{"title":"Prophecy","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"love-s-last-call","title":"Love's Last Call","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLove’s Last Call\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eLove is the most frequently used word in pop music, followed by baby, which has nothing to do with infancy. The third most used word is yeah, as in, “Baby, I love you, oh yeah, yeah, yeah.” No, there isn’t a lot of depth to this popular picture of love. But the fact is, we humans are obsessed with love—or at least with the idea of love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eSo is God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eBut His love is the real thing. When the Bible says, “God is love” (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e1 John 4:16\u003c\/span\u003e), it means that God always acts fairly and unselfishly. He does what’s right and best for those He created.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe last book of the Bible, called The Revelation, highlights God’s special message of love. It’s a message for those living during the last time period of history. The opening chapter tells us the book is a revelation of “Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eRevelation 1:5\u003c\/span\u003e). God’s love led Him to send His Son to shed “His own blood” for us. When we discover the true meaning of His love and respond to it, we are “washed…from our sins.” We’re transformed and set free for a life of real joy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe book of Revelation describes the momentous last days of earth’s history. We find that God’s love motivated Him to communicate three special messages during these last days. These messages are proclaimed by three angels flying over the earth. These angels are symbols of God’s last call, and they appear in Revelation 14:6-12.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p5\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Messages of the Three Angels\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe first angel proclaims “the everlasting gospel.” The word “gospel” means good news, as opposed to good advice. News, unlike advice, is an announcement of past events. The gospel is the good news of what Jesus has already done for us (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e1 Corinthians 15:1-4\u003c\/span\u003e). He lived a pure life of self-sacrificing love. He suffered intensely because of our sins, and then he died a perfect death on our behalf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eYet even death couldn’t stop His love, or hold Jesus in its clammy grip. He rose from the dead! This is the supreme proof of His victorious love. Anyone who sincerely chooses to believe in Jesus is assured of eternal life. The “everlasting good news” of what Jesus Christ has already finished will bring glory to God forever. We didn’t earn it, and we don’t deserve it, but He did it anyway! That’s good news!\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eResting on this foundation, the first angel’s message continues. “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eRevelation 14:7\u003c\/span\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eIn the Bible, the word “fear” can mean terror, deep respect, or awe. Sometimes, “The fear of the LORD” simply means “to hate evil” (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eProverbs 8:13\u003c\/span\u003e). In the first angel’s message, it means to be deeply in awe of our maker, who is the just judge of all the earth. It also means to become haters of sin. And, as we behold our innocent Savior painfully dying on a cruel cross, it means to be amazed at God’s infinite love and sacrifice on our behalf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe first angel’s message urges us to “give glory to Him.” In the Bible, glory is equivalent to God’s character or goodness (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eExodus 33:18-23; 34:5-8\u003c\/span\u003e). To give God glory is to magnify His good character. It means to make Him attractive by drawing others’ attention to His love, unselfishness, faithfulness, and truthfulness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe first angel says we should give God glory because “the hour of His judgment has come.” This means we are living in a judgment period of history. We are being examined by a holy God whose character is both loving and righteous. The Ten Commandments are God’s standard in the judgment (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eEcclesiastes 12:13,14; James 2:10-12\u003c\/span\u003e). This law teaches us to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eMatthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:10\u003c\/span\u003e). Jesus Christ’s humble, pure, merciful, and unselfish life reflects this law of love perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe first angel’s final instruction is to “worship Him who made” all things. This creation reference draws attention to the fourth commandment about the seventh-day Sabbath (compare with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eExodus 20:8-11\u003c\/span\u003e). In an age where millions are taught that humans evolved from monkeys, God wants us to remember that He is the source of our existence. He made us. He is God. We are not. Thus, we owe Him our love and loyalty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe second angel starts by announcing “Babylon is fallen.” The word “Babylon” signifies confusion (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eGenesis 11\u003c\/span\u003e). It represents church organizations that teach confusing errors contrary to Scripture. Sometimes error is even promoted in the name of God’s love and ‘salvation by grace’! But instead of teaching true love, it teaches a watered-down version of love that is permissive of sin. Our response to the cross should be true love – which motivates us to keep God’s law of love, not break it (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eJohn 14:15; 1 John 2:4; 3:4\u003c\/span\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe third angel’s message is an urgent warning. A just judgment is coming on those who continue to break God’s Ten Commandments—His law of love. Yes, sometimes love has to be tough. Love shakes a person awake to get them out of a burning building. Love shouts at a child to warn her away from a man luring her into a car. The third angel’s message also warns about religious systems called “the beast” and its “image.” These systems, pretending to offer a global solution during a chaotic, global crisis, will enforce rest on Sunday as their “mark” of loyalty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBut forcing people to obey is contrary to God’s character. After all, “God is love”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e(\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e1 John 4:16\u003c\/span\u003e). Only love can inspire true obedience, not force. In addition, the Bible clearly says that “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord” (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eExodus 20:10\u003c\/span\u003e). Sunday, “the first day of the week,” is not! Looking deeper, the Sabbath reveals that Jesus Christ is God. Jesus Himself said He is the “Lord of the Sabbath” (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eMatthew 12:8\u003c\/span\u003e). The Sabbath reminds us that our maker established the Sabbath at Creation (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eGenesis 2:1-3\u003c\/span\u003e). This same Creator paid the supreme price for our waywardness, crying out “It is finished!” on the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThose who truly appreciate Jesus’ love choose to serve Him loyally and completely. In the conclusion of the third angel’s message, they are described as those who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eRevelation 14:12\u003c\/span\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBelieve it or not, the three angels’ messages reveal true love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p5\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChoosing Because of Love\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA teenage boy was raised in a good home. But, straying from his roots, he committed a crime and was thrown into prison for three years. On the day he was released, he decided to visit his mother. He remembered her as being in her forties, with dark hair. But when he knocked, a woman with grey hair and deep wrinkles answered. Gazing on her face, the truth struck him like lightning. “Oh mother!” he cried bitterly, “What have I done to you?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt was a deep conviction of how his sins made his mother suffer that finally brought that young man to repentance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePrison didn’t do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLove did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhat will you do with the love of Jesus Christ? He even endured separation from His Father on the cross because of our sins. Will you respond to that love? Will you answer Love’s Last Call?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe time to choose has arrived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eChoose Jesus Christ today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCover Graphic: “3 Angels” by Nathan Greene, © 1999, 2018 All Rights Reserved, Used by Permission.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42249920774327,"sku":"LLC","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/LovesLastCallCMYK.jpg?v=1706714600"},{"product_id":"america-in-prophecy","title":"America in Prophecy","description":"\u003cp\u003eIt’s no secret that the United States of America, “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” is in the middle of a catastrophic crisis. Its troubles are not unique. Nations worldwide are struggling with moral, social, environmental, and economic woes. “Make America Great Again!” has become a popular slogan expressing the hopes of millions. What does the future hold for the mightiest nation on earth? Believe it or not, that future has been foretold in advance in the God-inspired pages of the Holy Bible. The Book of Revelation predicts: “Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you believe the Bible or not, allow me to build a reasonable case that this mysterious prediction applies to America and its future. First, what is a “beast” in Bible prophecy? We don’t need to guess, prognosticate, or speculate. The answer is clear in God’s book. In its prophecies, the term \u003cem\u003ebeast\u003c\/em\u003e is a symbol for a\u003cem\u003e mighty nation.\u003c\/em\u003e The proof is in Daniel 7, a chapter that parallels Revelation 13. Both Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 refer to beasts, ten horns, a boastful mouth speaking pompous words, and intense warfare against God's people (compare Daniel 7:3-8, 21 with Revelation 13:1-7). Specifically, Daniel 7 describes four great beasts: a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a dragon-like creature. Embedded in the same chapter, an angelic interpreter confirmed: “The fourth beast shall be \u003cem\u003ethe fourth kingdom on earth\u003c\/em\u003e” (Daniel 7:23).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, we can nail this down: According to Daniel 7—which parallels Revelation 13—a beast in Bible prophecy isn't a computer or super-evil person, \u003cem\u003ebut a mighty kingdom or nation.\u003c\/em\u003e That's what the angel said. Historically, 98% of reputable Christian Bible commentaries have interpreted Daniel's four beasts to represent the ancient nations of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. This is a fact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOut of the Earth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut there’s more. Revelation 13:11 continues: “I saw another beast coming up out of the earth.” Thus, John saw a great nation rising into power. From where? \u003cem\u003e\"Out of the earth,\"\u003c\/em\u003e the prophet predicted. By way of contrast, all four of the beasts in Daniel 7 “came up from the sea” (Daniel 7:3). What does “water” represent? Again, prophecy pinpoints a clear answer: multitudes of people. We know this because in a parallel prophecy another angel confirmed: “The \u003cem\u003ewaters\u003c\/em\u003e which you saw, where the harlot sits, \u003cem\u003eare peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues”\u003c\/em\u003e (Revelation 17:15, italics added).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrue to the facts of history, ancient Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome all arose from the midst of a sea of peoples in Europe and the Middle East. Not so with the beast in Revelation 13:11. It comes from the earth. Thus, Revelation 13:11 points to a great nation rising out of a sparsely inhabited area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLike a Lamb\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb.” (Revelation 13:11). Each word is significant. The true Lamb of God is Jesus Christ who offered His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world (see John 1:29; 3:16). “Like a lamb” indicates that this nation would have lamblike or Christian features. A lamb is a young animal, a baby sheep. This nation would at one time be youthful and new. Significantly, its “two horns” have no crowns like the first beast described in Revelation 13:2. Crowns represent kingly power. So, in Revelation 13:11 we see a new nation, with gentle, lamblike, Christian features, rising out of a sparsely inhabited area. It is led by a crown-less government, not ruled by kings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAre the pieces coming together yet?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuperpower\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's the shocker: Revelation 13 also reveals that this mysterious beast with two horns like a lamb would achieve superpower status near the end of time. Then it would degenerate and, during earth’s closing moments, lead out in the global enforcement of the mark of the beast. God's Word reports: “He [the lamblike beast] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark” (Revelation 13:16,17).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese ominous verses parallel the last part of Revelation 13:11 which describes the final, tragic act of the lamblike beast: he “spoke like a dragon.” Let’s examine it closely. The beast “causes” all to have a mark—it compels or resorts to force. “All” emphasizes its global influence. Finally, the beast’s control of buying and selling clearly indicates that the world’s economy is involved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePutting the Pieces Together\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet's put all the pieces together:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRevelation 13:11 pinpoints the rising of a great beast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn prophecy, a beast represents a great nation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation rises out of the earth, or wilderness area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation starts out young, like a baby lamb.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation has lamblike, Christian characteristics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation has horns with no crowns—it has no kings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation achieves superpower status near the close of time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation influences the world's economy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation finally speaks like a dragon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis nation finally enforces the mark of the beast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe honest: How many nations on Planet Earth today fit \u003cem\u003eall ten\u003c\/em\u003e of these clear, unquestionable, Heaven-inspired details?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOnly one.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe United States of America.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“God bless America, land that I love!” Americans sing every fourth of July. It's true. God \u003cem\u003ehas\u003c\/em\u003e blessed America, in spite of its problems and failures. Yet the prophecy of Revelation 13 plainly predicts that major changes will overtake this beloved country. Sadly, the last movements won't be pretty. In the past, this mighty nation has stood tall for representative government, democracy, and freedom. But shortly before the return of Jesus Christ in the clouds with power and great glory (see Matthew 24:30, 31), it will sacrifice its mild, lamblike, Christian principles, “speak as a dragon,” descend to force and tyranny, and legislate the deadly mark of the beast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCan't you see it coming? \u003c\/em\u003eIf your eyes are only half-open to the signs of the times, you should be able to discern that Revelation's predicted from-freedom-to-force trend is \u003cem\u003ein full swing right now.\u003c\/em\u003e Liberty is in jeopardy. God-given rights are vanishing. The dragon is snarling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe mark of the beast is coming.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHope, Peace, Strength\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMay God help us to understand His “sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19), to prepare for the overwhelming surprise soon to break upon Planet Earth, and to get ready for “the great day of the Lord” that “is near and hastens quickly” (Zephaniah 1:14). Above all, may we each find love, mercy, hope, peace, and strength through developing a strong relationship with the true Lamb of God. Jesus Christ alone can forgive our sins and give us the gift of eternal life (see Romans 6:23).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s reject the dragon's voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo discover more eye-opening information about this prophecy, earth’s closing events, the mark of the beast, and God’s infinite love, \u003c\/strong\u003erequest your free copy of the bestselling book, \u003cem\u003eThe Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan, \u003c\/em\u003ewhich explains these subjects more fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003c\/h6\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42250462068919,"sku":"AIP","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/AmericainProphecyc1.jpg?v=1706719940"},{"product_id":"an-intelligent-faith","title":"An Intelligent Faith","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn Intelligent Faith\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoel and Mark were two friends with very different beliefs. Joel believed in God as the all-powerful king who created everything in the world. Mark, a devout atheist, scoffed at religion. He believed that the whole world—including himself—began by accident, a biological mischance. “How do you know that God exists and the Bible isn’t just a book of fairy tales?” Mark challenged. “God exists because the Bible says He does, and you can trust the Bible because it’s God’s Word,” Joel replied. Mark then chuckled at this logic and said, “That’s like saying, ‘I am a good worker because Frank says so. How can we trust Frank? Simple: I will vouch for him.’” \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe faulty, circular logic exhibited by Joel will not convince anyone of God’s existence or the Bible’s trustworthiness. But many today have no better reasoning for their belief in the Bible. Does credible evidence exist in favor of the Bible’s validity? Do intelligence and reasoning go out the window when people become Christians?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne way to test the validity of the Bible is to examine its prophecies. God claims that He, through the Bible, can tell the future (Isaiah 46:9, 10). Investigating the historical account of ancient Babylon in the book of Daniel will help answer the question of the Bible’s validity. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Dream\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne night Nebuchadnezzar, a ruler referenced not only in the Bible but in other ancient records,\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"12\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e had a troubling dream. When he awoke, he could not remember the dream—but it haunted him. He summoned his wise men and commanded that they tell him his dream and its interpretation. His wise men were baffled at this request. “There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter” (Daniel 2:10), they said. Infuriated, the king commanded his officers to kill all the wise men in Babylon (Daniel 2:12). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaniel, a devout Hebrew whom the Babylonians had taken captive when a teenager, heard about the king’s hasty decree when the king’s soldiers came to kill him with all the other wise men. He appealed to the king and requested time, saying that he would tell the king both the dream and its interpretation. The king agreed. Daniel went home and earnestly asked God for wisdom. God answered his prayer, and “the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision” (Daniel 2:19).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Huge Statue\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe next morning Daniel arrived at Nebuchadnezzar’s throne room and revealed to him his dream. The king, explained Daniel, had seen a huge statue composed of five different sections: a gold head, silver chest and arms, bronze abdomen and thighs, iron legs, and clay-iron feet. An enormous rock then struck the image and smashed it to pieces (Daniel 2:31-35). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat did this dream mean? Daniel continued: the gold head represented Babylon, the silver symbolized Medo-Persia, the bronze referred to Greece, and the iron legs signified Rome. The feet and toes made of iron mixed with clay represented the groups that would succeed Rome in and around Europe. These nations would be partly weak and partly strong; just as iron does not mix with clay, these nations would not adhere together. The large rock that smashed the image represents the kingdom of God. “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; . . . it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:38-44).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Dream’s Fulfillment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these predictions came true with unfailing accuracy. The first section of the metal image, the Babylonian kingdom, ruled from 605 to 539 B.C. The nation of the Medes and Persians succeeded it and held power from 539 to 331 B.C. The next empire, Greece, dominated from 331 to 168 B.C. The iron power of Rome ruled from 168 B.C. until A.D 476. The last section of the image—the clay-iron mix—represents the groups that eventually became the modern nations of Europe, which remain separate even today. Amazingly, the Bible correctly foretold major world empires and the time they would arise and fall!\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMore Specific Evidence\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkeptics have suggested that Daniel’s writings are not predictions at all, claiming that he wrote his book at a much later time. However, even if this claim were true, note this: the Dead Sea Scrolls contain eight manuscripts from Daniel, the oldest dating to 125 BC (which itself is a copy of an earlier edition).\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"12\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e Clearly, Daniel wrote this prophecy hundreds of years before Rome broke apart into what became the nations of modern Europe. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dream of Nebuchadnezzar recorded in Daniel chapter two provides only one instance out of hundreds that show the reliability of these ancient writings. For example, a prophecy in Daniel chapter nine identifies the dates of Jesus’ baptism and death hundreds of years in advance. Dozens of Messianic prophecies point to the nature of Jesus’ birth, childhood, ministry, betrayal, sacrifice, etc.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamining evidence such as the Biblical prophecies leads us to conclude that we can have full confidence in the Bible. Furthermore, if we can trust these sacred writings, we can also trust the One who inspired them.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur friend Joel need not retain his circular logic. The dream of the image and other similar prophecies demonstrate the trustworthiness of the Bible and provide a basis for a well-informed, intelligent faith.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"10\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003eFor example, see “Nebuchadnezzar II” at wikipedia.org.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"10\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003eSee “Book of Daniel” at wikipedia.org.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover design: ©www.typofire.com.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42251362500791,"sku":"IF","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/Intelligent-Faith-Cover-v2-c2-web.jpg?v=1792597999"},{"product_id":"certainty-in-an-uncertain-world","title":"Certainty in an Uncertain World","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCertainty in an Uncertain World\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark A. Finley\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you could choose a single word to describe the mindset of this generation, what would it be? I would choose the word \u003ci\u003euncertainty\u003c\/i\u003e. More people seem uncertain about the future than ever before. They are uncertain whether some senseless terrorist attack or hostile nation will suddenly snuff out their lives. They are uncertain about whether we will suddenly be wiped off the face of the earth by nuclear war, or whether global warming will destroy us first.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor millions this sense of uncertainty is extremely personal. They are uncertain where their next meal is coming from or where they will sleep tonight. People are uncertain about their health, their marriages, and their future. Deep within the fabric of their beings, down inside where it really counts, they feel troubled about what might happen next. They have a sense of unease about what is coming on this world. They are seriously concerned about what kind of world their children will grow up in and where society is headed.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoral principles once taken for granted are being seriously questioned today. The moral foundation of society appears to be crumbling. Very little is certain. Many have lost hope in a bright tomorrow and a positive future. Someone has said, “You can live days without food, hours without water, minutes without air, but no time at all without hope.”\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDesperate People Do Desperate Things\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe general unrest in our society, this inner sense that something is not right and little seems certain, this fear about the future, has created a sense of hopelessness. This hopelessness has led millions to experience major depression, which affects 20 percent of the world’s population at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2020, depression will rival heart disease as the health disorder with the highest disease burden in the world. One person dies by suicide approximately every 40 seconds somewhere in the world, and global suicide rates have increased 60% in the past 45 years.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAntidepressants produce around $6 billion in worldwide sales annually. In the United States alone, medical professionals fill over 270 million prescriptions for these medications each year. In desperation, many people turn to alcohol, and according to the World Health Organization, about 140 million people throughout the world suffer from alcohol-related disorders.  \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHope Makes a Difference\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we lose hope, dark clouds of despair hang over our heads. The future appears gloomy and uncertain. But hope leads us from what is to what can be. Hope paints tomorrow in bright colors. It lifts our spirits from the mud below to the heavens above. William Shakespeare wrote, “The miserable have no other medicine, but only hope.” \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHope is not some vague longing for a better future. Hope is not baseless desire lacking real certainty or assurance. The ancient scriptures present hope as a strong, confident expectation based on the unchangeable promises of God. The apostle Paul, writing in the Bible book of Romans, states that “whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe promises of God reveal hope for today, tomorrow, and forever. They speak with certainty in an uncertain world. They speak hope to our troubled minds and peace to our anxious spirits.  \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible reveals that God created each one of us in His image, and He longs for us to live joyful, abundant lives (Genesis 1:27; John 10:10). We are His special possession. He promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5, 6).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough we face challenges and life might not go as we planned or desired, the promises of God are sure. The ancient prophet Isaiah gives us this assurance: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). The prophet continues with these words of encouragement: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Our happiness is not based on the illusionary idea that nothing bad will ever happen to us, or the mythical dream that each day is brighter than the day before. In reality bad things do often happen to good people.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe live in a broken world. Sickness, suffering, poverty, and disease afflict both the righteous and the unrighteous. But here is the difference: those who put their faith in God are filled with hope. We anchor our hope in a God who will never let us down (Hebrews 6:18). Hope is rooted in a God who suffers with us in our trials and difficulties (Isaiah 63:9). It has as its foundation a Christ who once lived in human flesh, who understands us and strengthens us in all our trials (Hebrews 4:15). He identifies with us in our tears. He came to provide us with the hope of a better tomorrow. Through Christ the gift of eternal life is ours (John 3:16). He is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1). By faith, as we grasp the gift of eternal life that He so freely offers, we look beyond the problems of this life to the eternal fellowship and everlasting joy that He graciously offers us.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHope’s Two Great Events\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe entire Bible focuses on two great events—the first and second coming of Christ. He came once to redeem us from the guilt, condemnation, and consequences of sin. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). He will come again to deliver us from the presence of sin. One day Jesus will return in glory to take us home. He declared, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday let your heart be filled with hope. One day soon Jesus will come and end the heartaches and trials. The challenges and difficulties of life will be over, and we will live with Him forever. In an uncertain world, His promises are sure. Why not right now bow your head and thank Him for His wonderful promises, praying this simple prayer? \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eDear Jesus, Just now I open my heart to \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eYou\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e. Fill me with a sense of certainty that \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eYour\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e promises are true. Help me grasp them personally and live in the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ and the assurance that \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eYou\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e are with me daily to strengthen and encourage me. By faith I believe I can live with a heart filled with hope, confident that one day soon \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eYou\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e are coming to take me home to joyfully live with You forever. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eIn Jesus’ name, Amen.\u003c\/i\u003e    \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42251380195511,"sku":"CUW","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/CertaintyinanUncertainWorldCoverFINALRGB.jpg?v=1706739926"},{"product_id":"is-there-hope-for-the-future","title":"Is There Hope for the Future","description":"\u003cp\u003eIt’s no secret that Planet Earth is a mess these days. Major news networks almost constantly carry shocking reports of deadly natural disasters, terrorist atrocities, violent crimes, political corruption, and economic woes. We hear of spiraling heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, even among young children. Such boiler-point pressures are taking their toll on everyone seeking to maintain sanity amid chaos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven if you and your family have managed to escape many of these difficulties, most homes still struggle with daily living. Countless fathers have so many bills to pay that they spend little quality time with their children. Many mothers are so overwhelmed with home responsibilities that they often sink beneath the strain. Caught in the middle of previously unimaginable stresses, children grow up too fast, face tougher times in school, and often develop harmful habits. Many kids spend thousands of hours playing addicting video games, some of which have inspired violent crimes. Instant Internet access also exposes even young boys and girls to bizarre sexual temptations that contaminate the soul. What can concerned parents do? What kind of world will our kids inherit? Is there any real hope for the future?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProphecies and Promises\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf life on earth is weighing you down, have you considered \u003cem\u003elooking up? \u003c\/em\u003eAs amazing as it seems, the Bible contains stunning prophecies that not only pinpoint our chaotic generation (see 2 Timothy 3:1-5), but also offer hope for everyone. In that sacred volume, God Himself has an ultimate solution for our out-of-control world. He soon will send Jesus Christ back to earth to right all wrongs, destroy evil, and usher in permanent peace. Based on current signs being fulfilled all around us (see Luke 21:25-28), \u003cem\u003ethat Day is coming soon. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo thousand years ago, Jesus was about to die an agonizing death on the cross for our sins, be buried, rise, and ascend to heaven (see Mark 15 and 16). Just before all this, Jesus left us with this promise:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLet not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also \u003c\/em\u003e(John 14:1-3).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDid you catch that? \u003c\/em\u003e“I will come again,” our Savior promised. But how will He come? By reincarnating Himself? By appearing as a ghost? No. The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ’s return will be cataclysmic, highly visible, and exceedingly loud. His coming will result in the physical resurrection of dead people worldwide. Paul wrote:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord \u003c\/em\u003e(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Paul, when Jesus returns to earth, His feet won’t even touch the ground. On the contrary, God’s people will be “caught up” to Him. So if you see someone walking around on earth claiming to be Christ, don’t be fooled. \u003cem\u003eIt won’t be Him,\u003c\/em\u003e but an imposter (see Matthew 24:24-27). Adding more clarity, Peter also predicted:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBut the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. . . . Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells\u003c\/em\u003e (2 Peter 3:10, 13).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Total Remake\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotice that Heaven’s plan isn’t to slap a Band-Aid on a global crisis. God won’t use peace treaties, the United Nations, earthly governments, moral legislation, law enforcement officers, or any proposal initiated by fallen men to permanently solve earth’s deadly woes. Ultimately, such measures won’t work anyway. Instead, He will utterly eradicate evil by melting “the elements . . . with fervent heat.” All pollution, global toxicity, gross immorality, and wickedness will be “burned up.” Then God Himself will recreate “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” Now don’t miss this:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new” \u003c\/em\u003e(Revelation 21:4-5).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow exciting! In spite of the dreariness we observe around us, there’s hope for us all. Amid trials that thicken daily, God longs for us to \u003cem\u003elook up! \u003c\/em\u003eDon’t be discouraged. Read His book. Pray. Confess your sins. Trust Jesus. He will forgive and help you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet make no mistake about this one thing: Until Jesus returns, life won’t be a picnic in the park. Lucifer remains intensely active behind the scenes (see Revelation 12:12). The Bible even warns that our ancient enemy will attempt to counterfeit Jesus’ return by using “all [his] power, signs, and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Don’t be duped by the devil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnmistakable Arrival\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGod’s word is clear. “Behold, He [Jesus Christ] is coming with clouds, \u003cem\u003eand every eye will see Him”\u003c\/em\u003e (Revelation 1:7, emphasis added). Jesus Himself also predicted that He will descend in the clouds “in the glory of His Father with His angels” (Matthew 16:27). Clearly, nobody will miss it. As myriads of powerful angels escort the King of Kings back to earth, no one will mistake His arrival. So again, don’t be seduced by satanic counterfeits—even ones that work miracles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear friend, although there is no earthly solution to earth’s unsolvable woes, take heart. God knows our difficulties, trials, and struggles. “Let not your heart be troubled” is our Savior’s encouraging word to each of us. He has made an unbreakable promise: “I will come again” (John 14:3). Until then, don’t give up. Hold on. Pray for your friends and relatives who need God’s grace. The good Lord will hear your prayers. With His help, be a shining light in the surrounding darkness. “The darker the night,” someone wisely stated, “the brighter the stars.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil Jesus returns, “be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). When King Jesus returns, He Himself will establish everlasting peace in God’s new earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill \u003cem\u003eyou \u003c\/em\u003ebe there?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Cover image: ©www.iStockphoto.com.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42251502092471,"sku":"IHFTF","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/IsthereHopefortheFuturecoverfinal.jpg?v=1706741873"},{"product_id":"today-s-10-commandments-copy","title":"What the World Needs Now","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat the World Needs Now\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“What the world needs now,” reveal the lyrics of a once-popular song, “is love, sweet love.” Unfortunately, a similar song moans that most of us are “looking for love in all the wrong places.” Can you relate? Almost everyone—including you and me—has a deep inner need to experience real love; but unfortunately, actually finding something so priceless seems like an illusive dream. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll too often, it remains unreachable. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Holy Bible informs us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Not only that, but it also tells us that Earth’s Maker has a special message of love uniquely designed for these “last days” (2 Timothy 3:1). Believe it or not, His end-time message combines love and law (see Revelation 14:12-14) for the simple reason that true love is moral. In other words, love involves more than fluffy feelings without substance. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery nation, government, state, city, and town has laws. Without laws, chaos reigns. But there is one law that towers above all other legal codes: the Ten Commandments. What makes the Big Ten different from other laws is that they were originally written, not with a pen, pencil, keyboard, or even hi-tech voice recognition software, but “with the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18). Read Exodus 20:1–17 for the full version. In a nutshell, here are the Ten Commandments in plain language: \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut God first.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon’t worship idols.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRespect God’s name.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the seventh day (Saturday) holy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHonor your father and mother.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon’t murder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon’t commit adultery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon’t steal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon’t lie.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon’t covet.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry to imagine what society would be like if everyone actually kept these commandments. Thieves wouldn’t exist. There would be no serial killers or even bullies. Jails, locks on doors, or even a police force would not be needed. How about The Department of Homeland Security? No, for there would be no terrorists, hijacked planes, or deadly bombs. Instead, all human beings would treat each other with decency, kindness, and respect. In such an environment, families would flourish, children would grow up safe, and happiness would thrill every heart. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome down from the clouds, you may be thinking; this could never happen. Really? Guess what? I know this may seem hard to fathom, but the Good Book predicts that someday it will. “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5), promises God Almighty. Not only that, but you can live forever in that Paradise, if you make the right choice. Let me explain. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mystery is hidden within an ancient prophecy about Jesus Christ. “Now this is His name by which He will be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6). The word “righteousness,” or “right doing,” simply means to keep the Ten Commandments, “the law of righteousness” (see Romans 9:31) without a flaw. Obviously, none of us has ever been there or done that. Instead, “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). But the good news is that nearly two thousand years ago—in a supreme act of love—Jesus kept the Ten Commandments (see John 15:10) for us, on our behalf. As a result, He is now “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow here’s some bad news we can’t avoid. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). In other words, the divine penalty for breaking the Ten Commandments is eternal destruction. Justice requires it. There’s no escaping it. On the other hand, here’s more good news: At the end of His earthly life, “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3) on a cruel cross in our behalf too, which means He can now forgive us, remove our guilt, and wash us clean! \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you enjoy receiving gifts? My children, ages 5 and 8, surely do. What kid doesn’t? Now don’t miss this. God Almighty has a free “gift of righteousness” (see Romans 5:17) for you that can give you “eternal life” (see Romans 6:23). If you are willing to turn from sin and to believe in Jesus as your Savior, He will apply Christ’s perfect obedience to the Ten Commandments in place of your sins in His heavenly record books (see Revelation 20:12). “Innocent!” “Not Guilty!” “Forgiven!” will be spoken about you by the King of the universe, no matter what crimes or sins you have committed. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUniversal Search\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis brings us back to the universal search for genuine love. Here’s a story to illustrate. A reckless teenager once had a terrible argument with his dad. As he stormed out of the house, his last words were, “I’m leaving. You will never see me again!” The boy thought he could make it on his own, but after three difficult years remorseful thoughts turned toward home. \u003ci\u003eWill my father take me back?\u003c\/i\u003e he wondered fearfully. Two days later, the boy finally gathered the courage to phone his mother. “Mom, please talk to dad. Tell him I will be passing by the foot of our hill on a train next Monday afternoon. Ask him to hang something white on the porch if he wants me back. If I see anything white, I’ll come home.” Then he hung up.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn that Monday morning, a worried teenager boarded the train and happened to sit next to a minister. “Why are you so nervous?” The pastor inquired. The boy then told him the whole story. “Mister,” he said, “when we roll around the curve ahead, will you look out the window at the house on the top of the hill? That’s my house. If you see anything white, tell me. I’m too scared to look!”\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the train rounded the last bend and the minister looked through the glass, the sight caused him to forget his ministerial dignity. Jumping to his feet, the pastor shouted, “Look son, look!” Opening his eyes, the boy saw the little house on the hill completely covered with every white sheet, white blanket, white towel, white bedspread, white tablecloth, white napkin, and white handkerchief that his parents owned. Oh, how they loved him and wanted him to come home. The last thing the minister saw of the boy was the back of his legs running quickly up the hill, across the porch, through the white sheets, and into the waiting arms of his lonely parents.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear reader, Jesus loves you and wants you to come home, too. So repent of your sins, and trust Him as your Savior. If you do, He will place upon you His own spotless “robe of righteousness” (see Isaiah 61:10), His “white garments” (see Revelation 3:18) of full forgiveness, no matter how wicked your past. He promises He will (see 1 John 1:9). You can trust Him for this. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe earlier song quoted that says, “I was looking for love in all the wrong places,” then adds, “You came a-knocking at my heart’s door. You’re everything I’ve been looking for.” These words can truly apply only to Jesus Christ, your Savior. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is God’s gift of love to you. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough the gift of His righteousness—which alone can cover your sins of breaking the Ten Commandments—you can have eternal life in God’s bright tomorrow, where only love rules (see Revelation 21:4-5). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe big question is: Will you repent, and accept that gift, or not?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover image: ©www.unsplash.com\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43948755353783,"sku":"WWN","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/World-Needs-Now-v2-c1-web.jpg?v=1732293760"},{"product_id":"unity-truth","title":"Unity Truth","description":"\u003cp\u003eUnity \u0026gt; Truth?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOctober 31, 2017, isn’t just about Halloween. Ghosts, Dracula, and witches aside, this special date marks the 500-year anniversary of an event that altered the course of history. “Bang, bang, bang,” pounded the hammer of Augustinian monk Martin Luther as he nailed his famous “95 Theses on the Power of Indulgences” on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. In a nutshell, Luther’s document condemned the widespread practice of paying money to the Roman Catholic Church in exchange for certificates called \u003ci\u003ei\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003endulgences\u003c\/i\u003e. Indulgences granted a reduction in punishment for sins committed by payees (or their dead relatives).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eIndulgences are lies, \u003c\/i\u003ethundered the German monk. \u003ci\u003eGod’s favor is a gift. It’s not for sale!\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1517 A.D., Luther’s bold \"bang!\" shook Europe. As his revolutionary message spread, it became God’s tool to ignite the Protestant Reformation. The word \u003ci\u003ep\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003erotestant\u003c\/i\u003e means that a person is protesting or objecting to something. As a result of Luther’s protesting movement, millions lost confidence in popes and priests and abandoned the Roman Church. Protestant churches—such as Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Mennonite and Methodist—rose unstoppably in its wake. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast-forward 500 years to October 31, 2017. Is the reformation over? Is the protest dead? Millions think so. Look around. Watch the news. Today, countless so-called Protestants are reuniting with the Roman Church in a large-scale ecumenical movement. “Let’s lay our differences aside,” leaders on both sides of the divide now suggest, “and unite to bless the world.” But should Catholics and Protestants unite? While God desires His people to be united, the Bible says it should not be at the cost of compromising the teachings of Holy Scripture. In fact, there are some differences that Christians should even be willing to \u003ci\u003edie for\u003c\/i\u003e. This is what led most of Jesus’ disciples to die as martyrs and millions more to share the same fate through hundreds of years.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Heart of the Controversy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the Protestant vs. Catholic controversy centers around how sinners like us can be eternally saved and go to heaven. In 1450 A.D., the printing press was invented, and the first book printed was the Bible. Previously unread, Christians throughout Europe gazed upon—for the first time ever—the sacred pages of God’s Book. In 1501, Martin Luther discovered a Latin Bible in a library in Germany. \u003ci\u003eUnbelievable, \u003c\/i\u003eLuther pondered while reading it, \u003ci\u003ethis is different from what my church teaches.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, Luther tried to reform the church, but his efforts were viciously resisted. Roman Catholic leaders labeled him a heretic and pressured him to recant, threatening both him and his followers with imprisonment and loss of all possessions. Luther countered that Christians should place God’s Word first, even above the Pope. \u003ci\u003eThe war was on. \u003c\/i\u003eAs the conflict intensified, Protestants eventually developed these fundamental principles. Their rallying cry was: \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eSola Scriptura\u003c\/i\u003e,” by Scripture alone\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eSola Christo\u003c\/i\u003e,” through Christ alone\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eSola Fide\u003c\/i\u003e,” by faith alone\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eSola Gratia\u003c\/i\u003e,” by grace alone\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the Roman Catholic Church also taught (as it does today) the importance of faith, the value of Bible reading, and salvation through Christ and His grace; yet that small four-letter Latin word \u003ci\u003e“sola”\u003c\/i\u003e (meaning \u003ci\u003e“alone”\u003c\/i\u003e) became the dividing line between reforming Protestants and Catholicism. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1500s, Protestants taught that a person can reach heaven by God’s grace \u003ci\u003ealone, \u003c\/i\u003ethrough faith \u003ci\u003ealone,\u003c\/i\u003e in Jesus Christ’s perfect merits \u003ci\u003ealone,\u003c\/i\u003e based on what is written in the Bible \u003ci\u003ealone; \u003c\/i\u003ewhereas Rome added to the requirements of salvation numerous traditions, such as praying to Mary and dead saints, repeating the rosary, confessing sins to priests, performing works of penance, paying money to release one’s dead relatives from the flames of purgatory, and above all, belief in the supreme authority of the Pope as the successor of St. Peter—the universal head of Christianity. Rome also added the notion that temporal punishment for sin could be reduced by purchasing indulgences. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatholic leaders admitted that these traditions aren’t mentioned in the Bible specifically, but asserted that they come from the Holy Spirit working through God’s Church. Protestants didn’t buy it. They decided to stick with Scripture. In the 1500s, these issues divided Christendom. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProphetic Study\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignificantly, as the struggle deepened, Luther turned to the prophecies. By candlelight he read Paul’s solemn prediction of a “falling away” (apostasy) in Christian history, and of a “man of sin” to arise in its wake (2 Thessalonians 2:3). He read of the antichrist “beast” waging fierce “war with the saints” (Revelation 13:1, 7), and of a mysterious Babylonian harlot (a false church) having illicit geo-political relationships with “the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:1-5; 18:4). Little by little, the pieces came together. Horrified, Luther finally realized that he had discovered both \u003ci\u003eChrist \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e antichrist.\u003c\/i\u003e Compelled by the Spirit of God, Luther finally threw aside political correctness, went public, and declared, “We here are of the conviction that the papacy is the seat of the true and real Antichrist.”\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"12\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eCatholicism is a cleverly crafted counterfeit Christianity,\u003c\/i\u003e Luther soberly realized. This was a conclusion that many careful Bible students before and after him had also discovered. People such as John Wycliffe, John Huss (Moravian), John Calvin (Presbyterian), John Wesley (Methodist), Charles Spurgeon (Baptist), Matthew Henry (Bible commentator), and countless others. Google this.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"12\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e These are facts.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBut haven’t times changed? \u003c\/i\u003eIndeed, they have. Essentially, Rome has not changed, but Protestantism. Unwittingly, Protestants now seeking union with Rome are fulfilling an ancient apocalyptic prophecy that states that in the closing moments of time, “all the world marveled and followed the beast” (Revelation 13:3).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear reader, the Bible is still true today. The beast is still active. Eternal salvation from our sinful violations of God’s Ten Commandments still comes only through simple faith in Jesus Christ \u003ci\u003ealone\u003c\/i\u003e (see 1 John 3:4; Acts 4:12). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProphecy also predicts that right before our Savior returns (Revelation 14:14-16), God Almighty will initiate His closing phase of the Protestant Reformation through the global proclamation of three angels’ messages recorded in Revelation 14:6-12. Pick up a Bible. Read Revelation 14:6-12 for yourself. God’s three angels announce that the “hour of His judgment has come” and urge true worship of the Creator (verse 7). They warn about “the beast” (the Roman Church), who we now realize has also changed God’s original seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) into Sunday (see Genesis 2:1-3; Daniel 7:25; Revelation 14:7, 12; Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:8; 28:1-2; John 14:15).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbove all, God’s end-time message urges us all to believe in “the everlasting gospel” (Revelation 14:6) of Jesus Christ who \u003ci\u003eloves everyone,\u003c\/i\u003e and paid the full price for our sins (see John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOctober 31 commemorates more than ghosts and the dead. Make no mistake about it: God’s Reformation, started on a Halloween night, is alive, and will exist to the close of time. \u003ci\u003eLet’s be part of it.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"10\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003eLeRoy Froom, \u003ci\u003eThe Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers\u003c\/i\u003e, Vol. II (Washington D.C.: Review and Herald, 1948), p. 121.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"10\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003eFor example, try searching for “\u003ci\u003eantichrist\u003c\/i\u003e” or \u003ci\u003e“what did protestant reformers believe about the antichrist?” \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43949182419127,"sku":"UT","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/Unity-Truth-RGB-web.jpg?v=1732299698"},{"product_id":"what-is-jesus-doing-now","title":"What Is Jesus Doing Now","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat is Jesus Doing Now?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver wonder what Jesus is doing right now? According to the Bible, after Jesus died for the sins of the world, He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. So what is He doing right now? Is He just sitting on a cloud? Is He passing His time watching what we are doing here on earth while seated on His throne? Is He supervising the construction of our golden-brick homes in heaven? Fortunately, we don’t have to speculate. The Bible tells us exactly what Jesus is doing right now. He is judging you and me in preparation for His soon return. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImpossible! you may be thinking.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s more than possible. The Bible says: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which \u003ci\u003eHe will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained\u003c\/i\u003e. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31, emphasis added).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis inspired passage teaches that God Almighty “will judge the world \u003ci\u003eby the Man\u003c\/i\u003e whom He has ordained.” That “Man” is Jesus Himself, who “rose from the dead.” Jesus affirmed the same truth when He declared, “the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). That settles it. Jesus isn't just our Savior who died for our sins, \u003ci\u003ebut He is our Judge also\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInvestigating What Jesus Is Doing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut is He judging us \u003ci\u003etoday\u003c\/i\u003e? Some believe so, others disagree. If you ask five pastors, four priests, and even the Pope, you may get ten different answers. But speculation is worthless, just like the flowery promises of many politicians. So let's allow God to answer this question. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 14th chapter of His book of Revelation—the greatest book of apocalyptic prophecy ever written—verses 14-16 describe Jesus Christ’s visible and climactic return at the end of the world. Notice carefully the same chapter's earnest proclamation about what occurs just prior to His return. Verse six depicts a holy angel shouting to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people . . . , ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, \u003ci\u003efor the hour \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eH\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003eis judgment has come\u003c\/i\u003e” (Revelation 14:7, emphasis added).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook closely. Pick up a Bible and read for yourself. Revelation 14:7 boldly announces that “the hour of His judgment \u003ci\u003ehas come\u003c\/i\u003e,” and this judgment takes place at exactly the same time that the “everlasting gospel”—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection—is being preached worldwide (verse 6). This announcement also occurs just prior to His glorious return to the earth (compare verses 6-7 with verses 14-16 and Matthew 24:14). Putting these pieces together shows that humans are being judged \u003ci\u003enow, before Christ’s return\u003c\/i\u003e. And as we have already learned from Acts 17:30-31 and John 5:22, Jesus Himself is our Judge. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy is Jesus judging us? First, because when He returns to earth He will dispense rewards and punishments (see Revelation 22:12), and each person’s case must be decided before Christ's return so He can “render to each one according to his deeds” (Romans 2:5-10). In multiple places the Bible reveals that before God punishes the wicked or rewards the righteous, an investigation takes place where the deeds and motives of those being judged are brought to light before the universe (see Daniel 7:9-10; Revelation 20:11-15;1 Corinthians 4:5). The universe!? Yes. The universe.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy would God need to show other created beings the hearts of those He is judging? God wants everyone to see and trust His decision-making. David understood this clearly. When speaking to God he said, “that You may be found . . . blameless when You judge” (Psalm 51:4). Such an open investigation of the hearts of the human family will prove God blameless when He executes justice on the sinner and gives eternal life to the saint. When sin is finally destroyed forever, no one in God’s created universe will have any lingering doubts about God’s wisdom and goodness in dealing with sin, sinners, and the saved. Everyone in heaven will say, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For \u003ci\u003etrue and righteous are His judgments\u003c\/i\u003e” (Revelation 19:1-2, emphasis added).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Warning and an Offer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what is the point for us today? As we saw earlier, just prior to Christ’s glorious return to earth, a proclamation will be given to the world warning all to “Fear God, and give glory to Him for the hour of His judgment has come” (Revelation 14:7). This message is now in your hands.  \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus Christ is judging us now. When He returns, those persons who have responded to His gift of salvation, turned from sin, and trusted His grace, will be rescued and rewarded. Those who have rejected His merciful offer of salvation and held onto their evil ways will be punished. The judgment is unavoidable—it is coming to everyone. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book of Revelation says that “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” are destined for “the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Do any of these sins describe you? Make no mistake about it: Jesus Christ is the Judge, and every violation of the Ten Commandments is “written in the books” (Revelation 20:12).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe thought of being judged by a Being who knows our deepest secrets can be terrifying—and it ought to be. But God doesn’t want us to live in terror. He has provided a way for our darkest sins to be wiped clean from our record so that we can experience peace and freedom from guilt. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow can your record be cleansed? The Judge of all the earth has already started the process by paying the penalty for your sins. “For God so loved the world,” Jesus Himself stated, “that He gave His only begotten Son, \u003ci\u003ethat whoever \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003ebelieves in Him should not perish but have everlasting life\u003c\/i\u003e” (John 3:16, emphasis added). If you repent, He will forgive and cleanse you of your guilt. If you trust Him fully, you too can be ready when He returns.    \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, you can choose to give yourself to God and then, by His grace, grow into a true follower of Christ as you gain strength through daily Bible study, prayer, and sharing of your faith.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoon Jesus will come and “Not guilty!” will then be His verdict.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43949187727543,"sku":"WJDN","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/What-is-Jesus-Doing-Now-RGB-web.jpg?v=1732299822"},{"product_id":"an-intelligent-faith-copy","title":"Isaac Newton's Forgotten Discovery","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIsaac Newton’s Forgotten Discovery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsaac Newton, known for making many groundbreaking discoveries in science, mathematics, and astronomy, is “considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived.”\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e Less widely known are Isaac Newton’s discoveries in the areas of religion, including his conclusion that the system manifested by medieval Roman Catholicism was the antichrist power.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e Unlike many of his groundbreaking math and science discoveries, this theory about the Bible’s antichrist was not unique to Newton. Notable others held the same view, such as King James,\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMartin Luther\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e4\u003c\/span\u003e (founder of the Lutheran church), John Calvin\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e (prominent theologian), John Wycliffe\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e6\u003c\/span\u003e (Oxford Professor), Thomas Cranmer\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e7\u003c\/span\u003e (Archbishop of Canterbury), John Knox,\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e8\u003c\/span\u003e and most of the Protestant reformers.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy would Newton and these intelligent men, some of them founders of churches, cast a less than glowing light on an institution that runs orphanages, schools, hospitals, and has had apparently exemplary members like Mother Teresa and Pope Francis? Simply put, they understood the Bible’s prophetic book of Daniel in a way that many have forgotten. Rightly understood, this centuries-old perspective is not critical of any individual Catholic or Christian, but rather shines light particularly on the abuses of a medieval religious system to which millions of sincere Christians have belonged. The topic is of relevance to us today because many of these Bible expositors understood that these same abuses would return in a more marked and startling manner in what was to them the future. Some believe that future day is upon us.  \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat Did Newton Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo what did Isaac Newton and others know about the book of Daniel that brought them to their positions? (Note: To understand the next few paragraphs, you’ll want to refer to a Bible.) Here is a simplified overview. In Daniel chapter seven God, through symbols, foretells the rise and fall of four major world empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e10\u003c\/span\u003e Daniel describes four beasts representing these four kingdoms, including symbolic detail.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e11 \u003c\/span\u003eThen in Daniel 7:20 the focus shifts from the fourth kingdom (Rome) to ten horns. What do these symbolize? Verse 24 shows that the ten horns represent the ten kings\/kingdoms\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e12 \u003c\/span\u003ethat arose out of the Roman Empire after its fall. In those ten horns, modern day Europe finds its origins foretold.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focus then shifts to a “little horn” which is what these learned men understood to be the antichrist power (particularly the church of Rome that held sway over nations during the Dark Ages). Someone reading this tract might now ask how Daniel’s little horn is the antichrist, since they are two different terms. The term “anti” in “antichrist” means both “against” and “instead of”;\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e13\u003c\/span\u003e hence many theologians, knowing this, understood the term “antichrist” to refer to individuals or entities which the Bible describes as attempting to assume Christ’s authority. Thus Wycliffe explains, “In the seventh chapter of Daniel antichrist is forcefully described by a horn. . . .”\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e14\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother reason for these men’s interpretation is that the chronology of the “little horn” seems to describe the rise and rule of the Roman Church.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e Examples:\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerses 23-24:The little horn, like Roman Catholicism, rose to power during and after the Roman Empire’s decline.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e16\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerse 8:Similarly, little horn rose “among” the other horns, meaning the tribes that made up the European nations.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e17\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerse24:The little horn uproots three of the ten major people groups that overtook western Rome. Roman Catholicism rose to political domination by overcoming three antagonistic Arian tribes: the Heruli, Ostrogoths, and Vandals.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e18\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerse25:The little horn persecutes God’s “saints” (a biblical term for true believers).\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e19\u003c\/span\u003e According to some estimates, the Roman Church’s Inquisitions, Crusades, and other church-and-state-united actions killed tens of millions.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e20\u003c\/span\u003e The English classic \u003ci\u003eFox’s Book of Martyrs\u003c\/i\u003e provides some relevant and vivid accounts.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerse 25:The little horn thinks to change God’s law (the Ten Commandments). The Roman Church changed the day of Sabbath rest from Saturday to Sunday,\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003ealtering the fourth commandment. Most Protestant churches have overlooked this unbiblical change.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt this point someone might say, “If this interpretation is true, then why haven’t I heard about it from my pastor or priest?” First, the little horn prophecy not only exposes the Vatican, but just about every other Protestant denomination. After all, the medieval church of Rome and its abuse of power is part of the dishonorable spiritual heritage of just about everyone who calls himself or herself a Christian today! And let’s face it; no one likes to air their dirty laundry. Second, in response to Protestantism, Roman Catholic Jesuits Francisco Ribera and Luis de Alcasar developed two alternative ways of interpreting the prophecies.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"14\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e These Catholic methods of interpretation are called preterism and futurism. Preterism points to the past to find the antichrist and futurism points to an unknown antichrist figure in the future. Surprisingly, the vast majority of non-Catholic Christianity now holds one of the two Vatican-originated views on the identity of the antichrist. These views have eclipsed the observations of careful Bible scholars such as Isaac Newton and others.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Bring Up the Past?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo why bring up a past that has been fuel for atheists and agnostics to ridicule Christianity? First of all, Bible prophecies reveal that before Christ’s Second Coming, the majority of Christian churches will adopt medieval Catholicism’s characteristics of false worship practices and oppression. Revelation chapter 13 paints a picture of the antichrist power, indicating that the spiritual descendants of medieval Catholicism will again hold religious and political sway on the earth. This power aligns itself with other “lamb-like” groups, including mainstream Protestant Christianity as seen in the United States (see Revelation 13:11-18). While many Protestant Christians join with this revitalized manifestation of the Roman Church, many true believers—from both the ranks of Catholicism and Protestantism—will come out from this false system of worship. These believers will receive Jesus with joy when He returns.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second reason for revisiting Newton’s biblical discoveries: God does not approve of what many Christians (even some sincere ones) have done and taught in His name over the centuries. If you have been horrified by all the nonsense and atrocities done in the name of religion, know that the Bible resonates with your revulsion. Isaac Newton’s witness invites you to read the Bible on your own and study its prophecies. See if you too don’t gain a picture of a God who is much better, more loving and fair, than that portrayed by most religions. (If you want help in the study, go to glowonline.com.)\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor centuries, Isaac Newton’s explanation of the law of gravity seemed to announce bad news for those who wanted to fly on their own power. In reality, cooperating with Newton’s statements of physical truth ultimately held the keys to physical flight. Similarly, Newton’s views on Bible prophecy point out keys to understanding history and the future. To explore further, try the Bible study offer on the back of this pamphlet.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReferences may be found at glowonline.org\/daniel7\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover image: ©www.photodune.net\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43951959900343,"sku":"FD","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/Isaac-Newton-Cover-NEW-c2-web-196x300.jpg?v=1732334065"},{"product_id":"making-sense-of-natural-disasters","title":"Making Sense of Natural Disasters","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaking Sense of Natural Disasters\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou have probably noticed that Planet Earth appears to be ripping apart at the seams these days. Almost every week we hear fresh reports of yet another earthquake, fire, flood, or tornado sweeping thousands, or tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands into death’s icy grip—and into eternity. It’s heartbreaking. “International mayhem increases at every turn,” moaned Tina Brown, Newsweek’s Editor in Chief. “Has the world gone crazy?” she wondered.\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"12\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe won’t discover the true answer on CNN or Fox News. Only in the Bible will we find up-to-the-minute, 100% reliable information showing why such horrendous catastrophes seem to be daily increasing around the globe. This ancient book’s cryptic prophecies describe our generation. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFour Wind\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003es\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last book of the Bible, Revelation, portrays disasters immediately preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Heavenly angels hold back global desolation: “After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads’” (Revelation 7:1-3).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The four winds of the earth” represent worldwide conflict, war, and natural disasters. The “four angels” restraining these winds are the benevolent forces of a loving Creator who is even now preventing \u003ci\u003eall hell from breaking loose\u003c\/i\u003e. As we get closer to “the great day” of God Almighty (Revelation 6:17), these heavenly sentinels finally begin to loosen their grip over pent up—and often satanically inspired—forces of death and destruction. For this reason deadly disasters are increasing.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne insightful Christian writer commented: “The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause. Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.”\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"12\"\u003e 2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUniversity trained scientists offer various explanations, but the truth is that increasing “disasters by sea and by land” reveal that “the restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world.” \u003ci\u003eBut why\u003c\/i\u003e? What is humanity doing to cause the Maker of heaven and earth to withdraw His protection from those He created, loves, and seeks to save? The answer is startling, yet simple. On every continent, in every smog-polluted city, and on every tropical island across the deep blue sea, the vast majority of earth’s teeming inhabitants are now openly, recklessly, and persistently—without fear of eternal consequences—breaking the Ten Commandments, which the Bible states were originally “written with the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18) on two tablets of solid rock. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,” wrote Paul in Ephesians 4:30. Yet today’s irreligious, happy-go-lucky, party-loving multitudes are doing exactly that 24-7. This is the true reason why God is withdrawing His hand. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEssentially, here are God’s Ten Commandments in plain language:\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut God first\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not worship idols\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRespect God’s name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the seventh day holy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHonor your parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not murder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not commit adultery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not steal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not lie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not covet (readExodus 20:3-17)\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to God’s book, breaking the Ten Commandments is\u003ci\u003e sin\u003c\/i\u003e. “Sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4), affirmed John. Yet “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16) to endure the full penalty of this broken law on a cruel cross \u003ci\u003ein our place\u003c\/i\u003e. “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3) is Heaven’s good news. If we are willing to repent, confess, and have faith in Jesus as our Savior, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who accept Jesus in these end times—showing their loyalty to each of the Ten Commandments—will receive “the seal of the living God . . . on their foreheads” (Revelation 7:2-3). They will also be perfectly protected when “the four winds” are fully loosed and Satan takes full control.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGetting Our Attention\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs cruel and devastating as massive earthquakes, killer tsunamis, unstoppable fires, overflowing floods, and horrific tornadoes are, God nevertheless has a purpose in allowing these nightmares to decimate His world. He is desperately trying to get our attention. “Repent!” is His urgent plea in the middle of the storm. Yet few listen. The book of Revelation implies that sincere yet misguided religious leaders will eventually misinterpret these events and claim that God is directly punishing human beings for their refusal to keep Sunday sacred, even though the Ten Commandments plainly identify “the seventh day” (Saturday) as the true day of rest. If you should ever hear such an interpretation of current events, don’t be fooled by such reasoning. Read Exodus 20:8-11 and Revelation 14:12. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Sunday night, October 8, 1871, the famous evangelist D.L. Moody was preaching to an immense crowd in Chicago about the importance of sinners making commitments to Jesus Christ. “Call for decisions now!” was the urgent impression of the Holy Spirit to the preacher. But Moody hesitated. Instead, he told his spellbound hearers that he would call for decisions next week. That crowd never returned. During the closing song the loud sirens of fire trucks declared that the Great Chicago Fire had begun. It blazed for two days, killing hundreds. Oh how Moody later wished he had made that appeal!\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear reader, deadly disasters can strike at any moment. Tomorrow, we may be dead. Yet in the middle of heartache and loss of life, God suffers too, just as He did when His own Son died on a cross. For our encouragement, His word promises that someday—when the foul odor of sin vanishes forever—there will be “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Above all, make sure you don’t miss heaven. Choose Jesus Christ today!\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"10\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eNewsweek\u003c\/i\u003e, March 28, 2011. USGS research geophysicist Tom Parsons noted, “We have recently experienced a period that has had one of the highest rates of great earthquakes ever recorded.” http:\/\/www.livescience.com\/46576-more-earthquakes-still-random-process.html\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-fontsize=\"10\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003eEllen White, \u003ci\u003eChristian Service\u003c\/i\u003e, p.52.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover images: © Sean Gladwell\/Moment\/Getty Images\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":0,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43951972090039,"sku":"ND","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/ND-Cover-NEW-v3-c1-web-196x300.jpg?v=1732334170"},{"product_id":"the-end-of-the-world","title":"The End of the world?","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe End of the World?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe temperature of the earth’s core, bombarded by neutrinos from a massive solar flare, will increase dramatically. This will cause cataclysmic earthquakes worldwide, including the eruption of the massive Yellowstone caldera in Wyoming. These, in turn, initiate mega tsunamis which sweep across the continents. Worldwide devastation and the end of the world!—recently portrayed in a Hollywood movie.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIs any of it true? Will all of these things happen at some point? How—and when—will the world end? \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people thought the world would end in the year 2000. In 2012, the Mayan Long Count calendar gave people a scare. What does the Bible say about the end of the world?\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn speaking about the end of the world and His return to earth, Jesus boldly told His listeners, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36). He couldn’t have been clearer. The world will end and He will return on his own terms—and the terms of His calendar are known only to Him. Yet we are not left guessing about the nearness of the end. Jesus declared that we “will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:6-8). Natural and manmade disasters will escalate as Christ’s return approaches, but He will not come until the gospel of the kingdom is “preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Like a blaring fire alarm, daily headlines remind us of a world falling apart. Not a few people are talking about our imminent demise. But in His great mercy God delays His return because He doesn’t want to lose a single one of His children. Even now, the good news of salvation is racing around this planet, preparing people for His arrival.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat To Know About the End of the World\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the question remains. If we don’t know the exact timing of Christ’s return, then what should we know? Jesus addressed this critical concern nearly 2,000 years ago. At His final farewell, soon after the resurrection, His awestruck disciples watched as He ascended into the clouds, disappearing from sight. Nearby stood two heavenly messengers who delivered a precious promise to the forlorn followers. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotice that this promise is entirely consistent with Christ’s earlier statements about his return. With great force He dispelled any notions of secrecy. He warned his disciples, “If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. . . . Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:23-27).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar from being a covert operation, the Second Coming will be an inescapable event. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7). All eyes will be riveted on this noisy climax—no need for tweets or CNN’s breaking news. These details of Christ’s return are important because 2 Thessalonians 2:9 shows that Satan himself, a dazzling being of light, will attempt to deceive the world through a false second coming. You can read more on this topic in a book called \u003ci\u003eThe Great Controversy\u003c\/i\u003e, available at glowonline.org.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBeing Ready \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eF\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eor the \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnd of the World\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does this mean for you? After all, what good are the facts if you’re not ready for the occasion? To understand what it means to be ready, you must first realize that the Second Coming can be good news! You do not need to fear the end of the world if you are on Christ’s side. Revelation 6:14–17 describes most people running in fear and being destroyed when Christ returns the second time because they have chosen to hate the hard truth about their sinful condition. They will be destroyed because they love comforting and unbiblical lies that tell them they will be saved in their sin. God declares, “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? . . . I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies.” He adds, “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezekiel 18:23, 32). When the world ends and the wicked are destroyed, the Lord is simply giving them what they want. In Proverbs 8:36 God says that “he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to be prepared for the end of the world and the return of Christ, we must first understand our true condition. The Bible teaches that the root of all sin is selfishness. Most people think that they are good, but a sincere look into God’s word reveals the opposite. Even our acts of kindness can be done through selfish motives. What we need first is Christ’s forgiveness. This pardon can be received only by asking Jesus for it in prayer. Second, we need a new heart of selfless love. A new heart and spirit are given to us by seeking God in His word (1 Peter 1:23).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChrist longs for all to be with Him in His kingdom when He returns (2 Peter 3:9). In fact, the Bible teaches that when He does come back, our friends and loved ones who died in Jesus will be raised to eternal life! “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven . . . . And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:16–18).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you hear the next disaster-filled, end-of-the-world prediction—whatever is to follow 2000 and 2012—don’t believe it. Massive solar flares, mega-tsunamis, super volcanoes, disasters of various types may indeed happen, but the world will come to its final end when Jesus arrives. He will destroy sin and pain, and take His people to be with Him. We can be safe in Him—in complete surrender to Him. Then, we need not worry about what will happen to us at the end of the world.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover image: ©www.photodune.net\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":200,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43951977758903,"sku":"EOW","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/v3-End-of-the-World-c3-Cover-web-196x300.jpg?v=1732334326"},{"product_id":"when-freedom-dies","title":"When Freedom Dies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen Freedom Dies\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“With liberty and justice for all.”\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e—from America’s national Pledge of Allegiance\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn New York Harbor’s Liberty Island sits America’s grandest monument—the Statue of Liberty. Her message resounds in human hearts worldwide. Freedom. How precious! Yet sadly, one day freedom itself will be taken away by men, governments, and nations. Here’s how it will happen. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnless you’re like the proverbial ostrich with your head buried beneath the sand, then surely you realize that Planet Earth is in trouble these days—big time. Deadly natural disasters, bizarre weather patterns, terrorist atrocities, economic woes, vanishing morality, political corruption, soaring food prices, shrinking water supplies, plus global toxicity—all reveal that we are on the verge of a stupendous crisis. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“There shall be a time of trouble,” predicts the Holy Bible, “such as never was. . .” (Daniel 12:1). When earth’s final crisis strikes, a deceptive “solution” will eventually be enforced by governments worldwide during a dark hour of desperation. On the surface, this solution will appear sensible. Yet hidden beneath its allure will lurk a devilish lie. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring that fateful time, freedom will vanish—at least from human governments. Shockingly, the Bible calls this globally enforced delusion \u003ci\u003ethe mark of the beast\u003c\/i\u003e. “He causes all,” God’s Word warns, “both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand, or on their foreheads” (Revelation 13:16). The consequences of receiving this evil mark will be disastrous. Whoever knowingly accepts it—after first being urgently enlightened by a loving God to resist it—will be doomed forever (see Revelation 14:9-11). The Bible’s warning is clear. We should take it seriously.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Mark That Takes Away Freedom\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you Google “mark of beast,” you will discover endless opinions. Speculation abounds. Most interpret it as a technological mark, but this is mere guesswork. The Bible further clarifies that “he \u003ci\u003edeceived\u003c\/i\u003e those who received the mark of the beast” (Revelation 19:20, emphasis supplied). Thus those who receive the mark are “deceived,” or tricked, to their eternal loss. Now think about it. If this deadly “mark”—whatever it is—was utterly obvious, then how could the majority of earth’s inhabitants be misled, as Revelation clearly predicts? \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this small pamphlet only so much can be said. So, without beating around the bush, it’s time to get to the main point. Look closely. In the context of warning humanity about the beast and its fatal mark (Revelation 14:9-11), God’s Word then clarifies exactly who \u003ci\u003ewon’t \u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003ereceive\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e that mark\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“. . . worship Him who made heaven and earth” (Revelation 14:7).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid you catch that? Those who overcome Satan’s deadly mark do three specific things: 1) They worship the Creator; 2) They keep the commandments of God; 3) They believe in Jesus Christ.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you study the Bible carefully, you will discover that only \u003ci\u003eone\u003c\/i\u003e of the original Ten Commandments “written with the finger of God” (see Exodus 31:18) specifically refers to worshipping “Him who made heaven and earth.” It’s number four, which states:\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work. . . . For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe “seventh day” of the week is Saturday, not Sunday. Check the dictionary. Or an encyclopedia. Ask a Jew. Now here’s a real shocker. The Roman Catholic Church—a system of religion (not Catholics themselves) that most Protestant churches formerly identified as “the beast”—openly claims it changed the Bible Sabbath from Saturday to “Sunday,” so-called because that day was anciently dedicated to sun worship. See for yourself:\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change [from Saturday to Sunday] was her act. . . . And the act is a MARK of her ecclesiastical power authority in religious matters” (letter from Chancellor H. R. Thomas to Cardinal James Gibbons, Nov. 11, 1895, emphasis supplied).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsk a priest. Check Roman Catholic catechisms. “And the act is a MARK” of her supposed authority, Rome boasts.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen the Towers \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eFell\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider this: When New York City’s Twin Towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, that horrible event occurred on a Tuesday. Five days later, Sunday church attendance soared, not only in America, but worldwide. Why? The answer is obvious. When a serious crisis hits, people pray. They flock to church. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThus, one lesson from 9-11 is that \u003ci\u003esevere crisis leads to a revival in Sunday-keeping\u003c\/i\u003e. If that past situation had become really desperate, increased Sunday attendance eventually would have shifted to \u003ci\u003ethe global enforcement of Sunday laws by civil governments\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Impossible!” some might reply. No, it isn’t. Sunday laws (also called “blue laws”) have already been enforced in various degrees in Europe, England, and America for over 1,500 years. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudy history. Ask the Catholic Church.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, Sunday laws have been enforced in the past, and they will strike again during earth’s last, global crisis. Enforced in God’s name, such laws will actually deny both His law and His character. God never compels anyone to obey Him. He desires only loving service, not forced obedience. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only thing holding such Sunday laws back today is a serious enough crisis. What unforeseen events will ignite the final fulfillment of Bible prophecy? Only God knows. It might be a series of natural disasters, another terrorist attack, an economic collapse, or a combination of events.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it hits, just like after 9-11, Sunday attendance will soar, which will be followed eventually by Sunday legislation. As strange as it sounds, a careful and enlightened study of Revelation 13 and 14 predicts that these events surely will occur.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the mark (forced Sunday observance) of the beast (the Roman Church) is fully imposed by law (see Revelation 13:16) during earth’s last crisis, then the final hour of decision will have arrived. Those who believe in this tricky deception (contrary to the Ten Commandments) will be marked by sin “on their foreheads” (their minds). Those who don’t really believe the deception but who still obey Sunday legislation will be marked on their hands (their actions). Contrary to current prophetic speculation, only God will see this mark, not humans.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRefusing To Give Up Freedom\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProphecy predicts that many will detect the deceiver in disguise and refuse to receive that mark. Instead, they worship the Creator, “keep the commandments,” and follow “Jesus” (Revelation 14:12), our loving Savior, who died on a cruel cross for our sins of breaking God’s law (see 1 John 2:2; 3:4), and rose from the dead. “If you love Me,” our Savior pleads, “keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Those who do—through His grace and power—will be ready for His glorious return (see Revelation 14:14-16) at the “end of the age” (see Matthew 28:20). \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear friend, when earth’s darkest hour strikes, what will you do? Will you love, trust, and follow Jesus, or obey the beast? In the middle of global confusion, our Creator pleads:\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Choose Me and My day!”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover image: ©www.photodune.net\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43951988179127,"sku":"WFD","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/new-freedom-tract-c2-web-196x300.jpg?v=1732334482"},{"product_id":"the-gift-of-joy","title":"The Gift of Joy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Gift of Joy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“They shall call His name Immanuel . . . , God with us.” \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God—God’s thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, “I have declared to them Your name”—“merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth”—“that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:26; Exodus 34:6). But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which “angels desire to look” (1 Peter 1:12), and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5) has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwells unapproachable light.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the beginning, God was revealed in all the works of creation. It was Christ who spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field. “Who established the mountains by His strength.” “The sea is His, for He made it” (Psalm 65:6; 95:5). It was He who filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father’s love.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow sin has marred God’s perfect work, yet that handwriting remains. Even now all created things declare the glory of His excellence. There is nothing, except the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJoy in Giving\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut turning from all lesser representations, we behold God in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. “I do nothing of Myself,” said Christ; “the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father.” “I do not seek My own glory,” but the glory of Him who sent Me (John 8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18). In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father’s life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of benevolence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn heaven itself this law was broken. Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them away from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself. Therefore he misrepresented God, attributing to Him the desire for self-exaltation. With his own evil characteristics he sought to invest the loving Creator. Thus he deceived angels. Thus he deceived men. He led them to doubt the word of God, and to distrust His goodness. Because God is a God of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving. Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against God, and the night of woe settled down upon the world.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe earth was dark through misapprehension of God. That the gloomy shadows might be lightened, that the world might be brought back to God, Satan’s deceptive power was to be broken. This could not be done by force. The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it known. Upon the world’s dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise, “with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Greatest of All Gifts\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":2,\"335551620\":2,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of “the mystery kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25). It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God’s throne. From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency. So great was His love for the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was a voluntary sacrifice. Jesus might have remained at the Father’s side. He might have retained the glory of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give back the scepter into the Father’s hands, and to step down from the throne of the universe, that He might bring light to the benighted, and life to the perishing.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Savior has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work of redemption will be complete. In the place where sin abounded, God’s grace abounds much more. The earth itself, the very field that Satan claims as his, is to be not only ransomed but exalted. Our little world, under the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious creation, will be honored above all other worlds in the universe of God. Here, where the Son of God tabernacled in humanity; where the King of glory lived and suffered and died—here, when He shall make all things new, the tabernacle of God shall be with men, “and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God” (Revelation 21:3). And through endless ages as the redeemed walk in the light of the Lord, they will praise Him for His unspeakable Gift—Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335551550\":6,\"335551620\":6,\"335559731\":432,\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContent taken from the book \u003ci\u003eThe Desire of Ages\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover image: ©www.iStockphhoto.com\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-ccp-props='{\"335559740\":300}'\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Giving Light to Our World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43952228761783,"sku":"GJOY","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0631\/6553\/0295\/files\/NEW-The-Gift-of-Joy-Cover.jpg?v=1732338396"}],"url":"https:\/\/glowcentral.org\/collections\/prophecy.oembed","provider":"Giving Light to Our World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}