Fall of America

Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. (NIV)

Time and time again, we see the pattern of the Children of Israel throughout the books of the Bible where they would turn away from God, thus suffering the judgment of God because of their disobedience. They would turn to idolatry and follow the wicked ways of their heathen neighbors only to be rebuked by God repeatedly. God would send prophet after prophet to tell them to turn from their wicked ways and repent from their transgressions against God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (NIV)

God never wanted to punish His children. He always wanted what was best for them. Despite His love and faithfulness after getting them out of captivity from Egypt, they always fell back into worshipping Baal and other idols. What more could God do to show them the error of their unfaithfulness to Him other than to allow them to fall to ruin by other nations such as the Philistines, Babylonians, and Romans. If only they had a heart for God, the captivity and enslavement that they suffered as a nation could have been avoided and God would have shown Himself faithful to them each time the threat of trouble befell them.

Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. (NIV)

Time and time again, we see the pattern of the Children of Israel throughout the books of the Bible where they would turn away from God, thus suffering the judgment of God because of their disobedience. They would turn to idolatry and follow the wicked ways of their heathen neighbors only to be rebuked by God repeatedly. God would send prophet after prophet to tell them to turn from their wicked ways and repent from their transgressions against God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (NIV)

God never wanted to punish His children. He always wanted what was best for them. Despite His love and faithfulness after getting them out of captivity from Egypt, they always fell back into worshiping Baal and other idols. What more could God do to show them the error of their unfaithfulness to Him other than to allow them to fall to ruin by other nations such as the Philistines, Babylonians, and Romans. If only they had a heart for God, the captivity and enslavement that they suffered as a nation could have been avoided and God would have shown Himself faithful to them each time the threat of trouble befell them.

The same issues are facing the United States today. What used to be and arguably still is the greatest nation in the world is taking a nose dive. Many don’t see it because they are too blind to see what is facing this nation, but the United States is not looked upon by many nations as a force to be reckoned with any longer. The United States threaten other countries with sanctions for various things and the other countries look at us and laugh. There is not the great sense of leadership as it once was. The respect seems to declining with haste and soon. Other countries are looking for other currency and soon, according to many economist, the US dollar will crash. How long does the United States think that they can keep writing blank checks for money they don’t really have?

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. (NIV) The United States with its Trillion Dollar debt in a slave to its borrowers…China. It’s amazing to see muscles try to be flexed with China when our nation is in so much debt with them. Can we really afford to flex anything?

            Why is the nation in such trouble right now? It is because we have a become a godless nation. It is because CHRISTIANS have sat back and allowed the nation to become that way. We have voted ungodly politicians into our government and have not stood for what is right. Instead of pastors standing  up for what is right and telling their congregation to do the same, they are more concerned about losing their 501c. There used to be a time when the church was the front leaders when it came to the injustices and ungodly things in the world in order to direct people back to Christ. Now, everyone is worried about their tax status being taken away.  And you wonder why is God missing out of our nation? Maybe it’s because God is missing out of many of our churches?

            How is it that the government can pass laws that forces people to go against their religious beliefs by imposing things such as the acceptance homosexual marriage onto Christian business owners, but we remain quiet. A Gallup poll says that 77% of Americans identify themselves as being Christians. Really? If this is the case, why is there so much godlessness in this society? 

2 Timothy 3:5 …having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (NIV)

            Why did this nation pass laws that allow the sale of weed in stores without great opposition of Christians across the country? Psalm 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? (NIV) Weed, other than for a medicinal purpose is an evil that is not of God. This country has enough dealing with alcohol and driving, so why add something that can affect the brain? We will deal more on this topic later this week, but could this have been prevented if more Christians had taken a stand against such legislation? Are we literally allowing our country to go down the tubes because of our fear to take a stand?

            Is it more comfortable to stand behind the pulpit and preach partial truths than to stand up for what’s right and encourage others to do the same? All over television, there is sex, murder, drugs, nudity and other depictions of evil, but how many of us are trying to be a light into the world to let the nation know that our country will be judged if we do not turn our faces to Jesus? Many of us are sitting back and just watching quietly as one godless act after another takes place in our country. However, when are we going to make a stand and pray for deliverance? When are we going to be less worried about the prosperity and more about repentance and Salvation? When are we going to stand up when leaders are putting laws into place to move God totally out of this country? When will we make a stand? I’m afraid that if we don’t, America is going to fall and do so quickly. When this happens, I don’t care what church you go to or what religion and building you are in…it won’t matter.

            There will come a day when the saints of God won’t be able to go to our fancy churches, but will have to have small gatherings, in people’s homes. We will not be able to have books and Bibles, but the word will have to be in our hearts.  We will not be able to celebrate our religious freedom because that will be taken away. Why? We didn’t take the stand when we should have and therefore, we will have to suffer through trials and persecution under the same government that we were part of, but didn’t stand for.

            

Christianity and Islam...Let us WITNESS to our brothers and sisters.

 

Revelation 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plaques described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy city, which are described in this scroll. (NIV)

The information and comparison given below is not to bash any religion or group of people. This is not a hate word. We are to love ALL of our brothers and sisters. This blog is to spread light on the true nature of God and to win souls through the acceptance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the Son of the Living God and died for our sins.

Christianity and Islam are two of the most dominant religions in the world. Both share the belief in one God who is the Supreme Being and Creator of all things. Let’s do a comparison and see in what ways they are both alike and different.

1.)  Christianity was founded around 30 A.D.

 

Islam was founded around 622 CE (Common Era)

 

2.)  Founder of Christianity was Jesus.

 

Founder of Islam was Mohammad.

 

3.)  Christianity’s sacred text used is the Bible.

 

Islam’s sacred text used is the Qur’an.

 

4.)   Inspiration of sacred text is believed to be inspired by God given to man.

 

Inspiration of sacred text is believed to be given through the angel Gabriel to Mohammad.

 

5.)  Christianity believes in the trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one).

 

Islam believes in just one God.

 

6.)  Christianity believes in angels and demons.

 

Islam believes in angels, demons and the jinn (Islamic mythology of beings lower than the angels able to appear as human or animal).

 

7.)  Christianity believes in Jesus as the Son of God who is the Savior of the world.

 

Islam believes that Jesus was a prophet and his message has been corrupted by humans.

 

8.)  Christianity believes that Jesus was born of a virgin and was crucified.

 

Islam believes that Jesus was born of a virgin, but did not die. He went back to heaven and a disciple died in his place.

 

9.)  Christianity believes that Jesus was resurrected and will come back again.

 

Islam denies his death ever took place, but believes he will come back again.

     10.)Christians believe that by faith in Jesus is the way that salvation is obtained.

 

            Islam believes that correct beliefs, good deeds, and the 5 Pillars earns them  

            salvation. The 5 Pillars are:

 

A.)  Faith (Belief in God and Mohammad as his messenger.)

B.)  Prayer (Salat is the name for mandatory prayers which are prayed 5x daily.)

C.)  The Zakat (Principle that all wealth belongs to God and we are just the keepers of it.)

D.) The Fast (During the month of Rumadan, Muslims fast from morning till evening. The do not eat, drink, or have sexual relations during this time.)

E.)   The Pilgrimage (The Makkah, Hajj is obligatory if they are physically  and financially able to make this trip.)

 

     11.)Christians believe in Heaven as the afterlife.

            Islam believes in Paradise as the afterlife.

     12.) Christians believe in hell.

             Islam believes in hell.

            These are just some comparisons between the two religions that are both alike and different. However, it is important for us to witness to our Islamic brothers and sisters about the true and risen Savior. Jesus was not just a prophet. Jesus is the son of God. John 14:6-7 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. (NIV) The Bible lets us know that there is no way to get to God unless we accept His son. This is not an option, but a must for us to receive the salvation of God. Our Islamic brothers and sisters’ belief system in Jesus is mistakenly wrong.

            Jesus was the only one who was able to die for our sins. No one hung on the cross to replace him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (NIV) God gave His Son to die for our sins for without this, we would have been condemned to a devil’s hell. Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is not forgiveness. (NIV) Just think, without Jesus becoming the sacrificial lamb, there would have no way for us to be forgiven of our sins. The sacrifices in the Old Testament were only temporary until the real Sacrificial Lamb came.

            Islamist believe in the Mahdi (redeemer of Islam) who will be “assisted” by Jesus at His return as the redeemer to rid the world of the false prophet and the antichrist. However, the Bible does not concur with this belief.

1Thessalonians 4:16-19 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV) Jesus will not be assisting anyone. Jesus will be the One coming in great glory to take His people back with Him.

            We must be a witness to those who do not accept Christ as their risen Lord and Savior. Mohammad is dead! He could not save anyone from their sins, nor could salvation be obtained through good works and deeds. However, it is by the free gift of God that it has been made possible to obtain Salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV) This lets us know that there is absolutely no way that we can earn Salvation. It is a free gift and therefore, nothing that we do can obtain it. If it were possible to do good deeds to earn Salvation, Jesus never would have had to go to the cross. However, because we couldn’t pay for the debt that was owed, Jesus paid the price for us. He cancelled our debt.

            Let’s be a witness to our brothers and sisters who have not accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior. God does not wish for ANY to be lost. Therefore, it is our job as Christians to spread the gospel in order to keep as many souls out of hell as possible. This is a command from the Lord. Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) Let us do what Jesus commanded for us and that is to make disciples of men.

Do Black Women Need to Explore More Dating Options?

Numbers 12:1 and Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. (KJV)

Numbers 12:9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold she was leprous. (KJV)

This coming Tuesday, I will be a guest on the radio show, “No He Didn’t” with host, Lovely Lasha. The topic will be dealing with the plight of Black Women when it comes to dating and if interacial dating is okay. As you know, I recently did this subject and some of the responses were interesting. Some people were for it and some were absolutely against. Let’s check out some of the responses that I received and for the sake of privacy, I have changed the names.

A FEW RESPONSES

Kelly—St. Louis, Mo says, “I don’t see anything wrong with interacial dating. God created us all as equals and therefore, no race is superior to another. Love doesn’t have a color and therefore, wherever you can find love…go for it. People spend too much time hating and not loving one another. Why should someone pass up love just because the person is from another race? I think that’s crazy. Even though I am not in an interacial relationship as a black woman, I definitely don’t see anything wrong with it.

Tracy—Detroit, Michigan says, “I definitely wouldn’t date a white man. There is too much history for us to even go there. Our ancesters suffered at the hands of white racist men and I don’t think people should date whites. I’m not racist, but because they treated our ancestors in such a poor manner, I don’t think that we should cross over.

Frank—Baltimore, Maryland says, “A lot of the “sisters” have attitudes. That is why a lot of sisters are still single. They carry with them all this baggage about what the last man did to them or they want to be Ms. Independent and then complain when they don’t have a man. Now, I am not saying that all sisters are like this, but a lot of them are. I feel that you should date whomever you want to. Yea, I am dating a white woman and I have a child with her. She treats me good and that’s what matters.”

Darious—Phoenix, Arizona says, “I like to date my sisters as well as other races too. I just date whomever fits me. Personally, I don’t have a problem with it. However, I know that some do and to each its own.”

Mia—California says, “I am not dating another race. I want to have a black man and I know that there is one out there for me. I just don’t think that I could do it and I wouldn’t feel comfortable dating outside of my race. I think it causes too many problems. They don’t understand us like we do and never will. I know people say that love has no color, but I still would prefer to be with my own race and with someone that can relate to me culturally.

Overall, most people didn’t have a problem with it. However, a few did. As I mentioned before, I definitely don’t see a problem with dating someone of a different race. I think that black women need to be more open to that possiblity. I hear of so women who are depressed because they don’t have anyone. They find themselves lonely and as the years go by, they sink deeper into a depressed state still waiting on “Mr. Black Right” if there is such. However, what about just being with Mr. Right. I mean, does it have to be a certain race that you are holding out for? Isn’t it more important to allow God to just send you the right person even if that person is from another race?

Now, most black women try to hold out for the brothers, but a lot of the “brothers” aren’t holding out for black sisters. After all, between the ones who are gay, inprisoned, gigalos, still staying at home with the momma at 40 years old, 5 baby mommas with 9 kids, and thugs…the selection pool looks scarce. On top of that, we are the minority of the minority when you look at the black males who are already dating outside of their race. Again, where does that leave black women…as I said before, with OPTIONS.

Some people feel that people should not intermarry with other races. However, God made us one in Him and therefore, He loves us all the same. Of course, this may not go without some obstacles because of the mindsets of some people  who want to hold on to racist ideologies such as the Klu Klux Klan (KKK). However, the United States Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional in 1967 for there to be laws against interracial marriage. Therefore, we in the United States are free to marry whomever we choose. Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (NIV)

"No He Didn't" Radio Show with Host Lovely Lasha on mixlr.com/mytalknation/showreel is having me as a guest Next Tuesday. Topic...Black Women and Interracial Dating. This is sure to be a subject to have the lines buzzing. Tune in next week at 9pm CST.

The Spirit of the anti-Christ in America

1 John 2:22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. (NIV)

1 John 4:2-3 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

Revelation 19:20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 

The spirit of the anti-Christ is here. Notice that I said the “spirit”. No, I didn’t mention a name of a particular person, but there is a spirit of anti-God lurking around America. As for the false prophet, there are plenty of them to go around. Now in the last days, when the anti-Christ comes onto the scene, he will work beside the false prophet to accomplish the devil’s agenda according to the book of Revelation. Therefore, if the two are already here, they may not have been displayed to the world yet. However, the spirit of both is currently on the scene.

Matthew 7:15-16 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them…” (NIV)

The Bible clearly warns us to be on the lookout for such deception. Many will be fooled because the anti-Christ will not appear to be evil nor will the false prophet. Many will follow them as sheep being led to the slaughter. However, beware because the day is coming where a choice either for God or the devil will have to be made. 

            Actually, that choice is having to be made right now for many. What choice you may ask? Okay…I am going to just put it out there. Many may not agree, but I am going to say it anyway. Our government has allowed for God to be taken out of every aspect of its society for the sake of accommodation to the ungodly. Where children used to be able to pray in school, June 25, 1962, the Supreme Court deemed it unconstitutional for there to be prayer in schools, due to a lawsuit brought on in New York by Steven Engel and other parents. However, God had something different in mind. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

            January 22, 1973, the United States legalized an ungodly act by allowing abortion to be legalized within the United States. Since then there has been a record number of over 55 million abortions that have taken place within the United States. So in other words, there have been 55 million children who have legally died by the hands of physicians within the United  States. Now some may say that life doesn’t begin until the baby is born. Well, God’s word disagrees with that statement. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”  (NIV) God is clearly saying that HE formed us in our mothers’ wombs. Therefore, life begins at conception and not after the actual birth. Psalms 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV) According to God’s word, murder of any kind is wrong. This includes abortion because it is taking the life of an innocent child.

            Let’s dig into the United States’ Government and see what legislation has been passed that is anti-God.

·       February 2009 – Obama announces plans to revoke conscience protection for health workers who refuse to participate in medical activities that go against their beliefs, and fully implements the plan in February 2011. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (NIV)

·       April 2009 – Obama nominated three pro-abortion ambassadors to the Vatican; of course, the pro-life Vatican rejected all three. Exodus 30:13 “You shall not murder.” (NIV)

·         April 2009 – When speaking at Georgetown University, Obama orders that a monogram symbolizing Jesus' name be covered when he is making his speech. Luke 9:26 “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (NIV)

·         May 2009 – Obama declines to host services for the National Prayer Day (a day established by federal law) at the White House. Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (NIV)

·        April 2010 – Christian leader Franklin Graham is dis-invited from the Pentagon’s National Day of Prayer Event because of complaints from the Muslim community.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (NIV)

·       April 2010 – The Obama administration requires rewriting of government documents and a change in administration vocabulary to remove terms that are deemed offensive to Muslims, including jihad, jihadists, terrorists, radical Islamic, etc.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. (NIV)

·        August 2010 – Obama went to great lengths to speak out on multiple occasions on behalf of building an Islamic mosque at Ground Zero, while at the same time he was silent about a Christian church being denied permission to rebuild at that location.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3 Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places. (NIV)

·       January 2011 – After a federal law was passed to transfer a WWI Memorial in the Mojave Desert to private ownership, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that the cross in the memorial could continue to stand, but the Obama administration refused to allow the land to be transferred as required by law, and refused to allow the cross to be re-erected as ordered by the Court. Isaiah 53:3 he was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (NIV)

·      August 2011 – The Obama administration releases its new health care rules that override religious conscience protections for medical workers in the areas of abortion and contraception. Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (NIV)

·     November 2011 – President Obama opposes inclusion of President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous D-Day Prayer in the WWII Memorial. Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right ot them, but the wise listen to advice. (NIV)

·    February 2012 – The Obama administration forgives student loans in exchange for public service, but announces it will no longer forgive student loans if the public service is related to religion. Deuteronomy 15:1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed (NIV)

· January 2013 – Pastor Louie Giglio is pressured to remove himself from praying at the inauguration after it is discovered he once preached a sermon supporting the Biblical definition of marriage. Leviticus 18:22 “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable. (NIV)

· February 2013 – The Obama Administration announces that the rights of religious conscience for individuals will not be protected under the Affordable Care Act.

Acts 4:19 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you or to Him? You be the judges!” (NIV)

·         June 2013--The Department of Justice defunds youth Marine program due to God being mentioned in the oath and because it permits voluntary prayer. 2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (NIV)

America and its government will have to answer to God concerning the decisions that have been made against His laws. Just as every government that went against God fell including Israel, that day is speedily approaching. God will render His judgment on America and all heathen nations that try to cast Him out. We must pray that prior to that day coming, people will turn their hearts and lives back to God. Jesus is coming back. Judgment is coming. The anti-Christ spirit that it in this country will become worse before it gets better. Christians must take a stand regardless of what the government say either for God or for the devil. No one will be able to straddle the fence. There wasn’t enough time to go into the discussion of the False Prophet, so this will be continued in the weeks to come.

What is the Mark of the Beast?

Revelation 13:16-18 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive the mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.

             666 is possibly one of the most famous combinations of numbers that most people know. There have been numerous movies in Hollywood, books, and other materials that give light, or at least a certain perspective to this set of numbers. Most people understand it as being something dealing with evil, but do they actually understand what this mark is? Many denominations have various theologies as to what the scripture in Revelation means in regards to who receives the mark and how it will be implemented into law as a must have. Some believe that it involves the beginning of an apocalyptic event. Others believe that it involves the outlaw of a particular day of worship, while some believe that it has something to do with a microchip being implanted into humans. What is it? Why do some fear it and others brush it off as pure nonsense?  Due to this being a blog, much of the material will be abbreviated. However, I encourage you to do your own research and seek God’s counsel for understanding and wisdom.

            John the Revelator was given the extended name by many because Jesus showed him horrifying events that would take place prior to the end of the world. This was not to make people fear, but it was given to him so that he could inform God’s people of the things that would befall the earth prior to Jesus’ second coming. Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (NIV) God said that we are “blessed” when we read this prophecy and not only read it, but take to heart what is written. How do we take it to heart? I believe that this means to apply what is written for the purposes of understanding and preparation. God didn’t want us to read this book as some type of science fiction novel. He gave this to John to warn us of what’s to come, so that we may be ready. Unfortunately, so many are not ready and are not prepared because there’s the mistaking belief that we will be raptured PRIOR to last day events taking place. Where is that found in the Bible? People are dying every day in other countries for their beliefs, so why is it that some are being persecuted and others will be conveniently raptured? This makes me go…hmmm. The popular scripture to support this is Mathew 24:40-41 Two men will be left in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. (NIV)

            However, does this scripture mean that people will suddenly disappear all over the world and others will be left wondering where everyone went? Maybe this could mean that when Jesus comes back, those that are unsaved will be left while the saved is taken away. The theology of the modern interpretation of the rapture can easily be put to rest if you read:

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. This means that there will be people who are saved on the earth when Christ returns. Therefore, the rapture will indeed take place, but it will be upon the second return or Christ and not prior or during the tribulation. I believe that this pre and mid tribulation doctrine is often taught to avoid teaching the saints that they will indeed go through tribulation. Matthew 24:9-11 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” (NIV)

            In Jesus’ own words he says that we will suffer persecution and be killed because of our faith in him. So one may ask if this was just referring to the disciples and what they were going to go through. NO! Matthew 24:3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us, “ they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (NIV) This scripture lets you know that Jesus was not speaking of the persecution that the disciples would endure. However, He was speaking prophetically for the time that will be widespread across the world prior to his second coming.

What is the Mark of the Beast?

The Greek word for “mark” is charagma. It was the term used for the Roman Imperial stamp used on legal documents. It also served as a type of brand that the Romans used for their slaves much as ranchers use on their cattle. Now, this is not to say that the mark will be a tattoo of some sort or an ID card. It will be used to determine who serves the One and only True God or those whom have chosen to serve the beast and its image. For every perfect plan of God, the devil has a counterfeit. Revelation 7:3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Then I heard the number of those who were sealed; 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. (NIV) God is going to seal the 144,000 on their foreheads, but the devil will also require those pledging allegiance to him to have a mark as well.

 What is the penalty for those who do not take this mark? Revelation 13:16-18 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. (NIV) There will be a legal mandate that unless you have this “mark” you will not be able to be an active member of society. Imagine not being able to purchase food, buy gas, and/or rent an apartment unless you have taken this mark. This is going to be hard times for many who choose to follow God and not succumb to the pressures of the enemy. So what could possibly be the Mark of the Beast? Let’s discuss a few theories that some Christians are convinced could be it.

Is it the RFID Chip?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a device that is the size of a grain of rice, which uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields as tracking and identification tags. This device can be used to store personal information with regards to banking, medical, and other personal information. Now, some fear that this is enrolled underhandedly into Obamacare, as a way to eventually get people everywhere to become implanted with this device. However, I cannot say for certain, but the thought of having something implanted in me as a way to buy, sell, and receive medical care sounds too close to the Biblical description of the mark. Should this become mandatory, many Christians will refuse it, which may be the onset of troublesome things to come.

Could it be a Mandatory Day of Worship?

There are certain religions who believe that towards the end time, there will be a mandatory day of worship for people across the world. They believe that all people who go against this mandatory day of worship will be subject to persecution. What is this day? It is Saturday, the Biblical Sabbath Day. They believe that due to the Catholic Church changing the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, this will bring about the onset of religious persecution. To worship on Sunday, in their belief system, is to be in league with the devil and therefore, any person who does so will receive the mark of the beast. They believe that they will have to flee in fear for their lives during this time and will not be able to buy or sell unless they go against their religious beliefs.

Is it One World Religion?

Some denominations feel that it could be the mandatory “One World Religion” that could be the mark of the beast. Due to the increasing empathy for the Islamic religion worldwide, many fear that the mark of the beast will be attributed to this. Those who fail to become Islamist will suffer persecution and death according their beliefs. This One World Religion is also believed to be tied into the onset of a universal monetary system as well as One World Government or otherwise named New World Order.

So what is the actual Mark of the Beast?

I believe that when the time comes for it to appear, everyone will know. Rather it is a chip, day of worship, or mandatory one world religion, if it follows what the Bible says of not allowing you to buy, sell or trade, then you will definitely have your answer. I personally believe that it will be when they mandate for everyone to receive a chip in their right hand or on their forehead. However, time will tell and when this takes effect, everyone will have to make a choice either to be on the side of God or for the devil. There will be no in between. The Bible say that it will be a time like none has ever seen before. I truly believe that we are getting close to that time. How about you? Tomorrow, we will the anti-Christ and the false prophet. Who are they and how will we know?