September 4, 2010











Look Out for the Beast





By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.





A recent poll shows that 67 percent of the people living in North America believe in the supernatural. The Christian film "The Gods of the New Age" asserts that 60 million Americans have, in some form or another, become involved with New Age philosophy.



Twenty-three percent believe in reincarnation. Forty million practice some form of astrology. But it does not stop here. The poll states that over a billion people worldwide plan their lives with the help of astrology.



The goals of a godless age are simple: one world government and a new world religion. In a sense, this is the theme of Revelation 12 and 13. In these two chapters, John summarizes the history of the struggle that is taking place in the spiritual realm.



The woman that is mentioned in 12:1 is Israel, which becomes the new Israel and the Church. The dragon in verse 3 is Satan, and the man-child in verse 5 is Jesus Christ. Michael represents the angels in verse 7. The beast out of the sea in chapter 13 is the world leader who is the Antichrist and the one who will deceive millions of people and trick them into receiving his mark--the mark of the beast--which essentially is Satan’s mark.



Just like the subtle, escalating growth in the early 90s of the New Age movement, the enemy of your soul will not come announcing his intent to blind you to the love of God. No, he is much more crafty. He will seek to lure you away softly, quietly, and peacefully. This is why it is imperative that each day you ask God to make you wise to the schemes of the enemy. Be quick to respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Turn away and refuse to be a part of anything that is not reflective of the Lord's holiness and purity.





The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord (Revelation 11:15).