I mentioned in my last segment that I would present to you, the reader, some observations that I have made regarding current events and how I identify them as parallel to those of the Bible. When I say "current events", I am not necessarily referring to a particular event, but rather a trend of change that I have noticed in our culture. I believe it is important that everyone at least have a basic idea of what God’s plan is and what the events are that transpire and bring to pass the end of this age and life as we know it. I suppose that in some way this article might serve to support that belief. By all means, if you disagree with anything that I say or would like offer up your opinions, please let me know. With that said, let’s jump right into it.

I think the most prominent anomaly that I would consider to be parallel to biblical prophecy these days, probably because it is so recent and fresh in my mind given the election that we just had, is the massive cultivation of followers that Barack Obama was able to garner throughout his campaign. It had always puzzled me how so many people could follow a person who, in my opinion, had so little substance to accompany his message. Obama is a gifted speaker who is seasoned in the craft of suggestion. A master of perception who knows precisely how to win over the hearts of the demoralized, but when confronted about his policies, it seems as though he cannot produce a definitive position.

Take the case of Saddleback Church of Lake Forest, CA, who in August 2008, hosted an informal pseudo-debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. When Obama was asked at what point does life begin, he proceeded to meander his way into a discussion of conflicting philosophical differences between opposing branches of society, altogether avoiding his true position on life while protecting his uncompromising stance on abortion from further exposure. Nevertheless, this discussion is not about Obama’s policies, but the parallel between his caravan of followers and another event known to Bible students as the Great Apostasy.

The Great Apostasy (i.e.Falling Away) is a time of massive disaffiliation from Christ to worship a false messiah. Now, don't take this the wrong way; I am not implying that Barack Obama is the Antichrist; I believe I made that clear in my last editorial, and I don't mean to make it sound as though every person who voted for him was deceived either. I am simply drawing a parallel between these times and prophetic times that I find to be fascinating. It has become so obviously clear to me how Satan will infiltrate society and harvest the souls of this world through his speech.

In the book of 2nd Thessalonians (chap 2: 2-3) from the Bible, Paul was clearly expressing his concern that the people of Thessalonica may have misinterpreted his previous letter to them by thinking that the day of the Lord was upon them. He warns,

v.2 - Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

v.3 - Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

The “falling away” of verse 2 translates “Apostasia” in the Greek and means “to defect” (Strong’s G646); in this case, defect from Christ in pursuit of an alternate christ. In fact, the transliteration of antichrist does not mean so much "against Christ", as it does "instead of Christ". The truth is that the whole world will think that Antichrist is Christ himself; Messiah, the anointed one come to save them all. Well, where have we heard that lately?

So how could someone so vile and wicked cause so many to follow him; Antichrist that is, not Barack Obama? It's very simple, Antichrist will be very charismatic and appealing to them; offering whatever their hearts desire. Very similar to the recent dogma of "tax cuts for the middle class" and "free health care for everybody". Listen folks, no matter how much anyone tries to paint the picture of a free, government run program, it is never free. There is always a hitch and someone has to pay. Remember, government has no money; they are merely the custodians of yours. Why do you think that Obama is proposing tax cuts to only the lower and middle classes rather than everybody? Because he knows that someone has to pay and if he can sanction tax increases for the so-called upper class, he can alter his $250K upper class threshold as needed to fulfill his agenda. What might be considered the middle class today could mean something completely different tomorrow, and it most likely will. Likewise, with Antichrist, there is a hitch, but instead of it costing you money out of pocket, it will cost you your soul. The truth is that Barack Obama had always offered up only enough information to make his policy sound advantageous when in fact it is the opposite. Likewise Satan will speak enough truth to you to convince the you that his is the Messiah, yet put enough spin on it to imprison your soul. The question is whether you are able to tell the difference or not? How's your Bible knowledge looking these days friend?

Another example of Obama's illusive style was during the third presidential debate, when he was explaining his reasoning for not supporting a bill to ban partial birth abortion. He said that it was because the bill had little or no provision for the health of the mother. Well, how sensitive and caring can one possible be? However, he knows that this argument alone presents a loophole for his support of unrestricted abortion known as the Freedom of Choice Act; a bill that Obama vows to sign into law as soon as he takes office. The health of the mother has never been, and I might add, will never be, defined by the Left because it would immediately be used to restrict abortion on demand. As it stands, the health of the mother could mean anything from physical maiming of the mother's flesh to postpartum depression to a headache. The point is that the way in which Barack Obama articulates his message is very compelling to those who are unable to read between the lines. So where is the parallel? This is the same method that Satan will use to deceive the world. Remember that Satan tempted Jesus for 40 days in the wilderness. What did he tempt him with? Scripture!

Satan is a scripture lawyer and knows exactly what you need to hear to deceive you and cause you to worship him. This is why it is so utterly important to know enough about scripture that you cannot be deceived. Unfortunately, many in this world are not believers and of those that are, many of them are basically biblically illiterate while others feel no need to arm themselves with knowledge, as they believe that the church will be raptured away before Antichrist arrives on Earth. My question is, why would Christians be so vehemently warned to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Eph 6:13)" and "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked Eph 6:16)" if they were not going to face Antichrist defacto? Why would God express so forcefully, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4)".

It is my opinion that it is better to be fully prepared and face no danger than to be ill prepared when confronted with devastation. It is written, the whole world shall wonder after the beast who's names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world (Rev. 17.8). However, be not deceived. Though you may think he is, that beast is not the Antichrist and the book mentioned is not the same book as that of Revelation 20:12. This, however, is another issue for another time.