The Last Generation by Jim Simmons

2010-01-19T10:05:00.007-06:00

The Global Financial Crisis: Tremors or Apocalypse?

By Jim Simmons

Since October 2007, the world has experienced a global financial crisis. The major question for students of prophecy is: “Will this be the global crisis that will ultimately trigger a One World Economy and a One World Government, or will it precede the final global financial crisis?”

No one can know the answer to this question with absolute certainty. There are reasons to believe that the current global financial crisis (GFC) is not the crisis that will trigger a final One World Economy. The reasons are:

1. The 10 kings or kingdoms are not in place (Daniel 2:42; 7:7, 24; Revelation 13:15-18).

2. The Antichrist has not taken his position as world ruler (Daniel 7:7-8, 20-21). [Both of these things have to occur, and they must occur in chronological order]

The final GFC will occur during the Tribulation Period under the rule of the Antichrist. This final crisis will parallel the tribulation judgments found in Revelation 6 through 16, especially during the Great Tribulation (last 3.5 years). It is during this time that the “mark of the beast” will be given to those who have rejected Christ in order to be able to transact business (Revelation 13:16-18).

Without a doubt, the current GFC has taken a heavy toll on the U.S., as well as other countries. Although the GFC has been destructive, it does not qualify as an event that is outside normal human history (Wilfred Hahn).

The following article, with a couple of exceptions, is taken from the book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons. In the first article, "The Last Generation" (Posted on the BPT BlogSpot in late January 2009], we reviewed the three pillars that must be in place during the Tribulation Period. They are: a One World Government, a One World Religion, and a One World Economy.

SHADOW GOVERNMENT BEHIND THE SCENES
What we see is not as it seems. Consider the visible personages and current events, i.e., our current administration, the tremendous debt of the U.S. and the World, crooked politicians, the decline of the dollar, bankruptcy, bailouts, healthcare reform, Mid-East turmoil, etc., etc. The people who are our decision makers are basically front men and women.

HIDDEN HANDS: PULLING THE WORLD INTO A GLOBAL SUPERSTATE
There are rich and elite, covert Americans who have pushed for a United Europe, according to declassified American documents. In the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. intelligence community ran a covert operation to push for a United States of Europe. It directed and funded the European federalist movement, and behind the scenes were the usual suspects from the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, long controlled by One World enthusiasts keen to abolish the nation state.

As we shall see, the visible rulers are front men and are not necessarily the ones pulling the strings. We need to go behind the scenes. Who is really governing world events? Who is running the show? According to former Prime Minister Disraeli in 1844,

“The world is governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who are not behind the scenes.

Nelson Rockefeller, one of the main financiers of the New World Order, wrote in 1962 in The Future of Federalism,

“The nation state is becoming less and less competent … Sooner perhaps than we realize there will evolve the basis for a federal structure of the free world.”

The implication: there are people with money pulling the strings behind the scenes with an agenda toward a European Superpower and One World Government.

INTERNATIONAL BANKING ARISTOCRACIES
The large banking institutions were owned by family dynasties. For example, the banking dynasties of Rothschild include five pivotal nations [member states] in Europe. The family privately owns the Central Bank of England. The respective governments do not own the Bank of England, the Bank of France, or the Bank of Germany, as most people believe, but they are privately owned monopolies. This also includes America’s central bank, the Federal Reserve Bank, which is also owned by private family dynasties, i.e., Kuhn Loeb, Goldman Sachs, and the Lehman Brothers.

The above family dynasties preside over multiple banks, many of them with interlocking directorates. Most of these banks are private partnerships run by family dynasties.

FAST FORWARD TO THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
In 1966, Carroll Quigley authored a book titled Tragedy and Hope: A History of Our Time. According to Tal Brooke, author of One World, it literally “rocked those who saw it when it first came out.” Quigley was a Harvard and Princeton professor emeritus. Today [time of book, 1966], according to Quigley, the power of a certain group of bankers is colossal.

Quigley confesses to being an “insider” and confidant of this elite group. His 1300-page book named major insider power groups attempting to manipulate a world socialist order. Quigley supported the plan but no longer wanted to do it undercover.

TRAGEDY AND HOPE
Tragedy and Hope was Quigley’s magnum opus. Even though he supported the plan, he revealed too much information. The Macmillan first edition in 1966 literally disappeared almost over night, even from the public libraries.

As professor at the Foreign Service School, one of his students in the 1960s was William Jefferson Clinton. Clinton was deeply impacted by Quigley. He referred to Quigley as his mentor and as one of the two people who were most influential in his life. [I did obtain a copy of Quigley’s book and footnoted from it while writing my book, The Last Generation.]

BOTTOM LINE
The insiders are composed of the super rich and elite family dynasties. The insiders have a plan. They are pushing for a New World Order, where the money and the power are concentrated in the hands of a small elite group at the top. Satan also has an agenda. It has been unfolding throughout history. He has created a Covert World Empire with an intricate, behind-the-scenes plan.

There are no accidents. In my opinion, Satan’s plan includes the Global Financial Crisis. It is part of the agenda to move us toward globalization. It is being carried out by these invisible powers [insiders] behind the scenes.

As we have seen, these invisible powers are working behind the scenes, pulling the strings of the front men who are visible and are in the headlines of our newspapers and other forms of media. Don’t be deceived. It is important to know your enemy and how he operates.

The ultimate power behind the scenes is Satan and his kingdom. Satan is a master manipulator and is the “father of lies” (John 8:44). He hides in the dark places undetected by most people. His ultimate goal is to be worshipped as God.

We, as believers in Jesus Christ, also know the future through divine revelation from God’s Word. He tells us what to expect. His ultimate prophetic plan cannot be altered. God is still in control no matter how bleak things may appear on the outside.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, there is no time like the present. Read the gospel of John, especially chapter three. Ask Jesus into your heart. He will not let you down. The pieces of the prophetic puzzle are almost all in place. The rapture may be a lot sooner than we think.

This article was taken primarily from The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. Any information used in this article that did not originate from the author is footnoted in the book.

LINKS

The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons may be ordered from
focalpointpublications.com or amazon.com.

One World by Tal Brooke and Tragedy and Hope: A History of Our Time by Carroll Quigley may be ordered from amazon.com.

See also a January 2010 BusinessWeek article titled "Debtor Nations: The Debt Bomb Facing the World" by Mark Scott.

Is The Year 2012 Significant in Biblical Prophecy?

2009-10-23T10:50:00.006-05:00

The date A.D. 2012 has been of interest in certain circles in recent years as the possible culmination of time, or the “end of the age.” The Mayan calendar narrows it further to December 21, 2012. But is the world as we know it really going to end on December 21, 2012? Jesus clearly warned in Matthew 24:36: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” The Bible does, however, give us definite signs of the season that precedes the Second Coming of Christ, signs that believers will be able to recognize.

We are presently seeing many of those very specific signs listed in Matthew 24 happening around us, leading us to believe we are in that last generation that Jesus referred to in verse 34. (You can read much more about the last generation in my book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times.)

In addition to the end times signs listed in Matthew 24, there are a number of other reasons to believe that we are living in the last days. We will take a quick glance at four other extra-biblical reasons to believe that we are in the last generation. They include:

Ancient cultures (such as the Mayan culture),
Other religions,
Credible individuals (in the private and military sector), and
Scientists/academicians who also believe that we are living in the end times.

CULTURES

THE MAYANS AND 2012

The Mayans lived in Mesoamerica, specifically on the Yucatan peninsula. In brief, they did not believe that the world would come to an end on December 21, 2012, as many people believe they did. They did believe that a tremendously catastrophic event would occur, causing a major transition to take place.

That date, according to the Mayan calendar, represents the end of the 5th cycle or “5th sun.” There are five cycles in the Mayan calendar. Each cycle lasts 5,126 years. The 2012 date will mark the end of the five cycles or 26,625 years. The completion of the five cycles is sometimes referred to as a “Galactic Day.” The total number of years varies depending on the calendar used. The end date of December 21, 2012, remains the same.

It is of interest to note that the Olmecs were a much older civilization than the Mayans and appeared to be the advanced people who invented the bar-and-dot system of calendrick notation with an enigmatic starting date of August 13, 3114 B.C, and an end date in 2012. [See Fingerprints of the Gods by Graham Hancock—a secular book.]

Written recorded history began around 3000 B.C. We have more evidence about the Mayans as a result of the written documentation. Although accounts vary, the Mayan civilization is believed to have its origin around 2600-3000 B.C.
The Mayans also made other prophecies. Their advanced ability was far beyond the ability of later civilizations in calendrick calculations. They were advanced thousands of years ahead of future civilizations in their ability to calculate and use the calendar. Where did this super intelligence and ability come from?

THE MAYANS, THE FLOOD, AND A SUPER INTELLECT

Consider the following facts:

The universal flood of Noah’s day. Many Bible scholars believe the flood in Noah’s day happened around 3,000 B.C.
Could the universal flood account for the end of the fourth cycle? The fifth cycle supposedly began on August 13, 3113 B.C. This was a catastrophic worldwide event.
Consider the Nephilim, the offspring of the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men.” This was the result of intermarriage between fallen angels and humans. It produced a race that was entirely wicked, Noah and his family being the exceptions. This race of people was extremely wicked and very powerful. The Bible called them “men of renown” (Genesis 6:2-5).
It is likely that this race of giants may very well be responsible for the construction of the Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge. They were powerful and technologically sophisticated.

Noah and his family lived for hundreds of years before the flood in the culture where the Nephilim were prevalent and were probably advanced in their knowledge. Is it possible that this knowledge was passed down to his descendants, including the Mayans who lived after the flood? I found these historical facts to be interesting parallels and worthy of consideration.

OTHER ANCIENT CULTURES

The Aztecs, Incas, Egyptians, and other ancient cultures believed the same as the Mayans but were not as advanced or specific on their dates. This higher knowledge was advanced beyond future generations for thousands of years.
The Mayans and other ancient cultures tie into the year 2012. This is the first of the “other reasons mentioned above.”

RELIGIONS

PROPHECY ACCORDING TO ISLAM

The Islam religion also believes that we are in the last days. They believe that the 12th Imam (Holy one descended from Mohammed) will reappear at any time to conquer the world and will then rule the world under the Islamic faith, in accordance with Allah (their god).

They believe that the 12th Imam will make a seven-year peace treaty with the Jews. Sound familiar? This runs parallel to the prophetic beliefs laid out in the Bible, which describe the Antichrist. The 12th Imam or Islamic messiah may fit the biblical description of the Antichrist in accordance with references such as Daniel 9:27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. This is the second of the “other reasons.”

SECULAR FORECASTS OF CREDIBLE INDIVIDUALS

ON THE EDGE

Consider the following quotes from some very credible secular sources in regards to a nuclear war:

Eugene Habiger: Former Executive Chief of Strategic Weapons at the Pentagon, said that the event of nuclear mega-terrorism on nuclear soil is “... not a matter of if but when.”
Warren Buffet: He is from the private sector. He calculates the odds against cataclysmic events for major insurance companies; he draws the conclusion that an imminent nuclear nightmare within the U.S. is “virtually a certainty.” [We can certainly see that possibility with the Iranian nuclear threat.]

For the sake of space, I have only listed two credible sources from the public sector. This is the third of the “other reasons.”

SCIENTISTS AND ACADEMICS

There are a goodly number of scientists and academicians (both secular) who believe our world is reaching an end time. I will list two sources:

Dr. Graham Allison: He is a Harvard professor and director of Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He made the following statement: “Is nuclear mega-terrorism inevitable? Harvard professors are known for being subtle or ambitious, but I’ll try to be clear. ‘Is the worst yet to come? My answer: Bet on it. Yes.’ ”
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: This was founded following World War II by a group of physicists. They created a clock known as the Doomsday Clock. Its purpose is to reflect “the level of threat posed by nuclear weapons and other changing factors in international security.” It gives us an idea of our current threat level. The Doomsday Clock was last set on January 17, 20077 to 5 minutes until midnight. That was a 2-minute move closer to a doomsday scenario. It reflects the international threat level to mankind.

This is the fourth of the “other reasons” to believe that we are approaching the end of the last generation that Jesus referred to in Matthew 24:34.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

We have a number of ancient cultures, especially Mayan, that point to an end date of December 21, 2012. We know this is not the date when the Lord will return, as Jesus stated in Matthew 24:36. The end of the world as we know it will happen at the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the seven-year tribulation period. The year A.D. 2012 doesn’t leave enough time for that to happen. Although something cataclysmic may happen on December 21, 2012, it may tie into the tribulation period, especially as we read about the horrific judgments during that time.

The Islamic religion points to the nearness of the end times. Scientists also point to the fact that our time on earth is running out fast. This includes a movement of the magnetic poles toward a possible pole reversal. Credible secular sources, as quoted above, point to us being on the verge of a nuclear war. This could possibly point to the Russian invasion of Israel, the prophesied destruction of Syria, or the battle of Armageddon.

All of these sources, plus many more, have one thing in common. They all believe that the end is near. The differences lie in the interpretation of what it means to live in the end times, or the last generation. Only the Bible tells us how to correctly interpret the end times. People are afraid as they see things unraveling at an exponential rate. If you don’t know Jesus, then now is the time to meet Him. You can start by reading the 3rd chapter of the Gospel of John. If you are a believer, now is the time to spread the news. The fields are ready for harvest.

This article was primarily extracted from my book The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. Any footnotes from other sources that are not included in this article are included in the book.It can be ordered from http://focalpointpublications.com or amazon.

LINKS

The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons
The Fingerprints of the Gods by Graham Hancock (Secular)
http://www.adishakti.org/mayan_end_times_prophecy_12-21-2012.htm

2009-09-30T16:24:00.002-05:00

The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming: When? Where?

By Jim Simmons

Yes, they are definitely coming, but when and why? “The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming” was the title of Norman Jewison’s 1966 hit comedy about a Russian submarine going aground on a small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Could this happen again in real life?

Russian Subs off U.S. Coastline

The answer to this question appears to be yes, although there is no humor in it. In early August 2009, for the first time in 15 years, the Pentagon was tracking a pair of Russian subs roaming just outside our territorial waters about 200 miles off the east coast of the United States.

The Akula class subs carry nuclear-armed cruise missiles with a range of about 1,800 miles [Human Events.com, “The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming, ‘Yet Again’” by Casper Weinberger Jr., son of the late U.S. Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger, 8/12/09].

We know that the Russian/Muslim Confederacy invasion of Israel will happen (See Ezekiel 38). We don’t know the exact time frame, but we do know that it will not happen in the immediate future.

A prophecy is not fulfilled until it meets the exact criteria of the prophecy. At least two things have to happen before this Russian invasion of Israel takes place. They are:

Turkey has to be allied with Russia since it is listed as one of the countries in this invasion according to Ezekiel 38:6. The ancient name for Turkey is “Gomer.” Turkey has attempted to join the European Union several times without success. It is currently leaning more toward Russia.
Israel has to be living in safety and security in “unwalled villages” (Ezekiel 38:11). Israel does not currently fit this description [For more information, see my book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times].

Arab-Israeli Conflict Preceding the Russian Invasion

According to Psalms 83, Israel’s bordering Muslim countries will make a covenant to come against Israel.

“Come, let us wipe them [Israel] out as a nation....For they have conspired together with one mind; against You do they make a covenant” (Psalms 83:4-5). [See article written by Bill Salus on this BPT BlogSpot 9-3-09].

Israel’s Victory

The outcome of this conflict will be victory for Israel (Psalm 83:16-18). When Israel defeats these nations, it will flourish with the spoils that it takes. This victory will also set the stage for Israel to be at peace. If Turkey has allied itself with Russia by this time, the stage will be set for the coming Russian invasion.

Is it possible that we are presently experiencing the early rumblings of this Arab-Israeli conflict?

What About the Russian Subs?

Are the Russians already planning this invasion of Israel? Those Russian subs were off the U.S. coastline for a reason. If the U.S. still supports Israel prior to this invasion, which is not likely under the current administration, will Russia plan a two prong attack? Is it possible that the recent spotting of the Russian subs off the U.S. coastline is a sign that Russia is in the planning stages to attack the U.S. first or simultaneously with the invasion of Israel? If the U.S. backs Israel, Russia knows that an attack on Israel would also be an attack on the U.S.

The Last Generation

Consider the timing of the points discussed in this article, along with all of the other developments (toward prophecy fulfillment) that have occurred since May 14, 1948 [For an overview of these developments, see The Last Generation]. This article plus many more prophecy fulfillments gives evidence that we are truly in the last generation. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, ask Him into your heart today. Don’t wait until it is too late. Today is the day of salvation.

2009-09-21T11:09:00.006-05:00

What About Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq?

By Jim Simmons

Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq—all four are mentioned in Bible prophecy. Each country fits into the prophetic puzzle and time line. By looking at each country, along with its prophecy, the big picture begins to take focus. A number of articles have been written on each of these individual countries, but my purpose is to give an overall synopsis of biblical prophecy that includes all four.

THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF ISRAEL

Ezekiel 38 and 39 describe the Russian invasion of Israel, along with an alliance of primarily Islamic nations. Russia is described as “Gog of the land of Magog” (Ezekiel 38:2). “Gog” refers to a leader. “Magog” refers to the territory from which he comes. Gog is also referred to as the “prince of Rosh” (Ezekiel 38:3). “Rosh” is the root word for Russia. It seems to be the land referred to in Scripture as the “remote parts of the north” (Ezekiel 38:6, 15; 39:2). Russia is the land directly north of Israel.

Russian Allies

The Russian allies, with their ancient names, include modern-day nations, or regions that include nations. Not everyone agrees on the exact boundary lines, since some of the lines have changed over time. There is agreement on some of the major countries. They are:

1. Iran (Persia).
2. Black African Nations (Cush) [May also include Sudan and Northern Ethiopia].
3. North African Nations (Put) [Includes Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania].
4. Turkey (Gomer).
5. People north of the Caucuses Mountains and eastward (Beth-togarmah).

There are five names listed. Two are specific countries (Iran and Turkey). The other three are regions that include several countries. This is a large confederation of Islamic nations. We are not just looking at the Islamic nations that are led by an atheist country, i.e., Russia. Russia is rapidly moving toward becoming an Islamic nation. When one considers the composition of the Russian invasion, Islam plays a major role.

Russian Demographics

In order to maintain a culture (not the population) for over 25 years, the fertility rate needs to be 2.0 births per woman or couple. 2.0 births per woman [assuming no deaths in delivery] is the exact replacement fertility rate needed to keep the population of a given country at the same number. It is more reasonable to assume 2.11 births per woman as a minimum required fertility rate. Most western nations and the industrialized nations, especially Western Europe, have the lowest fertility rates, way below the minimum required fertility rate of 2.11 [CIA World Factbook 2009]. Within 25 years, these countries will fail to maintain their culture. Some nations, such as the U.S., have a cultural fertility rate of 1.6 per woman. The population fertility rate is higher due to immigration. With the influx of Latino nations this rate increases to 2.05. This fertility rate is at the bare minimum for population maintenance, but is below that for cultural maintenance.

The cultural fertility rate is usually in line with the population fertility rate. This is not the case with the U.S., Russia, and many of the European Union countries. The fertility rate of the European Union [31 countries] is a 1.38 fertility rate. Yet, the population of Europe is not declining. This is due to the Islamic immigration.

“Seven out of ten Russian pregnancies are aborted; by contrast, in Muslim communities, the fertility rate is 10 babies per woman. If a Muslim military coup occurs, Russia will become another Muslim nuclear power (the first with a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council)” (The Toronto Star, StayOnline.com, National Review, December 8, 2006) [Also, see The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times]. A 2009 updated fertility rate for Muslims (using the fertility rate of the top 10 Muslim countries) would range from 6.12 to 7.75 according to the CIA World Factbook 2009.

In 2008, the death rate in Russia was 14.7/1000 (much higher than average due to alcoholism). The birth rate was 12.1/1000 and net migration was 1.7/1000. This gives an overall population growth of -0.9/1000 (Rite of Spring: Russia’s Fertility Trends, Charles Ganske, Editor, authored by Anatoly Karlin, April 29, 2009, Russia Blog). Since 2006, the Muslim fertility rate has dropped. The Muslim countries have the highest fertility rates worldwide. For example, the country of Niger (the highest) has a 7.75 fertility rate [Source: CIA World Factbook 2009].

Bottom Line

In a relatively short period of time, Russia will become a Muslim nuclear power. In regards to the spread of Islam in Europe, “there are signs that Allah will grant victory to Islam in Europe without swords, without guns, without conquest. We don’t need terrorists; we don’t need homicide bombers. The 50+ million Muslims [in Europe] will turn it into a Muslim continent within a few decades” (Muammar al-Gaddafi). This is a reasonable assumption when viewed from a human viewpoint. When viewed from biblical prophecy, we know that there will be several major conflicts in the near future. A major one is the Russian/Islamic Confederacy invasion of Israel.

WHAT ABOUT TURKEY?

Turkey [referred to as “Gomer” in Ezekiel 38:6] is one of Russia’s allied countries listed in Ezekiel 38:6 that has to be included for this invasion to take place. Historically, Turkey has attempted to join the European Union, but has never been accepted. It would seem that this treatment by the E.U. would be implying that Turkey just isn’t good enough to be accepted. The resentment building in Turkey could be driving them into the arms of another country like Russia. This is exactly what has happened. Over the past decade, Turkey seems to be moving toward friendlier ties with Russia.

Turkey sits at the crossroads of the energy rich Middle East and the former Soviet Union. Turkey has a unique leverage as a transit hub for gas. It has used this energy card to promote its membership in the European Union. This requires cooperation with Russia. One of the bigger tests of Turkey’s stance came in the Russia-Georgia war of August 2008. Turkey carefully implemented the Montreux Convention, which governs traffic through the Bosporus [entrance to the Black Sea], so only a handful of American warships could enter the Black Sea. “Neither Turkey nor Russia wants the Americans meddling in their back pond.” (Russia + Turkey = A “Natural” Alliance? http://www.current.com/items/90745608_turkey-a-natural-alliance.htm)

Consider the fact that Russia is Turkey’s biggest single trading partner and provides 68% of its gas. Turkish construction firms are active all over Russia. Millions of Russian tourists flock to Turkish resorts every year. Turkey is also one of the few countries with which today’s Russia feels comfortable.

Once Turkey allies itself with Russia, everything is in place from a prophecy standpoint for the Russian-led invasion of Israel [see chapter 7 of my book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times].

WHAT ABOUT SYRIA?

Syria is not among the allies listed in the Russian led invasion of Israel. Syria is probably one of Russia’s favorite allies, at least in a geographical sense. Syria is known as a training ground for terrorists. It is believed to be the base of operations for a number of terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Hezbollah. Syria is directly linked to Iran, Russia, and Iraq.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) were never found in Iraq, but not because they did not exist. They were smuggled out of Iraq and into Syria. Satellite pictures showed them being transported to Syria, smuggled out by fifty-six commercial planes with the seats removed. The claim by Iraq was that they were “planes of relief to Syria for a tragedy,” but in actuality, they were Weapons of Mass Destruction. [See The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times for more detailed information, including the sources of this information and their credibility.]

The big question is, “Why isn’t Syria included among the allies in the Russian-led Muslim/Confederacy invasion? The most likely answer is found in the Holy Bible. It concerns a prophecy about the destruction of Damascus [Syria].

The Demise of Damascus [Syria]

“… Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and will become a fallen ruin … The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim …” (Isaiah 17:1-3).

The city of Damascus is the capital of Syria and is “reputed to be the oldest continuously existing city in the world.” It has been conquered by other countries but never destroyed. As a result, we know that this prophecy has not been fulfilled.

Because of the total devastation described in Isaiah 17, the destruction will probably be nuclear. The most likely country to destroy Damascus is Israel. Damascus would likely use WMDs or a dirty bomb against Israel. Israel’s leaders have already stated that they would react with a nuclear bomb. This could happen any day. We don’t know the timing of this event, but we can assume that it is prior to the Russian invasion. Otherwise, Syria would likely be allied with Russia.

RUSSIA, ISRAEL, IRAQ, AND THE MIDDLE EAST

A major turning point in Russia’s diplomatic relations with Israel followed the 1967 Six-Day War. At that point, Russia severed diplomatic relations with Israel. Russia then aligned itself with Arab Nationalist regimes and provided financial support to the Palestinian militants. During the Soviet era, there was a dramatic resurgence of anti-Jewish sentiment. When Putin took power in 1999, he fueled this anti-Semitism.

After the Russians lost the Middle East foothold provided by Iraq under Saddam Hussein’s leadership, the Russians built a new axis of power based on its ties with Turkey, Iran, and Syria. Russia has strengthened its ties with Iran by supplying nuclear-related technologies. Russia and Syria have increased diplomatic and military cooperation. In the arms arena, Russia plans to sell SS-26 and SS-18 missiles to Syria. The SS-26 is highly mobile. “With a range of 180 miles, it can carry a 1,000 pound warhead to most targets in Israel.”

Many experts believe that a large-scale confrontation between Syria and Israel could be on the near horizon, which makes Syria’s growing relationship with nations such as Iran and Russia a reason for great concern.

Syria has recently accumulated more rockets and placed them on Lebanon’s southern border. Estimates range from 1,000 to 3,000 rockets financed by Iran. The Syrians and Hezbollah are also strategically placed in Syria and Lebanon.

Could it be a possibility that Israel will do a preemptive strike on Syria as well as Iran? After all, Syria and Iran are joined at the hip. A preemptive strike against Iran alone would cause major retaliation from Syria. It appears to me (personal opinion) that any preemptive strike by Israel would have to be a two-pronged attack against Iran and Syria.

WHAT ABOUT IRAQ?

Iraq is another country that is not listed among the Russian allies of Ezekiel 38. As mentioned earlier, Russia had a strong Middle East foothold in Iraq prior to the U.S. invasion. Currently, Iraq is in the process of stabilizing a democratic form of government.

We know at least two certainties about Iraq. It will not be one of the allies of the Russian-led invasion of Israel. It will not be destroyed, at least not until the time of the tribulation period. Revelation 18 describes the vast destruction of the city of Babylon. The city of Babylon is in Iraq.

In January 2009, the government of Iraq started a project to protect the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Babylon in preparation for building a modern city of Babylon. The Obama administration is contributing $700,000 towards the “Future of Babylon Project” through the State Department’s budget. This was a project that the late Saddam Hussein had started (Posted on: Keeping the Faith till He Comes Blog, U.S.TO HELP REBUILD CITY OF BABYLON IN IRAQ, February 14, 2009).

Many scholars have different opinions on the identity of the “Babylon” which will be destroyed in Revelation 18. Many believe it will be a spiritual Babylon representing Rome or the one world religion of the tribulation period. The very fact that there is a city of Babylon that is going to be rebuilt makes a strong case for a literal city of Babylon. If this is a correct assumption, this future Babylon may be the seat of the Antichrist’s kingdom and the one world government.

TIMING OF THE RUSSIAN-LED INVASION OF ISRAEL

The Bible does not lay out a specific period of time when this Russian invasion will take place. Some scholars believe that it could happen prior to the rapture, after the rapture, or during the tribulation period. We cannot know for sure when this invasion will take place, but I lean toward the midpoint during the tribulation period. It is my belief (based on Scripture) that this Russian invasion of Israel cannot happen currently in spite of the volatile Middle East situation, which includes Israel, Iran, Syria, and perhaps Russia. This Middle East situation could explode any day now, but this is not the Russian invasion. There are several reasons for this viewpoint. They include:

• This cannot happen until all of the prophesied countries of Ezekiel 38 have allied themselves with Russia. Turkey is the only country that has not allied itself with Russia, but it is moving in that way quickly.

• This invasion cannot happen until Israel is living in security in “unwalled villages” (Ezekiel 38:8, 11, 14). Israel is not living in security, nor is it living in unwalled villages [City/Nation]. Israel has walls and is still building more walls.

• From a human standpoint, Israel has to have something that the Russian Confederacy wants. According to Ezekiel 38:12-13, the Russian Confederacy invasion intends to take away spoils and seize plunder and will carry away silver and gold. Over the last several years, oil and gas have been found in Israel in abundance. Pumping it out of the ground and refining it will take some time. Before the year 2000, there would be no attraction or reason for this invasion. Currently Russia can get as much oil as it wants from the oil rich Arab nations. This could all change if a group of Arab nations ally themselves against Israel, including Iran and Syria.

In Psalm 83, there is a prophecy about a future war that precedes the Russian invasion. It speaks of a plan by the Arab nations that border Israel to make a covenant to destroy Israel, “… that the name of Israel be remembered no more” (Psalm 83:4). The modern-day equivalent of this coming coalition (described in Psalm 83) consists of the Palestinians, Hezbollah, Hamas, Saudis, Lebanese, Jordanians, and the Egyptians. This represents the Arabs that have been a thorn in Israel’s side since May 14, 1948 (see Bill Salus’ 9-3-09 article on the BPT website).

THE LAST GENERATION

Consider the timing of all of the points discussed in this article. Whether it is Turkey, Iran, Syria, or Iraq, they all happened in this last generation that started with the birth of Israel as a nation in May 14, 1948. Prior to this current/last generation, the prophecy puzzle would not have fallen into place. This article is just a small piece that points to the last generation. This article plus many more prophecy fulfillments give an abundance of evidence that we are in that generation. “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

A majority of this article was extracted from my book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. If you enjoyed reading the information here, you will find much more valuable information in the book. Any information that is taken from outside sources, if not footnoted here, is footnoted in my book. To order a copy of The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times go to http://focalpointpublications.com. It can also be ordered from amazon.com.

2009-09-18T18:23:00.006-05:00

Israel's Preemptive Strike: Against What Country?

By Jim Simmons

Will Israel strike Iran or Syria? Many people are talking about Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, but maybe we should reconsider Israel’s position. First of all, let’s consider a prophecy made against Syria [Damascus]. Consider Isaiah’s prophecy.

“... Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city, and it will become a fallen ruin ... The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim ...” Isaiah 17:1-3 (in part).

What About Syria?

Syria is known as a training ground for terrorists. It is believed to be the base of operations for a number of terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Hezbollah. Syria is directly linked to Iran and Russia.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) were never found in Iraq, but not because they did not exist. They were smuggled out of Iraq and into Syria. Satellite pictures showed them being transported to Syria. They were smuggled out by fifty-six commercial planes with the seats removed. The claim by Iraq (at that time) was that they were “planes of relief to Syria for a tragedy,” but in actuality, they were Weapons of Mass Destruction [see The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times for more detailed information, including the sources of this information and their credibility].

Considering Syria’s strong ties to Russia and Iran, one would think that Syria would be one of the Russian allies [listed in Ezekiel 38] included in the coming Russian/Islamic Confederation invasion of Israel, but it isn’t listed. The most likely reason for this lies in its prophesied destruction according to Isaiah 17. Since Syria is not listed, we can place the sequential timing of the destruction of Damascus prior to the Russian invasion.

Syria and Israel

Syria has accumulated more rockets and placed them on Lebanon’s southern border. Estimates range from 1,000 to 3,000 rockets financed by Iran. The Syrians and Hezbollah are also strategically placed in Syria and Lebanon.

In the arms area, Russia plans to sell SS-26 and SS-18 missiles to Syria. With a range of 180 miles, one of these missiles can carry a 1,000 pound warhead to most targets in Israel. The most likely country to destroy Damascus [Syria] is Israel. Damascus would likely use WMDs or a dirty bomb against Israel. Israel’s leaders have already stated that they would react with a nuclear bomb.

A Preemptive Strike

Could it be a possibility that Israel will do a preemptive strike on Syria as well as Iran? After all, Syria and Iran are joined at the hip. A preemptive strike against Iran alone would cause a major retaliation, i.e., of Syria. It appears to me (personal opinion) that any preemptive strike by Israel would have to be a two-pronged attack against Iran and Syria.

This article was extracted from the book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. Any information that is taken from outside sources is footnoted in the book. To order a copy of The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times go to http://focalpointpublications.com. It can also be ordered from amazon.com.

The Coming Grand Cosmic Deception

2009-07-27T11:14:00.004-05:00

By Jim Simmons

Scripture tells us in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 that God will send a deluding influence upon those who do not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. In this context, the time period being discussed is just prior to the rapture and immediately following it during the tribulation period (2 Thessalonians 2:6-11). Those to whom the deluding influence will be sent are the ones who have already rejected Christ—the unbelievers. We know that some people will be saved during the tribulation period [see Revelation 6:9-11; 7:3, 14; 16:6, to list a few references]. Others will be exposed to the gospel both prior to and following the rapture, but they will reject it. This is the group onto whom God will send this delusion (a rather large group of people). God sends this deluding influence so that they who have rejected Christ might believe what is false (2 Thessalonians 2:11). This delusion will be a factor toward influencing those unbelievers to believe a lie, i.e., that the “man of lawlessness” [Antichrist] is a messiah as he claims to be.

NATURE OF DELUSION
What kind of delusion will God send upon an unbelieving world that will cause people to believe a lie, especially in regard to the true nature of the Antichrist? It is impossible to be certain about the nature of the delusion, and I do not claim to know the answer. I would like to suggest that this delusion might involve New Age beliefs.
The New Age Movement started mushrooming in popularity in the 1960s. These beliefs are really very ancient lies and deception originating from Satan but are dressed up in a new cloak to fit our times [italics by author]. Satan is a liar, a counterfeiter, and is a master at deception.

NEW AGE APOSTASY
The New Age Movement is very broad and hard to define since it is a mixture of Eastern philosophies, religions, and mysticism combined with Western beliefs. For example, it includes the occult and areas such as extrasensory perception (ESP), parapsychology, psychic phenomena, Transcendental Meditation, mind control, and the UFO movement, to name just a few areas. It also includes more subtle areas, such as many self-help books, and movies like Harry Potter and The DaVinci Code.

New Agers have coined many “buzz” words and phrases such as: Higher Consciousness, Christ Consciousness, the Cosmic Christ, Global Village, the Force (used in the movie Star Wars), Co-Creators with the Universe, New World Order, and the Age of Aquarius. One of the hallmarks and attractions of the New Age Movement involves Self-deification combined with an emphasis on experience for determining reality. New Age beliefs usually involve a mixture of truth and lies.

Satan is the master when it comes to mixing lies and truth. For example, the New Age Movement has permeated most disciplines, such as psychology, counseling, and philosophy. It has infiltrated colleges and seminaries, attacking the Bible and evangelical Christianity. It is very subtle and deceptive and has desensitized Western civilization and countries that were established on Christian principles, such as the U.S.A.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I was personally deceived by the New Age Movement (N.A.M.). Several years after receiving a graduate degree from a well-known seminary, I began reading New Age books that contained truthful material mixed with lies. This eventually led me into more obvious deceptions, such as psychic phenomena, E.S.P., synchronicity, Eastern thinking, etc. I spent ten years swimming around in mush attempting to make New Age thinking compatible with biblical truth.

Obviously, I was unsuccessful. They are not compatible. I thank God for showing me the truth. I learned a lot from this experience and have committed myself toward exposing this kind of deception and showing how the New Age belief system may tie into biblical prophecy, i.e., the distorted teachings that are currently influencing the last generation in the “last days” (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3).

You may wonder how all of this ties into “The Grand Cosmic Deception.” Let’s look at the connection between the New Age Movement and the Grand Deception.

SCIENCE AND THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT
Some scientists have a problem dealing with the origin of life. They reject the creationist view. After all, it could not be proven scientifically. They also have a problem with the chance-probability explanation. There is now a third explanation of the origin of life. Sir Frederick Hoyle, a prominent astronomer, researched the spontaneous generation theory. In 1981, Hoyle expressed the following view:

The likelihood of the formation of life from inanimate matter is one to a number with 40 thousand naughts (zeros) after it. It is enough to bury Darwin and the whole theory of evolution … [I]f the beginnings of life were not random they must therefore have been the product of purposeful intelligence.

Hoyle was among a number of prominent scientists who believed that life was delivered from outer space either by aliens or a comet infected with bacteria. He did not accept the chance-probability theory or a miraculous cause for the origin of life. Francis Crick, a brilliant molecular biologist, agreed with Hoyle.

It is interesting to note that even when the random selection (chance-probability) theory of evolution is studied by some scientists and is found without merit, they still will not consider the option of a belief in God. They choose to believe that humans were somehow planted on earth by aliens. This takes a lot of faith on their part. There is no evidence to back this theory. In addition, it sets people up to look toward extraterrestrials for salvation. They will go to great lengths to avoid a belief in God. As a result, many people do believe that we are the product of alien creation or planting. If, in the future, we have a significant visitation by extraterrestrials (demonic beings disguised as aliens in UFOs) they will be given great respect.

During the tribulation period, Satan and his angels will be cast out of heaven and “thrown down to the earth” (Revelation 12:9). We don’t know how this event will manifest itself, but it could appear to the unbelievers who were left behind at the time of the rapture as an alien visitation of UFOs.

SOME NEW AGE BELIEFS
Combine the beliefs of some scientists who reject the chance-probability theories and the supernatural with the belief in UFOs, and the result is the Church of ET (Extraterrestrials), which Missler and Eastman describe in their book, Alien Encounters, as the result of the UFO movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The theme of these UFO Churches is that life on earth was delivered and created by ETs. Humans are their children, and the ETs are returning to help us to evolve into the next stage of our evolutionary process.

Note: I am not in any way endorsing this belief system. My purpose is to show how the New Age belief system may play into this Grand Deception.

There is a significant move away from dualism (belief in two powers, one good and one evil) to monism or “all is one,” which results in the elimination of evil. The New Age Movement becomes evident when what was traditionally considered evil merges with good.

Philosophically, Westerners are becoming more in tune with Eastern thinking. The New Age Movement is a blend of Eastern and Western religions or philosophies. It is not exclusive to religion and philosophy. As we have seen, science has also been infiltrated by it, as well as other disciplines.

PROPHECY ACCORDING TO THE NEW AGE
In my research, I found this area most intriguing. Numerous New Age authors predict a “rapture” event where large numbers of people will literally disappear. Some New Age authors describe this disappearance as space ships removing people like a “Beam me up, Scotty” in the Star Trek series. Others talk in terms of “vibrations” accelerating until people disappear. In The Revelation, Barbara Hubbard (a New Age author) states, “Those vehicles which you have called UFOs are moving in ultra high frequencies, and they slow down to ‘appear’ and quicken to ‘disappear.’ You should do the same, and shall be taken up in the fullness of time in your quickened condition.” [I am not endorsing or recommending this book.] It is full of lies or New Age beliefs originating from the demonic.

This belief in a New Age rapture is very common. An example of this was illustrated by one of my first editors to the book this article was taken from, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. She, the editor, stated that she had never heard of a biblical rapture but was familiar with a New Age rapture. She edited religious books. I found this very interesting.

Other New Age authors believe in “high vibrations” that will cause some people to disappear, according to James Redfield, New Age author of The Celestine Prophecy, as they literally walk into heaven in their same form. These New Age authors don’t seem to agree on which group will experience this rapture event. According to my research, the majority of them believe that it is the traditional religious people who will be the ones taken (raptured), those who are “slowing down progress” and harming “Mother Earth,” also known as Gaia. Gaia is another name that refers to the Earth as a goddess. When she becomes overwhelmed or held back with the portions of humanity that are impeding her well being, she expels them, or cleanses herself. This, according to some New Age authors, is known as the rapture event. [To read more about this whole topic, see The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons.]

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
A real biblical rapture will happen (probably sooner than we realize) where the believers in Jesus Christ will be taken and the unbelievers will be left behind [see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, but it will not be the result of vibration levels or UFOs.

Is it possible that Satan is preparing an unbelieving world for this event so that the unbelievers who will be left behind and will be living during the tribulation period can, somehow, explain it away? Once again, Satan is distorting God’s Word through the New Age prophets, so the people left behind (after the rapture) will believe a lie.

No one can be certain what this grand deception will be. I am only suggesting one of the many possibilities, based in part on the New Age belief system. Satan oftentimes counterfeits God’s miracles. Through the New Age belief system, he has a counterfeit already in place.

This article was extracted from The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. All information drawn from other sources that were not noted in this article are footnoted in the book. To order this book, click on the following link: http://focalpointpublications.com

A Grand Cosmic Deception

2009-07-07T11:22:00.002-05:00

We know from Scripture that God will send a deluding influence on those who do not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10-11). In this context, the time period being discussed here is just prior to the rapture and following it during the tribulation period (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). God sends this “deluding influence so that they might believe what is false” (2 Thessalonians 2:11). This delusion will be a factor toward influencing unbelievers, those who have already rejected Christ, to believe a lie, i.e., that the “man of lawlessness” [Antichrist] is who he claims to be, a messiah. We know that people will be saved during the tribulation period, but there will be unbelievers, prior to the rapture and following the rapture, who will be exposed to the gospel but will reject it. This is the group to whom God will send this delusion, and it will be a rather large group of people.

What kind of delusion will God send upon an unbelieving world immediately following the rapture that will cause people to believe a lie, especially in regards to the true nature of the Antichrist? It is impossible to be certain about the nature of this delusion, but I would like to suggest that this delusion will likely involve a visitation by UFOs and alien beings.

As we will see later in this article, there appears to be a strong connection between alleged Extraterrestrials [ETs], the New World Order, and the New Age Movement. [ETs and Aliens will be used interchangeably.] Messages from ETs, including testimonies of abductees as well as messages that are delivered through channelers, help to confirm this link. This article will attempt to show these connections and how they fit into the overall prophetic picture.

What evidence do we have that UFOs and ETs exist? If there is enough evidence that UFOs and alien beings do exist, how do we interpret this evidence in light of biblical revelation? Where does the New Age Rapture fit into this puzzle? What is the UFO/Rapture connection? We will try to answer these as well as other questions.

SONS OF GOD AND DAUGHTERS OF MEN (Genesis 6:2-4)

This passage is a reference to the intermarriage between the fallen angels (sons of God) and the human females (daughters of men).This interpretation is referred to as the “Angel View.” As we will see, there is a connection between this passage and UFOs/ETs.

There is an alternate view of the Genesis 6:4 passage referred to as the “Sethite View.” This view is the belief that “sons of God” is a reference to the descendants of Abel, and “daughters of men” is a reference to the descendants of Cain. The ancient Hebrews and the early Church Fathers accepted the “angel view,” but many find that this view makes them uncomfortable. Space does not allow for a discussion of the two views.

Most conservative Bible scholars accept the “angel view.” Among the best known are: Chuck Missler, G.H. Pember, M.R. DeHaan, C.H. McIntosh, F. Delitzsch, A.C. Gaebelein, A.W. Pink, Donald Grey Barnhouse, James Montgomery Boise, Henry Morris, Merrill F. Unger, Hal Lindsey, Arnold Fruchtenbaum, and Chuck Smith. For a thorough discussion on the differences between the two views with the “Angel View” as the favored view, see Alien Encounters by Mark Eastman and Chuck Missler.

DO UFOs AND EXTRATERRESTRIALS REALLY EXIST?

In the 1940s it was rare to find anyone who believed in the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life or UFOs from outer space. According to a 1947 Gallup Poll, “Most thought they were illusions, hoaxes, secret weapons, or phenomena that could be explained.” In contrast, more recent Gallup polls (1991 and 1996) reveal that seventy-two percent of Americans believe in extraterrestrial life, forty-eight percent believe in UFOs, and fifteen percent believe they have seen a UFO [these numbers are likely much higher in 2009].

WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE?

Despite many unconfirmed testimonies, frauds, and disinformation, there is too much solid, credible evidence of UFO sightings to ignore it. There are numerous credible examples that could be cited, but space doesn’t allow for it here. [See my book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times, for a more detailed discussion.]

Two examples of UFO or Extraterrestrial [ET] encounters include the following:

APPOLLO 11 SIGHTINGS

Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin reported UFO sightings after reporting their lunar landing. Their reports on July 21, 1969, were dismissed and went unconfirmed for years, as shown by the following excerpt:

According to Otto Binder, a former NASA employee, the agency has a long standing policy of blocking sensitive transmissions through secret, non-public frequencies. Binder went on to report that an unnamed radio ham operator picked up the following transmission on a public bypass channel when Apollo landed in the Sea of Tranquility:

MISSION CONTROL: “What’s there … Mission control calling Apollo 11.”

APOLLO 11: “These babies are huge, Sir … enormous … Oh, God, you wouldn’t believe it! I’m telling you there are spacecraft out there … lined up on the far side of the moon watching us…

In 1979, the former chief of NASA Communications, Maurice Chatelain, confirmed Otto Binder’s account.

ROSWELL INCIDENT

The Roswell incident is the best-known UFO event in history and is also believed by many to be one of the biggest cover-ups in history. The following is a brief review of the incident at Roswell, New Mexico.

In July 1947, Mac Brazel, a local New Mexico rancher, went to check his sheep after an intense thunderstorm the previous night. He discovered a lot of debris, including a crashed disk and a shallow gouge several hundred feet long. He took the debris to authorities at Roswell Army Air Field.

On July 8, 1947, Colonel William Blanchard, Commander of the 509th Bomb Group, issued an official press release about the “crashed disk.” It appeared in many U.S. newspapers. Hours later, a second release was issued by General George Ramey, Commander of the Eighth Air Force at Fort Worth Army Air Field in Texas. This rescinded the first press release, claiming that Colonel Blanchard made a mistake and described the debris and crashed disk as a “weather balloon” and its radar reflector. This was followed by fifty years of cover up. [See The Last Generation by Jim Simmons for the remainder of the story, plus other examples of UFOs and Alien encounters.]

CREDIBLE WITNESSES

The vast majority of UFO sightings can be explained away. One key factor in determining the validity of a sighting lies in the credibility of the witnesses.

For example, Jimmy Carter, then former governor of Georgia, reported a UFO sighting in 1969. As a presidential candidate in 1976, he pledged: “If I become President, I will make every piece of information this country has about UFOs available to the public and the scientists.” After he became President, he never said another word about it. He ignored his pledge.

Other notable men who were convinced that UFOs needed consideration include: General Douglas MacArthur, former Senator Barry Goldwater, former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lester B. Pearson (former Prime Minister of Canada), and Malcolm Muggeridge of England. It is also noteworthy that former President Ronald Reagan made eighteen references to UFOs in his speeches. Both he and Nancy Reagan claimed they witnessed a UFO. (See DVD titled: “UFO Conspiracy” by I.D.E. Thomas and Dave Hunt.)

On a more personal note, my oldest sister [Becky] and her husband [Jack] claimed to have seen a UFO. Her husband, now deceased, was a former jet instructor in the Air Force and later became a commercial airline pilot. I will relay her experience in her words.

The only incident I can recall was in about 1988. Jack [husband] and I were driving south from Stephenville [Texas] on Hwy. 914 heading for our home. We saw a light that appeared to be a low-flying airplane. It flew over us and then appeared to hover [not like an airplane, and it did not sound like a helicopter]. I cannot recall that there was any sound. We stopped the car and got out and looked at it. It made some erratic moves and then flew out of sight.

Upon further questioning about what she and Jack had seen, she said it was a large light that was brighter than you would ordinarily see on an airplane. It also made erratic moves that defy physics and are not typical of airplanes or helicopters. It is also worthy to note that Stephenville, Cleburne, and other smaller towns in that area of Texas have been somewhat of a “hotspot” for UFO sightings. On January 8, 2008, there were a number of sightings in that same area. Local newspapers in Stephenville and Cleburne featured the sightings for several days after the sightings. There are certain “hotspots” (countries, cities, states, etc.) where UFO sightings are more prevalent than usual. Another name for “hotspots” is “flaps.” A “flap” is a large number of sightings in an area over a short period of time.

For example, there was a Mexico Flap that occurred on January 1, 1993, over Mexico City. This Mexico Flap is one of the best-documented reports of UFO sightings in history. Another example is the Israel Flap. Since 1996, there have been hundreds of reports in Israel of UFO sightings.

Sightings of UFOs go back to ancient history. This is not a new phenomenon. What is different is the escalation and frequency of UFO sightings over the past 61 years. The year the sightings began to increase was 1948 (61 years ago as this is written). That is the year Israel became a nation. 1948 was also the starting point of the last generation.

Of the thousands of cases of UFO sightings reported over the last 50 to 60 years, “… more than 700[+] of the cases have been reported by airline and military pilots.” Airline and military pilots are very credible witnesses when it comes to UFO sightings.

It is interesting to note that the government and the military have attempted to cover up the UFO reports. One wonders why they would want to keep this information from the public. An obvious example of the cover up is when Jimmy Carter changed his stance from wanting to tell the public what he saw as governor, claiming he would reveal all of the evidence of UFOs once he became President, and then ignoring it completely when he became President.

Since the Freedom of Information Act was ratified, further attempts have been made to obtain UFO documents. The government claims they do not exist or cannot be released. Government agencies have continued to hide behind national security. “… UFOs appear to involve the highest categories of security classifications available.” This naturally leads to the question, “What does the government know that we don’t?” Should that concern us?

GENERAL BELIEFS IN UFOs AND ETs

The general belief in UFOs and ETs is so prevalent that people are conditioned to accept the whole UFO and ET phenomena. What does this belief mean, and how does it affect us personally?

According to authors Missler and Eastman, if these things are real, it “… will lead to the biggest challenge ever faced by mankind. If they aren’t real, they bear evidence of a gigantic delusion—one that is being orchestrated with a potential end in sight … what lies behind these strange events will soon affect every living person on this planet.”

Whether UFOs and ETs are real or not is only part of a mounting problem. What mankind believes is extremely powerful. “… in today’s world it is not so important whether UFOs exist as whether we believe they exist. And one in three Americans actually expects that we will be contacted by aliens within this next century.” This has major implications to setting the stage for mankind to believe a GRAND DELUSION in the near future.

WHAT ABOUT UFO ABDUCTIONS BY ALIENS?

There are numerous reports of alien abductions or encounters. People claim to have been abducted by aliens, physically examined, and some have undergone surgical procedures. They characteristically experience amnesia, where there are blocks of time they cannot account for, but under hypnosis they have total recall of the procedures. Many abductees have very similar experiences as recalled under hypnotic regression.

John Mack, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, has treated hundreds of Americans who claim they have been abducted by aliens. In most cases, the abducted give similar stories of physical exams with a special emphasis given to the sexual/reproductive area. The following statement represents a biblical viewpoint as well as interbreeding accounts given by abductees.

In ancient times, the ETs were referred to as gods. In our day they are referred to as Aliens or ETs. What appears to be the common denominator, both in ancient times and in the biblical account in Genesis, is an interbreeding of some form of ET and human beings. Could this be a preparation for a repeat of the intermarriage between the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men?”

There seems to be a relationship between the interbreeding accounts and the reports given by abductees who have undergone physical exams by aliens. The abductees report entering the craft [UFO] and being in a white room, like an operating room. Then they typically report “contact with the same gray-skinned aliens who methodically perform head-to-toe examinations, with special attention to the genital area. In hundreds of cases, women report being probed with long metallic devices in the abdominal or genital area.

MEN AND “GODS”: JOINING OF SUPERNATURAL WITH NATURAL

Is it really possible for supernatural spiritual beings to have sexual intercourse with humans? To answer this question, we begin by turning to the only true point of reference, God’s Word.

BIBLICAL VIEWPOINT

In the biblical account, we have a true visitation from ETs. Genesis 6:2 says, “… the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.” These “sons of God” were supernatural beings. “Sons of God” is most likely a reference to angels. Job 1:6 says, the “… sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.” Satan is the fallen archangel, Lucifer, who is the leader of the other fallen angels.

It is clear that these were not “beings” or angels who were following God’s will. They were fallen angels who had rebelled against God. Consider what kind of offspring was produced as a result of this sexual union between fallen angels and human beings. “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days … when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown” (Genesis 6:4). The offspring of this intermarriage were called the “Nephilim.” The word “Nephilim” actually comes from the root naphal, meaning “fallen ones.”

The Nephilim were the offspring of the union of humans and demonic beings, those referred to as “fallen angels.” This would not only account for the extreme wickedness of humanity (Genesis 6:5), but it would also account for the supernatural strength and intelligence necessary to accomplish feats, such as the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It could also be the origin of myths involving this kind of union between supernatural beings (referred to as “gods”) and human beings. Myths are oftentimes distortions of reality.

MYTHOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT

Greek and Roman mythology also gives an account of this intermarriage between “gods” and humans. The Titans were the giant offspring of the gods and their human wives. In mythological terms, the Titans appear to correspond to the Nephilim in the biblical account. “According to mythology, they also assisted in the building of the magnificent monuments of Greece… According to numerous authors, ‘these mighty men’ of the golden age were the ‘third party’ who assisted mankind in the building of the monuments of Egypt, Stonehenge, the Americas, and the Far East.”

A copy of the Genesis Apocryphon, which dated back to the second century B.C., was discovered at Qumran in 1947. This document gave further evidence that celestial beings from the skies had landed on planet Earth and mated with earth women and begat giants.

In ancient times, these supernatural beings were referred to as “gods.” In our day, they are referred to as “aliens” or “extraterrestrials.”

WHAT ABOUT THE SCIENTIFIC INTERPRETATION

While there is considerable evidence for the existence of UFOs and ETs, their origin is very controversial even among experienced UFO investigators. The common view is the “extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH).” This is the belief that extraterrestrials come from another star system. However, in recent years, a number of prominent UFO researchers have challenged this hypothesis as a result of well-documented accounts of UFOs defying the laws of physics.

There have been UFO reports of encounters where the UFO materialized and dematerialized within our three dimensional space. UFOs have been tracked by radar traveling at over 25,000 miles per hour. They don’t cause sonic booms, and they don’t burn up. They have also been observed making right angle turns at over 15,000 miles per hour. Since other stars are many light years away, the vessel would have to travel at the speed of light for years (186,282.397 … miles per second for one year) to even begin to reach earth.

If UFOs are not permanent constructions of matter, and if they do not travel by conventional means from one solar system to another, what are they? If the extraterrestrial hypothesis is rejected, what is the alternative?

AN ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATION FOR UFOS

Some observers have suggested that UFOs might exist in a parallel universe, one orthogonal (at right angles) to our own. Cosmologists Andrei Linde and Alex Vilenkin have “shown how mathematical assumptions lead, at least in theory, to the creation of a multiverse” (Scientific American, December 1999, “Exploring Our Universe and Others,” Martin Rees).

Jacques Vallee is a noted scientist and UFO researcher with a background in astrophysics and computer science. He offers an alternative explanation:

I believe that the UFO phenomenon represents evidence for other dimensions beyond space-time; the UFOs may not come from ordinary space but from a multiverse, which is all around us… If they are not spacecraft, what else could they be? … I believe there is a system around us that transcends time and space. Other researchers have reached the same conclusion.

The scientific explanation of dimensionality is reasonable. Once we go beyond our three dimensional existence, we move into hyperspace. These dimensions are beyond our perception of reality and may be more in line with a multiverse, parallel universe, or the supernatural. In other words, a being in hyperspace or in a dimension beyond our three dimensional existence would have capabilities and rules of their own geometry, which is beyond our understanding.

William Alnor, in UFOs in the New Age, describes the concept of a multiverse. Alnor refers to Albrecht and Alexander’s work in the Spiritual Counterfeits Project 1977 Journal on UFOs. They describe how UFOs could be the work of beings from another dimension, and they describe and draw a two-dimension world, “Flatland.” [Flatland (1884) was originally created as an allegorical approach to dimensionality by a distinguished clergyman, Edwin A. Abbott (1836-1926).] Someone living in a two-dimensional world would have a distorted view of objects from a three-dimensional world (height, depth, width). Albrecht and Alexander take this a step further by asking the question, how would we, living in a three-dimensional world, view objects from the fourth dimension and beyond?

Imagine a universe of only two dimensions: a flat plane. This imaginary universe is inhabited only by two-dimensional beings—we’ll call them Mr. and Mrs. Flat. They can only conceive of two dimensions, since that is all they are capable of experiencing directly. Any intrusion by us on their two-dimensional existence would give them a distorted view of a three-dimensional being. For example, if you stick a pencil through a piece of paper with a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Flat on it, all they would see is a circle where the pencil went through the paper (two dimension or flat view).

We have only dealt with a two- and three-dimension existence and touched on a fourth dimension. We now know from particle physics that we live in a universe of at least ten dimensions.

Given the fact that UFOs defy physics and the “nuts and bolts” descriptions, we can begin to look at dimensionality as a way to understand the UFO phenomenon. “With such a framework, UFOs can be viewed as an inter-dimensional phenomenon that can materialize and interact with us within our space-time domain.”

We can conclude that UFOs are not what they appear to be, i.e., a spacecraft carrying aliens from another planet or star system. There is evidence of intermarriage between supernatural beings and human beings. This can be seen in the biblical account of Genesis 6. It is symbolized in mythological accounts and further confirmed by archeological evidence and ancient writings. The scientific hypothesis of dimensionality—UFOs coming from a dimension beyond our three dimension world—fits with the biblical account of supernatural beings (sons of God) making contact with human beings. The inter-dimensional phenomenon explains how supernatural beings can be invisible one minute and then materialize, making contact with human beings.

UFOS AND THE NEW AGE

Some astronomers do believe in the possibility of alien contact, and they believe the world should prepare for such an event. Ian Crawford is an astronomer in the department of physics and astronomy at University College, London. “He believes that the cosmic perspective provided by the exploration of the universe argues for the political unification of our world. He explains, ‘… and if we do ever meet other intelligent species out there among the stars, would it not be best for humanity to speak with a united voice?’” (Scientific American, July 2000, “Where Are They?” Ian Crawford).

Some scientists have a problem dealing with the origin of life. They reject the creationist view. After all, it could not be proven scientifically. They also have a problem with the chance-probability explanation. There is now a third explanation of the origin of life. Sir Frederick Hoyle, a prominent astronomer, researched the spontaneous generation theory. In 1981, Hoyle expressed the following view:

The likelihood of the formation of life from an inanimate matter is one to a number with 40 thousand naughts (zeros) after it. It is enough to bury Darwin and the whole theory of evolution… [I]f the beginnings of life were not random they must therefore have been the product of purposeful intelligence.

Hoyle was among a small number of prominent scientists who believed that life was delivered from outer space either by aliens or a comet, infected with bacteria. He did not accept the chance-probability theory or a miraculous cause for the origin of life. Francis Crick, a brilliant molecular biologist, agreed with Hoyle.

It is interesting to note that even when the random selection (chance-probability) theory of evolution is studied by some scientists and is found to be without merit, they still will not consider the option of a belief in God. They choose to believe that humans were somehow planted on earth by aliens. This takes faith on their part. There is no evidence to back this theory. In addition, it sets up people to look to ETs for salvation. Many people do believe that we are the product of alien creation or planting. If, in the future, we have a significant visitation by ETs, they will be given great respect. Personally, I believe this will happen in the last days.

Combine the beliefs of some scientists who reject the chance-probability theories and the supernatural with the belief in UFOs, and the result is the Church of ET, which Missler and Eastman describe as the result of the UFO movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The theme of these UFO Churches is that life on earth was delivered and created by ETs. Humans are their children, and the ETs are returning to help us evolve into the next stage of our evolutionary process.

There is a significant move away from dualism (belief in two supernatural powers) to monism or pantheism. Philosophically, westerners are becoming more in tune with eastern thinking. The New Age movement is a blend of eastern and western religions or philosophies. This New Age thinking is not exclusive to religion and philosophy. Science has also been infiltrated by it.

WHERE DOES SCIENCE END AND THE SUPERNATURAL BEGIN?

John Mack, a psychiatrist with more than forty years of training, believes that the dualistic view of religion and science is breaking down. Mack views the phenomenon of UFO abduction as “a merging of science and religion, the appearance of a new paradigm of thought—one in which the lines separating faith and science, religion, philosophy, the material world, and the spirit world are blurred. The result … is a merging and unification of science, religion, philosophy, and the spiritual realm.” This loss of dualism in science and religion leads to a merging of these areas, including the spiritual realm, which moves us toward the New Age religion.

True science and biblical truth should be in harmony. In the past, they were oftentimes in conflict. This was either a result of a distortion of biblical truth or a distortion of scientific findings and conclusions. What Mack is proposing is not a true harmony between religion and science but a distortion of both.

There is a movement toward raising one’s consciousness as opposed to an external reality. This leads directly into the evolution of consciousness, which is a dominant theme in the New Age movement. [See Appendix B of The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times for more on this subject, including the New Physics and how it applies to a New Age philosophy.]

GRAND DELUSION: NEW AGE RAPTURE

Jesus compared His return to the days of Noah. He said, “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37). The days of Noah is a reference to the condition of the world just after the “sons of God” married the “daughters of men” (Genesis 6:1-5). This is a reference to the surprise element and also to the wickedness of the world in Noah’s day. The condition of the world during the Tribulation Period will be as it was in Noah’s day: wicked.

• A SECOND VISITATION

During the Tribulation Period, there may be another visitation by fallen angels, except this time, they could be updated with contemporary terms like “aliens” or “extraterrestrials” instead of “gods.” Daniel 2:43 says, in part, “… they will combine with one another in the seed of men …” [Italics by author]. This is a reference to the final empire or Revived Roman Empire. The commentaries I have reviewed do not give a satisfactory explanation for “seed of men.” Could this be another union of humans and fallen angels (disguised as aliens) instead of gods? The alleged abductions have usually involved a physical exam, especially in the genital and reproductive parts. Is this visitation a plausible possibility during the tribulation period?

• NEW AGE RAPTURE

The New Age concept of a rapture event is widespread. Some people have never heard of the rapture outside of its New Age concept. There are various New Age concepts of the rapture. Some include a UFO evacuation of people. Other authors believe in “high vibrations” that will cause some people to literally walk into heaven in their same form. [See Appendix B, “The UFO Grand Deception” from the book The Last Generation for more examples of a counterfeit rapture.] When the real rapture happens, there will be plenty of explanations as to what happened. The UFO/ET belief system is in place to provide for a “deluding influence,” as referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:11.

This article was primarily extracted from The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons. All information drawn from other sources is footnoted either in the article or in the book. I would welcome your comments here on this blogsite or by personal email through the Focal Point website below. To order the book, click here: http://FocalPointPublications.com

The Coming One World Economy - Part 2: A Look at the Shadow Government Behind the Scenes

2009-04-16T19:23:00.006-05:00

In “The Coming One World Economy – Part 1,” we briefly covered the overt world economy [what we can see]. This included the role of countries, international organizations, currencies, and world economic/political regions. The last third of Part 1 focused on the covert, or shadow government, and ended with the role of the Illuminati and the people involved. Part 2 continues where we left off in Part 1—with the Illuminati.

There is evidence that the Illuminati was not confined to Europe. In 1797, George Washington made a statement saying, in essence, that he believed the Illuminati had spread to the United States.

By the 1800s, the Illuminates were mentioned in the correspondence of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and John Quincy Adams. They did not want this plan infiltrating the United States. Two hundred years later, the pieces of a global world empire ruled by the elite insiders would fall into place rapidly.

FAST FORWARD TO THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

In 1966, Carroll Quigley authored a book titled Tragedy and Hope: A History of Our Time. According to Tal Brook, author of One World, it literally “rocked those who saw it when it first came out.” Quigley was a Harvard and Princeton professor emeritus. Today, according to Quigley, the power of a certain group of bankers is colossal.

Quigley confesses to being an insider and confidant of this elite group. His 1300-page book named major insider power groups attempting to manipulate a world socialist order. Quigley supported the plan but no longer wanted to do it undercover.

TRAGEDY AND HOPE

Quigley’s book, Tragedy and Hope, was Quigley’s magnum opus. Even though he supported the plan, he revealed too much information. The Macmillan first edition in 1966 literally disappeared almost overnight, even from the public libraries. Quigley’s final post was professor of history at Georgetown University.

As professor at the Foreign Service School, one of his students in the 1960s was William Jefferson Clinton. Clinton was obviously deeply impacted by Quigley, as evidenced by his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. “[Clinton] reverently mentioned Carroll Quigley, his mentor, as being one of the two people that were most influential in his life.”

I was able to obtain a copy of Quigley’s book. In Tragedy and Hope, Quigley summarized the insider’s grand plan:

“The powers of financial capitalism had a far-reaching (plan), nothing less than to create a world system of financial control in private hands able to dominate the political system of each country and the economy as a whole … This system was to be controlled in a feudalistic fashion by the central banks of the world acting in concert, by secret agreements arrived at in frequent private meetings and conferences.”

Quigley traces some of the wealthiest, most powerful families, such as the Rothschilds, Rockefellers, and Morgans. These families would exert their influence over governments by lending money with provisions that called for specific policies. This financial power encouraged governments to become dependent on them.

INTERNATIONAL BANKING ARISTOCRACIES

These large banking institutions were owned by family dynasties. For example, the banking dynasties of Rothschild include five pivotal nations in Europe. The family privately owns the Central Bank of England. The respective governments do not own the Bank of England, the Bank of France, and the Bank of Germany, as most people believe, but they are privately owned monopolies. According to Quigley:

“It must not be felt that these heads of the world’s central banks were themselves substantive powers in world finances. They were not … The substantive financial powers of the world were in the hands of these investment bankers (also called ‘international’ or ‘merchant’ bankers) who remained largely behind the scenes in their own unincorporated private banks.”

Quigley and others reveal the fact that banking houses are owned by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The goal is a central bank. Europe has projected a central banking system that is a major milestone toward this goal. [Since this was written, the EU has come out with the euro and Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).] Part of the agenda includes America’s central bank, the Federal Reserve. It was established in 1913 as the New York Reserve Bank and became powerful much later.

Some of the key family dynasties behind the Federal Reserve Bank are: Kuhn Loeb, Goldman Sachs, and the Lehman Brothers.

The above family dynasties preside over multiple banks, many of them with interlocking directorates. Most of these banks are private partnerships run by family dynasties.

THE FINANCIAL PYRAMID

Diagrammatically, the levels of this financial pyramid would look like the following [with #1 as the base of the pyramid and the most powerful]:

1. Great Family Dynasties [base of pyramid and most powerful]. They own
2. Banks, which support the
3. International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.) and the World Bank, with a goal of a
4. Global Central Bank [top of pyramid least powerful].

If the prior listings were inserted into a drawing of a pyramid, the numbers would be inverted with # 1 being the base and # 4 being at the top of the pyramid.

G-20 AND GLOBALIZATION

The G-20 financial summit met in London on April 1-2, 2009. Their reason for meeting: a global financial crisis. As a result of this meeting, over 1 trillion dollars were contributed to the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.) to give a boost to the world economy, re-distribute the wealth, and “help pull the world out of recession” (according to a U.K. article titled G-20 to unveil $1tn boost to world economy at London summit written by Sparrow, Baldwin, and Stewart and agencies. Co.uk, Thursday 2 April 2009). Note: The one trillion dollar contribution went into the IMF, which is ultimately supported by the Great Family Dynasties.

A One World Economy is accelerating at an exponential rate. The financial and political powers that are apparent are only “the tip of the iceberg.” The real financial power lies beneath the surface.

INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF INSIDERS (1909-1913)

According to Quigley, there is an “international network” of “insiders” who meet for semi-secret discussions. The network is referred to as “Round Table Groups.” Quigley reveals the following about this “international network” in Tragedy and Hope:

“I know of the operations of this network because I studied it for twenty years and was permitted for two years, in the early 1960s, to examine its papers and secret records. I have no aversion to it or most of its aims and have, for much of my life, been close to it and to many of its instruments.”

This international network of insiders known as the Round Table Groups paved the way for similar institutes of international affairs. In the United States, the Council on Foreign Relations was born.

THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS (JULY 29, 1921)

According to Professor Quigley, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) was the result of Round Table meetings that formed several semi-secret groups to help promote globalism. This opens the door to the agenda behind the CFR.

The CFR’s stated purpose is to advise the President on foreign matters. The CFR’s real purpose, or primary agenda, is not to advise the President but to promote a “New International Order” [see Chapter 5 of my book titled The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times for a more detailed account with documentation].

Finances for the CFR came from John Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, Bernard Baruch, Otto Kahn, and Jacob Schiff. The roster of CFR members is impressive, and “so are the power groups who have representatives in it.”

International banking organizations currently have men in the CFR. “The CFR is totally interlocked with the major foundations (Rockefeller, Ford, Carnegie) and the so-called think tanks (Rand, Hudson Institute, Brookings Institute).” “The CFR and the financial powers behind it … promote the New World Order as they have for seventy years. The CFR is the promotional arm of the Ruling Elite in the United States of America.”

The real power behind the world governments rests in the hands of the elite. According to former Justice of the Supreme Court, Felix Frankfurter (1939-1962), “The real rulers in Washington are invisible and exercise from behind the scenes.”

THE POWER BEHIND WORLD GOVERNMENTS

The Elite, working behind the scenes, not only have the power to direct government policy and decision making, they have the power to start wars, instigate revolutions, and remove dictators from power. One example of this is seen in Part 1 of this article posted on April 1st. Adam Weishaupt, founder of Illuminism, pulled the strings to stage the French Revolution. [For specific examples that are more recent, see Chapter 5 of The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times.]

We can conclude that elite family dynasties, the Illuminati, and the international bankers have enormous power over the world governments. This section has confirmed the fact that “… The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil …” (1 Timothy 6:10).

Up to this point, we have discussed the “hidden hands” pulling the strings of governmental affairs, but we haven’t addressed the “inner circle.” This inner circle is where the real power originates. This statement is made with the understanding that the demonic world is where the actual power lies behind the “inner circle.”

THE DARK EMPIRE

“The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4: 4).

C.S. Lewis pointed out in “The Inner Ring,” a lecture given at Oxford, that those who make the inner circle will begin summoning the dark god. The deepest “inner circle” moves into the realm of the demonic mafia or underworld. This includes professionals, politicians, and Hollywood directors. There are rewards for being in this “inner circle,” but the price is high.

HOLLYWOOD SETS THE PACE

A contemporary portrayal of the supernatural through a fictional lens can be seen by two famous directors of our time, Stanley Kubrick and Roman Polanski. “Both directors in their own way may have stumbled into this dark cabal [conspiratorial group of plotters], perhaps taking risks to warn of this reality (or conditioning the public to accept this eventuality). There has been some speculation that Kubrick, at one point, got a glimpse of this secret world.”

EYES WIDE SHUT

Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut is like a final message to the world. The famed director filmed most of his final movie under absolute secrecy in England. He completed it just two weeks before he died an untimely death. As a side note: After writing this section, I rented the movie. I viewed it from an entirely different perspective after researching the topic.

Eyes Wide Shut deals with a frightening kind of power. It gives us an inside view of the hidden realities that escape the common man whose eyes are wide shut. According to Tal Brooke (author of One World), “The message is too threatening for self-satisfied and urban materialistic agnostics secure in believing there is no devil.”

The movie is a sobering experience once you realize it is not just fiction. Evidence of the movie’s reality was Kubrick’s mysterious and untimely death two weeks after it was completed. Add to this the fact that it was filmed in absolute secrecy in England.

Someone, or certain groups, did not want this movie made. They did not want the exposure.

The setting of the movie was on a palatial estate on Long Island, “perhaps suggesting the even larger Rockefeller estate in nearby Upstate New York.” An ambitious Manhattan doctor (portrayed by Tom Cruise) manages to walk in on a massive midnight gathering. There were a hundred or more of the “most powerful people in the world” wearing black robes and hoods. One cannot help but wonder who are behind the masks of these powerful people.

What followed was an event that suggested a satanic mass. Following this religious ritual was an orgy throughout the estate. All moral barriers were broken in contempt against the rigidity of a holy God.

In the end, the doctor, played by Tom Cruise, was rescued from possibly becoming that evening’s human sacrifice. “He was in over his head and did not have a clue what kind of world he had just entered.”

Kubrick’s message was direct and to the point: “THEY EXIST.”

TRUTH OR FICTION?

There is such a place in the redwood trees of Northern California that the movie seems to implicate. “The French-sounding chant during the ritual scene in Eyes Wide Shut suggests the inscription on the gate at the Bohemian Grove.”

The Bohemian Grove deals with the reality behind the fictional movie Eyes Wide Shut. There is some speculation that Kubrick was once a guest at the elite Bohemian Grove’s annual gathering. [See chapter 5 of The Last Generation for details, names, and events that have occurred at the Bohemian Grove. It will surprise you. There is documentation.]

ROSEMARY’S BABY

Rosemary’s Baby is an occult classic, directed by Roman Polanski. The approach is different from Eyes Wide Shut, but the theme is the same: “that a dark, hidden cabal at the highest reaches of society operates virtually undetected—due to unbelief—controlling huge sectors of the world from a hidden vantage point. The cunning international devil worshippers blend in with the rest of society, outwardly looking harmless.”

As the story goes, Rosemary was to be the host for Satan. She was to be impregnated with a satanic fetus. The internationally known Dr. Saperstein treated Rosemary with various potions needed by the satanic fetus. The coven included the doctor. No one believed Rosemary. She was portrayed as paranoid or delusional. The coven consisted of middle or upper-class people.

“The film either exposed the blinding power of unbelief or, on a deeper level, was a paean to Satan’s power.”

Shortly after the film’s released, the Manson gang entered Polanski’s home and murdered his wife, Sharon Tate.

Satan is a master of deceit. Through deception and the power of unbelief, he controls the family dynasties, international bankers, the super rich, and the elite. Ultimately, he is moving the world toward a supernatural mindset for the end times, preparing the world for a dark messiah, the Antichrist.

In Part 1 (posted on April 1) and Part 2 of The Coming One World Economy, we have reviewed the overt development through treaties and governmental policies, and we have also looked at the covert development through the elite, the family dynasties, the international bankers, and the demonic underground connection with high profile people, i.e., professionals and politicians.

All of this is part of a prophetic pattern. These last two articles on the coming one world economy covered the third pillar of the Last Empire. We are indeed in the last generation.

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, there is no time like the present to make that decision. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Romans 10: 9). “For the Scripture says, ‘WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.’” (Romans 10:11). If you have done this, you don’t have to worry about the future because you know the One who holds the future, and you belong to Him. ________________________________________________________________________________________

With a couple of exceptions that are noted, this article was extracted from the recent book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. It can be ordered at: www.focalpointpublications.com. Any information used in this article that did not originate from the author is footnoted in the book.

Order the book HERE.

The Coming One World Economy - Part 1: A Look at the Overt World Economy and a Look at the Shadow Government Behind the Scenes

2009-04-03T16:31:00.002-05:00

By Jim Simmons

The world is currently experiencing financial crises. The question is, “Will this be the final global crisis that will ultimately trigger a One World Economy?” We cannot know for sure. If it isn’t the crisis that triggers a final one-world economy, it is definitely the tremors that precede the global financial crisis.

The following article, with a couple of exceptions, is taken from the book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons. In the first article, The Last Generation, we reviewed the three pillars that must be in place during the tribulation period. They are: One World Government, One World Religion, and One World Economy.

In previous articles, I covered the first two pillars. This article will focus on One World Economy. There will be some overlap with the One World Government and some of the points in the first article, The Last Generation.

The world economy is the fuel that energizes or makes it possible to complete the other two world pillars, building a one-world system unified under the rule of the Antichrist (Revelation 13: 16-18). In developing a case for the coming one-world economy, I am going to chronologically reverse the time-line from current events to past events. The order of events will deviate from this time-line in some instances. This method will help us see where we are, where we came from, and what is going on behind the scenes. It may be compared to peeling an onion.

The first part of the article is what you see on the surface, like the layers of an onion. The last part has to do with what is hidden beneath the surface, or behind the scenes (like the core of the onion).

The Final One World Empire

This final one-world empire will be an extension or revised version of the Roman Empire [see Daniel 2: 40-43; 7: 7-8; Revelation 13: 1-2]. Today, the European Union [EU] covers the approximate geographical area as the ancient Roman Empire. The final empire, a one-world system, will be led by the Antichrist and will emerge from the European Superstate, the EU.

Biblically, there is evidence of a One World Empire and a revived Roman Empire, which fits the description of the European Union. One biblical example is found in Daniel 2: 32-43. King Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonian Empire had a dream that involved a statue. Daniel was called on to interpreted the dream. The statue represented four world empires composed of four different metals.

The fourth empire was Rome, represented by the legs, feet, and toes. The legs were made of iron, representing the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. That has already happened. The feet and toes were made of iron and clay (Daniel 2: 41). This variation in the metal composition may point the way to a revised version of the Roman Empire, which will ultimately include additional nations.

One of the ways we know that it is a future event is the relationship of the 10 toes (Daniel 2: 41-43) and the 10 horns, which are 10 kings or kingdoms (Daniel 7: 24). Rome was never under the leadership of 10 kings simultaneously. During the tribulation period, the world empire, which will be an extension of the revived Roman Empire, will be under a 10-kingdom rule with the Antichrist leading the way (Daniel 7: 7-8).

EU Currency

In 1999, a new EU currency called the euro was proposed. In 2001, the euro was legalized. In 2002, the euro replaced the national currencies in 12 European states.

On January 2, 2008, the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) was introduced. It includes 31 member states. SEPA created a multi-state zone where anyone in the European financial infrastructure can make electronic euro payments that are considered domestic. With the establishment of the euro and the SEPA, the financial unification of the EU is in place.

Currencies of the US and EU

The U.S. dollar has a history of being the most stable and accepted of world currencies. Now, the euro is growing in value against the U.S. dollar. “A lot of central banks, Asia in particular, where the most important volumes are located, are shifting reserves from dollar reserves into euros,” (According to Wemer Becker of Deutsche Bank). From July 2003 to July 2008, the U.S. dollar reportedly went from 1.15 dollars for one euro to 1.57 dollars for one euro. As this article is being penned on March 29, 2009, the rate is 1.32 for one euro, according to the German financial website, finanzen.net.

The U.S. used to be the world’s Superpower. That status is rapidly shifting to the EU, the primary power base of the Final Empire.

US and EU Combine Economies

“…In 2007 President Bush signed an agreement that commits the U.S. to economic integration with Europe, and that one of the provisions of the agreement was creating regulatory convergence between the U.S. and the E.U., including integrating health records electronically!”[See article titled “It’s All Coming Together” by Heidi Swander with Olive Tree Ministries, 3-9-09.]

Economy and Religion Join Hands

Over the last few years, we have seen faith-based Mutual Funds grow in popularity. For example, the Muslim Mutual Fund, Amana Trust Income Fund, has recently been a best performer over the past year. This means that its losses were only 25.8% as opposed to U.S. stock funds, which have lost 44% for the year [taken from the April 2009 edition of Midnight Call, P. 32].

“Here we see demonstrated religion, finances, and economy melted into one” [Ibid].

New World Order

The New World Order, including economy, is coming together rapidly. As we shall see later in this article, the roots of this new world order began around 60 years ago. It was close to the time of the birth of Israel (1948). It was also near the time of the birth of this “last generation.”

EU / UN / and NATO Connection

When prophecy scholars speak of the EU as being the revived Roman Empire, some people reject this interpretation of Scripture. Their objection is based on the final world empire being a world empire, not an EU empire. On the surface, this makes sense. There is, however an answer to this objection.

The European Union members and the Western European Union [WEU] and their candidates are integrated into two other major groups of nations. They are members of the United Nations [UN] (1945). They are also members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] (1949).

It is of interest to note that the EU, NATO, and the WEU have their headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The WEU was established as a result of a 1954 amendment to the Brussels Treaty [Article 5]. This made the WEU responsible for the collective defense of the EU. This put them in a very powerful position. Under Article 4, the security of the WEU member states (countries) became linked to NATO.

Consider the dates and links to other major international groups. The UN (1945), NATO (1949), and the WEU (1954), but its roots were in the Brussels Treaty (1948). The EU was linked to these major international groups in the years 1945, 1948, 1949, 1955 [WEU to NATO with roots in 1948]. All three major international groups are linked with the EU and WEU. The dates generally range from 1945 to 1949 with the exception of the WEU (1955), which is an offshoot of the Brussels Treaty of 1948.

These are some of the reasons, along with the biblical references, that the EU is considered the home base of a Final World Empire. This is another move toward world unity and ultimately a One World Empire led by the “man of sin,” the Antichrist. [To read more about this, including information about Javier Solano who is considered by many to be one of the most powerful men in the world, see Chapters 4 and 5 of the book titled, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times.]

Worldwide Economy

Up to this point, the focus of a one-world economy has been narrowed to the EU and the US. A worldwide economy includes more than two nations.

“In recent weeks, leaders in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East have proposed scrapping the current economic order and going to a single common currency …The Kremlin is reportedly set to propose a new global common currency system that will replace the U.S. dollar as the international currency of choice.” [See “Russia to Propose New Global Common Currency” by Joel C. Rosenberg, 3-18-09 on the B.P.T. website.]

This week a UN panel will recommend that the world ditch the dollar as its reserve currency for a basket of currencies.

Some of the plans for a one-world economy began in the mid 1950s. Consider the following:

The Club of Rome (1957)

The Club of Rome is a German based think tank established in 1957. It has a limit of 100 active members. The members are from five continents and 52 countries. There is only one country that is not included. It is Israel, of course. It was an association of scientists, economists, businessmen, international high civil servants, and former heads of state. The Club’s purpose is to figure out ways to solve humanity’s problems.

Many years ago, the Club of Rome advocated a “one world order,” dividing the world into 10 economic centers or regions, i.e., regions of countries. “Regionalization” became the new buzzword.

World Federalists also advocated “world regions” and have detailed plans for a world government similar to the Club of Rome.

Development of a Global Authority

One of the roots of the global economy was the General Agreement on Trades and Tariffs [GATT], established in 1948. GATT, as well as other organizations at the Club of Rome, advocated a “One World Order,” dividing the world into 10 economic centers called “Mega Territories” and “Kingdoms.” [Remember the 10 toes in Daniel 2: 41-43; the 10 horns and 10 kings in Daniel 7: 24; and Revelation 17: 12?]. The One World Government would rule the “Ten Kingdoms” of the Club of Rome.

GATT evolved into the World Trade Organization [WTO] in 1995. The WTO has 153 members and represents 95% of the total world trade. The U.S. recently agreed to the GATT Treaty by joining the WTO.

Political / Economic Regions

In 1974, the Club of Rome submitted a plan to the United Nations for a global government. The plan called for all nations to be divided into 10 political/economical regions. These regions are designated on a world map. Since 1974 [actually since 1993], almost 5 of the 10 designations on the world map have been completed as political/economic regions called “Unions,” and they are:

The European Union [E.U.] (1993)
The African Union (2002)
The Mediterranean Union (July 2008)
The Union of South American Nations [UNASUR] (or possibly the South American Union) signed the constitutive agreement on May 2008.
The North American Union (It would include Canada, U.S., Mexico) [For more information, see “What about America?” in Chapter 4, Pages 100-102 of The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times.]

This One World System [Government, Religion, and Economy] has been in the developmental stage since the beginning of this “last generation.” See article titled “The Last Generation” posted on 1-31-09 on the B.P.T. web site.

The Covert World Empire: A Shadow Government Behind the Scenes

This section is a brief review of the Covert World Empire. As mentioned near the beginning of the article, the first part of the article dealt with the developing Overt One World Economy that could be seen and identified. Now we will go behind the scenes. Who is really governing world events? Who is running the show? According to former Prime Minister Disraeli in 1844,

“The world is governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who are not behind the scenes.”

Nelson Rockefeller is likely the main financier of the New World Order. In 1962, he wrote in The Future of Federalism,

“The nation state is becoming less and less competent … Sooner perhaps than we realize there will evolve the basis for a federal structure of the free world.”

The implication is that there are people with money pulling the strings behind the scenes with an agenda toward a European Superpower and a One World Government.

Hidden Hands: Pulling the World into a Global Super State

There are covert, rich, and elite Americans who have pushed for a United Europe, according to declassified American documents. In the 1950s and 1960s the U.S. intelligence community ran a covert operation to push for a United States of Europe. “It directed and funded the European federalist movement, and behind the scenes were the usual suspects from the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, long controlled by ‘One World’ enthusiasts keen to abolish the nation state.” As we shall see, the visible rulers are front men and are not necessarily the ones pulling the strings.

There are a number of Christians who believe that the “end times” arena is in the hands of secret societies and organizations that are behind some world leaders and political movements. There is evidence to back up this belief. For example, one former British army officer believes that Europe’s future was decided in 1940.

According to the Daily Telegraph (London), Graham Langmead of Bogner Regis, West Sussex, England, in a letter that appeared on November 26, 1997, under the heading “Euro Visions,” told of an incident during World War II where he was an escort at Bologna in April 1945. As a very junior officer, he escorted a German General Von Vietinghoff following the surrender of the German forces in the central Mediterranean. The General told Langmead that a Franco-German agreement had taken place in 1940. The agreement was “that Europe would become one state controlled by Germany and France …” He went on to tell Langmead that there would be one currency, which would create a European state under German dominance.”

We don’t know about German dominance, but the General was definitely on target about Europe becoming one state [the EU]. He was also right about Europe having one currency.

In 1970, leading financier Edmund de Rothschild stated:

“Western Europe is going to form a political union. The structure that has to disappear, the lock that has to burst, is the nation.”

This has already happened. We now have the Western European Union [WEU], as well as the European Union [EU]. European countries are now called “member states.”

One has to wonder if Rothschild was forecasting a future need, or if he was behind the scenes, engineering world events. As we will later see, Rothschild, along with other super-rich financier families have been instrumental, behind the scenes, in directing world governments.

Historical Development of a Covert Empire

In 1797, a man named John T. Robinson wrote a book, Proofs of a Conspiracy. He was Secretary General to Scotland’s prestigious Royal Society and professor of natural philosophy at the University of Edinburg. He was an intellectual and a scientist. Robinson was also a high degree Mason. Whenever he traveled from Scotland to Europe, he always attended the Grand Orient Masonic Lodges.

On one trip, he met up with Adam Weishaupt, the founder of a new group known as “Illuminism.” This new element penetrated the Lodges. Weishaupt approached Robinson to join this inner circle. Robinson refused due to his loyalty to the royal family of England. He warned them that hidden powers were pulling the strings behind the French Revolution and that it was not an historical accident happening by a whim, but it “was manipulated by brilliant and powerful men who had their own agenda.”

The Illuminists planned to stage a revolt of the masses to unseat the “present powers of the hereditary aristocracy.” “This, indeed, was exactly what the French Revolution appeared to be — key people catalyzing great numbers of people.”

Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt, started the Order of Illuminati on May 1, 1776. The Portman Papers, a quarterly newsletter that keeps watch on the superstate [EU], said in October 2000:

“Eight years before the French Revolution began in 1789 … Adam Weishaupt, founder of the Illuminati, drew up the blueprint. It goes on to say, “The Reign of Terror claimed over a million victims,” and “the terror was justified in the name of democracy.”

According to Professor Robinson, the true purpose of the Illuminati was World Domination. It was to have a world order ruled by an elite pretending to represent the common man. Weishaupt’s plan was to build a hierarchy of inner circles with one real circle who knew the true purpose of the Order.

This hidden agenda of evil characterizes our time. What is going on behind the world stage is beyond imagination. Part 2 of this article will deal with some of these hidden agendas. It is difficult to fight against an enemy that you are not aware of. The ultimate evil behind the world stage is Satan and his demonic hierarchy. He does not like to be exposed. In Part 2 of this article, we will see some of the things going on that could never have been imagined.

The times we live in are evil. Prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes at an exponential rate. Jesus said “…You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8: 32). If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, rejoice for the time is near when we will meet Him at the rapture. If you don’t know Him personally, now is the time to acknowledge your need for a Savior. Then commit your life to Him and don’t look back.

[Part 2 will look at those who really are pulling the financial strings, as well as influencing governmental policy and direction. It will also take us behind the scenes of the “dark empire.” Watch for Part 2 of this article coming soon.]

With a couple of exceptions that are noted, this article was extracted from the recent book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. The book can be ordered at: http://www.focalpointpublications.com/. Any information used in this article that did not originate from the author is footnoted in the book.

The Coming One World Religion - Part 1

2009-03-08T16:29:00.002-05:00

A one-world religion is developing rapidly, and it will be an all-encompassing religion. Satan will energize this one-world religion and work through the lawless one, better known as the Antichrist. He has two purposes:

To play the role of God and have people worship him. He will sit “in the temple of God displaying himself as being God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
To kill the true Christians and Jews. “… and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Revelation 13:15).

My last article, posted on 2-2-09, was titled The Last Generation. The purpose of that article was to illustrate the acceleration of world developments during the last generation beginning with the birth of Israel in 1948. That article helps set the stage for this article.

The Last Generation briefly covered all three pillars of a united world system that will need to be in place by or immediately following the beginning of the seven-year tribulation period. The three pillars are:

ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT
ONE WORLD ECONOMY
ONE WORLD RELIGION

The pillar of the One World Government was given the most attention in the first article.

The focus of this article is to expand on the pillar of the coming One World Religion. I personally believe that the pillar of a global religion is the foundation for both of the other two pillars—government and economy. What a group of people believe will determine their actions, such as economic and political decisions. The world economic system gives the fuel needed to activate a complete world governmental control. This could be illustrated by the following diagram:

Belief System [One World Religion] + Money [One World Economy] = Political Decisions [One World Government].

It has been said that politics and religion don’t mix. They don’t in the long run. But during most of the seven-year tribulation period, politics and religion will go hand in hand. One current example of mixing religion and politics is the government of Iran. It is primarily run by the religious clerics.

During the great tribulation (the last 3.5 years of the 7 year tribulation period) this buddy system of Antichrist (Political Ruler) and False Prophet (Ruler of World Religion) will break down. The One World Government, led by the Antichrist, will destroy the One World Religion, led by the False Prophet. The “beast” destroys the “harlot” (see Revelation 17:16-17).

This article was taken mainly from my recent book titled, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. Ordering information for this book will be given at the conclusion of the article.

Today, in this generation, we have seen the foundation being laid for a one-world religion. This world religion is symbolized in Scripture by “… the great harlot who sits on many waters” (Revelation 17:1) and by the “… woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names …” (Revelation 17:3).

HALLMARKS OF A FALSE RELIGIOUS SYSTEM

In order to determine the validity of a religious belief system, it will prove helpful to look at some of the hallmarks of a false religious system.

The hallmarks of a false religious system include, but are not limited to, the following four characteristics:

Compromise of Doctrine: One of the key phrases used in the European Union, as well as in the United States, is “Unity in Diversity.” This sounds good on the surface. It means we are a unified but diverse group of people—all of the hallmarks of tolerance. This kind of unity in a world religion necessitates a compromise of doctrine.

This great tolerance is promoted in almost every area. The major exceptions are biblical Christianity and Judaism. The world religion will be tolerant of everything but the TRUTH.
Experience Based: “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You” (Matthew 12:38). There is an escalating trend worldwide toward an experience-based religion and an experienced-based Christianity. More people are traveling to many places where they say God is manifesting Himself through signs and wonders. These manifestations are, in many cases, apparitions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, or of angels, but rarely of Jesus. It is important for us to remind ourselves that biblically based Christianity is always founded on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Paul warned the Galatians not to be fooled by people distorting the gospel of Jesus Christ. He states: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

In many cases, there are reported apparitions of Mary witnessed by Christians, unbelievers, and Muslims. The messages are oftentimes contrary to God’s Word. One of the tests of the validity of a reported vision and the credibility of the messenger (in recent years these visions are usually apparitions of Mary) involves:
- The content of the message given. If the message contradicts God’s Word, the Bible, the message is not valid.
- The credibility of the messenger. If the message is not valid, this takes away from the credibility of the messenger. It is important to remember that “… Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Provides a Broad Road to Salvation: One rapidly growing belief system is that of universalism, which is another lie. It promotes the belief that there are many paths to God. While this may be a “politically correct” theology in our day, it is the neo-paganism of the New Age. This belief is addressed by Jesus when He said, “… I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). This “all roads lead to Rome” belief is very common today. It runs against the grain of unbelievers and, in many cases, Christians don’t believe or don’t want to believe what Jesus said (there is only one way). It is probably not the best way to begin sharing the gospel with an unbeliever unless you really believe that God is leading you in that direction.
Counterfeit Miracles: Miracles are powerful! A miracle will convince an individual of the validity of a particular belief system faster than anything else. Consider the False Prophet found in the Book of Revelation (16:13; 20:10). He is the Antichrist’s right hand man. He is symbolized as the second “beast” (Revelation 13:11-12). The first “beast” is the Antichrist (described in Revelation16:1-10). The False Prophet “… performs great signs [miracles] … he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs …” (Revelation 13:13-14) [brackets added].

Satan has the ability to perform miracles, but his tendency is to counterfeit God’s miracles. One example of Satan counterfeiting miracles can be found in Exodus, Chapter Seven. Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Through God’s power Moses and Aaron perform miracles, i.e., Aaron’s staff turns into a serpent. The magicians of Egypt “did the same with their secret arts” (Exodus 7:11). The Lord tells Moses to direct Aaron to stretch out his staff, and he turns the rivers, streams, and pools into blood. The False Prophet “performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men” (Revelation 13:13).

Over the last ten to fifteen years, there has been a greater orientation toward the supernatural. This can be good in some cases. Unfortunately, it also opens the door to Satan to perform visions and apparitions that appear to come from God. The Marian apparitions are appearing worldwide and the message is peace, unity, and tolerance. The impact of these apparitions has been so powerful that they have cut across religious denominations worldwide, INCLUDING ISLAM.

Points 2 and 4 above are both experientially based. In essence, both points say that a person’s experience dictates their theology. This is putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. A person’s theology should be the criteria for evaluating their experience. When this is reversed, every imaginable heresy will be the outcome. We are living in an experience-based society. This society determines their beliefs based on their experience. This has been a characteristic of this last generation.

THE MUSLIM CONNECTION: THE MISSING LINK

One of the common questions concerning a one-world religion is this: “If the coming one-world false religion is characterized by tolerance and diversity (exceptions: Christians and Jews) how will the Muslims integrate into this system?” [I realize that I briefly covered this in my first article on January 31. My purpose in this article is to go a little deeper into this topic.]

The answer: There needs to be a common denominator between Muslims and the one-
world religion. This common denominator may very well be Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Koran exalts Mary, not Jesus. The Roman Catholics also exalts Mary. This along with the numerous alleged apparitions of Mary witnessed by both Muslims and Catholics creates a link between the two religions. These two religions together take in a sizable portion of the human race.

The Marian apparitions, including the ones in Egypt and Africa, have an underlying message. According to Mary, this message is, “All religions are the same. We are the ones causing division.” This message is easily identified under the third hallmark of a false religion, namely, “Provides a Broad Road to Salvation.” Mary’s message is proven invalid because it contradicts Scripture. The only way to God is through Jesus (John 14:6). Since it is clearly demonstrated to be a false message, we can conclude that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not the one delivering the message. Mary would never contradict her Son.

According to a British-Catholic magazine, “A Marian revival is spreading throughout Africa with alleged apparitions of Mary, finding a following among the Muslims.” Although African Muslims are supposedly seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary, they “are not required to become Christians to follow her.”

Most of the spectators who witnessed the Marian apparitions in Zeitoun, Egypt, were Muslim. This apparition of Mary appeared for several nights each week for years and was viewed by millions of Muslims.

Mary appears to be the missing link that helps answer the previous question about how the Muslims could ever integrate into a one-world religion.

THE MARY / FATIMA CONNECTION

Bishop Fulton Sheen, back in the 1950s, was the first Catholic on television [with his own religious talk show]. He wrote a book predicting that Islam would be converted to Christianity. In the same era, the 1950s, Bishop Sheen also wrote a book titled The World’s First Love. He stated in his book: “But after the death of Fatima (Muhammad’s daughter), Muhammad wrote, ‘Thou shall be the most blessed of all women in paradise after Mary.’ ” This connection with the Muslims through Mary was predicted about fifty years ago.

Bishop Sheen was head of his time, at least as it relates to the future of Islam. The Muslims will be included in the coming One World Religion, but it will not be Christianity.

KEY PLAYERS AND LOCATIONS: MARY / FATIMA SCENARIO

The key players are: Mary, the mother of Jesus; Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad; and Pope John Paul II. The key locations include Fatima, Portugal, and St. Peter’s Square, Rome.

The Portuguese Village of Fatima is named after Muhammad’s daughter. Bishop Sheen mentioned how remarkable it was that our Lady had the foresight to appear in the Portuguese Village of Fatima, named after Muhammad’s daughter, and thus became known as Our Lady of Fatima.

In October of 2000, Pope John Paul II ordered the actual statue of Our Lady of Fatima to be moved from Fatima, Portugal, to St. Peter’s Square in Rome. His purpose was to signify “his great devotion to Mary.” He credits her with saving his life in an assassination attempt on May 13, 1981. This story is recounted in chapter six of The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times.

Also in the year 2000, Pope John Paul II gathered 1,500 bishops from around the world, the largest group to assemble since Vatican II. They were there to entrust the world and the millennium to “Our Lady of Fatima,” not to Jesus, not even to God, but to Mary.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE IMPLICATIONS?

There appears to be a clear connection between the Catholic Church and the Muslim faith.
The Doctrine of Compromise is apparent. Examples: Pope John Paul took a compromising approach to other religions, which included Shamans, witch doctors, Hindu gurus, and voodoo. This sounds very familiar to the Catholic evangelists in the early days of Christianity.
The Broad Road to Salvation is emphasized. Examples: The underlying message, according to Mary, i.e., through the alleged Marian apparitions, is “all religions are the same.”
Counterfeit Miracles, i.e., Marian apparitions are rampant. These so-called miraculous apparitions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, fail the validity test. If the visions are not really Mary, we can conclude that Satan is disguising himself as an angel of light. He has an agenda, which includes leading humanity into a One World False Religion of his making where he will be worshiped.
Experience-based Miracles and apparitions seem to be the motivating factor and key decision-making factor for most people.

The above article is taken primarily from my recent book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. Part 2 of this article will be posted within 7-10 days. Included are topics such as: the paganization of Christianity, the final popes, and the connection between ancient Babylon and modern Babylon. Any facts that originated from other sources are footnoted in the book. This book can be ordered at the following sites: http://www.focalpointpublications.com or Amazon.com.

GO TO PART 2

The Coming One World Religion - Part 2

2009-03-08T14:43:00.008-05:00

... ANCIENT BABYLON TO MODERN BABYLON

The ancient Babylonian “mystery religions” never really died. They had their beginnings in the Book of Genesis, which gives the account of the building of the Tower of Babel under the leadership of Nimrod. It reaches both its zenith and its destruction in the Book of Revelation.

The False Prophet, referred to as “another beast,” “… exercises all the authority of the first beast [Antichrist] in his presence, and he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast …” (Revelation 13:11-15 brackets added). The False Prophet will head the coming One World Religion under the authority of the Antichrist. The Babylonian “mystery religions,” in a disguised form, will comprise this false religious system. These mystery religions are the alpha and omega of paganism and idolatry. Babylon of the Old Testament and Babylon of the New Testament are related and can be linked and traced.

The following historical information includes elements of mythology in some of the accounts. It is important to remember that mythology is usually a distortion of actual facts or events.

ORIGIN OF MYSTERY RELIGIONS OF BABYLON

The following information is drawn from both the Bible and accounts outside of biblical sources. As a brief overview, the key characters will be listed with a short explanation showing their connections to certain pagan deities, along with some common denominators that run through the different cultures.

The three original key characters are: Nimrod, Semiramis, and Tammuz. The chart below indicates the spread of the Mother-Child Babylonian cult throughout other locales with the names of the gods and goddesses that originate from these three characters.

These were the original names of the Mother-Child cult. Semiramis was Nimrod’s wife, and Tammuz was their son.

We know that Nimrod was the founder of Babylon (Genesis 10:9-10). It was Nimrod’s wife, Semiramis, who founded the secret religious rites of the Babylonian mystery religions. Semiramis claimed that she conceived, through an alleged miraculous conception, a virgin-born son who would be the salvation of mankind. She named him Tammuz [see Ezekiel 8:14]. In effect, this was a false fulfillment of the promise of the Seed that was given to Eve in Genesis 3:15.

The Two Babylons, authored by Alexander Hislop, chronicles the spread of the ancient Babylonian cult of the “queen of heaven.” Jeremiah warned the Israelites against offering sacrifices to the queen of heaven (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17-19, 25).

CHART 9

According to Hislop’s research, the Babylonian worship of the queen of heaven found its origin in Semiramis following the death of Nimrod. [For details of this story, see pages 148-149 of The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times.]

THE “MOTHER AND CHILD” AS GOD CULT

As strange as this seems to the Western mind, the son of the mother oftentimes plays a dual role. He is son of the mother, and he can also be husband of the mother.

The Babylonians worshiped Semiramis, the wife, as Rhea, “The Mother Goddess.” Her connections with her husband, under the name of Ninus, or “The Son,” originated the peculiar worship of the “Mother and Son.” Ninus is sometimes called the husband and sometimes the son of Semiramis. The same confusion can be seen between Isis and Osiris, the mother and child of the EGYPTIANS. One of Osiris’ titles of honor and dignity was the name, “Husband of the Mother.” This leads to the question, “What does this have to do with early Christianity or the One World Religion?”

THE PAGANIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY

After the Persians took over Babylonia in 539 B.C., they discouraged the continuation of the mystery religions of Babylon. As a result, the Babylonian cultists moved to Pergamum (or Pergamos) where one of the seven churches of Asia Minor was later located.

The chief priests of the Babylonian cult honored the fish god by wearing crowns in the shape of a fish head. The crowns bore the words, “Keeper of the Bridge.” This was symbolic of the “bridge” between man and Satan.

The Roman Emperors adopted the Latin title Pontifex Maximus, which means “Major Keeper of the Bridge.” The bishop of Rome later used the same title. The pope today is called “pontiff,” which means pontifex. Even today the term Pontifex Maximus can be found throughout the Vatican and numerous cathedrals in Rome.

PAGANIZED CHRISTIANITY TAKES ROOT IN ROME

When the teachers of the Babylonian mystery religions later moved to Rome, they were influential in paganizing Christianity. The Roman Empire included the geographical area known today as the European Union.

In the early Christian Church there was no confusion between Christians and Pagans. Christians were burned at the stake for entertainment. The problem came when there was a joining of Church and State.

Constantine legalized the practice of Christianity. Emperor Theodosius went on to make it the state religion in the year A.D. 381. Constantine converted to Christianity, which also included a loyalty to paganism. He had granted the “Freedom of Worship” for citizens of the Roman Empire.

The clear dividing line between Christianity and paganism became blurred [this dividing line is becoming more blurred in our day, but it will be clear again in the tribulation period]. The glorification of Mary as “Queen of Heaven” and the worship of the Mother/Child religion had entered the Christian Church from the mystery religions of Babylon.

The evangelistic zeal to spread Catholicism to the heathen lands resulted in a compromise with paganism. Christianity became interwoven with the Babylonian mystery religions. This new form of paganized Christianity was now endorsed as the official state religion.

CATHOLICS EVANGELIZE PAGAN WORLD

The Roman Catholic Church declared Mary the “queen of heaven” as a result of the miraculous birth of Christ. The Old Testament clearly condemns the worship of the queen
of heaven (Jeremiah 7:18).

Statues of Mary with the baby Jesus became very popular within Roman Catholicism. More emphasis was put on these statues than statues of Jesus or the cross. The mother-child cult preceded the birth of Jesus by centuries. It did not originate with Roman Catholicism.

The Catholic evangelists began evangelizing the pagan world. In the process, they kept encountering statues of pagan deities and Madonna figures. The Catholic evangelists let them keep their pagan figures of goddess and child, but merely renamed the mother/child statues “Mary and Jesus.” Instead of pagans they were renamed Catholics.

The Roman Catholic Church is moving toward an ecumenical world religion. This one-world religion will be based on compromise and experiences, such as the Marian apparitions.

POPES IN THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

As discussed in the previous article, there are two key figures that will come to power in the end times. The Bible refers to these key figures as two beasts (Revelation 13:11-15). The first one is the Antichrist who will be the political and economic messiah. The second one will be the False Prophet who will be a religious leader and miracle worker. For many years prophecy scholars have taught that the False Prophet would be a final apostate pope.

The pope, also considered the “bishop of Rome,” is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Only the pope would have the power and influence necessary to bring all the religions together. No other major world religion (or any religion) has a religious leader with the authority, influence, and power combined with a worldwide influence that even comes close to the pope. He has the authority to make doctrinal changes in the Catholic Church even if it is contrary to the Bible. His authority is placed above biblical revelation. It would make sense for the False Prophet, the global religious leader, to have this authority and power.

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope John Paul II was briefly reviewed in part one of The Coming One World Religion. We saw his connection to Mary, Fatima, Our Lady of Fatima, and the dedication entrusting the world and millennium to Mary [see part 1 for more details]. Two central themes characterize his time in office:

1. His role in elevating Mary to a much higher position than previously recognized. Pope John Paul II, without a doubt, was the most Marianistic pope of all time. His devotion to Mary is made evident by his motto, Totus Tuus. In Latin this means, “totally yours.” This is not a reference to Christ but to Mary. His consecration to Mary was an established fact. He had the letter “M” embroidered on all his garments, showing his devotion to Mary.

2. His role as the great unifier. He attempted to bring all religions and faiths together [see part 1]. He was also known as the “great unifier.” As mentioned previously, Pope John Paul II took a compromising approach to other religions, which included Shamans, witch doctors, Hindu gurus, Buddhist monks, and voodoo. This sounds very similar to the approach of the Catholic evangelists in the early days of Christianity. The pagans were allowed to keep their statues of Isis and Horus, or other Mary/Child statues, and simply rename them Mary and Jesus. History is repeating itself in the end times of the last generation.

POPE BENEDICT XVI

Prior to becoming Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was head of the Roman Catholic Church’s Congregation for the Doctrines of the Faith (CDF) back in 1984. During this time, he made the following statement: “One of the signs of our times is that the announcements of ‘Marian apparitions’ are multiplying all over the world.”

Benedict XVI made it clear that he wanted to follow the trajectory of his predecessor Pope John Paul II. His pledge was to work to unify all Christians and all religions. He continued in Pope John Paul’s footsteps toward a One World (False) Religion.

Jewish leaders were encouraged by the prospect of Benedict continuing to build relations between Christians and the Jewish nation. Given the fact that anti-Semitism is at an all time high, especially in Europe, this would be very appealing to Jews. They would be open to such a pope. This would also fit the prophetic picture.

When Cardinal Ratzinger became pope, he modeled his name after Benedict XV (1914-1922). He chose this name to honor him. Benedict XV embraced the Muslims, which was an unprecedented choice for his time. Benedict XVI likewise embraced the Muslims. He is seeking world peace and is destined to bring the Roman Catholic Church and Muslims together.

TWO POPES FROM JUDGMENT DAY

The following prophetic account is not a biblically based account. The content, however, and the predictions, are not contrary to the Bible. The fulfillment of the predictions has a high success rate; they are too accurate to be ignored and are, therefore, worth our consideration. For the sake of time and space, I will give a brief overview of this account. [For a more detailed account, see chapter 6 of my book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times.]

In 1139, a Catholic named St. Malachy set out from Ireland on a pilgrimage to Rome. John Hogue, author of The Last Pope: The Decline and Fall of the Church of Rome, gave the following account. “On sighting the eternal city, he fell to the ground and began murmuring Latin verses, each signifying the future destiny of the popes. His words were suppressed for over three hundred years by the Vatican, yet, to this day, ninety percent of the saint’s prophecies have come true, unfolding in chronological sequence … for Malachy foresaw an end to the Roman Catholic Church and predicted the fates of the popes until Judgment day.”

St. Malachy worked all night by candlelight until he concluded the 111 Latin phrases. He explained that God had given him a vision of every pope to reign after the current pontiff, which was Innocent II, until the end of time when God would judge the world.

If his assertion is true, the papal succession is finite … we are but two popes away from Judgment Day. That was written while Pope John Paul II was still alive. If this prediction is true, we are now only one pope away from Judgment Day.

THREE FINAL POPES

According to St. Malachy, there are three final popes. All 111 prophecies make one small identifying statement. Each can be validated through the years in regard to the successive popes. John Paul II was the 110th pope. He is referred to as “the Marian Pontiff.” His devotion to Mary is legendary. Pope Benedict XVI is the 111th pope. He is referred to as “The Glory of the Olive.” As Cardinal Ratzinger, he wrote a book called, God in the World. This, along with Hogue’s book, The Last Pope, illustrates that he has a special interest in Israel as symbolized by the olive branch. [See chapter 6 for quotes from both books showing his interest in Israel.] “The olive branch is a symbol for Israel … the motto might imply that this pope will champion the cause of the Jews” (John Hogue).

After St. Malachy’s 111 Latin phrases, each giving clues to the reign of each pope, he gives a final prophetic declaration naming an apostate pope (the 112th pope) and calling him “Peter of Rome.”

Pope number 111, Benedict XVI, will probably not live long due to his advanced age (81). This means that the final pope, “Peter of Rome,” the 112th pope, will be the final one before judgment day at the end of the tribulation period.

RESPONSE OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Roman Catholic Church’s official position is that there could be many popes
between 111 and the final one. Given the fact that St. Malachy has been right on 111 popes in a chronological sequence, why would there be “many popes” between the 111th and the 112th pope? It would make sense that the Catholic Church would not want to place their stamp of approval upon any declaration that says their church is soon to end.

St. Malachy’s final declaration states: “During the last persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there shall sit Petros Romanos (Peter of Rome), who shall feed the sheep amidst many tribulations” [he will likely be the tribulation pope], “and when these things have passed, the city of seven hills shall be destroyed” (John Hogue).

IMPLICATIONS

Is it possible that the False Prophet (Coming One World leader) will be the next pope following Benedict XVI? If so, this is one more reason to believe that we are living in the last generation, which began with the birth of Israel (May 14, 1948). Israel is currently in its 60th year as a nation. How long is a generation?

WHEN IS THE RAPTURE?

No one can give the day, the hour, or the year of the rapture, but we are given a season (a general time frame). This season runs from 1948 to the Second Coming of Christ (not the rapture which is at least 7 years sooner) or the last generation. In my first article, The Last Generation and the last two articles titled, The Coming One World Religion (Parts 1 and 2), I have listed a sequence of events that have occurred since 1948 as evidence that the rapture is near. These different events, treaties, and current world events that I have listed are the tip of the iceberg. Given the evidence presented, it would be difficult to deny that the rapture may be a lot sooner than we think.

This article was extracted, for the most part, from my recent book titled, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. All facts presented that originated from other sources are footnoted in the book. This book can be ordered from: http://focalpointpublications.com or Amazon.com.

THE LAST GENERATION: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times

2009-02-02T17:39:00.004-06:00

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; even so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” Matthew 24:32-34 (NASB)

According to my interpretation of this passage, this is a reference to Israel becoming a nation. This became a realization on May 14, 1948. The fig tree is a symbol for Israel. The Bible refers to the fig tree some 33 times – 18 times in the Old Testament alone. In context, the fig tree is always a symbol for Israel. Just as the general time of summer has arrived when the fig tree puts forth its leaves, so the restoration of Israel to her land is a sure sign that the general time of Christ’s return has arrived. This is a reference to His second coming, not the rapture that occurs at least seven years earlier.

Not everyone agrees with this interpretation for the last generation. My recent book is titled, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times. The purpose of my book is to present the evidence that backs my thesis that the generation that was born in or since 1948 will be alive when Christ returns the second time, if they are not taken at the rapture. For those who do not believe that the birth of Israel was the start of the last generation, the evidence presented will still support, using other sources, that we are in that last generation.

There is an abundance of evidence that we are living in that last generation apart from how one interprets Matthew 24: 32-34. We know that certain things have to be in place before the second coming. For example, we know there will be a final one-world empire. We will look at the development of this one world empire through the lens of Bible prophecy, its relation to current events, and some of the predictions of scientists, academics, and other leading authorities, who are not Christian and, in some cases, are atheists. The starting point will be the birth of Israel in 1948. This coming One World Empire will consist of three pillars. These Three Pillars include:

1. One World Government [with a dictator who rules over all three pillars]
2. One World Economy
3. One World Religion

ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT AND DICTATOR

(Daniel 2:40-43; 7:19-21; Revelation 13:1-7)

There will be a one-world government ruled by a dictator, sometimes referred to by names such as: the son of perdition, the man of sin, the lawless one, and is most commonly referred to as “Antichrist.” This one-world government will originate from the ancient Roman Empire. According to Daniel 2, the fourth and last empire was the Roman Empire. It was never taken over by another empire, but it literally broke into pieces, and a patchwork of individual kingdoms emerged. The revived Roman Empire will consist of a recombining of these pieces. The revived Roman Empire began developing in 1948, the same year that Israel was reborn.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE

A few of the developments of the revived Roman Empire since 1948 include the following events:

1. Congress of Europe (1948): Following WWII, the Congress of Europe met in 1948. They adapted seven resolutions on political union. The relevance of this is seen in Resolution # 7, which reads, “The creation of a United Europe must be regarded as an essential step towards the creation of a united world.” A one-world government was in the planning stages since 1948.
2. The Brussels Treaty (1948): This treaty added France and Britain to the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) established by the Benelux Treaty (1948). The real significance to this treaty is found in the amended, or modified version in 1954. This will be discussed under “The Establishment of the Western European Union (WEU) (1954).”
3. Official European Symbols: link Biblical imagery and mythology. Consider the following symbols and their significance:

The official European symbol: is a picture of Europa riding on a bull (Zeus). This symbol is taken from pagan mythology. This symbol also can be seen in the Bible. The symbol of a beast and a woman riding on it is described in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 and 17. The beast represents the one-world government and the antichrist. The woman represents the one-world religion.
The European Flag: consists of 12 stars in a circle. This does not represent 12 member states of the European Union (E.U.). There are already more than 12 member states. According to Leon Marshall, a formal Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the stars represent those of the “Woman of the Apocalypse.” This is a reference to Revelation 12 where the woman, according to Roman Catholicism, represents the Virgin Mary.
The European Union Poster: shows a partially built Tower of Babel with a crane in the background rebuilding the Tower. It has 12 eurostars above it. We all know that the first attempted one-world government was the building of the Tower of Babel under Nimrod, a prototype of the antichrist and the one-world government.

4. Establishment of the Western European Union (W.E.U.) (1954): This was the result of an amended 1948 Brussels Treaty. Article 5 modified the original Brussels Treaty of 1948. This modified Brussels Treaty allowed for the establishment of the Western European Union (W.E.U.) and made them responsible for the collective defense of the E.U. The W.E.U. became Europe’s only Security and Defense Assembly. The W.E.U. is a growing military power and a major player on the world stage. It is the enforcement arm of the E.U.

OTHER WORLDWIDE DEVELOPMENTS

1. Establishment of NATO (1949): This was signed on April 4, 1949. The initial provision was to protect Western European Allies and the U.S. against an attack by the U.S.S.R. Many NATO countries, now called “member states,” are also members of the E.U. and the W.E.U. It is of interest to note that all three have their headquarters in Brussels.
2. Club of Rome (1957): is a German based think tank established in 1957. It has a limit of 100 countries. One major country not included is Israel. Purpose: figure out ways to solve humanity’s problems. Many years ago the Club of Rome advocated a “one world order,” dividing the world into 10 economic centers and called them “Mega Territories” and “Kingdoms.” [Remember the 10 toes in Daniel 2:41-43, the 10 horns and 10 kings in Daniel 7:24 and Revelation 17:12?]

Since 1974, we have almost completed 5 of the 10 designations or regions, called “Unions,” on the world map proposed by the Club of Rome. They are:

The European Union (1993)
The African Union (2002)
The Mediterranean Union (July 2008)
The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) [or possibly the South American Union] signed the constitutive agreement on May 27, 2008. These will soon be followed by the
North American Union [Canada, U.S., and Mexico].

This one world government has been in the development stage in this last generation. [Read more about the role the U.S. plays in prophecy in a book authored by Jerome Corsi titled, The Late Great U.S.A.: NAFTA, the North American Union, and the Threat of a Coming Merger with Mexico and Canada.]

ONE WORLD ECONOMY (Revelation 13:15-17)

The second pillar in the One World Empire is the one world economy. It is of interest to note some of the developments that have taken place since 1948. These developments are only a small sampling of the many developments that have occurred during this generation. They include the following:
1. Development of the Transistor (1948): was developed by Bell Labs and AT&T. This opened the door to the modern computer. Once computers became common place, the banking system and financial institutions were linked to one another.
2. Development of a Global Authority: One of the roots of the global economy was the establishment of the General Agreement on Trades and Tariffs (GATT) in 1948. The World Trade Organization (WTO) founded in the 1990s eventually replaced GATT. The WTO serves as an oversight committee of the second pillar, the World Economy.
3. The creation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (1948): This pattern of events that had its origin in 1948 eventually led to the creation of the euro. This has become the common currency of the European Union.
4. The Current World Financial Crises (Not just the U.S.): may be moving us one step closer to a One World Economy. Time will tell.

ONE GLOBAL RELIGION (Revelation 13:15-18)

The coming one-world religion will be characterized by tolerance and diversity. The exception will be Christianity and Judaism. There will be no room for a “one way to God approach.” Even Christians today have trouble believing this. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6 NASB). There is no place in a world religion for this kind of thinking. Followers of Jesus will be martyred (Revelation 17:5-6). The following list of events is very limited as they were in the World Government and the World Economy, but they do give some idea of the direction the world has been moving since 1948. They include the following:
1. The World Council of Churches (WCC): was founded in 1948 in Amsterdam. One of the purposes was to develop a milder, gentler, all-inclusive religion. Tolerance and inclusion are the key words. The WCC and other similar organizations have diluted historic Christianity as described in the New Testament. The WCC takes an “all roads lead to Rome approach.”
2. The United Religious Initiative (URI): was founded in 1995. It is an organization that seeks to become the dominant voice of the United Nations. According to Bishop Swing, an Episcopalian from San Francisco who heads the URI, all religions are guilty of terrorism. His goal: “…To address the ‘problem’ of fundamentalism in our own groups …”
The Gospel, preached or shared, will become illegal in the “United Religious Zone.” The way is being paved for the martyrdom that will occur during the tribulation period (Revelation 6:9-10; 17:6).
3. Common Question Concerning a One-World Religion: “If the coming one-world false religion is characterized by tolerance and diversity (exceptions: Christians and Jews) how will the Muslims be integrated into this system?”
Answer: There needs to be a strong common denominator between Muslims and the One-world religion. This common denominator may very well be Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Koran exalts Mary (not Jesus). The Roman Catholic Church exalts Mary. This along with the numerous alleged apparitions of Mary witnessed by both Muslims and Catholics creates a link between the two religions. Linking these two religions takes in a sizeable portion of the human race.

WHAT DOES THE SECULAR WORLD (SCIENTISTS, ACADEMICS, RESPECTED
AUTHORITIES) SAY CONCERNING THE END TIMES?

The following are some quotes by very credible and respected individuals:

1. Eugene Habiger, former Executive Chief of Strategic Weapons at the Pentagon, said the event of a nuclear mega-terrorism attack on our soil is “… not a matter of if, but when.”
2. Warren Buffett, calculates the odds against cataclysmic events for major insurance companies; he draws the conclusion that an imminent nuclear nightmare within the U.S. is “virtually a certainty.”
3. Paul Williams, a former consultant to the FBI on terrorism, indicates that empirical evidence does exist to substantiate if Al-Qaeda possesses nukes. He also reports that there isn’t just one team of terrorists but at least seven teams [he identifies the seven cities].
4. Dr. Graham Allison, Harvard professor and director of Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, said, “Is nuclear terrorism inevitable? Harvard professors are known for being subtle or ambiguous, but I’ll try to be clear. ‘Is the worst yet to come? My answer: Bet on it. Yes.’ ”

There is also the Doomsday Clock with midnight representing “doomsday” or the destruction of our world. The Doomsday Clock represents the consensus of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Many scientists also believe our world is rapidly approaching the end times. There are many other sources besides the Bible that point to this generation as the last generation. These sources include prophetic beliefs of Islam, the Mayans, scientists, and others. The common denominator is the belief that the end times are near. The various interpretations as to what that means are very different. This is where biblical prophecy is unique and provides a standard to understand the differing views.

Biblical prophecy is interesting. It is not meant to produce fear but to offer hope to all who put their trust in Jesus Christ. It is not enough to have head knowledge concerning prophecy. Knowing what the future holds should offer motivation to believers to share the gospel with an unbelieving world. Biblical prophecy can serve as an excellent tool to reach the lost. People yearn to know what the future holds. This is easily seen by the wide use of horoscopes, psychics, channelers, and the reliance on grocery store tabloids. These tabloids claim to predict the future by turning to people such as Nostradamus. This is sad, especially when the truth about the future is unfolded in the Bible.

[This article was extracted from the recently released book, The Last Generation: Prophecy, Current World Events, and the End Times by Jim Simmons. All of the material that originated from other sources is footnoted in the book. Ordering information can be found at: http://www.focalpointpublications.com.]