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The book of Revelation tells us that in the last days, Satan will rise up in anger and make war “with the remnant.” This remnant, of course, is the body of Christ, comprised of all “(who) keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).

We in the church of Christ talk often about spiritual warfare. The war that is described in Revelation is a worldwide attack Satan has launched against the body of Christ: “It was given unto him to make war with the saints” (13:7).

This is a message for everyone who’s living under a burden of discouragement. As you look at your life, you’re despondent over failed expectations. You feel you haven’t accomplished much in life, and as time slips by you see that many promises have gone unfulfilled. For years you’ve prayed and prayed, but the things you believe God spoke to you haven’t come to pass. Other people around you seem to have it all together, enjoying the fulfillment of many promises, but you carry a sense of failure.

Christ loves his church. He gave his life for it, and said the gates of hell won’t prevail against it. Jesus himself is the foundation stone of this church. And Scripture tells us his glory and wisdom dwell in it. At Pentecost, he sent his Holy Spirit to establish the church. And he has gifted it with anointed servants — pastors, teachers, apostles, prophets and evangelists — for the purpose of building it up.

"We faint not…but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (2 Corinthians 4:1-2). The apostle Paul states that we're called to be a manifestation of the truth. Of course, we know Jesus is this truth. So, what does Paul mean by saying, in essence, that we're to manifest Jesus?

For years the Israelites had longed to be ruled by a human king. And, finally, God allowed it. He told the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul to be ruler over Israel. So the prophet met with Saul, poured a vial of oil over his head, and kissed him. Then he told Saul, "The Lord hath appointed thee to be captain over his inheritance" (1 Samuel 10:1).

If you're serious about your walk with God, then you want to get to know your heavenly father. And so you may study his majesty, his power, his glory. But do you know your Lord's human face?

You may wonder what I mean by this. After all, we know God is spirit and that he's invisible to us. Scripture states plainly, "No man hath seen God at any time..." (John 1:18). So, how can God have a human face?

Who told you you are unworthy - no good, useless, unusable to God? Who keeps reminding you you're weak, helpless, a total failure? Who told you you'll never measure up to God's standard?

We all know where this voice comes from: It is the devil himself! He's the one who keeps you convinced God is angry with you. You hear his lies all day long - and they come straight from the pits of hell!

The apostle Paul speaks of two frightful things that will strike the church just prior to Jesus' return. Indeed, the Lord will not come back until these two awful things happen. And I want to show you that both things are taking place right now — before our very eyes!

First, Paul tells us that in the last days there will be a great falling away. And second, he warns that an evil spirit of antichrist will overtake many believers who are turning aside!

Ever since I was a child, I've known what it is to hear the voice of the Lord.

Years ago, He led me by His voice out of the hills of Pennsylvania and through the founding of Teen Challenge, now a worldwide ministry to addicts and alcoholics. His voice has led me around the world, preaching to the lost in many nations. And that same voice led me back to New York City to raise up a church in Times Square.

So many times I heard His voice so clearly I learned to rest in His word to me - and it always came to pass.

"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house" (Hebrews 3:1-2).

The book of Hebrews offers a strong, vital word to all who are "partakers of the heavenly calling." This "heavenly calling" is this: that you hear heaven calling you.