Will Religion Become a Thing of the Past?

A recent article by BBC News reporter Jason Palmer suggests that religion may become a thing of the past in nine Western nations. The independent research—conducted by several American social researchers—presents data to support the hypothesis that adherence to religion is dying out in Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland ("Religion may become extinct in nine nations, study says," Jason Palmer, BBC News).

Though these countries have all been traditionally considered as Christian nations, an ardent secularism has become the calling card of many. Consider the Czech Republic, of which 60 percent of the population identifies itself as "non-affiliated" with religion. Strong secularism is a predominant trait even in Muslim-majority Turkey.

"Worldwide religious resurgence"

However, in spite of these findings and rampant hardline secularism, even a casual observer will note that religion is alive and well in much of the world. Even amid scandals and accusations of priestly corruption the Catholic Church has experienced significant growth in the U.S. in the last few years, and Islam—of both the moderate and radical varieties—continues to be the world's fastest-growing religion.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz, recently affirmed the growing relevancy of religion in the world when he cited a "worldwide religious resurgence." Diaz' comment was in reference to his assertion that political and religious leaders need to work together more closely than ever to address issues of concern for the entire world.

Clearly, though many countries may be experiencing a time of religious poverty, the overall world trend is quite different.

A famine of the word

Surprisingly however, predictions of a time of ignorance of God do not contradict Scripture—they do, in fact, agree with a prophecy recorded in the Old Testament. The prophet Amos wrote, "'Behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord God, 'That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord'" (Amos 8:11).

By examining the context of this scripture, we can see the timing of this famine of the word of God. Verse 9 says, "It shall come to pass in that day," that God will "make the sun go down at noon," and "darken the earth in broad daylight." These prophecies are echoed in Jesus Christ's words, where He describes the heavenly signs that will accompany the end-times: "The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light" (Matthew 24:29). Likewise, the prophet Joel foresaw that these days would be "a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness" (Joel 2:2).

Thus we see that the prophesied famine of the word is yet to come and will occur prior to Christ's return.

A famine of truth—not religion

Religion in one form or another is pervasive in society—even in places in which strong secularism has taken hold. The World Christian Encyclopedia estimates that there are 270 large religious groups in the world, not counting small sects and animist tribal religions. In a world in which religion is so ubiquitous, how will a famine of God's word come to pass?

God prophesied a time when His word would not be understood by much of mankind and when the world would turn its back on His true way of life. The apostle Paul warned of false teachers who would turn people away from the true words of God to "another Jesus," "another spirit" and "another gospel." Jesus Himself cautioned His followers to not be deceived by false prophets: "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). This suggests that, while true knowledge of God and His way will be lost, religious teaching itself will still abound.

The apostle John understood this, and he warned both first century and 21st century Christians to be wary of false teachers and false religion: "Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour" (1 John 2:18). John here points out that many in the last days will profess beliefs and ideologies that are against Christ and His gospel of truth.

From famine to feast

Despite a famine of truth and righteousness, God promises that true religion will not only prevail over false teaching—it will fill the earth. After the period of darkness, tribulation and famine of God's word at the end of this age, God promises through the prophet Isaiah that, "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." At that time mankind will not suffer from spiritual starvation, but will feast upon the healing words of the Almighty God.

Earthquakes: A Sign of the Return of Jesus Christ?

The nation of Japan is still reeling and trying to recover from the worst natural disaster in its history. The massive earthquake, which struck just northeast of Japan's main island on March 11, has been registered as the fifth most powerful on record. The entire main island of Japan is reported to have moved an incredible eight feet. Even the rotation of the earth was affected. The loss in human life and property from this 9.0-magnitude quake and the resulting tsunami waves that followed is almost beyond calculation.

A disaster of historic proportions

Many people around the world watched vivid scenes of massive destruction as walls of water carried away buildings, vehicles, boats and entire villages and towns. The knowledge that thousands of people were dying made it heart-rending to watch. This massive quake followed a similar one off the coast of Indonesia in 2004, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and a smaller one just three weeks ago that caused great damage in New Zealand.

Hundreds of smaller earthquakes occur around the earth every day, but most are deep below the surface and affect unpopulated areas. When large quakes occur near cities or send huge waves across the oceans, the results can be catastrophic. This latest one in Japan certainly classifies as a catastrophe.

Earthquakes to signal Christ's return?

When a disaster affects much of the world as this one has, people ask, "Is this a sign of the return of Jesus Christ and the end of our age?"

When asked about what to look for as a sign of his return, Jesus Christ spoke of "the sea and the waves roaring"(Luke 21:7, 25). He was prophesying that there would be great storms and tumult on the world's oceans and seas. He was likely referring to hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis that unleash unusually destructive power on the earth. While there have always been storms and earthquakes, Jesus foretold that they would increase in magnitude and occurrence before the last days.

In response to the same question, Jesus warned that other causes of death and destruction—such as wars, famines and disease—would also increase during the end time.

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7, emphasis added throughout).

Disasters to come at the time of the end

Are these the sign that the return of Christ is imminent? The answer is no. Jesus followed by saying, "All these are the beginning of sorrows" (verse 8). Far worse suffering and destruction will take place as the end of this age draws near, but most of the world will not be prepared for it and will be taken by surprise.

Speaking of this same time, the prophet Jeremiah warned, "Behold, a whirlwind [tempest in some translations] of the Lord has gone forth in fury—a violent whirlwind! It will fall violently on the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly" (Jer. 23:19-20).

He then adds, "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Behold, disaster shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the farthest parts of the earth. And in that day the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth...'" (Jeremiah 25:32-33). Jeremiah explains throughout his book that the reason for these disasters is that mankind has rejected God and has filled the world with evil and violence. Men will continue to defy their Creator (Revelation 9:21), so God will send additional plagues on the earth in order to convince humanity to listen to Him.

The heavenly sign of Christ's return

But are these the sign that Jesus is about to return? While they are indications of the times in which we live, the actual "sign" of the return of Jesus Christ to this earth takes place in the sky above the earth. Notice what Jesus told his disciples:

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-30)

Earthquakes: A Sign of the Return of Jesus Christ?

The nation of Japan is still reeling and trying to recover from the worst natural disaster in its history. The massive earthquake, which struck just northeast of Japan's main island on March 11, has been registered as the fifth most powerful on record. The entire main island of Japan is reported to have moved an incredible eight feet. Even the rotation of the earth was affected. The loss in human life and property from this 9.0-magnitude quake and the resulting tsunami waves that followed is almost beyond calculation.

A disaster of historic proportions

Many people around the world watched vivid scenes of massive destruction as walls of water carried away buildings, vehicles, boats and entire villages and towns. The knowledge that thousands of people were dying made it heart-rending to watch. This massive quake followed a similar one off the coast of Indonesia in 2004, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and a smaller one just three weeks ago that caused great damage in New Zealand.

Hundreds of smaller earthquakes occur around the earth every day, but most are deep below the surface and affect unpopulated areas. When large quakes occur near cities or send huge waves across the oceans, the results can be catastrophic. This latest one in Japan certainly classifies as a catastrophe.

Earthquakes to signal Christ's return?

When a disaster affects much of the world as this one has, people ask, "Is this a sign of the return of Jesus Christ and the end of our age?"

When asked about what to look for as a sign of his return, Jesus Christ spoke of "the sea and the waves roaring"(Luke 21:7, 25). He was prophesying that there would be great storms and tumult on the world's oceans and seas. He was likely referring to hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis that unleash unusually destructive power on the earth. While there have always been storms and earthquakes, Jesus foretold that they would increase in magnitude and occurrence before the last days.

In response to the same question, Jesus warned that other causes of death and destruction—such as wars, famines and disease—would also increase during the end time.

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places" (Matthew 24:7, emphasis added throughout).

Disasters to come at the time of the end

Are these the sign that the return of Christ is imminent? The answer is no. Jesus followed by saying, "All these are the beginning of sorrows" (verse 8). Far worse suffering and destruction will take place as the end of this age draws near, but most of the world will not be prepared for it and will be taken by surprise.

Speaking of this same time, the prophet Jeremiah warned, "Behold, a whirlwind [tempest in some translations] of the Lord has gone forth in fury—a violent whirlwind! It will fall violently on the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly" (Jer. 23:19-20).

He then adds, "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Behold, disaster shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the farthest parts of the earth. And in that day the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth...'" (Jeremiah 25:32-33). Jeremiah explains throughout his book that the reason for these disasters is that mankind has rejected God and has filled the world with evil and violence. Men will continue to defy their Creator (Revelation 9:21), so God will send additional plagues on the earth in order to convince humanity to listen to Him.

The heavenly sign of Christ's return

But are these the sign that Jesus is about to return? While they are indications of the times in which we live, the actual "sign" of the return of Jesus Christ to this earth takes place in the sky above the earth. Notice what Jesus told his disciples:

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-30)

Will America's Billions in Military Aid to Egypt Backfire?

Most of America's founders had great faith in God and relied on Him much more than do the present leaders and citizens of the United States.

For a nation to be persistently blessed with God's provision and protection, the people must be faithful to God, and they must trust in and rely on Him.

We are to be at least as faithful to God as a person should be to his or her spouse. Our Creator is rightfully jealous. He regards any unfaithfulness to Him as spiritual adultery.

This requires more than lip service. Actions speak louder than words.

The problems of foreign aid and political alliances

One example of spiritual infidelity is when our country's leaders have more trust in political and military alliances than they have in God. And the obvious evidence of this is when we unnecessarily send hard-earned tax dollars to other countries as political and military foreign aid (as opposed to disaster relief and humanitarian aid).

Tragically, much foreign aid is siphoned off to enrich the leaders rather than to benefit the common citizen. In fact, the aid often props up corrupt leaders, enabling them to retain their power over the people.

Most of America's foreign aid and military aid to other countries is an effort to buy cooperation and friendship. In doing so, the United States has "hired lovers" (Hosea 8:9).

But "friends" who are purchased are not real friends. The "aid" is like a bribe. They know you don't have real love for them. They know you have the selfish motive of buying their favors.

In fact, the United States often sends more money to unreliable "friends" than to its reliable friends! We reward nations for being unreliable! We choose strange bedfellows.

But the most serious aspect of this mess is failing to rely on God's guidance, provision and protection.

Egypt a dangerous example

Peace treaties and other negotiations with dictators usually come to an end when the dictator dies or is ousted. That shows how futile it is to rely on countries that are ruled by dictators.

Egypt has been one of the top recipients of American assistance, receiving about $1.5 billion in aid each year. But the violent demonstrations against the Mubarak regime show that no amount of aid can guarantee stability, prosperity or even a reliably pro-American foreign policy.

Much of the aid to Egypt has been military aid. Egypt has an incredibly strong military. It is larger than Israel's, although some of Israel's military is more advanced and sophisticated. If control of Egypt falls into the wrong hands, that military power could easily be used against us.

With the recent enormous uprising in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is trying to get its foot in the door hoping to gain control of the government. It was the Muslim Brotherhood that murdered Hosni Mubarak's predecessor, Anwar Sadat. A government that involves the Muslim Brotherhood will be hostile to personal liberties, repudiate Egypt's treaty with Israel and threaten the United States. It could refuse traffic through the Suez Canal to anyone at any time.

And although a majority of Egypt's people say they want democracy, 84 percent of them also say you should be killed if you leave Islam. With that belief, Egypt won't be a land of freedom—a land that guarantees the right to life, the rule of law, property rights, the protection of minorities, respect for human dignity and the right to worship God according to one's conscience.

Through His prophets, God frequently reprimanded Israel and Judah for committing spiritual adultery and "playing the harlot" with neighboring nations. Instead of being loyal to God and putting their full trust in Him to provide and protect, they relied instead on alliances with various nations (see Jeremiah 3:1-15 and Ezekiel 16:15-63).

God warned Israel that their alliances would backfire. He said, "I will stir up your lovers against you" (Ezekiel 23:22). After the fall of Judah to the Babylonians, God's prophet wrote, "Among all her lovers she has none to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies" (Lamentations 1:2).

Would that America would rededicate herself to a committed covenant relationship with God!

But it is not going to happen soon enough to prevent calamity. Our nation's increasing infidelity toward our Creator will be our undoing. Bible prophecies tell us that America and her Western allies will eventually suffer terribly because of their unfaithfulness to God.

However, God promises that He will provide for and protect every individual who faithfully obeys, serves and trusts in Him!

What Will Happen to Egypt?

After Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution toppled autocratic leader Ben Ali's government Jan. 15, protests have erupted in other Arab nations from Algeria to Yemen. But it is Egypt in particular that has the world's attention.

Tens of thousands of protesters in the streets of Cairo have voiced frustrations about the economy (about a quarter of young people are unemployed throughout the Arab world) and corruption. But protesters don't all share a common view of the solution—beyond removing President Hosni Mubarak, who has ruled Egypt for 29 years. If the government falls, will anarchy, democracy, military rule or an Islamic regime emerge?

The United States and the rest of the Western world has come to depend on Egypt's stability for the 30 percent of the world's oil that is transported through the Suez Canal, as well as its assurance of peace with Israel. That peace has come at a high price of about $2 billion a year in American aid—mostly military aid—to Egypt. Who will control Egypt's vast array of the latest armaments?

Egypt in Bible prophecy

Throughout the Bible, Egypt was in contact and often conflict with the people of Israel. No wonder Egypt is mentioned 611 times in the Bible! Although none of the New Testament mentions of the nation of Egypt refer to end-time prophecies, there are plenty of them in the Old Testament. Here are just a few:

In the Bible's most detailed prophecy, Daniel 11, Daniel saw many specific events that then occurred over the next 400 years. The conflicts centered on the king of the North (the Seleucids, whose empire was swallowed up by the Roman Empire in 65 B.C.) and the king of the South (the Ptolemies, who ruled from Alexandria in Egypt).

Then the prophecy skips to end-time events. Daniel 11:36-38 appears to describe the actions of the Roman emperors and their successors, leading all the way up to a final king of the North of the end time.

"And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push [Hebrew nagach, to push or to attack] at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land…and the land of Egypt shall not escape" (Daniel 11:40-42, King James Version).

Good news for Egypt and everyone

Soon after this, Jesus Christ will return to save humanity from self-destruction and will be proclaimed king of all nations, including Egypt (Matthew 24:22; Revelation 11:15).

Through those end-time events of the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, Egypt will be punished for rebellion against God, as all nations will. But God promises to heal Egypt: "They will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them" (Isaiah 19:22).

Then Isaiah records one of the greatest ironic twists of history. Egypt and Assyria, historically Israel's greatest foes, become blessed allies!

"In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance'" (Isaiah 19:24-25). That is truly the good news of the peaceful Kingdom of God!

Triple A Rating Is Not Forever: Moody's and S&P Warn of U.S. Debt Downgrade

In just the last minute, the U.S. Debt Clock.org website showed the U.S. national debt increasing $1,400,000 and change—the digits fly by so fast they blur in front of my eyes. They not only boggle the brain, but the numbers seem meaningless as I sip coffee at my neighborhood Starbucks looking at a sea of late model cars in the parking lot.

The numbers dizzily flash upward. Debt per citizen: $44,998. Debt per taxpayer: $126,844, with $1.331776750 trillion added this year alone to the national debt.

Surrounded by global brand name stores beyond the parking lot, I watch the numbers mount up on the world's biggest name brand—the United States of America—as it lunges toward the greatest bankruptcy in history.

It could change. The U.S. people and their leaders could make the sacrifices needed to turn things around. But there is nothing so far—beyond rhetoric—indicating that the government will do what would be necessary.

But if the U.S. government doesn't change its gargantuan deficit spending, its credit rating could be downgraded in the next two years, according to senior spokespeople for Moody's and Standard and Poor's. Both are the world's leading credit rating agencies. They determine whether investors will buy the debt bonds of nations throughout the world and at what interest rates.

"We have become increasingly clear about the fact that if there are not offsetting measures to reverse the deterioration in negative fundamentals in the U.S., the likelihood of a negative outlook over the next two years will increase," said Sarah Carlson, senior analyst at Moody's.

If the rating is lowered, experts agree there would likely be a wholesale departure from U.S. debt, which means the United States could see a collapse of the dollar. This could quickly cause the global financial structure to explode or, just as dire for the United States, it could force all the rest of the world's leaders to quickly construct a new financial structure without the United States.

Then, all America's debt numbers would grind to a halt. The creditors would foreclose.