“Herein is the mystery of redemption, that the innocent, pure, and holy Son of the infinite God was permitted to bear the punishment of a thankless race of rebels against the divine government; that through the manifestation of His matchless love, these rebels might be inspired with faith in, and love for God, and might stand before Him repentant, forgiven, guiltless, as if they had never sinned” (The Bible Echo, Nov. 25, 1895).

SPECIAL FORCES

Special Forces are never drafted or coerced into service. They volunteer, submitting to the painful discipline and difficult training, that they might enjoy intimate partnership with their Commander.
As businessmen risk all for opportunities to create wealth, so God’s Special Forces seize opportunities to multiply the influence and reach of God’s kingdom.
As a military strategist instantly deploys resources and troops to seize a strategic advantage, so do God’s Special Forces when their General identifies the opportunity.
Special Forces know their Commander personally, and thus trust Him to provide all the resources needed to accomplish the assigned task. (Source - D. Gates)

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Prayer

Not Just an Exercise of the Mind

Prayer is not just an exercise of the mind – at least it doesn’t need to be.

Most people believe they are talking to God when they pray. Are they? Or are they merely going through an exercise of the mind as many “sophisticated” people are prone to believe?

Is prayer just a process our minds go through so that we are able to accept things and conditions that we could not otherwise accept? Or may we actually communicate with God, pour out our hearts to Him and receive a response from Him when we bow our heads in prayer?

In recent years numerous scientific studies have been done evaluating the effectiveness of prayer for the sick. Those studies declare that prayer does indeed change outcomes. Yet, most “unbelievers” remain unbelievers still, in spite of the evidence.

It is terribly difficult to convince those who do not want to be convinced. Jesus proved this when confronted with the Pharisees of his day. They came to him challenging him to prove his divinity by doing a miracle. His response was, “Even though one should raise from the dead, still you would not believe.” A few days later he did indeed raise Lazarus to life after four days in the tomb but did they believe? No! In fact, it was not long afterward that they condemned him and sent him to Pilate to be crucified. It is no different today.

When science reaches its limits, where does one go to discover truth?

The surest way to prove the reality and effectiveness of prayer is to try it and put God to the test. But God is no fool, and He does not play games. If you plan to test God, you had better be awfully sincere and willing to accept the evidence when it comes. If you are willing to be his disciple should He hear and answer your prayer, then go ahead and challenge Him. If not, then forget it.

There are some conditions that need to be met before God can answer prayers. We must be completely honest and sincere. We must believe in Him (Jesus) (or be willing to believe). We must ask. We must trust Him to answer our prayer requests – not necessarily as we expect – but according to His love for us who can see the “big” picture and give us that which we would really want if we could see the end from the beginning – just as a loving parent does for a child who asks. Having received an answer, we must accept the answer with gratitude and use it for the mutual benefit of ourselves, our “neighbors” and our God.

If you are serious about knowing the truth about prayer, begin now to put Him to the test. Ask Him. Believe Him. Claim His promises to hear and respond, and wait for Him to fulfill your prayer in just the right time and place to satisfy your greatest desire. Then, when that “miracle” occurs, accept it as real, without doubting. After giving Him thanks, share the response of your prayer with someone else – so as to encourage them in their walk with Jesus as well.

It may take many answered prayers before you get to the place where you are no longer tempted to doubt - where it becomes second nature to go to Him with all of your wants and needs, knowing that He is always there for those He loves. In the meantime, keep a diary recording every prayer you pray and the response when it comes. It won’t be long before the evidence that God is real and that prayer is effective.

No one will ever again be able to convince you that prayer is merely an exercise of the mind.

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Jesus is really coming again!

Jesus is really coming again - literally and in person - not this time as a baby, but as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

How can we know?

The Bible tells us so!

And the Bible has been correct in all of its other predictions.

Ridiculous?

Far fetched?

I don't think so!

If there is a question in your mind, just take a look at the world around you. Then sit down and read the Holy Book - and see for yourself whether or not the things He said were true or not. It is pretty clear, and often noted by dependable scientists, that we are on a path of self-destruction here on earth such that if the human race is to survive, we must either find a way to travel to other worlds - or be rescued from outer space.

Let us look first at what the Bible says about Jesus' return. Later we may wish to look at confirming evidence.

The following quotations from the Bible are presented with little or no commentary, being in themselves self-explanatory.

Jesus was on trial before the high priest before his condemnation and crucifixion when he made his claim:

Matthew 26:63, 64 - But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said unto him, You have said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Jesus was crucified, and came to life in the resurrection. For 40 days he had visited from time to time with his disciples. Finally the time came when He would leave them for good. As he ascended into the clouds and disappeared from them, an angel appeared and comforted those that watched him go:

Acts 1:11 - Which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.

The Bible tells us why Jesus died:

Hebrews 9:28 - So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 10:37 - For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Jesus was speaking to his followers:

Luke 12:40 - Be therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when you think not.

Matthew 16:27 - For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Matthew 25:31 - When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

At His coming:

Matthew 25:32 - And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats:

Therefore:

1 Corinthians 4:5 - Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

And:

Matthew 24:44 - Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man will come.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 - And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is coming again!

Titus 2:13 - Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ;

Philippians 3:20 - For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Philippians 3:21 - Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

He will come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords:

Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood;

1 Timothy 6:15 - Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Revelation 17:14 - These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 19:16 - And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

When He comes, He will raise His followers from the grave to new life:

John 6:40 - And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 5:25 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

John 11:25 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Acts 24:15 - And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Never to die again:

Luke 20:36 - Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Romans 2:7 - To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:

1 Corinthians 15:53 - For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

2 Timothy 1:10 - But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

The faithful followers of Jesus are taken to heaven awaiting the creation of a new earth:

2 Corinthians 5:1 - For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Isaiah 65:17- For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Revelation 21:1 - And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 Peter 3:10 - But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2 Peter 3:11 - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

2 Peter 3:12 - Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2 Peter 3:13 - Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.

Is it true? Yes!

Please look at what the Bible says about our day before His coming before you decide He doesn't know what He is talking about. (Click here)

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God’s gifts

Gifts are things one gives to another whom he/she loves.

God is love.

Everything God does is motivated by love.

The ultimate definition of that love was publicly displayed before the whole universe when He died upon a wooden cross in His attempt to save all people - even those who hated him.

Driven by love God created a most lavish earth in preparation for creation of us humans - even before we were made.

It is appropriate to look at all of the things God has given to us as gifts of love.

Let us consider a few of them.

Life itself is a gift.

Health is a gift.

All of the beautiful things God has created are gifts.

The senses to enjoy the world around us are gifts.

God’s instructions to us as written in the Holy Scriptures are gifts.

Prophecy is a gift.

All of the laws of the universe are gifts designed to give and sustain life.

Wisdom and power to learn these laws and to comply with them is a gift to those who choose to believe.

The Sabbath is a unique gift of time God has set apart for special communion with him.

Angel companions, though unseen, are gifts of love.

Grace is a gift.

Forgiveness is a gift.

Discipline is a gift given to correct our errant ways.

The list is almost limitless of those things God has given to us to assure long life, health and happiness. In fact, God’s original plan in giving his gifts to us was so that we could live and enjoy life forever.

Obedience is our natural response of love to those gifts of law and instruction given to assure our life and happiness.

There is one more gift to be considered. It is the gift of freedom – the gift to choose to accept the gifts God offers us – or to reject them.

Since all of God’s gifts contribute to life and happiness, rejection of them or refusal to believe in Him deprives us of the benefits he offers.

Sin is what we do when we refuse the gifts. It is what naturally happens in the absence of the gifts - the thoughts we think, the words we speak and the things we do to hurt ourselves, the people around us and our God when we attempt to live apart from the gifts.

The natural consequence of rejecting the gifts of God is death – sooner or later - death from which we never rise.

God is also just.

Justice is a characteristic of love. When without the gifts of God we attempt to find meaning and happiness in life we take advantage of a neighbor’s sexuality, hurt and kill those who offend us, steal and deceive our fellow beings, or give our time, attention and means to things other than God, love demands justice.

Thus while most of the losses we experience when we turn down God’s gifts of love are merely the natural consequences of our choices, some are the result of a loving God meting out justice upon those who have hurt or killed the weak and innocent whom He also loves.

We are always the losers when we refuse God’s life-giving gifts.

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Where is God when disaster strikes?

Where was God on December 26, 2004, when the tectonic plates jammed together deep under the Indian Ocean, shaking buildings to the ground in Sumatra and sending killer tsunamis for a thousand miles or more across the seas? Where was He when more than one hundred and fifty thousand people perished in the earthquake and ensuing floods, leaving behind thousands of broken families and orphaned kids?

These are the questions on the minds of nearly every human being when disaster strikes, either in our individual lives or in the event of massive natural disasters.

Though a few brave souls try to defend the God of love, very few thinking people are able to “stomach” such apparent hypocrisy – a God of love who kills so indiscriminately – or fails to protect those He promises to protect.

Though we might accept it by faith, it is impossible to rationalize anything good about a God that would sit back and let something like this happen. Except in the context of a universal war between good and evil, between truth and fabrication, between God and Satan it is impossible to comprehend. Only when one believes the Biblical account of this war is it possible to begin to understand how these things can happen under the governance of a loving God.

In reality, the Biblical explanation is quite clear for those that are willing to search for answers in the Holy Book and to believe its explanation. Please follow along for a brief summary of the Biblical account. The Bible teaches that pride and rebellion arose in the heart of one of the highest angels in heaven sometime before the creation of this world. Once given birth, rebellion spread throughout heaven, leading to war in heaven and the expulsion of Satan and a third of the angels. (See Revelation 12:7-9) Satan, disguised as a beautiful snake, deceived our first ancestors sometime after creation, tricking them into disregarding God’s warnings. Having listened to Satan and tasting the fruit, initial exhilaration soon turned to guilt as Adam and Eve realized what they had done. Overwhelmed with shame, they ran to hide from the God who had been there best friend. Their act, as simple and apparently innocent at it appeared, forever changed their perception of God. When He found them in their hiding place, He found a barrier that He could not break through. Sin had stolen away their innocence and simple trust in Him. Suddenly, this One who had until now been their best friend and confident had become to them a powerful monarch to be feared. God had not changed, but they had – a change that passed naturally unto their children. (See Genesis chapter 3)

God now had a problem. Satan, the rebel angel, had succeeded in planting a seed of doubt and distrust in the mind of men, causing them to keep God ever at arms length. Maybe, they thought, God was not as honest and fair as they had in their innocence believed – a thought still present in their descendents.

One may explore all of the options available to a loving God to meet the challenge, but when all is said and done, there is only one way God could regain the allegiance of the race of men and still maintain the freedom of choice He original endowed them with. Only one way! And that was to give Satan time and opportunity to “show his hand.” Only when man and the rest of the intelligent universe had opportunity to see the end result of sin’s way as contrasted with love’s way – the way of God, could all trace of doubt and distrust be removed.

Thus it is that for six thousand years human beings have been participants in a showdown between good and evil – between the epitome of self-sacrificing love and all absorbing selfishness – between God and His followers and Satan and his deceived adherents. God, who is governed by the attributes of love, and Satan, whose heinous cunning knows no restraints, are engaged in a sometimes very intense war for the allegiance of we humans.

The history of this earth is a history of this war. All of the evidence unearthed today, whether in ancient writings, archeological findings, geological formations or by any other means reflect the consequences of that conflict. For six thousand years, the One who created this world has sustained it by the power of His hand. It is only when Satan and the powers of evil in concert with his human followers have resisted His authority and taken things into their own hands that calamity has occurred. That was the situation at the time of the universal flood of Noah’s day. And that has been the situation at each point of history where bad things have happened.

At those instances in history when evil has become so pervasive as to threaten the very existence of good, God has pulled back and let the evil reap the impact of its choices. The Bible commonly refers to these effects of separation from God’s protective care as His anger or wrath. This principle is best illustrated in the story describing Abraham’s discussion with the angels before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by oil-fed fire. (See Genesis chapter 18 and 2 Peter 3:9)

When astronomers look into the heaven with satellites and powerful telescopes they see what is often interpreted as a universe in cataclysm. This world is part of that universe. The Bible tells us our world was perfect at the end of creation week. It also tells us the Creator sustains His creation. God is not the initiator of destruction, but when He pulls back his restraining hand in response to the insistence of evil, we are no longer protected by His hand – from either natural cataclysm or from the self-destructing effects of sin.

Throughout the millennia since Adam and Eve first chose to obey the snake in the tree, this world has been sowing the seeds of self-destruction. The harvest is now ripe and ready for harvest. Already we are beginning to reap its fruits.

Just as evil has run its course through history in readiness for the final harvest, so too has God been active in the lives of His followers. It is because of the influence of these faithful ones that our world has not destroyed itself long before this. But of even greater impact than that of His followers was the act of God himself. At the appropriate time, God made the strategic move that determined the eventual winner of the war. When Jesus - very God himself – placed himself at the mercy of Satan and the human race and suffered death on the cross, he demonstrated the true nature and ultimate expression of love.

Whereas Satan and his followers were not content until they had killed their enemies, God in the person of Jesus was not content until He had paid the ultimate price to save his enemies from death. (See John 3:16,17) Never again could the true nature of God’s love be seriously challenged. Never again would any have reason to doubt the nature of God’s love by which He rules the universe. While on that day that Jesus was hung on the cross, Satan’s true nature was revealed, the full and final consequences of Satan’s rule remained to be seen before God’s plan could be complete.

When we look at the calamities occurring in our world today, whether by war, environmental pollution, or massive natural disasters, we are but witnessing the natural end results of Satan’s rein of sin. The earthquake off the coast of Sumatra with its subsequent tsunami is no different. More than four thousand years ago a universal flood (a consequence of sin) altered the very foundations of our earth, setting the stage for subsequent destructive events. Nor are the things we are doing to our earth today without significance. Already scientific study has confirmed the effect massive dams, nuclear explosions and other acts of men have on the foundational forces of the earth.

Yes, God could put a stop to these disasters in a moment. He could prevent all the wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires and floods that trouble us – but He could not do it and still allow us to “see” what sin does. When however, that lesson has been indelibly imprinted upon the intelligent mind, He will return to earth to put an end to sin. Then all that have permitted Him to save them will be rescued and accompany Him to heaven and an earth made new. Never again as long as eternity shall last will they choose to ignore or flaunt the principles of life. Those who refuse to have Him as their God will reap the final consequence of their choices – death – the most merciful end possible for sin and sinners.

All through history, men have blamed God (and His followers) for the things they have brought upon themselves as blind slaves of Satan (AIDS is another good modern example) It will be no different at the end of time. God will continue to be pictured as the villain, the one responsible for the catastrophes that destroy the earth until at last, at the very end of the war between good and evil, everyone, good and evil alike in all the universe will “see” and acknowledge the love and justice of God and bow before him – some in worship and praise – some in guilt and shame. (See Philippians 2:10; Revelation 15:4)

This answer to the earthquake and tsunamis in the Indian Ocean as well as all other bad things that happen here on earth is Biblical, it is reasonable, and it is following in exactly the pattern prophesied in the Bible. Further more, the Bible is clear that the disasters we are now experiencing are nothing more than signs pointing to much worse things yet to come – for sin, left to its natural end will self destruct if not arrested in its tracks. Yet, for reasons no one can adequately explain, most people will not believe or be comforted by this truth. That too is the wage of sin.

Just one further comment! Had God not intervened as described above, man and his world would have destructed long ago without any hope of a Savior.

Something to think about!

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The Process

How does one become a “real” Christian? What is the process by which we may enjoy optimum fellowship with our God here and now and at last be judged fit for eternal life in the earth made new?

In the Bible we read of those who were faithful in times gone by, and read Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, “You must be born again”. (John 3:7) The reformers spoke of righteousness by faith, and John the Apostle of Jesus describes in the Book of Revelation those who are finally victorious over sin as “those that keep the Commandments and have the Faith of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17 and 14:12). But what do all of things mean in terms of my life today?

The Bible tells us that our first ancestors, Adam and Eve, were created perfect, but that they disregarded God’s warning to them and fell to the deceptive tricks of Satan. Appealing to their pride, he led them to distrust their Creator’s love and His plan for them - a characteristic that was passed on and prevails until today throughout the whole human race (Genesis chapter 3). Thus, while it is distrust in God’s gracious providence that separates us from Him and His benefits, it is pride that lies at the root of our distrust – our “sin”.

It is natural and easy for our loving God to forgive our sins, no matter how gruesome they may appear. But what God cannot do is to forgive sin, i.e., the pride that lingers in the human heart and reveals itself in ongoing distrust - choosing not to trust him with our whole lives – without any reservations, whatsoever!

Jesus came to win us back by the demonstration of His love – to win our trust and remove our pride, once and for all time – and having restored that vital connection with Him, to fill us with His love.

Seeing Jesus, and having made the decision to put Him to the test and follow Him - our choice - He will then accept the responsibility for accomplishing our transformation back into His image and saving us for His eternal kingdom – concepts often hidden in incomprehensible theological terms.

Lessons from the symbols of the ancient Israelite sanctuary services teach us that Jesus is intimately involved in every aspect of our individual lives ministering as our prophet, in the person of the Holy Spirit ( instructor), priest (intercessor) and King ruling from His Command Post in the heavens. All of the powers of the hosts of heavens remain ever at His hand to guide us along those paths through life that will assure victory in each and every one of the battles with the devil and his demonic assistants that confront us. (Click here to read more about the meaning of the Sanctuary for us today)

Having chosen Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, He will forgive our sins, work to remove our pride, and restore our trust. These things are not accomplished as some magical act or one-time ritual, but as daily experiences on the battlefield of life. Every prayer, spoken quietly in the still small voice of the heart, or shouted from the housetops, is heard and the correct response sent forth. But even before we ask, He is working out His plan to save us. He will take us along narrow roads and along broad highways – through deep dark valleys and glorious mountaintop trails. We may find ourselves battered and worn, or facing imminent death – but He will be with us in Spirit and His angels will be at our side. Though the devils may hurl arrows, or nuclear warheads, nothing will fall to hurt His faithful followers but that he has first taken the blow before passing it on to us as He determines is for our eternal benefit. For His sacrifice and continuing acts of love, we too will soon reflect his grace in our relationships with our fellow men – thus by faith, spontaneously fulfilling the Law of the Ten Commandments in our lives. It is God’s gift to His children.

Some Christians believe they must “do something” to be fit to pass the judgment bar. Others claim His grace has “saved us” just as we are. But no! If Jesus is to be successful in removing the stains of sin – pride and distrust – from the human race, it will only occur by “The Process” administered from His throne in the heavens. Praise His name. (Click here to read more about following Jesus)

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God’s Law of Love Provides

ARMOR, NOT HONOR!

God is love!

God governs His creation by law. Indeed everything in the universe works according to the laws of God - laws perfectly designed to give life.

Some laws govern our physical world. By applying them we can send men into space or explore the ocean floor.

Some laws govern our minds. By obeying those laws we may grow in knowledge and wisdom.

Other laws govern society. When society abides by these laws there is peace and cooperative effort.

Still other laws govern the spiritual world. Obedience to these laws provides opportunity for God to fill our lives with love. When connected to the supply line of that love, it fills us and flows spontaneously from us back to God and to our fellow men.

Love, when flowing from us will reveal itself as obedience to the Commandments, for the commandments are nothing more than a description of love in action. Each one of them describes a different aspect of love much as each facet of a diamond reveals a different hue of light.

Many people try to “keep” the Commandments so as to impress God and gain a home in heaven by and by – or to escape hell. It doesn’t work! There is no merit (honor) to be gained by obedience. But when we are filled with love and keep the Commandments as a spontaneous expression of love, we are protected from many of the natural consequences of broken law - our fellow men are benefited by our loving acts for them - and God is glorified by our words and songs of praise to him.

As is true for the Ten Commandments, the same is true for all the lesser laws. There may be great benefit from obedience, but no merit what so ever. The law provides armor from the assaults of evil, but there are no merits of honor derived by obedience to the law.

Just as armor protects us from injury and possible death in warfare, so the Commandments of God protect us from the destructive effects of living in a lawless society, or in a society of counterfeit or man-made laws.

Let us look at an example. If we ignore the law instructing us to avoid adultery, we risk loosing our home and certainly the love and adoration of our spouse. Sexually transmitted disease is another very real risk, and can sometimes be life threatening or crippling. The example we set may be followed by our children, and children’s children, on down through the family line – all suffering injury because of our choice to disregard God’s law. Last of all, our disobedience influences all of society – for “no man is an island”.

What ought a Creator God of love do to one or to a whole society that disregards His laws? Our trigger reaction answer tells us to punish the wrongdoer. The response of love however is not to punish, but to heal and restore such a suffering one back to wholeness. It is true sometimes restoration requires discipline – which may hurt – but love takes no pleasure in hurting another needlessly. It is also true that an even heavier hand than discipline may sometimes be necessary to prevent one from hurting and destroying others. Though necessary, it is always difficult for God, who is love, to do!

So we understand that God has commanded us to keep His ten laws, not to make life difficult for us but as armor to protect us.

Now, it is one thing to disregard God’s laws. It would be something much more significant were we to somehow actually replace them with laws of our own devising. We might for example rule that marriage between a man and a woman will no longer be permitted, or that only homosexual relationships are acceptable, or some other bizarre counterfeit.

Yet this is exactly what we have done with many of God’s laws. For example, the first three of the Ten Commandments tell us there is only one God. There are no others. We are to worship Him and Him alone. Furthermore, we are not to make Images of anything in heaven or earth, nor bow down to them. Nor are we to take the name of God in vain. In total disregard to these commands, these pieces of armor that protect us, many religious systems have as their dogmas (laws) other gods, images, saints, etc. to whom they bow down, worship, and venerate while using the holy name of God in common conversation and in swearing. This is true even in the Christian Church. Priests are called Father, and the pope goes by the name of Holy Father, the name of God Himself. And though the Bible is clear in its teaching that death is followed by rest in the grave until Jesus returns and the saints are resurrected, the Church teaches and encourages prayers and veneration to the Virgin Mary and many other alleged saints.

To “prove” that she has the power and authority to change the laws of God, the Christian Church has changed holy time, declaring Sunday, the first day of the week Sabbath in place of the seventh day of the week as originally established by God and described in the Commandment. (It is interesting that while the Church claims the power and authority to change God’s law, she only claims to change spiritual laws. Never once has she claimed to be able to change the law of gravity, of thermodynamics or any other physical law. How strange!)

We might take each of the remaining Commandments and find similar attempts to change them, but the above examples are sufficient to make the point. The laws that God established to assure us of life, health, and happiness have been changed by religious decree. The protective armor provided by the original is thereby sacrificed.

What is a loving God to do for those whom He loves?

The issue is complicated by the fact that most people are not intentionally and defiantly rejecting the law of God. Rather, they are merely following the practices of the family or community to which they belong, presuming that it is correct. Even among religious leaders the same thing holds true – though it would seem with less excuse.

But how does one know what is truth and what is not? How does one know that the Bible is the Word of God and a fit standard by which to test all other truths? How does one know assuredly the Bible is any more dependable than other holy book? Or more valid than “tradition”?

The Bible itself answers the question. It admonishes us to test all things. It also describes the tests. We can know truth by its fruit. Truth will always bare good fruit. We can tell truth by comparing it with other truths that are known – by the Holy Scriptures. And we can tell the validity of inspired predictions by observing to see if they come to pass just as predicted.

Let us now apply the first of these tests to the combined teachings of the present Christian Church. What does the fruit of Christianity look like? It is interesting to note that behavioral statistics are little different for Christians than for followers of other religions or for non-religious persons. The Christian world has at least as high of a rate of divorce as others. The same thing is true for abortion, homosexuality, violence, abuse, addictions, and most any behavioral problem. It is true - there are a few isolated exceptions. It is also true that America has enjoyed the blessings of God through the years – having written into her constitution the principles of many of the Commandments. But here too is evidence, for as America forgets her Christian roots her crimes are on the increase - and freedom and peace, once prevalent, are on a rapid decline.

In a sense, testing for truth is a judgmental process. Accordingly, the ultimate test of truth will be God’s final judgment. When that is complete, all intelligent beings throughout the vase universe will know beyond a shadow of doubt what is truth and who is following it. According to Bible prophecy, we are now living in that time of God’s final judgment.

As truth becomes evident by the test of judgment, what will your response be? Will you like Pharaoh and the ancient Egyptians resist the evidence of truth, or will you then turn in penitence to full and complete faith and obedience to our Creator God? Remember, there is no honor (merit) in obedience to law – only armor!

May God grant you the desires of your heart!

For further reading about truth and judgment, please click here.

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A Seed of Corn

A parable

Brother Bill tells the story of the warm spring day in May when dad asked him to plant corn, but his mind was on the river and the fish that swam there. In no time at all, the bucket of seed corn was gone. Bill gathered up his cane pole, his hook, and a couple of worms and was off to enjoy the day.

A few days later the truth was known. Little green leaves of corn began bursting forth, not in the field, but in the hollow stump where they had so hastily been dumped.

Needless to say, brother Bill learned a lesson from the corn that day.

Within each seed of corn there is contained all of the information and material resources necessary to sprout and grow and to reproduce more corn. This packet of material known as the “germ” of the seed is capable of remaining dormant (sleeping) for many years if conditions are just right. On the other hand, just as with Bill’s corn seed in the old hollow stump, given the right mix of environmental conditions, the germ will awaken from sleep and arise as a new, fruitful life.

As often occurs, a warm moist day or two triggers the germ to awaken and begin to grow – only to be interrupted by a sudden change in the weather or the conditions in its storage bin. Time and time again, the germ in the seed of corn may be called to awaken, and time after time it may be frustrated in its attempt.

Finally, springtime arrives and it is time to bury the seed of corn in the ground in preparation for the final call to awaken and grow – but it is too late. Repeated starts and stops have exhausted the packet of material upon which its new birth depended. Instead of new life, the warm, moist soil has now become a burial ground rather than a nursery.

There is a lesson for us in the seed of corn. We too have been supplied with a packet containing all of the information and resources necessary to sprout and grow. Like the germ in the seed of corn we often hear the call of the Spirit of God to awaken and burst forth in new life. And like the seed of corn, we may allow the thoughts and cares of this world to lull us back to dormancy – over and over again – only to realize at springtime we too have spent our resources.

Fortunately, unlike the seed of corn that is dependent upon the environment in which it is placed, we may choose our response to the Spirit’s call. And if faithful, our resources are thereby each time enhanced rather than like the seed of corn, exhausted.

When at last we are then thrown into the furrow of the World’s need, we may sprout and grow to bare a rich harvest of new grain for the granary of the Lord.

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This World is Not My Home

Political Activism and the Christian

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. … But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city,” Hebrews 11:13,16.

“For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20.

We read in the current news of Christian organizations lobbying Congress for laws defining marriage, for the right to post the Ten Commandments in government buildings, to make stem-cell research illegal and to criminalize cloning of human embryos. Other Christians entertain international dignitaries, promote peace agendas, urge cautions regarding globalization or exert political pressure for religious advantage.

Without identifying specific organizations these examples are sufficient to demonstrate current attempts by religious people to influence the political process in America and around the world.

The question to be considered is this.

Why?

Is there a substantial Biblical basis establishing Christians as guardians of Government?

Has God commissioned the Church with the responsibility to govern the state?

Though one search the Holy Bible from cover to cover he/she will find no evidence describing God as the originator of current practices. It is true that when God rescued Israel from Egyptian slavery He established that nation as a theocracy with Him as their king, Moses as their prophet, and Aaron as their high priest. It was a special arrangement designed to establish Israel as a light reflecting God’s love to the ancient world. When however Israel tired of their God King, He reluctantly acquiesced to their pleas and established a human king to take his place - but now with well defined separation of powers.

When Jesus came to earth, one might have expected him to rally his supporters behind him to change the government of his day and make the world a better place. He didn’t! In fact though the people of Galilee tried to establish him as king, he “escaped” from their presence. (See John 6:1-15) Even his own disciples looked to him to become their king and to free them from the Romans. Knowing Jesus’ stance, some Pharisees tried to trick him by asking him if it was lawful to pay their taxes. His response surprised them. “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s. When later after his capture He was brought before Pilate, the Roman Governor, Pilate asked him if He was the king of the Jews, He replied, “my kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence,” John 18:36.

Years later, the Apostle Paul when writing to the followers of Jesus in Rome echoed the words of Jesus about a citizen’s responsibility to his government. In his admonition to them he said, “Let every person be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: …” (Romans 13:1,2)

Peter too admonished the followers of Jesus, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king,” I Peter 2:13-17.

In none of these texts do we read anything that suggests Christians ought to become involved in transforming the politics of this world – for it is God who “changes the times and the season: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding,” Daniel 2:21.

This is not to say people should never consent to fulfill political leadership roles in society when called. We have many Biblical precedents. Job, Joseph, Moses, Daniel and Mordecai are just a few examples of those who served in political roles in Bible times. They were placed by divine appointment to serve the cause of God as lights in a dark world.

There are good reasons why God has not delegated his followers as Christian activists and political leaders of the world. First and foremost of these is the fact that people do not want to be governed by the principles of His government - love, truth and justice, and the freedom to accept or reject his rule. We have the Biblical example of Cain who killed Able because Able was faithful to God and he was not. He was offended by Abel’s goodness. Noah too, a man of God, pricked the conscience of the people of his day by his faithfulness to the cause of God. Joseph and David are other examples of faithfulness that offended those who claimed this world as their home. (You will find many more in Hebrews, chapter 11!) Of course, Jesus is the classic example. We read in John 3:16,17,19 that, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. And this is the condemnation, that light came into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

Nor has the world changed since we killed Jesus. All through the ages since, his faithful ones have been persecuted and martyred. Yet, by their faithful witness, they have encouraged many and led many to Jesus as their Savior.

While the government of God functions according to perfectly designed natural principles of cause and effect, every intelligent being throughout the universe is free to accept or reject the benefits those principles provide. Attempts by men to force compliance to the laws of God are contrary to the governing principles by which He operates - and also ineffective – for though by law one may temporarily alter behavior, one cannot by law change the human heart.

When in Eden Adam and Eve ignored God’s warnings and fell victim to Satan’s cunning deception, their act began a chain reaction that would affect all subsequent generations of their offspring. The devil would no longer be confined to the tree in the middle of the garden, but as their captor would now claim the rule and authority over their lives. Though a way of escape was promised and at the proper time delivered by Jesus on the Cross of Calvary, most people have been so enamored with Satan’s “tricks” through the centuries that he has for all practical purposes been the master of this world. Most people refuse the “narrow” ways of God, preferring the “broad road” offered by the devil. Accordingly, the Bible recognizes two groups of people, the people of God and the people of the world.

Unfortunately the Bible holds out no hope for the people of the world. While it does predict the preaching of the gospel to the whole world and with it the opportunity for all men to turn from the world and accept the rescue from sin provided by Jesus, it gives no indication of a mass transfer of allegiance from the rule of Satan to the rule of God.

Rather, the Bible is very clear in its teaching that sin will continue to increase in intensity until the day He returns and brings it to an end. Nor should we expect to change the scenario through politicking for peace. Rather, like Jesus, our greatest influence for good in a sick and evil world will be the witness of a Christ-like life. Jesus spent his days on earth ministering to the physical needs of the sick and hurting but He did not stop there. Once He had earned the confidence of the curious masses He invited them to follow him, the only answer to the ills of this world.

Our work must be no different. We live in a world rapidly spiraling downward toward oblivion. It is the time of Judgment for our planet. As believers of the gospel and servants of our God, ours is the responsibility, born of love for our fellow men, to warn them of things to come, to invite them to join the family of God and to prepare for the return of Jesus. Only then will there be peace on earth.

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HOW THE WORLD WILL END

"For then there shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'there!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." (Matthew 24:21-27)

Do we know how the world will end?

Can we know?

Yes, but only by faith! ……. Faith is established by evidence.

Let us look at the evidence!

Two opposing views (Faiths) regarding how the world will end:

1. The world will not end any time soon unless we get hit by a gigantic asteroid.

2. The Bible describes how the world will end, and according to its prophecies, the end is near – very near! We can know the things we need to know to be ready for it when it comes.

What is the evidence that the world will not end any time soon?

We have the technological potential to solve many of the threats to the continued existence of planet earth as a habitable place. In addition, we are developing effective means whereby to extend our reach out into the universe beyond. Space travel and exploration certainly are now well within the realm of rational imagination. Unfortunately, technology - man’s only hope without God, - is often messed up by his godless, self-centered nature. While accomplishing some really great achievements, most of our resources are spent on war and self-defense. Already we have the potential technology to destroy our planet and everyone on it – and unfortunately we also have the will to do it (in spite of our efforts to attain world peace). Furthermore, we have already progressed a long way down that path. Based upon these bits of evidence, it seems unlikely that life as we know it will continue much longer on the planet.

The evidence: Weapons of mass destruction; AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases; pollution and destruction of our environment; uncontrolled population expansion; nigh absence of moral values and behavior; sad status of marriage and family; etc., etc.

What does the Bible say about how the world will end and the evidence indicating the Biblical predictions are trustworthy?

The Bible predicts the end of the world and outlines many signs indicating its approach. Furthermore, this 3,500 year old book has a long history of accurately predicting the future. Based upon this record and the events presently occurring on planet earth fulfilling end-time predictions, we may know a great deal about how it will end.

In order to understand the meaning of end time events it is necessary to first understand the beginning of things.

The Bible tells us that our world was created about six thousand years ago as God spoke it and everything in it into existence. Adam and Eve, our first ancestors were given dominion over the planet. Not long after creation they fell to the subtle temptations of a high-ranking rebel angel (Satan) who had been exiled from heaven. In falling for his deception, they yielded their dominion to him, their conqueror. Not only did they loose their dominion, but in dividing their allegiance, they also established a wall of unbelief between themselves and God. Thus separated from Him and His governing principles that alone sustain life, they and their descendents would henceforth experience death as the natural consequence of their actions.

But God, who is love, was not about to lose these whom He loved to the devil (Satan) without a struggle. In fact, in His effort to win back their allegiance He promised to pay the ultimate price of heaven – the life of God himself – and avert otherwise certain death and annihilation for Adam and his descendents.

With the revelation of this promise, the war that began in heaven between God and Satan before his exile shifted to planet earth. Satan, jubilant that he had succeeded in stealing men’s allegiance from God, determined to hang onto his prize even if it meant destruction of the whole human race, God’s special creation, in the process.

During the approximately six thousand years since, the conflict between God and Satan, between good and evil, has continued on the planet. It is the cause of all of the bad things that have happened to people all through history. And the earth will end with a final battle between God and Satan and those people that have chosen to support the cause of their respective champion – whether God or Satan.

But before the final battle, all men everywhere, and all intelligent beings throughout the vast universe will have opportunity to witness first hand both the benefits of love and the final disastrous consequences of self-determination as both are exhibited in the lives of the followers of God and those of Satan respectively. This demonstration, known as The Day of Final Judgment, will demonstrate the difference between good and evil. It will confirm the truth that only the principles of love as established by God are consistent with life and health and eternal happiness – and that every other way of life has as its natural consequence, death.

Keeping this brief overview of the past in mind, we may now examine the evidence demonstrating that the Biblical description of how the world will end is correct.

THE EVIDENCE:

The whole Bible, from beginning to end, from Genesis to Revelation, is focused upon the end of the world and restoration of that which was lost by the fall of Adam and Eve. The return of Jesus as Messiah and the creation of a new world is anticipated in hundreds of direct and indirect references.

Likewise, all through the Bible there are numerous direct and indirect prophecies referring to a final judgment preceding the return of Jesus.

In addition to these direct and indirect prophecies, there are a number of specific prophecies describing end-time events. These will be the primary focus of the remainder of this discussion.

The prophecy of Daniel 2:

The second chapter of the book of Daniel in the Bible relates the account of a dream dreamed by King Nebuchadnazzar, emperor of ancient Babylon, and a remarkable interpretation of that dream by Daniel, a Hebrew captive.

In the dream the king saw an image composed of five different substances. The head was made of gold - The chest and arms of silver – the abdomen and thighs of brass – the legs of iron - and the feet and toes of iron mixed with clay. In the end, a great stone was seen to strike the image and turn it into powder before itself growing into a great mountain that filled the whole earth.

The interpretation given to Daniel by God revealed how King Nebuchadnazzar, the king of Babylon, was symbolized by the head of gold. After him an inferior kingdom would arise, symbolized by the silver of the chest and arms. Following the silver kingdom there would be another kingdom of brass, then one of Iron. Last of all, the Iron kingdom would fall apart to remain only as an influence among ten smaller kingdoms that would never again unite to form a world empire. During the time of these kingdoms, the God of heaven would set up a kingdom that would never be destroyed.

History reveals that Nebuchadnazzar’s “golden” empire was indeed conquered by the Medes and Persians as represented by the silver chest and arms. The Medo-Persian empire, symbolized by the abdomen and thighs of brass, was in turn defeated by the Grecian empire. Rome eventually defeated Greece and ruled for hundreds of years until, rotten from within, it essentially fell apart and its dominion shared with the nations we now know as Europe. Europe remains divided to this day in spite of repeated attempts to unite it as one body. Though the 25 nations of the European Union have have been trying diligently to form a united government, they have yet to create an acceptable constitution. The next event to occur according to this prophecy is the return of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.

All of the prophecy of this dream given to the Babylonian king has been fulfilled exactly in the order described 2500 hundred years ago. Will future events follow the established pattern? Certainly they will!

You may read the whole account in the second chapter of the book of Daniel in the Bible. You may read the fulfillment of the prophecies in any of the books of world history - for it has happened just as predicted.

The prophecy of Daniel 7:

In the seventh chapter of the book of Daniel we read of a vision in which Daniel saw four different animals that came up out of the sea, (the sea, a prophetic symbol of populations) one after the other. First there was a lion with eagle’s wings, the feet of a man and the heart of a man. The lion was followed by a bear. One side of the bear was higher than the other and it held 3 ribs between its teeth. A leopard with four heads and four wings was next. Last of all was a frightening dragon-like creature of great strength with iron teeth that devoured and crushed its victims to pieces. It had ten horns. While Daniel looked on, a little horn rose up among the ten and replaced three of them. This new little horn then was seen to have eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke “great” things.

Daniel wondered what this strange vision meant and asked an angel standing nearby about the truth of the matter. The angel told Daniel that the four animals symbolized four kings that would arise to rule on earth. In elaborating about the fourth kingdom and the little horn kingdom that was different from all other ten among which it arose, the angel told Daniel that this power would speak “great words against the Most High God”. It would suppress those who were faithful to God and claim to change the times and laws established by God. It would reign one thousand two hundred and sixty years.

During this vision Daniel also was given a view of the final judgment in which God judged the earth. As the judgment concluded, the little horn power lost his kingdom and was destroyed and the dominion of the earth lost by Adam and Eve was restored to the faithful followers of God.

Just as in chapter 2 the image symbolized the four world empires followed by the ten kingdoms that would never form a solid union, so the vision of the animals and the little horn among the ten predicted the same succession of powers but from a little different perspective. These were all political powers except the little horn kingdom that exercised both political and religious power. Again, history confirms this succession of powers. The Babylonian empire was followed by the rule of Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Upon the fall of Rome, the nations of Europe and the dominant Christian church together ruled much of the then known world. During this time, the head of the church assumed the role of “Vicar of Christ” and interpreted the Bible according to the traditions established by the Church councils. As a self-proclaimed sign of its “God-given” authority, it changed the Sabbath from Saturday, the seventh day of the week to Sunday, the first, persecuted and killed heretics (those that rebelled against its alleged authority) and established many other doctrines and practices contrary to the Holy Bible – claiming “Tradition” supercedes the Bible. In so doing the Church – in God’s name - has fulfilled the prophecy of the little horn that spoke like a man.

According to the prophecy, the end of the world will occur at the end of judgment.

Then the kingdom of God will be given to the true followers of Jesus at the expense of the dominant Christian church as identified by the little horn which will then finally lose its dominion. (Daniel 7:23-27) We will speak more of this shortly.

The prophecy of Daniel 8:

The next vision described in Daniel, chapter 8, presents a third view of the same general prophetic events. At the time Daniel received this vision, the Babylonian empire was about to fall to the Medes and Persians. Therefore this vision begins with Medo-Persia, here pictured as a ram with two horns. (The change in animals indicates a different point to be emphasized) Like the sides of the bear in the previous prophecy, one horn was higher than the other – indicating the dominance of the Persians over the Medes. Greece, the kingdom that defeated the Medes and Persians, is in this vision represented by a “Billy” (he) goat with a single horn between his eyes. At the height of its glory, the horn was broken and replaced by four other smaller ones. Under the rule of the young and energetic Alexander the Great, Greece rapidly extended its borders and became a vast empire whose great influence persisted well into subsequent generations – even to our day. In keeping with the prophecy, Greece would collapse from inside and its horn (power) be divided into four kingdoms. History tells us that Alexander died, apparently from alcoholism, while returning from a military campaign in southern Asia. His kingdom was divided among his four generals.

The vision goes on to say that out of one of these four divisions there would arise a little horn power that would become very great, extending its influence into the Holy Land and aspire onto heaven itself. In so doing, it would war against the saints and trample and destroy many of the true followers of Jesus. Furthermore, it would magnify itself to the role of the Prince (Jesus). In the process, access to the intercessory role of Jesus as High Priest in heaven would be taken away by the little horn power and replaced by a human priesthood.

This little horn would reign one thousand two hundred and sixty years, the same as the little horn of chapter 7, suggesting they are one and the same little horn.

History once again confirms the accuracy of this prophecy. Medo-Persia, Greece, and the little horn power of the Church followed and ruled among the kings of Europe those many centuries. In many respects this vision is similar to the other visions but with some additional insights added to them. (Please read the Bible account in Chapter 8, verses 19-25 where the angel explains the meaning of the vision to Daniel)

Also in this vision, in the setting of the vengeance of the little horn against God and His faithful followers, the angel foretold the beginning of earth’s final judgment. It was explained in the symbolic terms of the cleansing of the sanctuary – the Day of Atonement (judgment) in ancient Israel. (Daniel 8:12-14; Leviticus chapter 16.)(For further discussion regarding this symbolism, click here) Given this prophetic association, we may be sure that the Church will be a very significant “player” in the end-time judgment and in the associated conflicts coming upon the earth.

The prophecies of Daniel 11 and 12:

Chapter 11 of the book of Daniel repeats much of the history of the previous chapters but gives many more details. We will not rehearse these here but beginning at verse 31 we find mention of a power doing the same things as the little horn power in chapters 7 and 8. It is indeed the same power. It is here referred to as the King of the North and is described in Sanctuary symbols. See, for example, terms such as “pollute the sanctuary”, “take away the daily sacrifice”, “establish an abomination that makes desolate”, “do wickedly against the covenant”, “corrupt by flatteries”, “magnify himself above every god”, “speak marvelous things against the God of gods”, etc. As its final event the Scripture says, “He (the head pastor of the church) shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain, yet he shall come to his end and none can help him.”

It is interesting that all of these things will be done in the name of God and claiming the guidance of the Spirit of God.

Then, in chapter 12 we read of a great time of trouble such as has never previously been experienced on the planet, after which Michael the great prince (Jesus) is to return to raise the dead and rescue the true followers of God. (Daniel 12:1,2)

The prophecies of Matthew 24:

Jesus is sitting on the Mount of Olives with his disciples just a few days prior to his crucifixion. He is telling them of the destruction of the temple (Sanctuary) that they assumed would occur at the end of the world. So while sitting there they asked him this question: “When shall these things happen and what shall be the sign of your coming and the end of the world?”

In response, he told them that people would appear claiming to be the Christ, or to have a message from him. He warned against being deceived by these. He said there would be wars and famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, but these things were not specific signs of his return. Those who believed in Him and followed Him would be hated, betrayed, afflicted and killed for their faith and many would give up the faith long before the end of time.

Two signs indicating His soon return:

After listing these things he noted two signs indicating His soon return and the end of the world. The first of these, “When the gospel of the kingdom has been preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, then shall the end would come.” The second of these “hard” signs referred back to the prophecies noted above from the book of Daniel. “When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet stand in the holy place. ... Then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor shall ever be.” Jesus then parenthetically warned that false Christ’s and false prophets would arise performing almost unbelievable miracles – even claiming to be the returning Jesus. Many would be led astray by the miracles. But during this time of great trouble and miraculous manifestations Jesus would come and every eye would see him, “As the lightning comes out of the east and shines to the west”. Then “He will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they will gather together his elect from the four corners of the earth, from one end of heaven to the other.” (See Matthew chapter 24)

We see from Jesus’ discussion with His disciples that just before His return the world would be in great turmoil. At least a part of the turmoil would be the result of religious persecution by the power described in the book of Daniel as the “little horn” and the “King of the north”. And during this time of trouble, the gospel would be heard all over the world. One has only to read the daily news to see these events transpiring before our very eyes even today.

The statement of 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 says, “Such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works.”

It is clear from this passage that one of the devil’s prime “tricks” is for he and his human counterparts to deceptively appear as Jesus himself – if not in physical appearance, at least in terms of words, claims and counterfeit acts. We must keep this fact firmly in mind as we observe the predictions relative to the church in prophecy.

The prophecy of 2 Thessalonians:

The apostle Paul is here writing to the believers living in Thessalonica. He admonishes his readers not to be deceived by any means and tells us that before the return of Jesus many will fall away from the faith. He says further, before the return of Jesus and the end of the world, the man of sin will be revealed. He then describes him as one “who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. … Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (See 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4,8-10)

We notice here many of the same descriptive terms as we read in the book of Daniel in reference to the little horn power and King of the north. The reference is quite obviously the same power that we have already seen refers to the Christian church.

The prophecy of Peter:

The Apostle Peter tells us that in the last days there will be scoffers ridiculing the signs indicating the end of the world. They are quoted as saying, “Where is the promise of His coming: for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were since the beginning of creation. For this they are willingly ignorant.” - that the world was destroyed once by a flood but next time it will be by fire.

Peter does not here describe the signs of the end times, but does tell his readers that there will be recognizable signs that will be denied by the scoffers. True to the prediction, most people, even religious people today, really don’t expect a literal return of Jesus and end of the world – at least not any time soon.

The prophecy of John:

John was also an apostle of Jesus. When he was an old man, he was exiled to the Island of Patmos because of his faith in Jesus. While there he received many visions regarding the future. All of these visions terminate with the end of the world and the return of Jesus.

In Revelation chapter 3 he described the condition of the followers of Jesus during the time leading up to the return of Jesus. He described them as being deceived into thinking that they were rich and in need of nothing whereas in reality they were lukewarm in their faith. In a spiritual sense they were seen to be wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.

Judging by the worldliness of those claiming to believe in Jesus, this prophecy is being fulfilled as evidence of the validity of the prophecy even in our world today.

Chapter 8 of the book of Revelation describes a series of seven catastrophic events that will afflict and devastate much of the earth in the last days. The description includes environmental disasters as well as military conflict.

We get an even more detailed and dramatic description of end-time events in chapter 18. In the later portion of this chapter we are given a picture of utter destruction of everything that most human beings depend upon for “success” in life. Please read the description written in the language of the time during which it was written, but referring to the end time. See Revelation 18:5-19.

In chapter 13 we are given a picture of a terrible beast arising up out of the sea, much like the animals in Daniel. This beast had seven heads and ten horns with ten crowns upon which were written the name of blasphemy. (Blasphemy refers to the claim, expressed in either word or action, of equality with God.) Furthermore, this beast received its power and authority from the dragon, the king of deception. (Satan, the devil, Revelation 12:9) One of its seven heads received a mortal wound, but the wound was healed, causing “the whole world” to wonder about the beast. But they not only wondered. They worshiped the beast and the dragon devil. In turn, the beast increased in power and authority, extending all around the world, speaking blasphemy against God and making war against the followers of God. (See Revelation 13:1-10)

It is interesting to note that the description of the beast and its actions very nearly parallel the actions of the little horn power of Daniel 7.

As if this were not enough, another animal is also described in chapter 13. This animal arose out of the earth (a relatively unpopulated land - the first beast rose from the sea). It had horns like a lamb but it spoke like a dragon and exercised all of the power of the first beast. In fact it commanded everyone on earth to worship the first beast, deceived the people by miracles, caused fire to come out of heaven to earth and it made an image in honor of the first beast. All who refused to worship this image were condemned to die. Without a mandatory mark placed in the forehead and on the hand none could buy or sell. (See Revelation 13:11-17) Only the United States fulfills the qualifications of this prophecy – arising from a relatively unpopulated area - appearing benign like a lamb, but becoming a world leader - finally working together with the popular churches to command worship on the first day of the week. (Note: This portion of the prophecy remains to be fulfilled, as certainly it will be.)

In Bible prophecy animals symbolize nations and or political powers. While the animal described here is predominantly a political power, it uses its power and authority to command worship – even worship of the first beast that had characteristics of the little horn of Daniel 7.

Chapter 14 describes the followers of God who keep His commandments and have the faith of Jesus. They are symbolized by three angels flying through the heavens preaching the everlasting gospel to every nation, tongue, kindred and people, imploring men and women to fear God a