JESUS’ End-Time ADVICE: How to Survive the Next LOCKDOWN?

Pastor Steve Cioccolanti has been speaking to Christian communities who sense increasing global instability. “A lot of us feel that something is looming on the horizon,” he says, referencing warnings of famine, economic shaking, and governmental disruption. Rather than encouraging fear, he turns to Scripture — specifically Luke 16 — as a blueprint for wise preparation.

The Shrewd Steward

In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a steward accused of “wasting his goods.” Pastor Steve applies this spiritually, suggesting that “an accusation has been brought… that America is a materialistic consumerous church that is wasting the kingdom’s goods.”

He acknowledges the discomfort this creates: “Everybody hates to hear this… but don't become murderous and pheriseical about it.”

The key insight, he argues, is that Jesus does not condemn the steward’s strategy. Instead, Christ observes:

“The sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.”

Pastor Steve challenges the common label “the unjust steward,” saying, “He's not unjust. He was shrewd. He was smart.”

For him, the lesson is clear: believers must learn practical wisdom.

“Make Friends by Unrighteous Mammon”

Jesus continues with a striking command:

“Make friends of yourselves by unrighteous mammon that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.”

Pastor Steve anticipates resistance: “You can say, ‘I don't believe in failure.’ Well, good… But… at least prepare. At least prepare.”

He emphasizes that money — though part of a worldly system — can be used strategically for kingdom purposes. He repeatedly poses the question: “What's a person worth to you?… What's one worth to you?”

The point is not wealth for its own sake, but stewardship that preserves one’s ability to serve, protect, and help others during difficult times.

Becoming Essential

A central theme in Pastor Steve’s teaching is becoming genuinely valuable within society — without compromising faith.

“If you want to preach the gospel for the longest time and have the longlasting ministry, you have to have some essential connection to the system… you have to have some use that's hard to get rid of.”

He shares the story of a disciple in China who is interrogated monthly about his Christian faith. Authorities threaten him, yet “they can't get rid of him… Nothing. Why? Because he's an essential worker. They need him.”

The lesson: “during the persecution, not everybody is going to be persecuted.” Practical positioning can matter.

He clarifies his boundary carefully: “I'm not saying join the beast system… God forbid.” Rather, he encourages believers to be wise, useful, and connected.

Lessons from Lockdowns

Reflecting on global lockdowns, Pastor Steve notes that mobility often depended on recognized business or property interests. “People who had no business interests were stuck… but lots of business people travel.” Why? Because it “makes sense to the government and to the secular mind.”

His conclusion: “Think about Luke 16. Think about somehow becoming essential.”

Wise as Serpents

Pastor Steve ties this back to Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Believers are called to innocence — but not naivety.

“A lot of lone rangers in the body of Christ. You're not going to survive as a lone ranger. Get connected to people.”

He summarizes Luke 16 in practical terms: “Even Jesus had to tell Christians, ‘Please get out of your home and go make friends.’”

Stewardship and Eternal Reward

Finally, Pastor Steve stresses that financial stewardship is spiritually significant. “Money is called least,” he says, referencing Jesus’ teaching.

Yet Christ links money to eternal trust:

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.”
“If you have not been faithful in unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”

For Pastor Steve, this is sobering. Earthly stewardship reflects readiness for eternal responsibility.

A Practical Next Step

Pastor Steve does not present this teaching as theory. He consistently urges believers to act.

One practical step he recommends is starting a legitimate business that creates value and mobility. He points to Marketplace Global as an accessible entry point for believers who want to build something ethical and wellness-focused:

Start a business through Marketplace Global:
https://marketplaceglobal.com/pastorsteve/isr-instructions-freedom-phix

He also encourages those who feel led to consider establishing a physical place of refuge and community — a modern “Goshen”:

Learn more about Goshen Lake in Thailand:
https://www.goshenlake.org/

For Pastor Steve, the message is simple: combine faith with wisdom. Be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Steward resources faithfully. Build relationships. Become useful. And prepare in a way that honors God while positioning yourself to help others in times of shaking.