. . . . In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take up the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, . . . .13
. . . you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 . . . I am watching over my word to perform it.15
Notes:
1. Proverbs 30:5
2. Psalm 138:2
3. Mark 13:5
4. Hosea 4:6
5. Mark 13:9
6. Mark 13:23
7. Mark 13:33
8. Mark 13:34-37
9. Mark 13:10
10. Mark 13:11
11. Mark 14:38
12. 1 John 2:15-16
13. Ephesians 6:10-17
14. Mark 13:13
15. Jeremiah 1:12
