October 10, 2010
Hello,
What a joy it is to study bible prophecy and gain insight into the Lord's Word. Thanks for joining us!
Below are the headline topics of this month's newsletter:
- 1) Calls for a European Leader
- 2) Anticipated Quantum Leap for Computers
- 3) Wind Parted the Red Sea
- 4) Other Headlines
- 5) New Articles
"For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus." Revelation 19:10 (NLT)
Europe Needs a Directly Elected Leader with Charisma
In Spiegel Online's "Europe Needs a Directly Elected Leader with Charisma," various German commentators weigh in on European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso's recent "state of the union" speech and his uninspiring attempts to raise the political profile of the European Union.
As the article states, "The consensus is that Europe needs a more passionate advocate if ordinary people are to overcome their apathy regarding the EU."
This sentiment prompted the left-leaning newspaper Die Tageszeitung to write:
"Such a speech does nothing to reduce the general dissatisfaction with the EU. In order to stand up to the self-centeredness of the national capitals, Europe needs a directly elected leader with charisma."
For a certain segment of the European political establishment, the endgame of the European Union is complete political unity of the member states, with all national sovereignty ceded to the EU.
So why is this important?
The Bible tells us that a charismatic leader will come to power in the last days. This leader will gain unprecedented dictatorial power over all the people of the world:
"And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation." Revelation 13:7 (NLT)
According to Daniel, this leader will come from among the people whose armies destroyed the Temple:
"A ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple." Daniel 9:26 (NLT)
The armies that destroyed the city and the Temple in A.D. 70 were Roman armies. This means the Antichrist will arise from among the Roman and/or Italian people.
Additional prophecies concerning the resurrection of the Roman Empire have led many generations of bible prophecy students to look for the rise of a united European continent in the last days.
It’s quite possible the European Union will soon get its "directly elected leader with charisma," and he will turn out to be the Antichrist.
Computers Set for Quantum Leap
In "Two-Photon Walk a Giant Stride for Quantum Computing," Gizmag's Dario Borghino describes a major breakthrough which could lead to quantum computing much earlier than scientists originally expected.
The advent of quantum computers will bring enormous computing power, power far in excess of today's computers:
"Using our new technique, a quantum computer could, in less than ten years, be performing calculations that are outside the capabilities of conventional computers," commented Professor Jeremy O'Brien, Director of the Centre for Quantum Photonics.
And an age of quantum computing will probably come in tandem with molecular manufacturing, providing the world with cheap abundant solar energy and more powerful efficient products.
As discussed previously, the first nation to develop molecular manufacturing will have an enormous military advantage over all the other nations of the world.
A lone nation in possession of molecular manufacturing and quantum computing is more than capable of conquering and controlling the entire world's population.
Of course, the Bible describes such an event in regard to the end times. The Antichrist is an individual who manages to conquer the world and maintain greater control over his subjects than any other dictator in the history of the world:
"They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they worshiped the beast. 'Is there anyone as great as the beast?' they exclaimed. 'Who is able to fight against him?'" Revelation 13:4 (NLT)
Yet the Antichrist is described as deriving his power from a source other than himself:
"He will become very strong, but not by his own power." Daniel 8:24 (NLT)
"He will have no regard for the god of his ancestors, or for the god beloved of women, or for any other god, for he will boast that he is greater than them all. Instead of these, he will worship the god of fortresses - a god his ancestors never knew - and lavish on him gold, silver, precious stones, and costly gifts." Daniel 11:37-38 (NLT)
The Antichrist will worship a god of fortresses he believes to be impenetrable. Nevertheless, Christ will ultimately conquer the Antichrist's kingdom.
Parting of the Red Sea
In "Parting of the Red Sea Jibes with Natural Laws," Our Amazing Planet attempts to portray the Exodus story as a coincidental and natural weather event rather than a miraculous act of God. In fact, the story boldly attributes the parting of the Red Sea to "Mother Nature":
"Mother Earth could have parted the Red Sea, hatching the great escape described in the biblical book of Exodus, a new study finds."
The story goes on to state:
"A strong east wind, blowing overnight, could have swept water off a bend where an ancient river is believed to have merged with a coastal lagoon along the Mediterranean Sea, said study team member Carl Drews of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. While archaeologists and Egyptologists have found little evidence that any events described in Exodus actually happened, the study outlines a perfect storm that could have led to the 3,000-year-old escape."
Of course, the idea that archaeologists and Egyptologists "have found little evidence that any events described in Exodus actually happened" is misleading at best. I guess it depends on what your definition of "little evidence" is.
Nevertheless, if such people believe God's parting of the Red Sea is an ancient myth, why are they so intent on finding an alternative explanation for it? Why spend so much time and energy trying to explain away something you believe never happened?
As Paul wrote in his letter to Timothy:
"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT)
The myth here is not the parting of the Red Sea, but the modern day attempt to make God's miracle a mere weather related coincidence.
Most people today would rather reject the truth and chase after myths because embracing the truth means embracing God. And the world loves darkness more than light. They hate the light, because they fear their sinfulness will be exposed.
This is not my opinion, but what Jesus Himself says:
"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3:18-21 (NLT)
Other Headlines
Gangster Government Stifles Criticism of Obamacare
In "Gangster Government Stifles Criticism of Obamacare," Michael Barone points out the strong arm tactics of the federal government in dealing with criticism of Obamacare:
"'There will be zero tolerance for this type of misinformation and unjustified rate increases.' That sounds like a stern headmistress dressing down some sophomores who have been misbehaving. But it's actually from a letter sent Thursday from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to Karen Ignagni, president of America's Health Insurance Plans - the chief lobbyist for private health insurance companies. Sebelius objects to claims by health insurers that they are raising premiums because of increased costs imposed by the Obamacare law passed by Congress last March."
The Bible tells us that the future of the world is one of totalitarian rule.
Seeing the land of liberty, the United States of America, descend into a state of totalitarianism is just the first step toward the Antichrist's worldwide kingdom.
A War Without Boundaries
Iranian President Ahmedinejad threatened "a war without boundaries" if the United States or Israel dares to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.
Israel has made it clear that a second Holocaust will not be tolerated, and a nuclear Iran poses just such an existential threat to the Jewish state.
Sooner or later, either Iran will attack Israel or be attacked itself. It's quite doubtful that zero conflict will result from Iran's nuclear ambitions. When war erupts, will it spill over into one of the wider conflicts described in the Bible?
Psalm 83 describes a plan to destroy Israel by a coalition of her neighbors:
"They devise crafty schemes against your people, laying plans against your precious ones. 'Come,' they say, 'let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence.' This was their unanimous decision." Psalm 83:3-5 (NLT)
And Isaiah 17 describes the destruction of Damascus in Syria:
"This message came to me concerning Damascus: 'Look, Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted. Sheep will graze in the streets and lie down unafraid. There will be no one to chase them away. The fortified cities of Israel will also be destroyed, and the power of Damascus will end. The few left in Aram will share the fate of Israel's departed glory,' says the Lord Almighty." Isaiah 17:1-3 (NLT)
Ezekiel 38-39 is also a future conflict which is likely on the horizon.
Could we be witnessing the beginning of one of these long ago prophesied biblical conflicts?
New Articles
Make sure to check out End Times Bible Prophecy's newest articles "Who is the Antichrist?" and "America in Bible Prophecy." We also added a new section titled "Encouraging Bible Verses."
Thanks for joining us, and may the Lord bless you in the coming month.
Your friend in Christ,
Britt
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