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The final years of human history – as we know it – will see the rise of a Fourth Reich which will establish a New World Order. The foundations of the “Order” will be political globalism, economic socialism, and religious ecumenicalism. The leader of this “Order” will be the Antichrist . . . who will rule over this empire of Western nations in the last days. The rule of Antichrist will begin with the coming of the Lord Jesus for His church (rapture) and conclude seven years later with the coming of the Lord Jesus again with His church (Revelation) to establish His Kingdom. Under Antichrist’s rule, 1.5 billion people will die in the “name of peace and betterment of mankind” in less than 36 months. The best way to grasp Antichrist’s Fourth Reich is to study Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. In many ways, Hitler was a proto-type of Antichrist… a dry-run if you will, before the grand performance. In fact, Hitler said, “Though I will die, my spirit shall rise again.” This “spirit” Hitler referred to was the “spirit of Antichrist” that was in him. My point . . . history repeats itself! The same conditions that brought Hitler to power in Germany are being set-up again to bring Antichrist to power. Whether it be intentional or coincidental, supernatural or natural in design, the political, economic, and religious factors needed to bring Antichrist are rapidly falling into place.
Let’s think! The German nation in the 1930’s was in a great financial depression. The people were losing or had lost all their savings, investments, and valuables in a collapsed German economy. German currency had become so devalued by government debt that nobody wanted it. Germany was falling apart financially. The German government was inept and ineffective. It was filled with “little men” who had no vision, plan, or passion to rule Germany. The church in Germany was filled with self-serving ministers and indifferent congregations. The “Word of God” had been abandoned in the name of reason and science. Do you see the picture? A nation – bankrupt financially, politically, and religiously – is looking for anyone to save it. On top of the internal problems facing Germany in that day, Communism was threatening the world as well. Along comes Adolf Hitler. With demonic power, he takes control of Germany. With passion, he promises prosperity, protection, and to bring “justice” to those responsible for Germany’s demise. Hitler promised “Heaven” but brought hell. He claimed divine commission and providence, but he was sent by the Devil.
Now, fast-forward to 2008, remembering history repeats itself. The Western World (including the United States) is facing a financial crisis, perhaps a deep recession or even great depression. The governments of the world seem to be “clue-less” what to do. As people watch their financial wealth disappear, they clamor for action. Yet it is impossible for one nation alone to do much because the economics of the nations are linked together. The call today is for a unified, economic plan for all the Western nations. A plan that will stabilize the markets and return prosperity. A European diplomat said in effect, “Someone needs to do something, even if it’s the Devil himself”.
The West is looking for a financial leader, but it also needs a strong, powerful political leader to confront Islamic terrorism. The leaders of the West today are perceived to be lightweights and empty suits . . . men who are soft and cowardly. As terrorism continues, and Iran becomes nuclear, the West looks for a “super-man” leader. Lastly, the church has left the “Word of God” in the name of unity, tolerance, and church growth (seeker-friendly). The church today is more about entertaining and empire-building, than contending for the Faith and advancing God’s Kingdom. My point is clear . . . the exact conditions that existed in vaulting Hitler to power in Germany are rapidly – if not already – in place for the vaulting of Antichrist to power in the “United States of Europe”. I believe the rapture of the church will be the final “chaos” that will bring Antichrist to power. Yes, I believe that event is soon. If we are seeing the shadow, the reality is not far behind! Yes, I believe the Antichrist is alive today. Who, I do not know, but he is being tutored for his long awaited arrival. Soon a world desperate and fearful who has rejected Jesus Christ will receive Antichrist as its “savior”. Satan’s superman will not bring salvation, but damnation.
In closing, I know “history” can be tedious and boring. Yet, past history is the greatest teacher of future history. The Devil is not creative, but he is clever. What he has done through the “spirit of antichrist” over 6,000 years, he will do through the person of Antichrist in seven years.
What can we do in these last days?
1. We should not be afraid or panic! With calmness, contentment, and confidence, let’s continue to live our lives to God’s glory and others’ good. We can’t save the sinking ship, but we can save some passengers. So, let’s pass out the life-preservers of our faith in Christ, and the peace, joy, and hope that goes with it.
2. We should get serious about church! Some are “members” of a church, yet they never attend services, give a “dime”, or serve a “lick”. Others are not members of a church at all. The just “float around”, void of any responsibility or commitment. Many have no loyalty to the church . . . they leave it at the “drop-of-a-hat” for the sake of convenience, comfort, or the latest fad elsewhere. Folks, we need to find a church that preaches God’s Word, is holding the line on the latest foolishness, fads, and folly entering the church, and is reaching people for Jesus with the gospel, and be part of it by JOINING, ATTENDING, SERVING, GIVING, AND PROMOTING it.
3. We need to re-think investment strategies! Yes, we should prepare for retirement and have emergency funds. But would it not make sense to shift more assets to God’s work as well. We can’t take our money, land, or gold with us, but we can send it ahead of us. How? By investing it in people – saving them and teaching them – so they can go to Heaven and take many with them. Your wealth in Heaven will be the people you helped to get there. Let’s make 2009 a record-giving year at Miles Road.
4. We need to invite people to attend services! I know the statistics . . . for every 10 invited, only 1 will respond . . . for every 10 that come, only 1 will stick. But that is “ok”; the Lord Jesus faced the same. I hope in 2009 we will just invite people to come. The greatest advertisement we can have at Miles Road is 800 plus people “talking up” our church and asking people to join us.
5. We should hold fast to sound doctrine! Many churches today teach no doctrine or false doctrine. Doctrine is God’s truth on the fundamentals of our Faith. Without doctrine, people perish in ignorance. With bad doctrine, people perish in deception. I’m already seeing the doctrine of our Lord’s coming being challenged, changed, and even cast away in some churches. I believe in this next decade, people who believe and teach Christ’s return will be viewed as radicals and buffoons. Let’s learn the truth and hold to it by sitting under sound preaching and teaching.
6. Let’s love each other! Whatever a man’s color, countenance, or check-book is, let’s love all people equally, fairly, and rightly. Love doesn’t mean agreement, but it does mean unity. Love doesn’t mean taking away consequences of choices, but it does mean encouragement and comfort. Remember “by this men shall know you are my disciples, that you love one another”.
In closing, I could write pages upon pages on all of this, but suffice it to say, time is short, the end is near, and what we are going to do for our Lord, we better do quickly.
Love,
Pastor Jim
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8:30 AM & 10:30 AM
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