Left Behind, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is a series of a Christian interpretation of the Biblical End times.  It has been awhile since I have read the series, but what stood out for me was the antichrist.  In the series, the antichrist was so evil, it was frightening.  However, as I think about it, I’m not too sure that we do not already experience the antichrist because of all the evil in world.

In 2 John, the Apostle states: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist!” (2 John:7).  The devil is hard at work through so many people, even through the work of Christians, if we are not careful.  In fact, John takes it a step further and warns us to stay away from people who do not accept, welcome, or participate in the teachings of Jesus – the teaching that we are to love one another. (2 John: 10-11).

In the books of the Left Behind Series, those who believe in Jesus Christ are called to stand firm in their belief through some of the darkest and most difficult times.  Their belief would and did cost them their life!  I wonder how far we are from those days, even right here in the United States?

Let us pray…Gracious God, sometimes it feels as though our days are getting closer and closer to the end of times.  There is so much evil in our world, in our communities, and even right in our neighborhoods.  Help us to stand firm in our belief in You – give us the strength to stand by Christ – no matter what the consequences.  In your name we pray, Amen.