The Lord encouraged Paul to continue his ministry in Corinth.

Acts 18:9-11

Click for a description of the mark of the beast.
Click for a description of the image of the beast.

“Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:9-11

For the Lord to be with us is for the Holy Spirit to be with us through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is our comforter who brings peace and an urge and boldness to share the testimony of Jesus. Our born-again experience is the Gospel of Christ written on our heart and we are always eager for the opportunity to share this. The Lord had many people in Corinth, desiring to see the spread of the Good News in their city, among those whose mind and heart were receptive to the message of the Cross. There were many people in Corinth, willing and eager to hear more from the words of Jesus Christ, about the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection from the dead, eternal life, and being born-again.

Paul remained 1 1/2 years in Corinth, doing the work of the Lord, in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus says to us that doing His work will not always be possible, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5 When the Holy Spirit is removed from this world, then lawlessness is no longer restrained and becomes normalized, “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed…” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 Click here for a post on the “lawless one”.

We are living in the days when the spirit and conscience are corrupted and hardened [while the presence of the Holy Spirit is oppressed] by the beast that gives people what to feel, think, say, and do. That beast gives life to the image of the beast to speak and live through people in every city around the world. They oppose belief in God, scoff at the need for the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ, and oppress the presence of the Holy Spirit. Today’s culture, which is global, is groomed to the mark of the beast by what they are given to say and do. “It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb…” Revelations 13:7-8 The “him” in this verse is the beast of the image and mark of the beast.

“…avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Titus 3:9-11 The Spirit of God is like a lamb, a dove, a sheep. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd…My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:11, 27 Our Lord Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Jesu says, “I am the good shepherd…My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:11, 27

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:1