Signs of the Last Days: Part 1

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. Isaiah 44:6-8

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. John 14:29

Only God can declare the future. One of the purposes of prophecy is to encourage faith. As Bible prophecy is consistently fulfilled we know we can trust the Word of God and its author with our lives and the future. What does the Bible say about the end times? What are the signs that we will know we are in the last days?

Television and the Christian

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:7-8

"Be no deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Corinthians 15:33

Television is one of the world's most important telecommunication mediums. Programs are broadcast via various channels. The language surrounding this powerful and influential medium and its related industries is very telling. Let's take a look at some of that language. What patterns do we see?

Was Peter the First Pope?

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesara Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, but whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living god. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:13-19

Is Peter really the rock on which the church is built? Are we not called Christians after Christ?

And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. John 1:42