The intensity of evil v. good will vary from generation to generation. When the Christian Church is strong, evil is weak. When the Church is weak, evil gains strength and influence. It would normally read, “Good v. Evil”, why then does it state “Evil v. Good”?  Evil is on the attack, Good is the protective barrier for God’s people. In today’s world, it seems that good may be drawing back, thus allowing evil to prevail in certain areas and under certain conditions. 

Note: This will be our last posting for a while: TBD.

As we are told in Isaiah 14 (next slide), Satan was referred to as the “morning star”, who rebelled against God, along with one third of the angels who followed him, all of whom were cast out of heaven, only to become demons as noted in the Four Gospels. 

Satan was one of the highest-ranking angels. He allowed his heart to be filled with pride and lust for power, which led to his fall. His hatred of God and lust for power go unabated, working through man along with is demonic angels. 

The rebellion of Satan is noted both in Isaiah and here in Revelation. His lust for power and hatred of God continues working here on earth, influencing man just as he influenced Eve and then Adam in the Garden. 

Satan’s attempt to destroy God’s creation began in the Garden of Eden, first with the temptation of Eve, and then Adam. Both succumbed to his lies and turned from God. Consequently, the fallen human race has continued to follow suit, putting self before God at all levels of wealth, position and power. Demonic influence is real and will intensify at certain times just as we saw with Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. But like Satan, they too fell and were destroyed by “Good” empowered by God with strength and guidance, just as we saw in the Old Testament history of the Israelites, as God’s Chosen People. 

Throughout history and the Bible, the degree of evil intensified when people turn away from God. The struggle Paul writes about in Ephesians 6:12 has varied from generation to generation depending on their relationship with God. Something each generation must ponder and pray about. The powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, though invisible, are very real, so are God’s angels who restrain evil. 

The dark powers and spiritual forces are fallen angels of every level, influencing the world and many of its leaders, just as Satan influenced Adam and Eve to break their bond with God, and Judas to betray Jesus, and Pontius Pilate to crucify Jesus, and Adolf Hitler to kill six million Jews. 

The victory over evil was won by Jesus Christ, who paid for our sins on the cross, and through all the trials and anguish that preceded it. 

The existence of evil is always a call to prayer. God has a legion of angels restraining demonic angels from unleashing their full furry on mankind. As we are told in 2 Chronicles 7:14, if God’s people will pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear us and heal out land; even from the evil that exists in today’s world. 

Which brings us here and raises the question: Is evil increasing? If so, is the world moving further and further away from God and toward the End Times, laying the path for the rise of the Antichrist and time of Tribulation? 

Fallen angels are active in this world. As we are told in 1 John 3:8-10 – 8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a military parade on Victory Day, celebrating victory over Nazi Germany in WWII. Yet, Russia’s attack on the Ukraine followed the same types of atrocities the Nazis used, murdering civilians and bombing residential areas. This celebration took place as Russian forces fight Ukrainians in one of the deadliest European conflicts since the end of World War Two, 77 years ago, with civilian deaths in the thousands. An antichrist? There are many antichrists as John tells in 2 John 7 who also wrote Revelation as a direct revelation from Jesus Christ. 

Russia’s invasion is leaving the Ukraine in ruins with thousands killed, dying and displaced, both civilians and children. We can definitely see the “powers of this dark world” at work, just as they were with Nazi Germany, leading to an estimated 70 to 85 million who perished during that war. 

There are many forms of evil in the world, both on a group and individual level. I think it’s a valid question for pro-abortion advocates to ponder: Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 

We’ll let God’s Word speak on behalf of the unborn child. 

Under Roe v. Wade, either one or both babies could have been aborted at that moment. Is this a political issue as some claim, or a moral one? Whose life will be snuffed out? What potential blessings to the world around them will also be snuffed out with them? The baby Mary carried was Jesus. The baby Elizabeth carried was John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. 

Both Jesus and John came forth out of the womb. Jesus as Savior, and John to announce His coming as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, without whom there would be no salvation!

Pro-abortion protests in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. The 1973 Supreme Court decision known as Roe v. Wade legalized abortion across the entire United States, overriding State laws that put restrictions on abortion-on-demand. See description on the next slide. It was “leaked” that the current Supreme Court may set that decision aside leaving it, one again, up to each state to decide. The “fury of hell” broke out in response to that leaked pending formal Supreme Court decision. The “powers of this dark world” at work. 

Looking back on Roe v. Wade. What’s all the uproar about? Why is there such a demand for taking the life of an unborn child? I think the answer lies in Ephesians 6:12. 

The spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms are the fallen angels who rebelled with Satan against God. They prompt every evil thought and deed for those who deny God. They also attempt to influence Christians, if we let them. Who are the powers of this dark world? They are evil spirits that hold the physical world under the grip of darkness by an assault on the mind. It’s believed that Satan has given these spirits charge over belief systems that tie men’s minds to religious works, false gods, and systems of thought that are opposed to the worship of the Creator God, the Lord; and oppose the very Word of God, concerning the meaning of life. We are seeing this force in response to that leak that they Supreme Court may overturn the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade, in that it would allow each state to decide. Anyone witnessing the TV news reports, will readily recognize that the forces of hell have been released. 

Those who hold positions of power, who are influenced by Satan or his demons, will bring grief to the world by their decrees, just as we see in the following slides. Is this a political battle or a spiritual one? Yes! It is a spiritual battle in the political arena. What better way to sway the Nation? One weapon Christians have in this spiritual battle, is to vote for those who support life at every stage, even in the womb. 

How quickly we forget history. When Christians do not engage in the public square for good, evil will prevail and fill critical, influential, political, and legal offices with those who oppose God’s Word. It gives Satan and his demons a basis for swaying the world for evil. 

A baby in the womb is a "yet to be born person" with a soul, and not part of the woman’s body. He or she is a totally different, individual person with an eternal soul created by God, who if aborted is being denied life, never to know his/her mother or experience an awareness of God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

How much is a human life worth? How much is an unborn baby worth? The current Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, believes letting them be born will have a negative impact on the economy. They will all be accountable before a Holy God. 

Is abortion an economic or a moral issue? In some cases, abortion even up until the very moment of birth is deemed acceptable. Read Yellen’s rationale and see if it’s political or moral? They will all be held accountable for every discarded life, before a Holy God at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11). Oh my! 

These are the standards Secretary Yellen is comparing, being in favor of the economy at the expense of yet to be born children. How do you put a dollar value on an unborn child? We’ll let Jesus tell us in Matt 19:13-14 – 13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 

The those that engage in sex, the way to avoid abortion is to use birth control. Abortion is not a form of birth control. It is killing of a yet to be born infant, who has a soul and right to life.

America was built on individual freedoms—not to be confused with license to do anything one pleases even killing an unborn child. Nor does any agency of government have the right to restrict those freedoms protected under the Constitution, including voicing opposition to evil in the public square or stating biblical opposition to immoral government decrees. 

Yet, this is exactly what is happening with the recently created "Disinformation Governance Board", as noted on the slide, as a department within the Department of Homeland Securing, who is doing nothing to secure our southern border. Freedom of speech gives Americans the right to express themselves without having to worry about government interference. It’s the most basic component of freedom of expression protected by the Constitution. Elimination of such freedoms will pave the way for the rise of the Antichrist. Those who lust for power will gladly welcome him. 

Here’s a similar, and yet important lesson from history. Hitler’s rise to power began with Joseph Goebbels as his propaganda czar. The Antichrist will have such a czar, perhaps multiple czars in all countries with those seeking to gain or retain their own power at any cost. If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. We are seeing it in the Ukraine since all the warning signs were ignored by NATO. 

Do we as a Nation and as a people still put our trust in God? Or was that just a passing phase of history? 

Is “In God We Trust” only words on our currency? "In God We Trust" first appeared on American currency in 1864 and was placed on all currency in 1955. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that the motto does not violate the First Amendment's protection from government endorsing a religion or a person's right under the Religious Freedom Restoral Act.

We are reminded in Psalm 56 of the importance of those words, not just on our money, but in our mind and heart. Pray for America and for the upcoming November elections, that men and women of good will, will be elected to hold office at both the federal and state levels, and yes, even the School Boards. 

Amen!

End of this week's posting.

I think this cartoon covers a diversity of opinions. Yes, the Book of Revelation shows us that the world is on a road trip, the destination of which is the Tribulation and End Times. We are either almost there or there is still a long way to go. Only God knows when the time of Tribulation and the Antichrist, will come. This will be our last posting on this topic, unless evolving events dictate otherwise. 

What caught my eye was the number of this Bill, initiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And the "Warnings” it prompted by both the Washington Times and Newsmax. An outline of the Bill is on the following slides. Everything noted is copied directly from the Bill. Does it bring us closer to the rise of the Antichrist? Draw your own conclusions after reading it, I did—especially the Bill number, “H.R. 6666” and its intent.  

Everything on this and the following slides is copied directly from the Bill—portions being underlined for emphasis. Its “short title” is as noted. Again, concern was raised that this bill is a step toward unprecedented government control, as stated in its title – “COVID–19 Testing, Reaching, And Contacting Everyone (TRACE) Act”

The Bill is available online via the following link (copy and paste it into your web browser to see the Bill): https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6666/text

Again, what’s on the slide was copied directly from the Bill, which gives the government access to private residences, at their discretion. We are aware that the government used the COVID-19 pandemic to take unprecedented measures to override and restrict individual freedom. This bill will allow them to continue at their own discretion. It's seen as just another such step giving the government unprecedented power over everyone. One can only wonder, with a potentially decisive election in both the House and Senate, coming in November, how will this Bill be used if approved? 

As stated, the Bill gives the government the power to quarantine individuals that they consider a health risk. Think about that. 

It also gives the government the authority to test anyone, as they see fit. Will they use it to change voting laws, isolating people, as was done in 2020, which provides an opportunity to stuff ballot drop boxes as was witnessed in 2020? Hmmm? 

As noted on the cartoon, where do you think we’re going? We wouldn’t have to ask that same question if the Rapture were to occur; we would know exactly where we are. 

Does this number look familiar? Did you ever wonder how one man, the Antichrist, can gain ultimate power? He will have plenty of help by those with their own lust for power. Is the Bill’s number H.R. 6666 a coincidence or a warning? Before you even ponder that, look at everything that has and still is fundamentally changing the United States. Does it all tie together? I think so. 

Does it matter? Absolutely! Take a moment and think about Bill H.R. 6666. Not just the number, but the intent. In the O.T. God used Israel's own sinful desires and enemies to punish them when they turned away from Him. Can we expect anything different for the United States? We either honor God or turn away from Him and suffer the consequences just as happened with Israel. We can be certain that God deemed the End Times to coincide with the full measure of man’s rebellion. Think about everything we covered so far on this topic in previous postings (still available for review). Our focus as Christians needs to be on God, and prayer.  

The seal shown on the slide, was recognized as the most powerful leadership position in the free world, dating back to WWII. But much has changed since January 2021. How will it be perceived by both friend and foe going forward? The next few years will establish the future course of the United States. That decision also rests on the November 2022 congressional elections. If Christians are not interested, others will gladly step up to fill those positions. 

Too many seem to have forgotten that there are three branches of government, and the president isn’t authorized to make every decision without the consent of Congress. The man currently occupying this office will determine what America is and what it becomes going forward. My prayer is that God doesn’t abandon us as a people and as a Nation. In 70 AD, Israel suffered the consequences of its sinful rebellion against God. Nevertheless, He reinstated the State of Israel in 1948, which is relevant to the Book of Revelation, and raises the question once again, how close are we to the End Times? 

There was a time when President John F. Kenney’s statement on the slide, was not only true, but accepted, when the goal of both parties was to work together to put America first. Sadly, those days seem to be gone. It’s a principal reason why I voted for JFK—my very first presidential election and never missed a single election since. 

In its very creation as a Nation, God gave us a sacred responsibility. What John Kennedy stated in 1961 applies equally today. This is why Christians have to care enough to take an active role in selecting our representatives at every level, including the Oval Office, Congress,  the State house, and yes, even School Boards. God is sovereign, but our behavior is a factor in regard to what course we take. He will either bless us or leave us with the consequences of our interest or lack of interest. 

Those who are elected to fill those seats in November, will determine the future course of America. They will either embellish and support what’s happening or resist and reject policies that are detrimental and undermining what America stands for. We will either continue moving away from God, or hopefully, move toward Him. 

The future of our Nation's children hinges on what they are learning in school. Gender education is being taught in the early grades, a policy that teaches young children that gender identity is a personal choice and not a product of one’s natural birth. Children have been isolated from school and social activities for over a year, and with it, their normal childhood was set aside out of fear by the school system. Keep them in your prayers that God may have mercy on each and everyone of these young minds and souls. For truly, they are America’s future!

Inflation is not a small matter. Everyone who watches the news or goes shopping, is surely aware of inflation, and its impact on one's standard of living, especially seniors on a fixed income and families with young children. Is it in any way a sign of the End Times? In and of itself, No. But it is relevant to the events in the Book of Revelation and yes, does dovetails into the signs of the End times. 

Here’s one simple example of what inflation does, for both the Starbuck crowd and also the cost of coffee at the supermarket. 

Another simple illustration. The current rate of inflation is 8.5%, the highest since President Jimmy Carter's presidency. The current impact on American families equals a $5,200 inflation tax reflected in the cost of living.  Again, let’s put inflation into everyday terms as illustrated by the shopping charts. The shopping carts compares what $20 bought in 1998, compared to 2005 and 2013. The almost empty shopping cart in 2013, nine years ago. What about today and next year?

Have you noticed more empty shelves in supermarkets? Not quite this bad, but a lot fewer things on the shelves than what we had become accustomed to just a couple of years ago. Why am I posting this? It runs concurrent with higher gasoline prices affecting delivery of products, and also shortages from the Ukraine as previously reported, considered the world's breadbasket. The Book of Revelation warns of famine in the End Times. 

All of which, brings us here. One man will offer solutions for the world’s increasing problems, who will rise to ultimate power over the world. A once strong United States is no longer a deterrent.  

Where is America heading financially? The U.S. dollar is the most powerful currency that exists today. Nevertheless, there would be serious implications if the dollar lost its status as the world's reserve currency. As the government and Feds print more money, it moves closer in that direction. The U.S. government’s massive borrowing and increasing debt will affect how the world sees the dollar and could have negative consequences. But even more factors will make that determination. What we need in Congress are people who rely on God and believe in prayer. Remember that opportunity comes in November, only 6 months away. 

Back to the rise of the Antichrist. How does one man gain complete control over all buying and selling? Chart shows how in light of a weakened U.S. dollar, digital currency could lead to centralized control of all financial transactions, even grocery shopping. With the right level of government control, there would be no such thing as pocket change or cash transactions. What does that have to do with Revelation? Everything. The answer lies in Revelation chapter 13:15-18. If I had to create a diabolical plot to place the world under control of the Antichrist, this would be one of the principal ways, plus shortages of all the essentials. 

It isn’t here yet, but it notes a significant sign for how the Antichrist could/would take control over the entire world financial system. See v.15-18 for the entire message. All it would take is a tiny chip no larger than a grain of sand, just like a pet is chipped as shown on the next slide. Pastor Adrian Rogers message at the end of this posting looks at the Mark of the Beast—666!

Receiving the mark of the Beast is as simple as this. 

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 37-minute message explains “the mark of the Beast”. (copy and paste the link below into your web browser)

https://youtu.be/_P8UTcjUn0w

So, what’s the answer regarding the End Times? 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us (slide). Never forget the sovereignty of God over the affairs of man. Pray for our Nation, its people, our Pastor, his family and our church. 

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Notice: This series on the End Times began in January 2020. There are two ways of getting to week 1 of this topic. Click on "01/02--01/09" in the Blog Archive in upper righthand corner.  The second way is to scroll down to bottom of each page and click on "Older Posts", continue doing so until you get back to January 2020, noted as "Week 1" on first slide. 

End of Posting

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