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Have We Reached the End?

by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio

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WINNING WITH THE WORD

“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that will help you to be a winner in life by applying God’s principles for living the abundant life as found in the Bible, God’s manual for life.

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Do you prefer listening instead of reading? Then click below to listen to today’s blog post on podcast.

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Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, novelist and life coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Monday, July 19, 2021, and this is Episode #24 of Series 2021. This episode is titled “Have We Reached the End?”

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The world has gone crazy. Everywhere I turn, people are calling good, evil, and evil, good. Violence abounds as people disregard the law because they know they will not be punished for doing so. Police authority is almost non-existent, while retail stores are closing because of the incredible looting taking place.

But I’m not surprised. Why not? Because Jesus predicted this very thing would happen shortly before He returns to earth to remove His followers. Listen to what He said in Matthew 24: 3-8: 

“While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’Jesus answered, ‘See to it that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.'”

Sad to say, most people aren’t paying attention to the warnings of Jesus. In fact, most people are clueless that such warnings even exist. Yet, the warnings of Christ have a major implication for your life. Yes, YOUR life. You ignore them at your own peril.

And I don’t mean just peril on this earth. I mean peril after you die. For, you see, Christ’s warnings have everything to do with what happens to you after you die. And yes, as much as you hate to think about it, one day you will die. And at that moment, you’ll be so glad you listened to what I am about to tell you.

You see, world events are converging just as the Bible said they would. The Bible predicts that Russia, Turkey, and Iran will form a coalition and invade Israel. Guess what? Russia, Turkey, and Iran recently formed a coalition with the purpose of conquering Israel.

The Bible predicts that people will not be able to think straight shortly before Jesus returns. Well, guess what? People are no longer thinking straight. They can’t tell the difference between a man and a woman. They think that killing babies in abortion is okay. They have no problem lying, stealing, and cheating to get ahead. 

The Bible predicts that there would be an increase in the number and in the intensity of earthquakes shortly before Jesus returns. Guess what? We have witnessed an extraordinarily high number of earthquakes throughout the world, many in areas where there have been no known earthquakes. And the intensity of these earthquakes has also been increasing.

The Bible predicts that there would be famines, droughts, and pestilence before Jesus returns. Guess what? We are seeing droughts in the United States like never before. Pestilence has covered the earth in the form of Covid 19, and people are starving all over the world.

Well, Dr. MaryAnn, you might protest, there have always been droughts and famines and pestilences. So what’s different now?

What’s different is that all of these things are happening at once and with increasing numbers and intensity. The Bible describes this convergence of events as “the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24: 8). Just as a woman’s birth pains increase in frequency and intensity the closer she gets to delivery, so are the earth’s birth pains increasing in frequency and intensity the closer we get to the return of Christ and His establishment of His New Kingdom.

So, what does all of this mean for you? It means your eternal destiny, that’s what it means. So listen up! 

You were created by God with a spirit and a soul that will live forever. Regardless of what anyone tells you, your existence will not end when you die. Yes, your body will become an empty shell, but only because your spirit and soul will have left it to live elsewhere. Where your spirit and soul live after you die is a choice that only you can make. And you need to make that choice BEFORE you die, because afterward, it will be too late.

So, what are your choices? There are only two: Heaven or Hell.

Most people today don’t believe in Hell. They even joke about it, saying that it would be more fun to go there since all of their friends will be there. But, let me assure you that Hell is no party. Hell is a place of torment that will never end. It is a place of utter isolation and eternal separation from God and all of your friends, even if they go to Hell, too.

To think that Hell is one big party is the height of foolishness and the height of deception. You see, you have an arch enemy. His name is Satan. He is the god of Hell, and he wants to drag you there to suffer with him for all eternity. As the saying goes, misery loves company.

So, don’t be fooled by Satan. He hates you and will do everything to bring you down. But Jesus, on the other hand, loves you and has done everything to save you from Satan. He gave His life for you by dying on a Cross. In that act of ultimate self-sacrifice, Jesus took the rap for your sins. He took the punishment that you should have taken so that you wouldn’t have to take it. And what was that punishment? It was an eternity in Hell.

The Bible says in John 15: 13 that “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus laid down His life for you. He didn’t have to do this, but He did. Why? Because He loves you and wants you to live with Him forever.

But the choice is yours. Do you want to spend forever with Satan or with Jesus? To me, this is a no-brainer. I hope it is to you as well.

Perhaps you already know Jesus. If so, I urge you to be bold in telling others about Him. Perhaps you will be instrumental in saving someone from the eternal fire of Hell.

If you do not yet know Jesus, I urge you to accept Him now. Don’t wait another minute!  Jesus could return for His own at any moment. Don’t be left behind!

To receive Jesus Christ Who is Eternal Life, pray this simple prayer with me now:

Lord Jesus, I need You. I want to spend eternity with you. I need You to heal me, Lord. I need You to set me free. So, I invite You into my life now.  I receive You as my personal Savior and the Lord of my life. Thank You for forgiving me and bringing me into Your family. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me eternal life. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.

If you sincerely prayed this prayer, please write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com. I would like to send you a free e-booklet that will help you get started in your walk with Christ. I also encourage you to get yourself a Bible and read it every single day. The Bible is God’s love letter to you, His manual for your life. In the Bible, God reveals Who He is, and He teaches you how to live.

Finally, ask the Lord to lead you to the church of His choice for you where you can learn about Him and have fellowship and encouragement with other Christ-Followers. It is critically important in these last days to fellowship with other believers who are mature in Christ and who can guide you as you grow in Him.

If you are not yet a subscriber to the Winning with the Word blog and podcast, I urge you to click on the link below to subscribe now so you will not miss a single weekly episode:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w4q0z

Please tell your family and friends about “Winning with the Word,” and please pass this post and podcast on to them. Thank you!

PLEASE TWEET: “Have We Reached the End?” (CLICK TO TWEET)

Now it’s your turn: Have you lost the fire for your First Love, Jesus Christ? If so, what are you going. to do to rekindle it? Please leave your comment in the Comment Box below. Thank you.

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For those of you who may not know, I write fiction about many of the issues I deal with in this blog and podcast. My latest novel, Miracle in Milan, has just been released in both print and ebook formats and deals with the issue of unforgiveness. It is the story of a young, female auditor who discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler. You will find Miracle in Milan to be a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. To order your copy, go to Amazon or to my website bookstore at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. You will also find Miracle in Milan on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. 

This podcast is funded by listeners like you. If you have been blessed by Winning with the Word, please consider becoming one of my special patrons on Patreon.com. For only $1.00, $3.00, or $5.00 a month, you can help me proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Winning with the Word now reaches 53 countries on six continents, by God’s grace, because of the faithful support of my patrons. So please help me to keep Winning with the Word on the air by becoming one of my valued patrons. Your patronage helps to cover the costs of producing, hosting, and distributing Winning with the Word to the four corners of the earth. Patrons receive special benefits, including free books, short stories, podcasts, and videos. So, join my wonderful team of Patrons and become a part of something great!

To become a patron, go to https://www.patreon.com/winningwiththeword 

I would like to thank all of my patrons who are making this podcast possible. I could not do this without you!

Finally, be sure to check out my latest non-fiction book, The Iron Saint. This book, modeled after The Iron Man triathlon, talks about the coming persecution of the Church in America and how you can prepare for it. The Iron Saint is available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other major book purchasing venues. You may also find it on my website at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. Get a copy for your pastor as well. 

Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are and that He will help you to keep on Winning with the Word! 

To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.

To receive my monthly newsletter, click here.

To become a patron of Winning with the Word, click here.

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Now Available for Purchase: Dr. MaryAnn’s latest novel, Miracle in Milan.

When a young, female auditor discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler, she must choose between ruining him or ruining herself.

Amy Torelli, Chief Auditor for New York City-based Enson Pharmaceuticals, is assigned to audit the books of Enson’s Italian branch in the enchanting city of Milan, Italy. Having made an inner vow never to trust a man again because of her father’s betrayal, Amy finds herself falling in love with Enson Italia’s American-born Vice-President, Ted Masters. Will Ted be the one to cause her to break her inner vow?

Ted McMasters is on the run. A run from rejection. From himself. From God. Having been wounded by a father who made him feel worthless, and having been dumped by the woman he wanted to marry, Ted is determined to keep all women at bay. But will Amy Torelli be the reason he changes his mind?
Miracle in Milan
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THE IRON SAINT by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD

The Church in America is on the verge of a tremendous spiritual awakening, an awakening that will first be fueled by persecution unlike anything we have ever seen before in this land. Indeed, a prophetic word given in my home church during the month of November gave this warning to the Church: “Prepare for the fire of persecution!”

But the Church is not ready for this persecution. For the most part, the Church in America has been weak and lukewarm. Flabby and lazy. Consumed with the world and not with the things of God. As a result, the Church has been deceived and has subverted the divine order of things.

In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio seeks to help equip the saints for the work of true, integritous, and effective ministry. As a teacher in the Body of Christ, it is her burning desire to help correct this devastating error.

In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. Diorio has outlined a plan of action for strengthening the Church through uncompromising obedience to the Word of God. This plan of action is based on her own 50 years of walking with the Lord and being led by His Holy Spirit.

If you are a born-again believer and member of the Body of Christ, make this book a top reading priority.

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E-BOOK FORMAT

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Check out these popular Winning with the Word podcasts below. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top of the sidebar on this page. 

__The Dangers of Distraction

__Breaking the Mind Barrier

__How Close Are We to the End?

__Have You Lost Your Hope?

__Are You Being Deceived?

__7 Signs That the Tribulation Is at Hand

 Are you new to this blog? If so, what is the “Winning with the Word” blog and why will it bless you to read it?

“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that helps you to deal with the daily problems of life by using the Bible as your guide to solving them. The Word of God will make you a success in life!

AN INVITATION TO YOU: To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.

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Copyright 2000-2021 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be published or printed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may contact her at info@maryanndiorio.com to request permission.

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7 Signs That the Tribulation Is at Hand

by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio

by

WINNING WITH THE WORD

“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that will help you to be a winner in life by applying God’s principles for living the abundant life as found in the Bible, God’s manual for life.

AN INVITATION TO YOU: To follow this blog, click here. 

If this blog has blessed you, please encourage your family and friends to subscribe as well. Thank you!

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Do you prefer listening instead of reading? Then click below to listen to today’s blog post:

 

 

 

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Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Novelist and Life Coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Monday, June 22, 2020. Today’s Podcast is Episode #25 in Series 2020 and is titled “7 Signs That the Tribulation Is at Hand.”

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Are you trying to make sense of what is going on in the world? If so, you are not alone. Sound-minded people everywhere are asking, “What is happening to my country? To the world?”  As always, the answer to those questions is found in the Bible.

Yes, the Bible. Now before you get all bent out of shape, do yourself a favor and hear me out.

Two-thirds of the Bible tells about what is happening in our world today. Do you find that surprising? Well, when you get to know God, you won’t find that surprising at all. You see, God wants us to know what is going on as a warning to us to prepare for the return of Jesus Christ.

But more on that later. Right now, I want to give you seven signs straight from the Bible that prove we are in the last days before Jesus Christ will return to remove His Church from the earth. That event is called the Rapture, and it will occur before the Tribulation.

Sadly, most pastors in America are not teaching their flocks about this event. But you don’t need a pastor to teach you. You can learn it for yourself in the Bible. Read the following books: Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Zechariah in the Old Testament, and Matthew, 1Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Revelation in the New Testament.

Now, on to the seven signs that the Tribulation is at hand:

Sign #1: Lawlessness and Violence (Matthew 24: 12; 2 Thessalonians 2: 3; Revelation 9: 21). In Matthew 24: 12 and 2 Thessalonians 2: 3, the Bible warns that in the last days, a spirit of lawlessness will take over the earth. This means that people will no longer respect civil authority and will take authority into their own hands. In other words, they will rebel.

We are seeing this happening before our very eyes in Washington state, where rioters have taken over a portion of a city and declared it a separate country. A year ago, this would have been unthinkable. Yet, it is happening now as I write.

To further lawlessness, protesters are demanding that our police be defunded. This is insanity of the highest degree. Imagine a society with no deterrent to crime. That is the kind of world we will live in if we don’t do something to stop it.

Along with lawlessness, violence will increase. We read this in Revelation 9: 21: “Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” In major cities, statues are being overturned by violent protesters. Murders and looting are increasing in major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. Violence against specific groups is also increasing, including violence against Christians and Jews. Which brings us to—

Sign #2. Anti-Semitism (Matthew 24: 15-20). Anti-Semitism is on the rise. Synagogues are being damaged and destroyed. Many Jews, particularly in some of the Northeastern states of the United States, are returning to Israel to live. 

Sign #3: Surrender of Rights (Revelation 13: 7-17). As a result of the Corona virus panic, people have given up their Constitutional rights in exchange for “peace and security.”  We have become like sheep going to the slaughter, and most Americans don’t seem to care. The Globalists have us right where they want us. Their experiment, via the Corona virus, has gotten them the results they expected. They are dealing with weak people who care more about their own skin than about their liberty. Where are the Patrick Henrys of today who will declare, “Give me liberty or give me death!” I know of very few. How about you?

Sign #4: Inflation (Revelation 6: 6). Already we are seeing signs of inflation in our economy. One such sign is the price of housing. Houses that only a year or two ago sold for $250,000 are now selling for $400,000-$500,000. According to the Bible, there will be an economic collapse during the Tribulation. In Revelation 6: 6, we read these words of John the Revelator: “Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” Prices for food will skyrocket, as they already have, and bare essentials will require a day’s pay to purchase.

Sign #5: The Rise of the New World Order (Daniel 7; Revelation 13). Have you seen the United Nation’s website called the “UN New World Order”? Check it out at UNNWO.org. You will be shocked! Its tagline is “Let’s Take Our Planet Back.” When you explore their initiatives, however, under the headings of Sustainability, Climate Change, and other nice-sounding terms that are a disguise for the true agenda of the United Nations, things like Agenda 2020, Agenda 2030, and a host of other deceptive initiatives designed to promote the New World Order, you will see what the UN is really about. Remember this: Jesus said, “DO NOT BE DECEIVED.” (Matthew 24: 4).  As the old saying goes, “All that glitters is not gold.”

Sign #6: Apostasy (1 Timothy 4: 1) . Apostasy is the act of straying from the Truth. Today we are seeing countless churches abandoning the truth of God’s Word and promoting heretical teachings that are diametrically opposed to what God says in His Word. As Scripture prophesied, these apostate churches are calling good evil, and evil good (Isaiah 5: 20). Unless they repent, the people who embrace the false teachings of apostate churches will perish and spend eternity in hell, as will the pastors of such churches.

Sign #7: Famine and pestilence (Matthew 24: 7). We don’t have to go far to witness extensive famine and pestilence throughout the earth. For the past several months, we have all personally experienced the effects on our lives of the global Corona virus pandemic. Moreover, unusual and adverse weather patterns have caused drought or heavy rains in areas not accustomed to such erratic weather. These events, plus the plagues of locusts and other insects, have wreaked havoc on the world’s food supply, resulting in famine in many areas. 

So, there you have it, my friend. Seven signs that the Tribulation is at hand. But the question is, what are you going to do about it? 

Well, there is nothing we can do to stop the arrival of the Tribulation because God prophesied it would happen. If God prophesied it, then nothing can stop it.

But, there is one critically important thing we can do to prepare for the Lord’s return. We can be ready! 

You may be wondering, “How can I be ready?” There is only one way. Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and you will then escape the horrific period called the Tribulation.

You see, Jesus will return shortly before the Tribulation to remove from the earth all of us who are born again and follow Him. Those who are not born again and who do not follow Him will be left behind to go through the horrific tyranny of the AntiChrist who will rule the world during the Tribulation. The AntiChrist will be the physical embodiment of Satan himself. So you can only imagine how evil his reign of terror will be.

So, I urge you–I implore you, even–to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord if you have not already done so.
Just pray this simple prayer with me now:

Lord Jesus, I come to You, just as I am. I do not want to be here during the Tribulation period. I want to go with You when You remove Your followers from the earth. So I ask You now to save me from the wrath to come. I invite You into my life. I receive You as my Savior and my Lord. Make of me what You created me to be. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

If you prayed this simple prayer, please write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com. I would like to send you a little booklet that will help you get started in your walk with Christ. I also encourage you to get yourself a Bible and read it every single day. The Bible is God’s love letter to you, His manual for your life. In the Bible, God reveals Who He is, and He instructs you how to live.

Finally, ask the Lord to lead you to the church of His choice for you where you can learn about Him and have fellowship and encouragement with other Christ-Followers.

For those of you who may not know, I write fiction about many of the issues I deal with in this blog and podcast. My latest novel, In Black and White, recently won First Place in Historical Fiction in the 2020 Christian Indie Book Awards Contest. It is the page-turning, compelling love story between a white woman and a black man as they face the wrath of family and society in order to preserve their love. This book was written for such a time as this, in which we are facing very serious issues of racism and hatred in our society. To discover the only real answer to racism, get your copy of IN BLACK AND WHITE now at Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo, or other vendors of your choice.  If you are reading this blog post, you can also purchase IN BLACK AND WHITE at the link below or on my website at maryanndiorio.com. Just click the bookstore tab at the top of the page.

  BUY NOW!

 

You will also find additional resources on living the abundant life in Jesus Christ on my website at maryanndiorio.com.

If you have been blessed by these messages, I encourage you to share them with others. I also invite you to become a Winning with the Word patron on Patreon. As a patron you will enjoy special benefits only for my patrons. Just go to Patreon.com and search for Winning with the Word to join. I would like to thank all of my patrons who are making this podcast possible. It is now reaching 23 countries throughout the world with the message of the Gospel. I could not do this without you.

Thank you so much for listening. This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, novelist and life coach, reminding you that God loves you just as you are and just where you are, and that He will help you to keep on Winning with the Word.

To subscribe to “Winning with the Word”, click here.

To receive my monthly newsletter, click here.

Listen to the podcast here:

 

Now it’s your turn:  “Are you ready to meet the Lord when He returns for His followers?”  Please leave your comment in the Comment Box below. Thank you!

PLEASE TWEET: “7 Signs That the Tribulation Is at Hand” by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio (CLICK TO TWEET)

Please tell your family and friends about “Winning with the Word,” and please pass this post on to them. Thank you!

Check out these three popular Winning with the Word podcasts below. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top of the sidebar on this page. 

__The Dangers of Generation Separation

__Are You Thinking Straight?

__How to Deal with the “New Normal”

__What to Do When Your Child Goes Astray

___Are You a Perfectionist?

__Is the World Coming to an End?

__The Coming Global Cataclysm

 Are you new to this blog? If so, what is the “Winning with the Word” blog and why will it bless you to read it?

“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that helps you to deal with the daily problems of life by using the Bible as your guide to solving them. The Word of God will make you a success in life!

AN INVITATION TO YOU: To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.

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Copyright 2000-2020 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be published or printed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may contact her at info@maryanndiorio.com to request permission.

Amazon.com Required Disclosure: MaryAnn Diorio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn

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“Is the World Coming to an End?”

by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio

by

WINNING WITH THE WORD

“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that will help you to be a winner in life by applying God’s principles for living the abundant life as found in the Bible, God’s manual for life.

AN INVITATION TO YOU: To follow this blog, click here. 

If this blog has blessed you, please encourage your family and friends to subscribe as well. Thank you!

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Do you prefer listening instead of reading? Then click below to listen to today’s blog post:

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Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, your Virtual Life Coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Monday, March 2, 2020. Today’s Podcast is Episode #9 in Series 2020 and is titled “Is the World Coming to an End?”

So, is the world really coming to an end? Let me say that the world as we have known it is coming to an end. Ultimately, however, after a seven-year period of time known as the Tribulation, Jesus will return to destroy the enemies of Israel once and for all and to set up His millennial kingdom–or His thousand-year reign on the earth. During this time, Satan will be bound and the world will be in peace under the rulership of Christ. At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be unleashed one last time and then destroyed forever by God Himself. God will then create a new heaven and a new earth that will last forever.

But, before that time, a lot must happen.

It doesn’t take much to realize that something different–and scary–is happening in our world. This year, if the Lord wills, I will have lived three-quarters of a century on this earth. What I am seeing today is something far different and far more frightening than I have ever seen throughout my entire lifetime.

So, what’s going on? 

The answer to this very important question is found in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24: 3-13. In that chapter, we read about a conversation between Jesus and His disciples. Let’s listen in:

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, ‘Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign that you are coming again, and when will the world come to an end?’ Jesus answered them, “Be careful not to let anyone deceive you. Many will come using my name. They will say, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many people. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Don’t be alarmed! These things must happen, but they don’t mean that the end has come. Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All of these are only the beginning pains [of the end]. Then they will hand you over to those who will torture and kill you. All nations will hate you because you are committed to me. Then many will lose faith. They will betray and hate each other. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people’s love will grow cold. But the person who endures to the end will be saved. This Good News about the kingdom will be spread throughout the world as a testimony to all nations. Then the end will come.”

All around us today, we see these prophetic words of Jesus coming true. Specifically, here are a few of those signs:

1. The phenomenal rise in wickedness. The Bible teaches that in the last days, wickedness would increase exponentially. In 2 Timothy 3: 1-5, we read this: “In the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”

Are we not now seeing this increase in wickedness all around us? Laws have been passed in some states that allow the killing of a baby after the child is born. Sex trafficking has reached astronomical proportions. Gay pride has infiltrated the Kindergarten classroom. How much worse can things get?

2. The push toward a one-world religion. Pope Francis’ recent call to merge Islam with Catholicism has stunned and angered many Catholics. The Pope’s historic signing of a “declaration of fraternity” with the Grand Imam of al-Azhar sent shock waves through the Christian world. This merger is a sign of what the Bible calls in 2 Thessalonians 2: 3 the “great falling away”–the rise of the apostate Church that will eventually become the one-world religion, possibly headed by the Pope himself. Many are already implying that he is the “false prophet” described in Revelation 19: 20. The Pope has even called for a revamping of Catholic school curriculum to include the study of Islam as a viable religion. 

3. The sudden rise of anti-Semitism. A couple of years ago, I was having a conversation with a Jewish friend of mine. I mentioned to her that we would soon see the rise of anti-Semitism once again. She laughed and said, “That will never happen again.” Yet, we are seeing it happen before our very eyes.

4.  The growing assault on Christians. More and more, Christians are being attacked for their positions on the sanctity of life, gender issues, and the freedom of expression. We are being cast as bigots, intolerant, and just plain anachronistic.

5. The spread of pestilence. In Matthew 24: 7, Jesus said there would be pestilence in various parts of the world. We are witnessing this now in the form of the Corona virus that has created panic throughout the world.

6. The increase in earthquakes and famine. I recently read that by April of 2020, many supermarket shelves would be empty because of the drought, heavy rains, insect plagues, and pestilence that have occurred both in our own country and in other parts of the world. As a result, our food supply has been greatly compromised. Famine already exists in many parts of the world. Could it not come to America as well?

As for earthquakes, they have increased in frequency and intensity. The ring of fire that borders world countries along the Pacific Ocean is on the verge of breaking in many places, particularly in the Cascadia Subduction Zone that stretches from Canada’s northern Vancouver Island to Northern California. It is only a matter of time before the “big one” shakes the entire west coast.

7. The amazing advances in technology, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Interestingly, it is believed by some that the image of the AntiChrist will be a robotic, lifelike statue powered by artificial intelligence: In Revelation 13: 14-15, we learn this: “He [the false prophet] was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die” (Brackets mine).

On another note, the increasing surveillance of the world’s population by means of computer chips, AI, facial and iris recognition all point to a coming dictator who will rule the world through a huge database of information. Ironically, much of that information we ourselves have voluntarily and unwittingly provided through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc.

These are but a few of the many signs about the end times prophesied in the Bible. Make no mistake about it, my friend. Every word of the Bible is true. Most of its prophecies have already come to pass just as predicted, and every one that has not yet come to pass will come to pass. 

This should serve as a warning to all of us to be ready for the return of Jesus Christ to remove His followers from the earth. Are you ready? If not, what are you waiting for? Do you want to go through the Tribulation, the most horrific period of human history yet to come? Do you want to be forced to take the mark of the beast in order to buy anything, including your food?  If you accept the mark of the beast, you will most certainly go to Hell when you die because taking the mark of the beast means you are giving your allegiance forever to Satan. There is no turning back once you take the mark of the beast.

I urge you now with an urgency that increases in my heart every day, do not take what I have said lightly. Consider this: If what I have said is not true but you believe it, then you’ve lost nothing. But if what I have said is true, and you do not believe it, you have lost everything. Some of you will recognize my challenge to you as “Pascal’s wager” in different words. That is exactly what it is. Don’t ignore it! Please! Your eternal destiny depends on it.

Years ago, a woman named Mary Katherine Baxter visited the church I was attending at the time. She had written a book called A Divine Revelation of Hell. The Lord Jesus took Mrs. Baxter to Hell in order to see how dreadful it is so that she could warn people against going there. You see, Hell is a real place, just as Heaven is a real place. One of Satan’s greatest deceptions today is to convince people that there is no Hell. But there is, and it is a place of eternal torment–a place you want to avoid at all cost.

So, how can you avoid Hell? By accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. You see, you cannot save yourself. You need someone to save you. That Someone is Jesus Christ. He alone was able to appease the wrath of God, and He did so on the Cross. God is both the One Who loves us and the One Who judges us. He must judge sin because He is holy and cannot allow sin in His Presence. God poured out His judgment for sin on Jesus. If we are in Jesus, then God considers the price for our sin as paid for. But if we are not in Jesus, then there is nothing left but for God’s wrath to fall upon us.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, I urge you to do so now.

Pray this simple prayer with me:

Father God, I want and need a personal relationship with You. I recognize that I cannot save myself. For this reason, You sent Jesus to save me and to restore me to fellowship with You. I invite You into my life to be my Savior and my Lord, Lord Jesus. I choose to follow You, Jesus. I turn my back on the world and its wicked ways, and I choose to follow You and Your holy ways. Thank You for accepting me as Your own. In Your Name I pray, believe, and receive. Amen.

If you prayed this simple prayer, please write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com. I would like to send you a little booklet that will help you get started in your relationship with Jesus Christ. I also encourage you to get yourself a Bible and read it every day, starting in the Gospel of John, which is in the second half of the Bible. Finally, ask the Lord to lead you to the church of His choice for you where you can learn about Him and find fellowship and encouragement with other Christ-Followers.

For those of you who may not know, I write fiction about some of the issues I deal with in this blog and podcast. I invite you to visit my website at https://maryanndiorio.com/book-table. There you will find a complete list of the novels, novellas, and short stories I have written about characters with problems like yours.

On my website, you will also find additional resources, articles, books, and podcasts to help you grow in your walk with Christ.

This podcast is found on Apple Podcasts, Blubrry, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Podbean, Podchaser, and Deezer, so I encourage you to subscribe and have it delivered right to your mailbox.

If you have been blessed by these messages, I also invite you to become a Winning with the Word patron on Patreon. As a patron you will enjoy special benefits only for patrons. Just go to Patreon.com and search for Winning with the Word to join. This podcast is being sponsored by my wonderful husband and patron, Dominic A. Diorio. Thank you, Honey, for supporting the work of the Lord.

And to all of you wonderful people out there, thank you so much for listening. This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, your virtual life coach, reminding you that God loves you just as you are and just where you are, and that He will help you to keep on winning with the Word.

Listen to the podcast here:

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Now it’s your turn: ? If so, which of the tips do you think will best help you to get through to God? Please leave your comment in the Comment Box below. Thank you!

PLEASE TWEET: “Is the World Coming to an End?” by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio (CLICK TO TWEET)

Please tell your family and friends about “Winning with the Word,” and please pass this post on to them. Thank you!

Check out these three popular Winning with the Word podcasts below. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top of the sidebar on this page. 

__The Coming Global Cataclysm

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“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that helps you to deal with the daily problems of life by using the Bible as your guide to solving them. The Word of God will make you a success in life!

AN INVITATION TO YOU: To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.

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Copyright 2000-2020 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be published or printed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may contact her at info@maryanndiorio.com to request permission.

Amazon.com Required Disclosure: MaryAnn Diorio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Disclaimer: This site uses cookies. Your continued use of this site constitutes your consent to our use of cookies. 

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HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE RAPTURE

by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio

by

Check out my 2019 Book Catalogue

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines 
the course of your life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23

“Matters of the Heart” is a weekly blog that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart, the issues we all face but sometimes don’t want to talk about. The heart is the programming center of our lives. What is programmed into our heart will affect every area of our lives. Learn how to examine your heart and how to program your heart for success.

AN INVITATION TO YOU: To follow this blog, click here.  

If this blog has blessed you, please encourage your family and friends to subscribe as well. Thank you!

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It doesn’t take much to realize that something strange is going on in the world. People everywhere are noticing it. I’m sure you’ve been noticing it, too. There’s something in the air that’s making people tense. Nervous. 

Afraid.

So, what’s going on?

What’s going on is that the earth is moving toward the most cataclysmic event of all time–an event called the Rapture.

What is the Rapture? The word itself comes from the Latin word rapio, which means to seize or snatch away. It is the act of suddenly removing someone from one place and taking him to another. So, the Rapture of the Church means the sudden removal of Christ’s followers from the earth to take them to heaven.

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, written in Greek, Paul used the word harpazo to indicate this sudden removal. When Jerome later translated the Bible into Latin, he translated the word harpazo with the Latin word of the same meaning, rapio. Hence, the origin of the English word Rapture.

The Rapture is an instant in time when a trumpet will sound and Jesus Christ will appear in the sky to remove His followers from the earth before the Great Tribulation. The Apostle Paul describes the Rapture as follows in his first letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 4, verses 16 and 17: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.”

While many people scoff at the idea of the Rapture, it will happen. Those who are ready for it will be caught up in the air by our Lord and taken to heaven to be with Him forever. Those who are not ready will remain on the earth and suffer the most horrendous period of history the world has ever known under the dictatorship of a tyrannical world ruler called the Anti-Christ. This person will be Satan personified and will be brutal beyond imagination.

So, how do we prepare for the Rapture and escape the wrath of God to come? Here are three simple steps:

1. REPENT. This is the first and most important step. Only those who have been born again will be raptured. This means that if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you will be left behind. So, stop right now and invite Jesus Christ into your life. Here is a simple prayer:  

Lord Jesus, I come to You just as I am. I choose to turn away from my sin and to embrace You as my Savior and my Lord. Come into my life. Save me. Make of me what You created me to be. Amen. 

If you sincerely prayed this prayer, you are now a child of God and will go up in the Rapture to be with Him forever.

2. BE HOLY. God is holy, and He expects His children to be holy. He says this in 1 Peter 1: 16: “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Determine to live a life that is pleasing to God. A life that aligns with His Word. This means that we need to study His Word so that we can know the kind of life He wants us to live.

3. WARN OTHERS TO REPENT AND BE HOLY. This is called the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16: 15). Jesus commanded His followers to tell others about Him. He is the only way to be saved. Jesus Himself said this about Himself:  “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14: 6). Tell others that Jesus is the only way to be saved. Once they have come to Christ, teach others to live holy lives so that they, too, will experience the joy of the abundant life in Christ.

Although we do not know the time of the Lord’s return, all signs indicate that it is very, very close. But even if it is not, any one of us could die at any moment. We are not promised tomorrow. So get right with God today! Now! The next moment may be too late.

Now, it’s YOUR turn: What about you? Are you ready for the Rapture? Please share your questions and insights in the Comments Box below. Thank you!

TWEETABLE:  “HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE RAPTURE” by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio @DrMaryAnnDiorio (Click to Tweet)

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To be sure you don’t miss any of my future blog posts, please subscribe to Matters of the Heart. CLICK HERE. 

For a list of my blog posts by date, please click here.

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JOIN MY TEAM and get my monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Each month you will an update about my writing ministry and my family plus an opportunity to win a free e-book. You will also receive a special family recipe straight from my kitchen to your. So, don’t delay! Sign up now by clicking here!

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Check out my You-Tube series, YOU WERE MADE FOR GREATNESS!, based on my popular book by the same title.  

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Soon-to-be-released: In Black and White: A Novel

“Can endurance and faith sustain the love between a white woman and a black man as they are threatened by rejection, violence, and racial injustice? Can love alone reconcile their starkly different worlds, lighting the way to a bright future together? Find out in MaryAnn Diorio’s forthcoming novel, IN BLACK AND WHITE, soon to be released. Stay tuned!”

Available soon in print and ebook formats. Stay tuned! 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________

If you found this post helpful, please forward it to a friend. Thank you! You may also be interested in reading the following popular posts:

“Is the Apocalypse Near?” 

“Convergence: Clear Sign of the End Times”

“The Rise of Wicca, Witches, and Warlocks” 

Please check our archives in the right sidebar for older posts on a variety of topics. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top right. 

For additional encouragement, check out my podcasts at the following links:

A Moment with MaryAnn – Podcasts on Living the Good Life

Winning with the Word Podcast Series

Write Your Heart Out! – Podcasts for Writers

Please tell your family and friends about this blog and my other resources, and please pass this post on to them. Thank you!

___________________________________________

Copyright 20111-2019 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be published or printed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may contact her at info@maryanndiorio.com to request permission.

Amazon.com Required Disclosure: MaryAnn Diorio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Disclaimer: This site uses cookies. Your continued use of this site constitutes your consent to our use of cookies. 

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IS THE APOCALYPSE NEAR?

by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio

by

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Check out my 2019 Book Catalogue

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines 
the course of your life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23

“Matters of the Heart” is a weekly blog that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart, the issues we all face but sometimes don’t want to talk about. The heart is the programming center of our lives. What is programmed into our heart will affect every area of our lives. Learn how to examine your heart and how to program your heart for success.

AN INVITATION TO YOU: To follow this blog, click here.  

If this blog has blessed you, please encourage your family and friends to subscribe as well. Thank you!

______________________________________

The recent devastation in the Bahamas resulting from Hurricane Dorian has been described as apocalyptic. Other words used to describe this, and other recent catastrophes, have been unprecedented, unrecorded, breaking all records. Do you not find it strange, as I do, that certain events are occurring in ways that have never occurred before? That, while there have always been terrible storms, earthquakes, and pestilence, these things are occurring with more frequency and with greater intensity?  

Although the world wonders why, the reason is clear in the Holy Scriptures. The prophets of old, including Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, predicted the very events that we are witnessing in our world today. How can this be?

The answer is simple. The Bible is God’s Word and everything contained within its pages is absolutely true. In fact, most of the prophecies in the Bible have already happened, and they have happened with the precision with which they were first written. 

So, what does all of this mean for you and me?

It means that Jesus Christ will soon be returning to remove His followers from this world, just as He said He would. This will occur in a cataclysmic event called the Rapture. It also means that we need to get ready if we want to be among those who will be removed. Why? Because those who are left behind will find themselves living during the most horrific time in human history–the time the Bible refers to as the Great Tribulation.

During this time, the world will come under the rulership of an absolute dictator the Bible calls the “AntiChrist.” He will rule with terror and will eventually call himself God. But he will be Satan personified.

Perhaps all of this is new to you. If so, take heart. You are reading this because God has led you to this post. He loves you and wants you to escape the wrath to come.

But how?

There is only one way. That way is to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. If you have never done so, I strongly urge you to do so now. Here is a simple prayer you can pray:

Lord Jesus, I need You. I come to You just as I am. I desire a personal relationship with You, so I repent of my sin and receive You now as my Savior and Lord. Preserve me from the wrath to come. Make of me what You created me to be. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.

Once you pray this prayer, begin reading your Bible daily. Pray that God will lead you to a good church that preaches and teaches the Bible without compromise. And please let me know in the comment box that you have been born again! I will send you a booklet that will help you get started in your walk with Christ.

Now, it’s YOUR turn: What about you? Are you preparing yourself for the Rapture? Please share your questions and insights in the Comments box below. Thank you!

TWEETABLE:  “Is the Apocalypse Near?” by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio @DrMaryAnnDiorio (Click to Tweet)

____________________________________________

To be sure you don’t miss any of my future blog posts, please subscribe to Matters of the Heart. CLICK HERE. 

____________________________________________

JOIN MY TEAM and get my monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Each month you will an update about my writing ministry and my family plus an opportunity to win a free e-book. You will also receive a special family recipe straight from my kitchen to your. So, don’t delay! Sign up now by clicking here.

____________________________________________

Check out my You-Tube series, YOU WERE MADE FOR GREATNESS!, based on my popular book by the same title.
 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________

Soon-to-be-released: In Black and White: A Novel

“Can endurance and faith sustain the love between a white woman and a black man as they are threatened by rejection, violence, and racial injustice? Can love alone reconcile their starkly different worlds, lighting the way to a bright future together? Find out in MaryAnn Diorio’s forthcoming novel, IN BLACK AND WHITE, soon to be released. Stay tuned!”

Available soon in print and ebook formats. Stay tuned! 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________

If you found this post helpful, please forward it to a friend. Thank you! You may also be interested in reading the following popular posts:

“Convergence: Clear Sign of the End Times”

“The Rise of Wicca, Witches, and Warlocks” 

Please check our archives in the right sidebar for older posts on a variety of topics. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top right. 

For additional encouragement, check out my podcasts at the following links:

A Moment with MaryAnn – Podcasts on Living the Good Life

Winning with the Word Podcast Series

Write Your Heart Out! – Podcasts for Writers

Please tell your family and friends about this blog and my other resources, and please pass this post on to them. Thank you!

___________________________________________

Copyright 20111-2019 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be published or printed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may contact her at info@maryanndiorio.com to request permission.

Amazon.com Required Disclosure: MaryAnn Diorio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Disclaimer: This site uses cookies. Your continued use of this site constitutes your consent to our use of cookies. 

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