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According to the Bible, the Antichrist is a powerful figure who will arise in the end times, working to lead people away from God and toward destruction. While the Bible offers many clues as to what the Antichrist will be like, there is still much debate among scholars and believers as to the exact nature of this figure. In this article, we will explore the major passages describing the Antichrist, with a particular focus on the man of lawlessness.
The first mention of the Antichrist in the Bible comes from the book of Daniel, where he is referred to as “the little horn.” In chapter 7, Daniel has a vision of four beasts, each representing a different kingdom. The fourth beast is particularly fearsome, with ten horns and “eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Daniel 7:8). As Daniel watches, a little horn arises among the ten, uprooting three of them and speaking “words against the Most High” (Daniel 7:25).
While the identity of the little horn is not explicitly stated, many scholars believe that this figure represents the Antichrist. This interpretation is supported by other passages in the Bible, including 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, which describes the Antichrist as one who will “oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”
2 Thessalonians 2 is perhaps the most detailed description of the Antichrist in the New Testament. In this chapter, Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be deceived by false teachings that the end times have already come. He explains that before the return of Christ, there will be a great rebellion and the man of lawlessness will be revealed. This figure will be empowered by Satan and will perform “all kinds of false miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).
While Paul does not use the term “Antichrist” in this passage, many scholars believe that the man of lawlessness is indeed the same figure described in other parts of the Bible. Like the little horn in Daniel, the man of lawlessness is characterized by his rebellion against God and his claim to divine authority.
Revelation 13 is another key passage describing the Antichrist. In this chapter, John has a vision of a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads. One of the heads appears to have been wounded and then healed, causing people to marvel and worship the beast. The beast is given authority to make war on the saints and to overcome them, and people are forced to receive a mark on their hand or forehead in order to buy or sell.
The identity of the beast is also a matter of some debate, but many scholars believe that it represents the Antichrist. The healed wound on one of the heads is often seen as a parallel to the wounded head of the little horn in Daniel, and the beast’s demand for worship and control over commerce is consistent with the Antichrist’s desire for absolute power.
So what can we learn from these passages about the nature of the Antichrist? Firstly, it is clear that he will be a figure of great power and authority, likely rising to a position of leadership in the world. He will use his power to lead people away from God and toward evil, performing miracles and signs to deceive people into following him.
Secondly, the Antichrist will be characterized by his opposition to God. The man of lawlessness will proclaim himself as God and perform miraculous signs and wonders to deceive people into following him. He will be filled with deceit, wickedness, and every kind of evil.
Another passage that describes the Antichrist is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel 7:25-26 says, “He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.”
The Antichrist will not only oppose God but will also oppress God’s people and try to change the laws and times set by God. However, his power will ultimately be destroyed by God.
In conclusion, the Bible provides us with a clear understanding of who the Antichrist is and what he will be like. He will be a charismatic and influential figure who will oppose God and deceive many through his words and actions. The man of lawlessness will ultimately proclaim himself as God and will oppress God’s people. However, we can take comfort in the fact that God is in control and the Antichrist’s power will be ultimately destroyed. As Christians, it is important for us to remain faithful to God and resist the lies and deception of the Antichrist.
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At the 1992 Republican Convention, Ronald Reagan shared what he considered the secret of his success as our President: “I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence, rather than your doubts.”
Oh, how we need leadership like that in America today. As we start this year, too many people feel powerless. Inflation may be coming down, but high fuel and food prices have taken their toll on far too many Americans. Watching the invasion on our Southern border means too many of our cities are being overwhelmed with no end in sight. We wonder if there is anything we can do but watch. The sense of despair and helplessness is contagious, but so is optimism. What attitude do you spread?
There is more than you think within your control. Every day, you make choices to make your situation better or worse. Studies of optimism find that optimism comes from a track record of overcoming obstacles. If you have had obstacles the last few years and are still making it work, pat yourself on the back. Be a proud survivor, not a victim so many seem to take pride in claiming to be.
Make each day count by starting your day doing one thing to make your situation better. Find one way to cut expenses. Find a way to increase your resources. Make a call or visit to nurture your network of colleagues and friends. Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your successes, both big and small. Nurture your faith realizing that God gave you gifts and give thanks every day for the blessings you have. Lest you forget, you’re blessed to live in America. People risk everything to come here, and few want to leave.
Yes, this is an election year, and it would sure be a gift to have a leader who would nurture the hope and optimism of all our citizens. So as the campaigns progresses and you listen to potential leaders vying for your support, ask yourself a few key questions:
Do they want to control your choices or ensure your freedoms?
Do they want to make you more or less dependent on government?
Do they want to increase the size of government and entitlements and the taxes needed to fund them or decrease them?
Do they want to force your children to go to public schools that don’t’ get the results your children deserve, or are they willing to give you the freedom to pick the schools your children need?
Do they disagree with their opponents and state why, or do they demean them and call them names?
Do they want to grow the size of government and its debt, or do they want to decrease both?
Do they believe in the citizens they represent, or do they convey that they are the answer to America’s future?
Do they take responsibility for their mistakes and actions or quickly deny responsibility and blame others?
No President is perfect. It’s easy to promise and a lot harder to deliver. Reagan focused on three things: an optimism based on free-enterprise innovation, smaller government, and lower taxes. He delivered on all but smaller government. As Reagan advisor Arnold Laffer confessed, “When it came to cutting welfare payments and school lunch,…it was very hard. Someone would come over and say, ‘How can you cut school lunches?’ Reagan would reply, ‘I guess you’re right; I’ll tell them not to cut that one.’”
The pressure to keep growing government is tempting and easy to understand, but it is not what America was created for. America’s form of government was designed to protect citizens from an over-controlling, over-taxing government. We need to reclaim that passion for freedom and self-reliance. Our founding citizens wanted the opportunity to pursue happiness, not happiness given to them at the expense of other taxpayers.
The election is months away. So I’m going to borrow on the optimism of Ronald Reagan to inspire us all on this first day of 2024: “I’m not taking your time…to ask you to trust me. Instead, I ask you to trust yourself. That is what America is all about… It’s the power of millions of people like you who will determine what will make America great again.”
Reagan wouldn’t want us to wait for the next election. We’ve had enough of eloquent politicians who think they have all the answers. We need to believe in ourselves and get busy living our own dreams. Then, in November, let’s elect a leader who will stay out of our way and give “We the People” freedom again—freedom to fail, succeed, and thrive in our own American Dream!
Faith
Three Cheers for Christian America
Thank you for safeguarding the public and private expressions of others
Considering all the nations in the world and the dominating religions within those nations, Christianity is the most beneficial. When Christians are in the majority, it is good for everyone who resides there.
Christians during the Dark Ages, the Renaissance, and up to the mid-20th century contributed to much of the world’s turmoil. In recent decades, however, they have been the most accommodating, accepting, and peaceful group. I’m glad I live in a Christian nation and, given the options globally, would not have it any other way.
Best of the Best
Particularly in America, Christians today are tolerant, acknowledging the rights of others. They recognize the right of Israel to exist. They fully embrace Israel’s strategic role in the Middle East.
Too many people on the left who regard themselves as the arbiters of what is right and true, in minor and major ways have been persecuting Christians for decades. They do not want public displays of Christianity anywhere in America. Their agenda is to remove all vestiges of religion in America. They contend that America would be a better, more egalitarian nation.
Just the opposite is true. Those who want to stamp out religion in America don’t understand that our origins and 250-year history is based on Judeo-Christian principles. The cancel culture left seek to reject the U.S. Constitution out-of-hand.
We have encountered leftist groups who shatter statues and historic symbols they deem to be oppressive and part of an old regime that was illegitimate from the outset. Many of these perpetrators hide behind ski masks while regarding themselves as heroes. In reality, they are fascists, seeking to control us.
Leftist enforcers have no idea how intolerant they are and that they are no better than those they seek to diminish. In the U.S., people of all faiths are free to celebrate their faith. If one particular faith, Christianity, was predominant from inception, to today, that does not preclude other religious groups from celebrating.
Congress: Hands Off
Leftists make erroneous statements about the “separation of church and state.” The phrase simply is not contained in the Constitution or any founding document. It appeared in a letter that President Thomas Jefferson sent to a Baptist congregation in Danbury, Connecticut. His note to them was designed to reaffirm that the government would not make dictates related to the church.
The First Amendment to the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” So, when it comes to religion, Congress must keep its hand off.
As a nonreligious person, I have nothing against seeing a religious display on public or private property. Indeed, America shorn of religious symbology would be a dismal place. The Ten Commandments on a public plaque? Fine. Christmas trees in the town square? Flip on the lights! A mosque being built in America? Why not?
As long as everyone is tolerant of other religions, such developments represent no threat to anyone. It is those who operate in secret who represent a threat, as are those who wish to vanquish the rights of others to publicly exhibit symbology.
The Option to Sing Along
When I attended grammar school, I was exposed to the annual Christmas pageant. I had the choice to skip the assembly. In each case, however, I chose to enjoy the merriment of the festivities, but not sing along. My young classmates did not require me to capitulate. Nor did I expect them to modify their festival to accommodate me. Would any aware American who moved to another country expect that country to diminish their celebrations to accommodate the newbie?
I’ve had the opportunity to visit 46 of the 50 states, and 73 countries. I have walked through hallowed halls of shrines, mosques, churches, and ashrams. While Christians are being persecuted in many countries around the world, I don’t know of a single instance today where people feel unsafe in a Christian majority country.
So, I say to you, if you are a Christian, in America, please know that large numbers of us support your right to practice your religion.
For All You Do
Thank you for safeguarding the public and private expressions of others. Thank you for helping to establish a climate where non-Christians and others can feel welcome. Thank you for becoming a peaceful, tolerant religion that rightfully serves as a model for others around the globe.
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