I’ve been searching God’s Word for understanding of where our soul and spirit go when our earthly body dies, and the Lord has been leading me to His Word that teaches me I’d better be concerned about what I’m doing NOW, because if I’m not doing right, my soul will go to hell. And so here is what I’ve been studying.

In the book of Matthew, chapter 24, it begins by His disciples showing Him the temple, verse one, and then….

“3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:3-5

He goes on to describe the beginning of the end. Please read ALL of chapters 24 & 25, and see if this is happening today. It’s comforting to know what Jesus said.

“6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

What do you think He means by enduring? “He that shall endure,” meaning you or me; if we continue to trust and believe in Jesus, even if we’re stripped from everything we’ve placed our love and hope in? Those things we’ve worked so hard for, or those people we’ve put so much of our time and energy into, if we no longer have them (or those things) will we love God and continue to hope in Him, learning through life’s experiences that we should only have our hope, love and trust in God who is always there for us, who will never leave us, and can do all things.

What is the greatest commandment?

Matthew 22:37-38 “37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment.” IF we were able to keep this commandment we’d never cry about losing anything because we’d know all we need is God and we’re safe with our trust in Him. If we lost our savings, we’d know He’ll take care of us. When we lose our loved ones (such as my father or my son) I’d remember that God created me and will take care of me even better than my earthly daddy, and His Word promises to take care of me when I'm old, since my son will not be here to help me when I grow old. However, praise God I still have one son and my husband; so God will provide for me, He has a perfect plan for all of us.

But in Matthew chapter 24, as I was saying, Jesus continues speaking to His disciples and says “23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before.” Matthew 24:23-25

Pay attention to this part (and I encourage you to read all of chapters 24 & 25). “32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matthew 24:32-33

Read this part and let it sink in. What if Jesus returned today? What are your plans this day? Will you be ready?

“44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:44-51