Today’s selected reading continues in the second New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto his spiritual son Timothy. More specifically, today’s selected passage is found in verses one through nine of the third chapter. When you come to this particular portion of scripture you will find the apostle Paul doing something within the epistles written unto Timothy that he also did in the epistles which were written unto the Thessalonians. If you remember and recall the epistles which were written unto the saints which were at Thessalonica the apostle Paul wrote unto them concerning what is commonly known as the “parousia,” or the second coming of Christ. When you read the epistles the apostle Paul wrote unto this particular congregation you will find him writing concerning the Last Days and the sudden appearing and second coming of Jesus Christ. When writing unto the Corinthian congregation—specifically in the first epistle—we find the apostle Paul writing concerning the resurrection of the dead. Within the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints the apostle Paul begins with the foundation of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ and uses that reality to paint the powerful picture of a future resurrection that will take place when Jesus Christ appears at the Last trump. It is absolutely necessary and imperative that we pay close attention to the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints, for those words would be echoed within the two epistles which were written unto the saints which were at Thessalonica. When writing unto the saints which were at Thessalonica the apostle Paul sought in his first epistles to speak directly concerning the reality and concept of the Last Days, and specifically the second coming and sudden appearing of Jesus Christ. The first appearing of Jesus crust has already taken place when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. There is still a second appearing and second coming of the Messiah which till has yet to take place and will occur at the sound of the last trump.

When we read the epistles which the apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy we find him doing what he had done in his epistles which were written unto the saints which were at Thessalonica—namely, writing concerning the Last Days. One of the most striking characteristics of the epistles written unto Timothy is that within both epistles the apostle Paul sought to speak to him concerning the Last Days and that which was to come during those days and at that time. What is interesting to note is that the Last Days which the apostles and New Testament authors wrote about began with and on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out upon the one-hundred and twenty in the upper room. When the apostles and New Testament writers wrote concerning the Last Days we must understand that they believed and understood themselves to have been living in the days which they spoke of. I am absolutely certain that this reality became all the more evident and manifested within the hearts and minds of the New Testament writers when less than half a century after the early church was established and formed, the very realities they spoke about and warned of were beginning to manifest in the midst of the churches. The reality we read concerning the church in Ephesus was not the same reality we read concerning this church in the epistles which were written unto Timothy, the epistles which were written by the apostle John, and ultimately the letter which Jesus dictates to Hohn concerning this church. Undoubtedly when the apostles and saints started seeing the signs of that which was warned of their hearts and minds became further bound to the reality that they were indeed living in the Last Days.

What’s more, is that when writing unto the saints which were at Thessalonica the apostle Paul spoke of and reminded them how he had spoken unto them while still present in their midst concerning those things he was now writing. Even when speaking one final time unto the Ephesian elders the apostle Paul spoke of days to come and referenced how he had warned them night and day for the space of three years. There is not a doubt in my mind that the words we find and the words we read in the writings of the New Testament epistles and letters point very specifically to the reality of the Last Days—days which the apostles and New Testament writers believed would be incredibly perilous days. If you take the time to read the writings of the New Testament authors—the apostle Paul, the apostle Peter, Jude, and even the apostle John—you will find them writing, speaking and warning concerning the Last Days which would come upon the earth. These New Testament authors and writers were given an incredible revelation concerning the Last Days, and a time upon the earth when incredible and tremendous things would occur within and upon the earth. There is absolutely not a doubt in my mind when reading the writings of the New Testament authors that they each wrote of a time they believed was still yet to come, but also a time in which they were already living. If you take the time to read the letters, epistles and writings of the New Testament authors you will quickly discover that what they wrote and warned about was beginning to manifest among the churches and within the earth during their days. We dare not, we cannot, we must not miss the reality that the New Testament saints and writers believed themselves to be living in the Last Days, and that Jesus Christ could return and appear at any time. We must recognize that the words the New Testament authors wrote and spoke about in their epistles weren’t merely concerning a future time and figure generations, but rather, the seeds for all they wrote about were already be sown unto the earth and among the churches. In order to truly understand how the days and times which these authors wrote about, you must turn and direct your attention to a specific parable Jesus told concerning a farmer who sowed seed in his field. Consider if you will a second parable which Jesus told immediately following the sower, the seed, and the four types of soil. Beginning with the twenty-fourth verse of the thirteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel according to Matthew we find the following words:

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, an enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn” (Matthew 13:24-30).

The words which we find in this particular parable which Jesus told perfectly and completely describes that which took place in the Last Days, which in fact began with the outpouring of the Day of Pentecost. If you read this particular epistle you will find Jesus describing a certain farmer and a certain man who sowed good seed in his field, but while this man, and those men with him slept, an enemy came in the night and sowed tares among the wheat. What’s important to recognize and understand concerning this particular reality is that it wasn’t immediately evident what had been done during that night the following morning, for the soil and the ground looked exactly as it did when the good seed was sown in the field. I can’t help but wonder how long that field appeared to be exactly as it should have been to this man and those with him. What we do know when reading the words which Jesus told in this particular epistle is that there eventually and ultimately came a point as the blades of wheat sprang forth from the ground, so also did the tares also appear. The servants of the householder was made aware of what had happened, and was asked whether or not he had sown good seed into the field? These servants could not understand how when the householder had sown good seed in the field, there were now tares which sprang up alongside and with the blades of wheat. The householder immediately knew exactly what had happened, for he declared unto the servants, “An enemy hath done this.” The householder knew that although he had sown good seed in his field, an enemy came stealthily in the night and sowed the tares among the wheat. What marks the words contained in this particular parable so incredibly powerful is the question the servants asked the householder immediately after he declared unto them how an enemy had sown the tares among the wheat. After hearing the householder’s response concerning how tares could have been sown among the wheat, the servants then asked if they should go and gather up the tares from among the wheat, in an attempt to somehow preserve the wheat. The householder immediately declared unto them that this would not be a wise decision, for by attempting to remove the tares from among the wheat—while their intentions might have been good and well—they would have also torn up and removed some of the wheat. The householder instead allowed and permitted both the tares and the wheat to grow up together until the harvest. Once the harvest would come, the householder would have the reapers gather first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, and then gather the wheat into his barn. For this householder, he was not willing to risk the wheat by attempting to remove the tares which had been sown in the midst of the field. Instead—in order to preserve the wheat—the householder deliberately and intentionally allowed both to grow together within the field until the time of the harvest. It would be the harvest when both the wheat and the tares would be removed from the field, and one would be bound and burned, while the other would be gathered into the barn.

This parable which Jesus spoke must be carefully considered when we seek to understand that which the New Testament writers wrote and believed concerning the Last Days, for each and every one of them believed themselves to be living in the days which they wrote of. The apostles, as well as the New Testament saints believed themselves to have been seeing the fruit and manifestations of that which the apostles wrote and spoke about, and in all reality, this most certainly is the case. We must recognize and understand that while the Holy Spirit was poured out and released on the day of Pentecost, and while the early church was formed on that day, and would continue in the earth, it would only be a matter of time before the enemy would in fact begin to sow tares in the midst of the wheat. I am utterly and completely convinced that what we find in the New Testament book of Acts, as well as within the writings of the New Testament authors is a powerful picture—not only of what would take place in the days to come, but also concerning that which would taker place during the days in which they were living. I can’t help but be reminded of the words which the apostle Paul spoke unto the Ephesian elders which the beloved physician Luke recorded for us in the twentieth chapter of the treatise which was written unto Theophilus. Consider if you will the words which the apostle Paul spoke unto the Ephesian elders beginning with the eighteenth verse:

“Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also the the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of al men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:18-32).

When the apostle Paul was saying his farewell to the Ephesian elders, it wasn’t all grace and glory, mercy and peace, and good tidings, for the apostle Paul not only declared unto them that after his departure grievous wolves would enter in among them, not sparing the flock, but he also declared unto them that for the space of three years he ceased not to warn them with tears both day and night. For three years the apostle Paul warned them that after he departed from among them savage and grievous wolves would enter in among them, which would not spare the flock. What’s more, the apostle Paul also declared unto them that of their own selves would men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. While it might not seem like the words which the apostle Paul declared unto the Ephesian elders actually came to past and was manifested within this particular congregation, I would direct your attention to the words which Jesus dictated unto John—words which he was to write unto the angel of the church of Ephesus concerning the church in Ephesus. Consider if you will the words which our Lord declared unto the Ephesian church—words which are found and recorded for us in the second chapter of the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ:

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou cants not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hates the deeds of the Nicolitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:1-7).

As you read the words which the apostle Paul spoke unto the Ephesian elders upon bidding them farewell, we find the apostle warning of savage and grievous wolves entering in among them, which would not spare the flock, as well as some from among their own number who would speak perverse things and would seek to draw and entice disciples away after them. When we come to the words which our Lord Himself spoke unto the angel of the church in Ephesus we find that within this same congregation there were those who declared and professed themselves to be apostles, and yet were not. Instead, such individuals were found to be liars among the saints of God within the body of Christ. With that being said, Jesus also goes on to declare unto this particular church and congregation that He had something against them—namely, that they had left their first love. If you read the words which the apostle Paul wrote in his second epistle to Timothy, and ultimately his final letter, you will find the apostle Paul writing how men would be lovers of themselves and lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, thus making it possible to leave their first love. What’s more, is that when we read the words which Jesus spoke unto the angel of the church in Ephesus we find that there was a group which sprang up among them known as the Nicolaitans, which Jesus did emphatically declare they hated along with their deeds. That which we must draw and take away from the words which Jesus spoke unto the angel of the church in Ephesus is that there were in fact those among them who would profess themselves to be apostles—undoubtedly claiming some type of spiritual authority, and some type of revelation from God and from the Lord Jesus Christ. There was present among this congregation those would indeed seek to draw disciples after them, thus enticing them away from the true gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as from true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Within the congregation of the Ephesians we find the presence of a specific group of individuals who undoubtedly purported a false doctrine and false gospel among the saints in order to deceive and draw them away. I can’t help but be reminded of the words which the apostle Paul wrote unto the churches in Galatia. Consider the words which the apostle Paul wrote beginning with the sixth verse of the first chapter of this particular epistle:

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I. Now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-10).

This reality of another gospel isn’t mentioned in the epistle which the apostle Paul wrote unto the churches in Galatia alone, but is also found in the second epistle which he wrote unto the saints which were at Corinth. If you begin reading with and from the first verse of the eleventh chapter of the second epistle which Paul wrote unto the Corinthian congregation you will find the following words:

“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. For I supposed I was not a white behind the very chiefest apostles. But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things” (2 Corinthians 11:1-6).

Within this particular found in the second epistle which was written unto the saints which were at Corinth we find the apostle Paul writing—not only concerning another Jesus, but also another spirit, as well as another gospel. Contained within this particular epistle is a powerful declaration unto these saints the reality of another coming in among them who would preach another Jesus, thus compromising the true and authentic gospel of Jesus Christ which he himself preached and declared unto them. Receiving this other Jesus, as well as this other gospel concerning Jesus, it was possible that they would not only receive another spirit, but also would receive and follow after another gospel which was different than the gospel which they themselves had received from the mouth of the apostle Paul. It is absolutely necessary that we recognize and understand this reality and concept, for there would be those who would rise up during the Last Days—those days which began at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost—who would preach another gospel and would preach another Jesus, which was different from the Jesus whom apostles such as Peter, James and John walked with for three and a half years. There would be those who would rise up among the churches who would seek to draw away and entice men after and unto themselves in order that they might distort and pervert the gospel concerning Jesus Christ. That which we find written by the apostle Paul in his second epistle which was written unto Timothy was another powerful warning concerning the Last Days which not only would come upon the earth, but days which were already upon the earth. IN order to truly understand the words which the apostle Paul wrote concerning the Last Days, it is necessary and imperative that we not only read the words which he wrote in this second epistle, but also the words which he wrote in the first epistle. When writing unto Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote in both epistles and letters concerning the Last Days, and the events which would unfold during those last days. It’s worth noting that not only in the first epistle which the apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy, but also the second epistle which was written unto Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote and spoke concerning the Last Days which would come upon the earth. Consider first the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the first epistle written unto Timothy, as well as the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the second epistle unto Timothy:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devil; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:1-5).

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, inctoninent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away, for of this sort are thy which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jeanne’s and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was” (2 Timothy 3:1-9).

When you come to the third chapter of the second epistle which the apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy you will find him again speaking to him concerning the last days and the latter times—a reality which he had previously written to him in the first epistle which was delivered unto him. It is certainly unclear the reasoning behind the apostle’s burden to provide Timothy with revelation concerning the Last Days, however, given what was perhaps unique circumstances surrounding the days and times the apostles and New Testament saints believed themselves to be living in, the apostle Paul felt it absolutely necessary to speak to Timothy concerning that which was to come. Undoubtedly the apostle Paul not only wanted to ensure that Timothy was prepared for that which was coming during those days and times, but he also wanted to ensure that as much as Timothy was prepared for that which was to come, so also would the congregation in Ephesus be prepared. Essentially—while the apostle wrote nothing in the epistle written unto the saints at Ephesus concerning the last days, he did speak directly unto this church and congregation concerning that which was to come. There is not a doubt in my mind the apostle Paul wanted Timothy to understand the circumstances surrounding the days which were to come in order that he might be able to effectively shepherd and guide the congregation through the coming days. If I am being honest, I have to admit that I absolutely love the words which the apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy in each of these epistles, for when writing unto Timothy, he sought to ensure that Timothy was able to effectively handle the events which most certainly would be still to come, as well as that which was already present. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that what the apostle Paul wrote in this third chapter—as well as that which he wrote in the previous epistle—was to not only bring Timothy face to face with that which was to come in future days, but also that which the church and congregation was already facing. In fact, if you read both epistles which the apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy, you will find several references to things that were taking place in the church which Timothy either needed to correct, or keep himself from.

I can’t help but be reminded of certain words which the apostle Paul wrote when writing directly to Timothy in these two letters. In the first chapter of the first epistle the apostle Paul writes the following words: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4). If you continue reading in this particular chapter you will find the following words beginning with the eighteenth verse: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:18-20). As you progress to the fourth chapter of the first epistle which the apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy you will find the following words written concerning that which was already taking place within and was present among the church at Ephesus: “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:8). There was also much which the apostle Paul had to say concerning certain widows which were undoubtedly present within the congregation, which is found in the fifth chapter beginning with the eleventh verse: “But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about form house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (1 Timothy 5:11-13). In the sixth chapter of this same epistle we find the following words which were written by the apostle Paul: “These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife’s of words, whereof cometh envy, strive, railings, evil surmising, perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:2-5). It’s worth noting at the end of the epistle the apostle Paul instructs Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12), Thus instructing Timothy to not only face the fight which was before him, but also to fight the good fight which was before him. It is absolutely necessary and imperative that we recognize and understand this reality, for through Timothy the apostle Paul was warning and instructing the congregation at Ephesus concerning the events which would unfold in the coming days.

As I read the words which are contained within the epistles which were written unto Timothy I can’t help but get the strong sense within my spirit to ready and prepare ourselves—not only for that which we are already experiencing, but also that for which we will experience. I do not believe we have seen the fullness of that which the apostles and New Testament writers wrote and spoke of, and there are incredibly dark and dangerous days which lie ahead for us. I can’t help but be reminded of the words which Jesus Christ Himself spoke unto His disciples when they asked Him concerning the sign of His coming and concerning the signs of the times. I leave you with the words which Jesus spoke and declared unto his disciples as a word of caution and warning to be prepared for that which lies ahead. Much like the states of North Carolina and South Carolina are right now preparing for hurricane Frances coming down upon and against their shores, so also we need to ready and prepare ourselves for that which still has yet to come. Consider the following words which were spoken by our Lord when speaking unto His disciples:

“And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 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? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars an rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. 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. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: let him which is on the Houston not come down to take any thing out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 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 deflect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For whersoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together” (Matthew 24:3-28).