Comeuppance

The Bible prophecies the antichrist will be an actual person who, during the seven year tribulation, will claim to be God, wage war against Christ, and persecute Christians. Meanwhile, the "spirit of the antichrist" appears throughout human history. This evil, up-and-coming spirit awaits personification.

The apostle Paul warned of the "spirit of the antichrist," and the actual antichrist who has yet to arrive. "For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming." 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8. Similarly, the apostle John wrote, "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour." 1 John 2:18. John continued, " . . . but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." 1 John 4:3.

Past leaders who exhibited the "spirit of the antichrist" left legacies of tyranny. Specific examples include: Nero, Napoleon, and Hitler. Nero Claudius Ceaser Augustus Germanicus (37 A.D.-68 A.D.) ruled the Roman empire during Christianity's early years. He made the killing of Christians public sport. He even ordered the apostle Peter executed on an upside down cross in mockery of Christ's death and resurrection. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 A.D.-1821 A.D.) came to power in his native France as a reformer. He eventually conquered Europe, and temporarily allied himself with the Catholic church to attain the title of "Emperor," going so far as to wear the Pope's crown. Adolf Hitler (1889 A.D.-1945 A.D.) bore the most resemblance to the antichrist of the tribulation. Hitler took office amidst political upheaval and a global financial depression (again, as a reformer) transforming the Germany into a powerful war machine, and plunging nation after nation into WWII. The holocaust, which resulted in the murder of nearly six million Jews, exposed the satanic influence over Hitler. Hitler also hated Christians. Regarding a peaceful coexistence between fascism and the Church, Hitler said, "That will not prevent me from tearing up Christianity root and branch, and annihilating it in Germany."

Since Adolf Hitler's defeat, humanity grows evermore connected--technologically, politically, and economically. Our world is at it's most fertile stage for the coming antichrist. Therefore, "See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us--even eternal life." 1 John 2:24-25.

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Needs of the Many

Historically, revival within the Church most often coincides with a renewed emphasis on Bible prophecy. Revival eventually, and innevitably, reaches the rest of the world, winning converts. A politician might describe such a revival as "energizing the base," and it's effect as "swaying undecided voters."

The Church rallies during end time events prophecied by the Bible. Accordingly, Christians are reminded to live in anticipation of Christ's return. Evangelizing to those in need of salvation becomes a much higher priority. In direct response to the "Great Commission," the Church expands it's mission work at great cost and risk.

As the world scene deteriorates, the unsaved masses clamor to know what the future holds. Understandably, they want peace of mind. The Church offers both by teaching what the Bible says about our dark age. For the skeptic, the Church can provide names, dates, and locations of Biblical prophecies already fulfilled--evidence of the Bible's authenticity.

Teaching Bible prophecy is the Church's last call to what could very well be mankind's last generation. The world must choose . . . accept Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross for forgiveness of sins, and recieve Him as Lord and Savior, or perish. In "Mere Christianity," C.S. Lewis explains the urgency behind this choise, "There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, wether we realised it before or not." So should be the Church's urgency when teaching Bible prophecy.

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Every Which Way

Over 2,500 years ago, the prophet Daniel recorded some of the most detailed and concise end time prophecies in the Bible. An angel of the Lord explained to Daniel that mankind would not understand these prophecies " . . . until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." Daniel 12:4. That time is now. In fact, after the twentieth century, end time prophecies within the book of Daniel make more sense than ever.

The 1900's generated revolutionary advancements in travel, beginning with Henry Ford's mass production of automobiles in 1914. In 1956, the U.S. government authorized construction of the Interstate Highway System. Cars, trucks, and the occasional motorcycle use the Interstate to access most major U.S. cities. Other industrialized nations continue to develop similar road systems, as well. Of course, the last century's advancements in high-speed, long distance travel are not limited to the ground. Boeing's 707 made it's first flight on December 20, 1957, giving rise to affordable air-travel. Soon after, intercontinental flight became a regular part of commerce and tourism.

America achieved it's grandest scientific endeavor on July 20, 1969, when NASA astronaut, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. More recently, NASA and space agencies from around the world began building the International Space Station in-orbit. The ISS currently serves as a research lab. Upon completion, due in 2010, it will also serve as a staging point for future space missions.

Relative to mankind's increase in travel, is our increase in knowledge. Our knowledge grows exponentially. The more knowledge we accumulate, the faster our knowledge grows. The twentieth century exemplified this concept. Radio and television became common, household items during the 1900's. With the introduction of the World Wide Web on August 6, 1991, the "Information Age" was upon us.

Perhaps the most significant indication that we are living in the "time of the end" spoken of in Daniel 12:4, is the Church's comprehension of Daniel's end time prophecies. In the latter half of the twentieth century, Christian markets witnessed an unprecedented spike in prophecy media. One would do well to read, or re-read, the book of Daniel, as it's prophecies speak specifically to our time.

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Falling For Dollars

"Money talks . . . " or so says the prevailing attitude on planet Earth. The Church must think and act differently, even during these tough economic times. The Word of God instructs us to stop worrying over our basic needs. Furthermore, we learn that such worrying distracts us from what is truly important--spiritual wealth.

Regarding food, Christ told his twelve disciples, "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" Luke 12:24. Likewise, Christ talked about clothing. "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Luke 12:27. With these temporal matters covered, we are able to focus on the eternal, as reflected upon by the Apostle Paul, "In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:19.

While the Bible does not forbid wealth, it does warn against wealth's potential to distract and deceive. "For the love of money is the root of all evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10. Notice that money itself is not the problem; rather, it is the love of money which beguiles us. In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John prophesied about the Antichrist's plan for world domination. "He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name." Revelation 12:16-17. The Antichrist's chief means of control will be economical. This economic control will lead to deception on a world-wide scale. " . . . he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image . . . " Revelation 19:20.

As the end times draw near, we must trust in God for our daily needs, beginning with salvation through Jesus Christ. Trusting in God frees us from distraction, so we may set our sights higher. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:34.

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Supply and Demands

While much of the world focused it's attention on the Olympic Games, Russia turned from sponsor against it's southern neighbor, Georgia, to invader. The Bible prophecies Russia will lead an invasion of Israel, as well, resulting in the near decimation of the Russian military. Much of this prophecy is fulfilled. The rest is poised for fulfillment.

Ezekiel 38-39 states Russia (Magog) and it's Arab allies will invade Israel en masse. Of the Arab allies listed, Iran (Persia) is mentioned first and foremost. This Russian/Iranian alliance is already solidified as it is Russia that sold Iran it's nuclear technology. Modern media outlets, secular and religious alike, report the international community's call for Iran to end it's nuclear weapons program. Russia, on the other hand, defends Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The prophecy describes a future Israel as, " . . . a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate . . . " Ezekiel 38:8. In 1948, shortly after World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, Israel regained it's sovereign statehood. The gathering of Jews to the Holy Land began in earnest. Ezekiel 38:12 mentions the resettled ruins of Israel, and the people therein becoming, " . . . rich in livestock and goods." Certainly, Israel is world renowned for transforming it's desert landscape into a thriving source of agriculture, strengthening the national economy.

Obviously, Russia's invasion of Israel, and aftermath of which, has not yet come to pass; however, the pieces are in place for 100 percent fulfillment. According to the prophecy, Israel's allies will do nothing beyond talk to defend Israel. They will rhetorically ask Russia about it's intentions toward Israel. " . . . 'Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?'" Ezekiel 38:13. During Russia's recent invasion of Georgia, a country which has requested NATO membership, America and other NATO countries did not commit troops or weapons. Israel's allies should take heart, as God promises to defeat Russia and it's Arab allies. " . . . The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground . . . I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and his troops and on the many nations with him." Ezekiel 38:21-22.

Russia's crushing defeat will lead to an almost unimaginable clean-up. Israel will spend seven months burying the enemy dead, plus seven years burning weapons left upon the battlefield. Russia's weaponry is made primarily of lingostone, a wood known for it's strength and elasticity, perfect for burning. Ezekiel 38:14-16 tells of professionals, whose sole job is to deal with the carnage. Israel's chemical, biological, and nuclear attack response teams are in a constant state of readiness, given the unconventional warfare tactics used by terrorists and terrorist states.

God can, and does, use sin to achieve good. The prophesied invasion of Israel is no exception. God will use Russia's attack to, " . . . make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel." Ezekiel 39:7. As Christians, we may see the nearly complete fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39 as yet another sign that the rapture of the Church, and the second coming of Christ, is near.

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