Are We Living In The End Times? Trailer

A Coming American Third World Despotism?

In East Asia, South America, and Africa third world despots run kleptocracies and routinely use government to harass, bully, and intimidate their opponents. It is a standard Marxist practice of Robert Mugabe, Hugo Chavez, Karimov of Uzbekistan and their ilk.

Should the American public elect Barack Obama President, we are already getting a glimpse of what his administration would be like.In Missouri, Democrat party officials who also serve as prosecutors and sheriffs have threatened to arrest and try any person who “misrepresents” Barack Obama. Thus far there have been no arrests or prosecutions relating to people innocently mentioning an email that suggested Obama is a closet Muslim. Thus far.

In Ohio, Joe Wurzelbacher a/k/a Joe the Plumber happened to be standing in his front yard one morning when Barack Obama decided on an impromptu photo op. There in the plumber’s yard the fairy tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes” sprang to life. Barack Obama told Joe the Obama administration would “spread the wealth around.” Like the child pointing out the emperor’s nakedness, Joe pointed out Obama’s socialism and it clicked with people.

Naturally, Joe had to be destroyed. The Ohio press is reporting Democrat officials improperly accessed government data about Joe the Plumber in order to smear him on behalf of the Obama campaign. (Thankfully, because the rule of law still exists in Ohio, the person who improperly searched government data may, according to reports yesterday, be prosecuted.) But Joe’s DMV records were looked at, his tax records were looked at, and his child support records were looked at. None of the looking was legal, but it did not matter. Joe became a threat that had to be destroyed.

Also in Ohio, student reporters for a collegiate news service are getting harassed by Barack Obama’s legal team. The reporters discovered wholesale voter fraud in Ohio, documented it, and reported it. Next thing they knew. Barack Obama’s lawyers decided to threaten them and suggested the students would have their voter registrations questioned if they did not stop.In Northern Virginia, an enclave of Republicans had their neighborhood savaged by thugs.

People who had McCain-Palin signs in their yards found foul language spray painted on their houses. The neighborhood signage was ruined. It is all part of a third-world despot vibe that runs through the Obama campaign. The violence is more at home in Robert Mugabe’s paradise of hyper-inflation than the United States.In Georgia, a young man named Zach Johnson became worried by the lack of police preparation for what could happen if Barack Obama won or lost. He sent an email to members of the Macon, Georgia city council from his work email address. He happens to work for a Georgia state senator.

Zach made sure everyone knew it was his own opinion. In fact, his boss had been in Beijing, China and knew nothing about the email. Nonetheless, Democrats in Georgia immediately began throwing out the race card, suggesting Zach and his boss were participating in an effort of fear and intimidation against black voters.

The Senate Minority Leader seems intent on demanding Zach’s job for asking a question many other people are asking -- will there be riotous celebrations or anger depending on what happens to Obama on election night.Michael Barone suggested we are witnessing the rise of Obama’s thugocracy. He is most likely right. The damage the Obama campaign is inflicting on innocent people who merely question the candidate will be nothing compared to what Obama does if he grasps the reins of power.

International Award Winning Book Author Shoots Documentary Films

http://www.movievine.com/news/article001002.shtml

International award-winning book author Dr. Alfred Adams has five documentaries in motion. Dr. Adams is best known for his end-times books Nearing Midnight & Nearing Midnight II. The documentaries will highlight what the public knows about various end-times topics such as Heaven and Hell, Angels and Demons, Who is Satan?, and Miracles. The documentaries were directed, produced, and written by Dr. Alfred Adams. The narration, along with the music score, was performed by international recording artist Steve Blaze of the wildly popular rock band Lillian Axe.

The documentaries will have some of the top faith-based denominations involved such as the Baptist and Full Gospel church, as well as some non-denominational groups as well. The documentaries were filmed on the streets of New Orleans. New Orleans is often referred to by many as the contemporary "Sin City", with its ever-popular night life, replete with case studies on lust, drunkenness, destruction of character, and sin in general - as outlined in the Holy Bible. The documentaries were filmed during the Mardi Gras festivities since the population would include many visitors and tourists – a great cross-section of society to interview for such a study.

The first of the five documentaries "Are We Living In The End Times?" is scheduled for release in early 2009. Spoiler: People on the street were presented with questions that spotlight current events, such as "Have you heard of the term 'RFID Chips? The New North American Union? Could the world move to a cashless society?" Other questions were asked to common people on the streets of New Orleans as to what they might think is going on in the world today. Dr. Adams imparts the light of Biblical prophecy on these same events.

The second documentary is called "Angels vs. Demons: The Unseen War", in which we point out that both angels and demons are real, as well as the reasons that they are here – and also – where they came from.

The third documentary is called "Heaven or Hell: The Ultimate Choice". It is clear that we, just like angels, have free will.

The fourth documentary is called "Satan: The Reality ". Many people have a false understanding about Satan and very little belief.

In the documentary "Evidence Of Miracles", our fifth documentary, we not only interviewed people on the street, but also had one on one interviews with people that have either been part of a miracle - or are indeed miracles themselves.

"Are We Living In The End Times" is scheduled for early 2009 in AMC Theatres.

Company Announces World's First Silicon Ink-based RFID Tag

Kovio, Inc. Announced today the development of the world's first silicon ink-based RFID tag and the company's printed silicon RFID platform for item-level intelligence.

Folks, Ink based RFID tags is something that I have been keeping my eye on for some time now. Do you realize that the direction this technology leading, they will be able to "tattoo" an RFID enabled tattoo, on a person? Now the technology is not totally developed, but it is coming.
Back in 2007 I wrote an extensive article titled "To Chip or Not To Chip" where I talked about the technologies taking place today.

In today's world RFID works using passive RFID. Imagine, instead of passive RFID, meaning that it needs an outside source to cause the chip to give a signal, the chips are pro-active thus being able to collect and transmit data. Let's take it a step further and these chips are being powered by the bodies own electrical currents. These chips would give your location 24/7. In fact they could be used to monitor your heart rate, actions, physical output, ect. Is it possible?

Yes it is. But more than that, they can link into all kinds of technology. For example, If the chips are ever turned "off," you are either dead or your body part is missing. If the body part is missing, the chips will still not be active because it needs the human host to power the chips.
Now let't take that a step further and integrate the chip with holographic and biometric technology and one will have a pretty secure, hacker proof bio-identification.

Imagine if you were a single number and that number is associated to everything you do, how easy would it be to just "turn off the number" and all of a sudden you are no longer part of the society? In effect, you could no longer buy or sell, in fact you could basically do nothing.
I know that this sounds pretty science fiction, but this is technology that is here today.
NOW....Couple that with the world's desperate need for a financial solution to the world's woes and what do you come up with?

Want to know more? Read Revelation 13:16-18

Things seem to be happening quickly and at rapid pace. At the end of the day the only question is do you see it, and are you ready?

Globalist Gathering Portends Prophetic Possibilities

World leaders will come together November 15 in Washington, D.C. to try to resolve the first truly global economic crisis in history. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said the first of what might be a series of meetings will address the crisis as to its underlying causes, the global response, and the principles that should guide in dealing with the financial upheaval.

The first of these summits will bring together the leaders of nations that participate in the G-20 finance process to discuss current economic challenges. The G-20 consists of leaders of Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the United States, the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Russia, South Korea, and other major economies. The Bush Administration says the winner of the November 4 U.S. presidential election will be welcome to join the process between the election and the inauguration on January 20.

Both of the major candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, have acknowledged that the meeting is crucial. At this point, Obama has not decided whether to attend if he is elected, saying, “We have only one president at a time.” No word has yet been given by McCain on whether he might attend, if elected. The following excerpt of a report on the summit gives insight.

“[U.S. President] Bush, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who met at the Camp David, Md., presidential retreat last week, announced the series of summits, saying the international community must work together to address the credit crisis that has shaken markets the world over.

"Bush has supported the steps European nations have taken to fix the financial markets and is willing to listen to a range of ideas from both developed and developing nations. But he hasn't signed onto the more ambitious, broad-stroke reforms that some European leaders have in mind to avoid a repeat of the market crisis that rippled around the globe…” (Deb Riechmann, Associated Press, "World leaders to meet on economy in Washington," 10/22/08).

It is more than interesting–at least to this observer—that a meeting of this scale involving a group that is seemingly of uncooperative, even antagonistic, mindsets in most matters of governance can be arranged with such swiftness. It is out of character to have such consensus (for so many to sit down together) while practically every other issue so profoundly divides world leaders that they can hardly abide sitting together on such things as lifting or imposing trade barriers and/or sanctions on bad actors on the geopolitical landscape. Certainly, getting even a minimum number of such leaders to sit down together is nigh impossible on such crucial matters as stopping nuclear proliferation.

The power of money has strange effects on man, or, as the Bible puts it, “the love of money" is at the root of all of the evil within mankind. The gathering--its quick arrangement and the high level of interest shown by total participation--should alert us to the magnitude of the economic earthquake that continues to reverberate. This worldwide financial quake has initiated what might become a quantum leap in Bible prophecy yet future.

One becomes sure, after months and years of observing developing worldwide movements, that prophetic things are indeed afoot. Thinking on these developments includes:

1) Knowing the U.S. isn’t mentioned by name in Bible prophecy, the U.S. must diminish and reviving Rome must emerge as a major power.

2) Believing that there is a global agenda brewing, the financial elite must assert/insert themselves in some profound way in order to change nationalism to global thinking, especially in matters of economic interaction.

3) Understanding that Antichrist’s regime will be based upon his ability to control economy on an instantaneous, planetary basis, computers and EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) is, within some hybrid computer/satellite/internet linkage technology, the likely vehicle through which to bring to fruition the beast system of control foretold In the 13th chapter of Revelation.

It is critical to keep in mind that the EU is a prototype for the other developing regional economic unions. The North American union has been on a fast track for some time, with a regional currency--the amero--apparently scheduled for future use. That, in conjunction with the other such unions developing around the globe, brings us to seriously consider whether the ten-toes vision Daniel the prophet interpreted for Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel, chapter 2) might be but one twinkling of an eye away.

Even more relevant to the late hour, watching while the dynamics of the economic convulsions rearrange the way the world does business, is the prophecy given John for the very end of the age: “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast” (Rev. 17:12-13).

America’s “House of Cards” If It Falls, What Comes Next?

The world is in the midst of great geopolitical change. Old superpowers are waning, new ones are rising, alliances are shifting—what lies ahead?

Generally, human beings are wary of change—particularly change that is uncertain or negative. Such is the common sentiment among Americans in recent months. Several polls show that the vast majority of the U.S. population is unhappy, concerned and otherwise gloomy about the country’s current and future status.

As journalist Fareed Zakaria wrote in Newsweek, “Americans see that a new world is coming into being, but fear it is one being shaped in distant lands and by foreign people.”

As journalist Fareed Zakaria wrote in Newsweek, “Americans see that a new world is coming into being, but fear it is one being shaped in distant lands and by foreign people.”

Great geopolitical change is occurring; a “new world” is indeed emerging. Mr. Zakaria and others have referred to this as the “rise of the rest”—suggesting that the newfound wealth and might of China, India, Brazil and other nations will create a new balance between the West and “the rest.”
Others suggest there is an increasing imbalance of power, particularly regarding energy-based wealth. Thomas Friedman of The New York Times, for example, referred to congressional testimony suggesting that OPEC nations could, with oil at $200 a barrel, “potentially buy Bank of America in one month worth of production, Apple Computers in a week, and General Motors in just three days.”

In recent years, many have considered the United States the world’s only superpower. According to most definitions, they would be right, even today—while “the rest” are rising, the U.S. is still the only nation that can project its military power around the world.

Yet some suggest that America’s military strength is waning, propped up by the country’s economic “house of cards”—which could fall in a moment’s notice. At the same time, other nations that have risen economically could almost just as quickly expand their military power.

Four World-Changing Events

Consider four important events in recent history that signified the beginnings of major change in the geopolitical world.

First was the 1990 reunification of Germany. This finally allowed Europe’s largest country to integrate into the European Community (which later became the European Union).
This occurred at the same time as the second major event: the dissolution of the Soviet Union. With the significant loss of territory and economy due to the secession of several republics, the USSR had lost the Cold War with the West.

The third major event was the economic rise of China during the 1990s. Reforms from the 1970s had begun to be realized. Socio-political unrest during the 1980s had been addressed. Witnessing the fall of the fellow Communist USSR, the Chinese government took steps to consolidate political power. In a few short decades, China went from a poverty-stricken country to a major world power.

The fourth event was the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S.—which forced America to address the anti-U.S. ideology that was fermenting among various Islamic extremists, particularly the Taliban and al-Qaeda. For better or worse, the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have resulted in the deaths of thousands, but have also prevented (at least to date) any successful terrorist attack on American soil. While 9/11 has primarily been seen as a U.S. issue, it influenced other Western nations, especially certain European ones, to take various socio-religious steps that will be significant in the near future.

The Emergence of China

While change is often bad for some, it is usually good for others. This is certainly the case for China. The restructuring of its economy has resulted in a tenfold increase in the gross domestic product since 1978. On a purchasing power parity basis, China became the world’s second-largest economy after the United States in 2007.

While its rural areas and population remain an economic challenge for the Chinese government, the amazing fiscal growth of the past 20 years has brought tremendous prosperity to a growing middle-class. Foreign visitors describe the old cities as “ultra-modern.” As the industrial complex spreads across the country, the central government builds and connects entire new cities.

As is usually the case, increased economic prosperity brings increased nationalism. More than 90% of the 1.3 billion people are Han Chinese. Sharing a common culture, history and written language, they are the world’s largest homogeneous ethnic group.

Mr. Zakaria described a conversation he had with a young Chinese executive. Though he looked and sounded markedly Western, when they discussed topics such as Taiwan, Japan and the United States, the executive responded with “passion, bellicosity, and intolerance. I felt as if I were in Germany in 1910, speaking to a young German professional, who would have been equally modern and yet also a staunch nationalist” (Newsweek).

The May 2008 cover of The Economist, which featured the article “Angry China,” depicted a picture of a dark, fierce-looking dragon. This was in response to the crisis in Tibet and the ensuing Chinese fury expressed at the pro-Tibetan protests that shadowed the Olympic torch relay around the world. The article argued that with the Tibet issue as the starting point (and the alleged “anti-China” bias of the Western press), “China’s defenders have gone on to denounce the entire edifice of Western liberal democracy as a sham. Using its tenets to criticise China is, they claim, sheer hypocrisy. They cite further evidence of double standards: having exported its dirtiest industries to China, the West wants the country to curb its carbon emissions, potentially impeding its growth and depriving newly well-off Chinese of their right to a motor car.”

A month later, the International Herald Tribune reported on a Pew Global Attitudes Project survey, showing that people outside China worried about the nation’s growing military power, its influence on affairs in other nations, and the harm it is causing the environment. “In Western Europe,” the report stated, “majorities believe either that China has already replaced the United States as the world’s leading superpower or that it will at some point replace the United States.”

This is in contrast with most experts who suggest that while China’s economic growth has been and will likely continue to be impressive, it will not eclipse the U.S. Writing in the New York Times, Josef Joffe, editor of the German newspaper Die Zeit, calculated that even if China was able to sustain an indefinite growth of 7%, while the U.S. maintained its historical rate of 3.5%, China’s GDP would total $12 trillion by 2028—far below the projected U.S. GDP of $28 trillion.

William Pfaff, in an article titled “China: the pretend superpower,” made a similar argument. But he also pointed to the “massive, backward, impoverished and politically restless Chinese agricultural population, and the likelihood—I myself would say the certainty—of a major and possibly revolutionary political crisis in China in the foreseeable future” (The International Herald Tribune).

David Rothkopf, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment, suggests in his book Superclass, that the influence of the nation-state (and all the organizations based on it, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the IMF, etc.) is waning, and therefore a power void is being created.

A small group of players—“the superclass”—a new global elite, is filling the void. Some “are from business and finance,” Mr. Rothkopf stated. “Some are members of a kind of shadow elite—criminals and terrorists. Some are masters of new or traditional media; some are religious leaders, and a few are top officials of those governments that do have the ability to project their influence globally.”

The “superclass” theory may sound somewhat unconventional, and even a little conspiracy theory-esque. Yet it harkens back to a time when empires were not empowered entirely by a single nation-state and its government, but rather by a combination of political and socio-religious factors from several states, both “good” and “evil.”

Europe—Still Some Growing Pains

Despite expanding by ten nations in 2004, and another two in 2007, the European Union has struggled politically. The Treaty of Nice, implemented in 2003, was to ensure that the enlarged 27-member union would continue to operate relatively efficiently. However, attempts at a European Constitution in 2004 failed to reach unanimous ratification, following French and Dutch referendums.

Since then, the Reform, or Lisbon, Treaty proposed to amend existing treaties instead of replacing them (as the Constitution would have). However, a June 2008 referendum in Ireland, which rejected Lisbon, has once again put most political progress in Europe on hold. Unless Ireland can be convinced to vote again (and respond with a “yes”), the Lisbon Treaty will die; the EU will continue to operate under the Treaty of Nice.

Meantime, with a total landmass slightly less than one-half the size of the United States, the European Union has a population of just under 500 million, and a GDP (purchasing power parity) in 2007 of $14.38 trillion—larger than that of the U.S., and more than twice that of China.

The Economist stated that Europe and China have several things in common. Many Europeans are “rather relaxed” about America losing its status as the world’s lone superpower. It also points out that the EU is already China’s largest trade partner, with the two-way flow topping $400 billion in 2007. In addition, both China and Europe do not see each other as a military threat.

European relations with Russia, however, are more challenging. While the EU has expanded to the east, often absorbing former Soviet-states as members, Russia has enjoyed its ability to divide Europe. Disputes regarding Ukraine, Serbia, Poland and others continue to be difficult, and Europe’s reliance on Russian gas and oil is an ongoing issue.

In any case, Russian-German relations are a little more realistic, with leaders of each country being the first to visit each other after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s recent election. The new president said during German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Moscow, “We highly appreciate your coming here and consider the visit as a continuation of the strategic cooperation and partnership that has traditionally existed between Russia and the Federative Republic of Germany” (Xinhau).

One outcome from the Lisbon failure is a possible two-speed Europe: a smaller, progressive core, with a larger group of “associate members,” or partners. Political events, along with world events, will dictate whether this will become the avenue for Europe’s continued rise.

Keep in mind also that, in recent years, the U.S. has been pushing the EU for an increased role in security/military issues globally. NATO and the United Kingdom have complicated this issue, but at some point, they will have to fade to the back.

A Lone Superpower?

For now, the United States remains the world’s lone superpower. Despite the military reductions of the 1990s, it still has the most bases and personnel around the world. The U.S. Air Force and Navy are simply unrivalled, and the nation’s annual military budget remains the largest in the world by far.

Yet America’s global power and influence are quickly fading. With military strength at least somewhat based on economic power, and recent months showing that the U.S. economy is in a fragile state, America could one day find it is unable to fuel its jets or replenish its missile supply. How much longer can the federal government “bail out” various banks and mortgage companies, while spending tremendous amounts of money on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
London has (again) surpassed New York as the world’s financial capital for stock listing. Global markets increasingly invest money in European banks instead of American ones. Persian Gulf oil exports are diversifying their currency holdings into Euros instead of U.S. dollars.

The article “Waving Goodbye to Hegemony” (International Herald Tribune) suggests that the “Second World” countries (those after China, the EU and the U.S., but above the Third World) are making plain they want a part of the “European dream”—not the American one. In addition, the Second World has increasing power, primarily based on foreign exchange reserves and their relative spending power. The article suggests that to understand them, one must think like them. It is no longer an “us vs. them” (like the Cold War) or “you’re either with us, or against us” (like the early years of the “War on Terror”) world. These Second World nations are looking after themselves first.

Throw Iran into the fray, and you have a country that has been successful at dividing the U.S. and Europe (by primarily using the sensitive “Israel card”), while establishing a strategic partnership with China, enabling the dragon to reach the Persian Gulf without relying on the narrow Straits of Malacca. A U.S.-led (or supported, if Israel took the lead) attack on Iran would likely have dire economic consequences, never mind diplomatic challenges from Russia and China.

Could the U.S. military even support a major attack against Iran? What would happen if the region broke out into a full-scale war (such as Syria/Hezbollah attacking Israel, possibly with Egypt drawn in)? Certainly, the current strain and stress on U.S. forces is an issue.
In any case, the U.S. has also had its military ability and technology in action and “on display” for the rest of the world during the last several years. No doubt, the Chinese, Germans and others have paid close attention, and gathered as much information as possible. They will use this information to their best advantage.

Three “Nations” in Prophecy

Believe it or not, the future of China, the European Union and the United States are primary components of Bible prophecy, providing a picture of what lies ahead for the world.
The European Union is foretold to transform into a military/economic juggernaut—a “United States of Europe” that will be a great socio-political world force, combining tremendous economic power (Rev. 18:18-19) with a powerful and convincing religion (Rev. 13:11-15).

China will also play a leading part on the world stage, aligning itself with Russia (Rev. 9:16) to challenge the European power initially.

Yes, the Bible reveals that Europe and China (allied with Russia) will influence and dominate foreign affairs. However, the United States and her sister nations—Britain, Australia, France, Canada and others—will suffer dramatic reversal.

Free Real Estate, No Money Down

How would you like to have a luxurious mansion with sweeping vistas, great neighbors, and perfect weather? Even more so, how would you like to be given this mansion, free of charge? Believe it or not, such an offer is on the table right now, and it can be yours for a limited time only.If you've ever dreamed of having greater wealth than any person on earth, then you've come to the right place. Keep on reading, and you'll learn the details of the greatest real estate deal in human history.

It's the offer of a lifetime.

Free real estate with no money down, and you don't even have to pre-qualify or meet any net worth requirements. You don't need to be part of an exclusive fraternity or an alumnus of an elite college or university. However, there is one catch - you do need to be well connected. In order to close this once in a lifetime deal, you must have an intimate and personal relationship with the man who's offering it.The OfferBy now, most of you are skeptical. Nothing's free, right? But I assure you, this is not a pyramid scheme or a late-night infomercial scam. This offer comes from the most trustworthy person in the entire universe - Jesus of Nazareth. You might better know Him by the name of Jesus Christ.

If you've spent most of your life chasing after the pleasures and luxuries of this world, then I ask you to take a moment of your time and consider the following offer from Jesus. After all, it's a pretty sweet deal. He's offering you a life of abundant wealth in a luxurious mansion with amenities beyond your wildest dreams, and best of all, the wealth He offers lasts forever!But don't take my word for it, this is what Jesus says:"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home.

If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4 (NLT)What is this place that Jesus has prepared for those who trust in Him? And what does it look like? Luckily, the Book of Revelation describes it in detail:"So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone - like jasper as clear as crystal. The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates.

There were three gates on each side - east, north, south, and west. The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Revelation 21:10-14 (NLT)Chapters 21 and 22 of the Book of Revelation provide an in-depth description of the place Christ is preparing for His followers, a place which includes the very presence of God Himself:"No longer will there be a curse upon anything.

For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there - no need for lamps or sun - for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:3-5 (NLT)To all who wish to live in such a place and consume the water of life, the Lord Jesus Christ issues a freely issues this invitation:"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life." Revelation 22:17 (NLT)The glory of what Christ offers is beyond comprehension, and the Return on Investment you'll receive if you accept His offer is truly astronomical. Just take a moment to consider the terms of His offer.

The real estate component alone makes it the best deal you'll ever encounter - a luxurious mansion never in need of repair where God is your neighbor and you live forever while never growing hungry or thirsty for anything He can't readily provide. Such a place is invaluable. There's no way to put a value on it, because there are no comparables. This is a neighborhood completely unique unto itself, a truly one of a kind place, and anyone would be a fool to turn down a sweetheart deal like this one.In fact, this real estate is so valuable, you should be willing to give up everything in order to make certain you close the deal.Nothing is More Valuable According to Jesus, nothing is of greater value than the Kingdom of Heaven.

You should be more than willing to give up everything you have in order to devote the rest of your life to obtaining it:"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field." Matthew 13:44 (NLT)"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!" Matthew 13:45-46 (NLT)The Kingdom of Heaven is so valuable, you should forsake everything else in an effort to obtain it. For people of great wealth and high position in this world, an enormous amount of faith and self-discipline is required in order to exhibit a willingness to trade everything in this world for the reward that Christ offers.

But the payoff is immense. That's why Jesus warned us of the dangers presented by love of money and the material and physical pleasures of this world.The Things Of This WorldBecause of the pitfalls associated with this world, the followers of Jesus must be careful not to allow their thoughts and ambitions to become captive to the things of this world. The danger inherent in pursuing the wealth of this world lies in a lack of ambition to produce fruit for Christ:"The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced." Matthew 13:22 (NLT)We see this danger firsthand in the Gospel of Matthew, when a rich man expresses His desire to follow Christ:"Jesus told him, 'If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." Matthew 19:21-22 (NLT)Despite his apparent willingness to follow Christ, and his acceptance of the words and deeds of Jesus as truth, the rich man is unwilling to accept Christ's deal. He is consciously unwilling to trade His earthly wealth for treasure in heaven.

As a result, He can never be a follower of Christ, because a person cannot serve two masters:"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24 (NLT)The man in question could've experienced wealth beyond his wildest imagination. Unfortunately, because of his love for this world, he willingly traded the finest of pearls for a pile of ashes; He traded his buried treasure for a pile of counterfeit coins.

Don't make the same mistake!

Would you place millions of dollars under a mattress instead of inside a bank? Of course not! The danger of fire or theft is too great. Why then, should you treat your heavenly treasures any differently? Too many people spend their lives hoarding earthly wealth, while their heavenly treasures go unclaimed:"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)Hoarding earthly treasures is utterly foolish. Christ tells us so:"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones.

Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:16-21 (NLT)What good is all the wealth in this world, if to attain it, you have to forfeit your soul? Don't be foolish.

A deep and intimate relationship with the Creator and Master of the Universe is far more rewarding than the fleeting comforts of this world.Closing The DealSo now that we've established what really matters, how does one go about closing the deal of a lifetime?To properly close the deal requires humility:"God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." Matthew 5:5 (NLT)Why is humility required? Because to accept Christ's offer, one must acknowledge His glory. Obtaining the Kingdom of God independently is simply not an option. It's impossible.

Only one person can open the door to the Kingdom of Heaven - Jesus Christ:"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NLT)To those who are willing to humble themselves and accept Christ's sacrifice on the cross as payment for their sins, a Kingdom awaits - built on the foundation of Christ's glory:"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Matthew 25:34-36 (NLT)The Kingdom of Heaven is yours to inherit. It's already yours if you simply lay claim to it, so don't be worried when the world mocks you as foolish for accepting it.

To such people, the things of this world are perceived as valuable, while the rewards of Christ are perceived as worthless. Don't worry about what such people say. Instead, pray for them.

For at one time, we were all as foolish as they are. Pray they recognize the value of true treasure, to the very point of sacrificing their lives in order to obtain it: "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven." Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT)Don't let their ridicule divert your focus, for you have full knowledge of the reward which is just around the corner:"God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." Matthew 5:10 (NLT)Remember, our Lord Jesus Christ was Himself persecuted by this world. What, then, makes us think we will encounter anything less? "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different.

Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)Follow the example of Jesus and serve others. If you do, even the smallest act will be acknowledged by our Lord:"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew 10:42 (NLT)So don't worry when others call you foolish. Instead, trust with absolute faith that Jesus Christ will make good on His promise to reward you. The return you will receive from serving Him is far greater than any financial return the world can offer:"I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property - along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.

But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then." Mark 10:29-31 (NLT)Despite what the world may tell you, you lose nothing of real value by following Christ. In fact, it's just the opposite - you gain everything!It's the deal of a lifetime, and all you have to do is accept it. If you haven't taken advantage Christ's offer, I strongly encourage you to do so today. Like all great deals, it's available for a limited time only.

Once your life is over, the deal is no longer on the table. Right now, it's available free of charge to as many people as are willing to accept it. It could all be yours - an opulent mansion with great neighbors. A personal relationship with God Almighty. Eternal life. Wealth beyond belief. It's yours for the taking because Christ gave His life. Only a fool would turn down such a sweetheart deal. Don't be a fool.

“The End of A World…

…not the end of the world”. That is how one Financial Times article put this global economic crisis into perspective this week. Indeed, the world is changing before our eyes and I wonder if most are really aware of what is happening.

A Wall Street Journal article talks about the $900 million dollar dinners at a New York restaurant with people standing in line to get a table. Yet there is an anxiety in the tone of what you see and read that has not been there since 9/11/2001. Some are beginning to see that the world really is changing.

I wrote earlier that Asia is in a position to even provide bail out cash for the West, a turn around from ten years ago. Every financial writer these days is understanding that a new world is dawning and when the sun come out again America will not be the only financial center. There will be a new system in place to prevent another global crash like this of the past week.

Whatever it is, in time it will grow into a system described in Revelation 18 as a super power that will trade in “the bodies and souls of men”. (Verse 13). It will appear to be benign but ist heart will be cruel. This system will, called Babylon the Great, will be supported by a dark spiritual power. It will be unlike any to come before.

Elizabeth Wurtzel writes, “In the history of empire…no country has ever wielded dominance as gently and jusiciously as the United States has…this planet as a whole will fare far worse under China or whatever country comes next. The world is about to be a much sorrier place.”

I truly believe we are seeing the end of a world we have all come to know. It may take a while to clearly see the outline. But it will be different from anything in our time.

Globalization and the Current Economic Crisis

With the state of the global financial markets in such turmoil, I’m sure that most of you folks naturally have assumed that I would address this issue. I am absolutely amazed at how quickly the monetary health of the world has deteriorated. Stock markets around the globe have been in an absolute free fall. The Dow Jones experienced its worst one-week plunge in history.

There is growing concern that the crisis will spread to other sectors of the economy. The lack of credit is decimating the auto industry. Investors on Wall Street have priced the stock of General Motors and Ford to levels that indicate the strong possibility of default. At one point, GM traded as low as $4 and Ford went below to $2 per share.

The nation of Iceland has probably been hit the hardest by the crisis. Home to just 300,000 people, Iceland epitomized the global boom in easy credit. Its banks have most of their business overseas, and they amassed a balance sheet that is 200 times the GDP of the whole Icelandic economy.

The boom has now turned into a bust. The situation has become so dire, Iceland 's government has been forced to nationalize the nation's top three banks. The whole country is said to be on the brink of bankruptcy. The potential losses are in the tens of billions, and Iceland only has a total GDP of $2.4 trillion.

I've long said that economic hardship is the mother's milk of prophetic progression. For this particular crisis, it might be better said that economic hardship is the steroids of prophetic progression. Over the past two decades, there has been an incremental movement towards the global economic system predicted by the Bible. In the past few days, we have seen a sudden leap forward. If the players in this tragedy didn’t act so clueless about what is going on, I’d assume they were part of a pre-arranged plot.

For the first time ever, central banks around the world joined together for a coordinated interest rate cut. The G7, normally nothing more than a photo opportunity for world leaders, has laid out a plan to make international banks more interconnected in the lending of money.

Many world leaders are calling for tighter control. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi proposed the idea of closing the world's financial markets while they "rewrite the rules of international finance." French President Nicolas Sarkozy said, ``all actors must be supervised. We want a new world to come out of this [crisis]."

The U.S. Treasury Department’s role in American society has greatly expanded in the past the couple months. The world's largest bank is now in Washington D.C., with assets of $1.4 trillion. There is now a proposal for the government to take an ownership stakes in certain U.S. banks.
I think the greatest indication of the Fed's growing power is a new loan it gave to insurance giant AIG. When AIG received the initial $85 billion bailout loan, there was a huge amount of media attention to the process that led to the largest-ever federal loan to a non-bank. This past week, it became clear that AIG needed more money, so the Fed quietly handed over another $38 billion of taxpayers' money.

It’s been very nerve wracking to see the stock market plunge 40 percent since its high set last year, but I think something far more worrisome is on the horizon. When the Antichrist comes to power, he will utilize what is commonly called the mark of the beast to control the global financial system. Unless you have the mark, you can't buy or sell anything. Because anyone who receives the 666 mark is automatically damned, anyone on earth during the time of the mark will have to suffer martyrdom or extreme hardship to maintain his or her faith.

“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name” (Revelation 14:11).

Man now has the technology needed to establish a global, cashless community. At this stage, the only thing really missing is the political will to set the mark into motion.

I believe the mark of the beast will come at the mid-point of the tribulation. The fact that we are seeing economic force push for its implantation indicates to me that the time of the rapture must be very near.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28).