Posted on 09/24/2001 11:11:46 AM PDT by Scythian
I am a Christian but I am still afraid, especially for my young children. I know that it is difficult to find the US in biblical prophecy, especially in the end times. Could it be that we simply don't exist? I fear that is the answer.
Maybe the beast that rises out of the sea in revelation is not the UN but Terrorism, different from the others beasts is it not? There is no way the US can protect itself from biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, we haven't the will to fight political correctness and evict our enemies.
As terrible as this sounds, I'm afraid, I mean really afraid, it's effecting my ability to concentrate and work. Forgive me for posting this.
At best, I have understood this verse to be a rebuke to those who deny the rapture. I'm sure there are plenty of other applications...but the 'rapture' debate seems to fit it the best, (considering the times we are in.)
Rev:. 13:11 Another beast coming up out of the earth that had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. This beast is the only one to arise out of the earth. Since the sea is symbolic of population - the opposite, the earth would be a land without heavy population. This beast does not arise by military conquest of the lands of Europe, but instead arises in a new land. The character is like a lamb. However, the final picture shows it to speak as a dragon -to persecute those who dissent.
Bingo. (using the Bible to explain itself is the only way to go.)
The U.S.A. at its foundation was established as a "lamb". It provided freedom to those seeking to escape religious persecution and it rose up out of the earth (as compared with all the other nations which rose up out of the sea (populations, Rev. 17:15). But Revelation says that this lamb-like beast spoke like a dragon. Speaking like a dragon reminds me of the great dragon known as Satan. What does it mean to speak like Satan? What are the characteristics of Satan and how does he behave? To me, the most important issue for discerning the difference between the work of Satan and the work of God are that of freedom vs. force. Christ is described as a "lamb" (gentle, meek, humble) while a dragon can be understood as a creature of violence and force.
Satan operates by force, he doesn't want us to have freedom. God gives us freedom to decide based on the evidence that he has given us through his Son and his word. God designed us with brains capable of reason and with the capacity to establish morals and ethics. The Bible is obviously devoted to spiritual matters, so if the U.S. is going to "speak like a dragon," it follows that it will force people to do something. Rev. 13:12 says that this beast will force people to worship. I believe that God is not interested in forcing us to worship him - if that was his mode of operation, he could have accomplished that long ago and he would not have created us with reasoning minds to make our own choices with. If force is involved, you can be sure that Satan is behind it. Obviously the U.S. has not forced anyone to worship one particular way or another yet. But IF the U.S. forces you to worship in any one particular way in the future, you can be sure who is behind it.
One link on America in Prophecy
(Or do your own search on your favorite engine…)
Disclaimer: Don't take my word for anything - it is my opinion and I'm not trying to force it on you. Please study for yourself and make up your own mind. If you find that what I have said is untrue, ignore it.
13:32 But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
13:34 [For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
You exist because you are and because I read your post! I exist because my boss wouldn't call me a moron if I wasn't really there. He exists because I haven't figured out a legal way to get rid of him.....
Now get back to work or you will cease to exist as your boss's employee.....
He never gave ya bad advice before, right ;)
We are in a fight for our lives. We no longer have the luxury of fear, doubt, soul-searching and defeatism.
We have no option but to prevail regardless of fear, doubt and sorrow.
So why give them such regard?
I've always found Christ and his teachings to be an antidote for fear and doubt.
After observing the current scene, it grieves me that Christianity is becoming a namby-pamby religion of fear and forgiveness for the unrepentant.
It's shocking.
"I've read the Bible, and I've read about Israel and the end-times. I'm worried because the USA is not mentioned in these prophecies, and I'm wondering why, because it concerns me, RIGHT NOW."
It's a Biblical question he/she is asking, it's not rhetorical. It doesn't matter to the author if you believe in the Bible or not, the author is asking where America is in prophecy IN THE BIBLE. It's a pretty specific request. (At least it was to me...then again the Holy Spirit has a way of communicating these things to those who have a discernment. 1st Corinth. 2:14) It cannot be answered by those who don't believe in the Bible. It cannot be answered by those without faith. In other words: if you don't 'get it', it's foolishness, as you believe it to be.
I'm open to the author correcting me, as I cannot speak for the author, but I've done my best to try to explain what I believe the author is asking me.
I'm with you.
After observing the current scene, it grieves me that Christianity is becoming a namby-pamby religion of fear and forgiveness for the unrepentant.
Key word being unrepentant. You are correct in that Jesus has been made into some squishy New Age hippy, where everything people do is all right with Him. That is a tragic mistake.
Today I was looking out one of my windows and saw a little Wren on my bird bath. He was so cute and little. It was cold and windy outside. The wind was blowing like crazy, and this little Wren was perched on this bird bath taking a drink.
I remember reading in THE WORD that we are not to worry ..but to look at the birds of the air..they do not worry about food or drink, for our Heavenly Father cares for THEM. Now if he cares for them, how much more will he care for YOU ?
I thought of that when I saw that little bird, realizing alot of people are afraid. We who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour, have to know He is in control , not us. That is what FAITH is. He loves YOU, and will take care of your family, Scythian. Trust Him.
Someone once told me when she was worried and going through a terrible time, someone told her..." xxxx, close your eyes and picture Jesus, you just crawl up in his lap like a little kitten. Let His arms carry you to his lap, and let him hold you there. Feel his strength and love for you. Know His promises are true..and then close your eyes, and REST IN HIM....He will NEVER fail you...for "HE CARES FOR ..YOU."
Also, remember.." To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord "...He understands your fear, and it is ok. You are not super human....just rest in Him...and crawl up into the lap of God. It is a wonderful place to rest. He is in control. Aren't you glad YOU don't have to be? Be well, my friend.
You said it all right there.
Lately, when I look at or hug my children-it is like I am trying to shrink a lifetime of glimpses and squeezes into seconds..it is very heart wrenching, to put it mildly.
Yup.
Do you even think we would know the name 'Jesus' if His followers cried "Waah! We're afraid of the lions! Waaaaah!"
The first Christians overthrew the Roman Empire simply by refusing to live in fear and having faith in Christ's teaching.
If Christ cannot dispel one's fears and doubts, Mohammed and his followers certainly will...
Hold that thought.
.......or overcoming their fear because of their faith in Him.
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