The Final Superpower - SOPS2315

Are you ready to experience the amazing love of God and his plan for your life? Are you curious about the fast fulfilling Bible prophecies? Amidst the rapidly changing world, secrets of prophecy is your gateway to unlocking these exciting realities. Join Pastor David Price on a journey of discovery that will not only transform your life, but will equip you with inner peace and an unshakable hope to face the future. Well, it's my pleasure to welcome you to Secrets of Prophecy session number 15. And it's certainly great to be together as we look at this incredible topic, the final superpower. In this session, we're going to discover the two superpowers that John the Revelator discovers and unpacks in Revelation, chapter 13. We're also going to find where these two superpowers originated from. That's very, very significant to a correct identification. Thirdly, what is the final issue that divides the world? Is it actually politics or religion or a combination of them both? Number four, how does the final superpower actually exert its control over the world? And fifthly, what does Jesus Christ promise to those who will stand up for him? So that's our session. Session 15. Secrets of prophecy. The final superpower. Let us pray. Gracious heavenly Father, again, we would ask for wisdom and understanding to rightly divide the word of truth. And tonight we just ask that you'll be with us in a powerful way. In Jesus name, amen. So, once again, I'd like to say thank you so much for joining us for this amazing session. This is actually almost part three of who is the Antichrist? So we continue on with some of those themes in this amazing lesson. If you're watching this on a digital platform, you can download the study guide under the description bar and you can print that out and join in with us. But that's not necessary to enjoy the programme. So let's get started. Following World War Two, the balance of global power was in the hands of two superpowers the USA, the United States of America and the USSR or Russia. World peace was maintained through a method of deterrence and the fear of global annihilation. There was a race to see who could develop the latest military technology and accumulate the most bombs. By the time Ronald Reagan became president of America, the cold War had reached such a state that he feared the imminent biblical prophecies of Armageddon. President Reagan thought the world might soon end unless he acted swiftly to remove the threat of communist Russia. I'd like to take a moment to give you a little bit more on that. We're going to the Los Angeles Times article Reagan recants his path from Armageddon to detente, published January 3, 1988, by Daniel Shaw. Quote, the president had not only been given to denouncing the Soviet Union as the evil empire, but had long been interested in the concept advanced by the religious right, a preordained nuclear conflict with the Soviet Union sparked by an incident in the Middle East. Reagan had indicated his absorption with the Armageddon vision in conversations going back to 1971. In that year, recalls James Mills, former president pro tempore of the California Senate, Governor Reagan told him in a dinner conversation in Sacramento, for the first time ever, everything is in place for the battle of Armageddon and the second coming of Christ. So, friends, President Reagan turned to Pope John Paul II, one of the most beloved of all the popes and the Catholic Church, to help him accomplish this task in the most amazing manner. So the February 24, 1992 edition of Time magazine led with an article entitled Holy alliance. This article documented a secret meeting between the pope and Reagan in the Vatican library that combined two of the most powerful forces in the world into a strategic alliance. Let me add in this quote. Faced with a military crackdown in Poland, Ronald Reagan and John Paul II secretly joined forces to keep the solidarity union alive. They hoped not only to pressure Warsaw, but to free all of Eastern Europe and, friends, that's pretty much what happened. In that meeting, Reagan and the pope agreed to undertake a clandestine campaign to hasten the dissolution of the communist empire. This was one of the great secret alliances of all time. So the article goes on to say, the two powers would influence Russia militarily, economically, and spiritually through the eastern bloc countries. The result? The demise of communism and the collapse of the USSR. Since that time, the United States has become the dominant global influence in all key areas of civilization, politics, economics, culture, military, technology, and science. The United States is the largest global economy and dominates the money markets of the world. From a political perspective, the United States has taken on the role of a global policeman or a Globo cop. As Time magazine so eloquently said way back in April 1, 1991, the nation now spends more on warfare than any other country and basically determines the military action of the world. We need to now ask a few questions. Does Bible prophecy predict the rise and rule of the United States? If so, does God see the United States as a power for good or evil? What role will global governments have in influencing world religion? And will there be a return to religious persecution? This study guide will reveal a prophecy that clearly identifies the final superpower please take time to read revelation 13. There are only 18 verses. And take time to consider the two beasts. Notice how they rule at different times in history, then form a global alliance at the very end of time. So in revelation 13, we have the two beast powers controlled by the dragon of revelation twelve, and these make up the satanic trinity. We have the first beast that comes out of the sea in revelation 13 one to ten, followed by the second beast that comes out of the land in revelation 13 and verses eleven to 18. So let's go to the first beast and consider its characteristics in revelation 13 one to ten. Before we do go into question number one, I want you to look at that beast and see if it is not a composite beast. It has the head of a lion, it has the chest of a bear, and it also has the body of a leopard, and it also has characteristics like the dragon, the fourth beast, Rome. So when we look at those four characteristics, God is telling us through John the revelator that this final power, this final power has characteristics of the kingdoms that went before, because the same four beasts are all mentioned in Daniel chapter seven. It would have the strength of Babylon, it would have the governing ability of Medo Persia, it would have the military speed of Greece, and it would have the dragon's power. So that is a little overview and introduction to the first beast of revelation 13. Let's go straight into question one. At the bottom of page three, there are two superpowers represented in revelation 13. What is the first power? We go to revelation 13 and we're going to consider verses one to ten. John the Revelator wrote, then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, and I saw a beast, sorry, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns, ten crowns, and on his heads, a blasphemous name. So, friends, you're probably wondering what the seven heads are. They represent the kingdoms that are composite kingdoms that precede this final power. Starting with head number one, the great power and nation of Egypt. Number two, Assyria. Number three, Babylon. Number four, medo, Persia. Number five, Greece. Number six, pagan Rome. And number seven, papal Rome. The ten horns there described we have covered as the ten nations of Europe, and we've covered that extensively in previous sessions. And if you do not know what they are, then please go back to session number one. There are eight specific clues to help us identify this political power. An initial investigation uncovers the interesting comparison between this beast and the Antichrist. Power of Daniel seven. Notice four of the features that are identical to both powers. So in question one, there are two superpowers represented in revelation 13. What is the first power? Clue number one is that it would rise from the sea, which we know from scripture is a highly populated area. This was covered in Antichrist session number one in session 13, and part two in session 14, we're looking at the superpower represented in the first power in revelation 13. Clue number two, it would actually speak blasphemies against God in revelation 725 and revelation 13. One and five. Again, what is the first power? What are its characteristics? Clue number three, it would persecute God's people, as in Daniel 725 and revelation 13 seven. This was covered in the previous session on who is the Antichrist? Part two. Finally, what is the first power? We go to clue number four for another clue. It would rule for 1260 years based on Daniel 725 in revelation 13 and verse five. Well, when we consider these facts, many political powers, like China and the Third Reich in Germany, have come up from populated areas and blasphemed against God and killed God's people. But only one power has ruled for 1260 years. That power is the roman papacy. For details of the 1260 year prophecy, you can review the study guides entitled who is the Antichrist? Part one and part two. Or watch session 13, or session 14, or preferably both. Throughout history, many famous Bible scholars and teachers identified the papacy as this first beast of revelation 13, including the following reformers. John Hus, 1412, William Tyndale, 1550, Sir Isaac Newton, 1727, and finally there on the right, John Wesley. See his picture in 1764. So, in terms of identifying the papacy as an Antichrist, let me share with you a quote from the book all roads lead to Rome by Michael D. Semlion. A great cloud of witnesses. Wycliffe, Tyndale, Luther, Calvin Cranmer in the 17th century, Bunyan, the translators of the King James Bible, and the men who published the Westminster and Baptist Confessions of Faith, Sir Isaac Newton, Wesley Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, and more recently, Spurgeon, Bishop JC Ryle and Doctor Martin Lloyd Jones. These men, among countless others, all saw the office of the papacy as the Antichrist, end of quote. So, friends, in Daniel chapter seven, the same identifying marks are given as are seen in revelation 13, with the first beast that appears there in revelation 13. Let's compare the descriptions of Daniel Seven's little horn power and revelations. Sea beast. Is there any overlap? Is there any identification? In Daniel seven, the little horn power comes up after Rome and among former roman and among the former roman empire. Then in revelation 13, the dragon Rome gives its seat, authority and power to the sea beast, Daniel Seven, the little horn power comes out of the sea. In revelation 13, the first beast comes out of the sea. In Daniel seven, there are ten horns that come up and also there are ten horns in revelation chapter 13. In the sea beast. In Daniel seven, the little horn power is preceded by a lion, a bear and a leopard. And also these three entities, lion, bear and leopard, are part of the composite beast of revelation chapter 13. In Daniel seven, the little horn power speaks pompous or great or blasphemous words. And the same in revelation 13, the sea beast blasphemes the God of heaven. In Daniel seven, the little horn power persecutes the saints. And in revelation 13, the sea beast actually makes war with the saints. In Daniel seven. How long does this little horn power reign? It rules for a time, times and half a time, 1260 days or years. And the same with the sea beast. Authority is given for 42 months by 30 days in the month or 1260 years. Therefore, the little horn of Daniel seven and the sea beast of revelation 13 must be the same antichrist power. We hurry on to question two what are the features of the first beast can be identified? God provides us with four more clues. Clues 56789 within this prophecy to ensure there's no doubt regarding the identity of the beast. So let's go on. What other features of the first beast can be identified? We're in revelation 13 and verse two. Clue number five says that this first beast receives its power and authority from the dragon. In revelation 13 two, it says the dragon gave him his power, his throne and great authority. What does all this mean? Historically, the dragon is a symbol of the devil. See revelation twelve nine. And the devil often works through pagan nations. In revelation twelve three five, we find the dragon working through pagan Rome. This fits in perfectly with the prophecy of revelation 13 because it was pagan Rome that handed over its power and handed over its throne and handed over authority to the roman church. So I'm now going to add some extra material and share with you ten slides answering the question, how did history fulfil this prophecy? So let's just take a moment to recap. So here we have pagan Rome, and pagan Rome passes on its power, throne or seat of government and great authority in revelation 13. Two to the first beast, papal Rome. But we need to ask the question, how exactly did that happen? I want to go to the book by Francis PC Hayes. Papal rights and privileges. Page 13 and 14, I quote. When the Roman Empire became christian and peace was guaranteed, the emperor left Rome to the pope to be the seat of the authority of the vicar of Christ, who should reign there independent of all human authority, to the consummation of ages, to the end of time. In the book by Alexander Flick entitled the rise of the Mediaeval Church, page 168, we get another historical outlay of this time period and the impact of the sea beast upon the historical scene. Quote the removal of the capital of the empire from Rome to Constantinople in 330 ad left the western church practically free from imperial power, the power of the empire to develop its own form of organisation. The bishop of Rome in the seat of the Caesars was now the greatest man in the west and was soon forced to become the political as well as the spiritual head. End of quote. In Adolf Harnack's book, what is Christianity? Page 269, we read this. The roman church, in this way, privily meaning unnoticed, pushed itself into the place of the roman world Empire, of which it is the actual continuation. The empire has not perished, but has only undergone a transformation. We go to history of the eastern church by Arthur P. Stanley, page 85 and 214. The pope filled the place of the absent emperors at Rome, inheriting their power, their prestige, the titles which they had themselves derived from the days of their paganism of the deceased Roman Empire. The papacy is but the ghost sitting crowned upon the grave thereof. So, to summarise these historical statements from the historians, so pagan Rome passed its palate, its seat of government and its great authority to papal Rome, exactly as the Bible predicted. Here we have a illustration, a painting of the basilica ss quattro coronati, Rome, 13th century fresco. Here Constantine is conferring his temporal power to the pope on the throne there, and his successors, and bequeathing Rome and the western Roman Empire to the bishop of Rome. So you know that this was a historical fact. The eastern roman emperor, Justinian the Great, in March 533 AD, he conferred upon the pope the status of head of all the churches and the corrector of heretics. So, friends, I need to now ask the question, is there any other power except the roman church that was founded upon the ruins of the Roman Empire, that received its seat and city of government from Rome, that received its power and great authority from Rome, and finally became a great international power all over the world? So, in terms of the first beast of revelation 13, one to ten, there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever as to what emerging world dominating power the Roman Empire gave their authority and seat of government to pagan Rome passed over its power seat and great authority, too. The church of Rome. Papal Rome. We're in question number two. We're asking what other features of the first beast can be identified. We go to revelation 13, and the next verse is verse three and clue number six about who this power was. It would be a global power. How do we know that? The scripture says it very clearly. And all the world marvelled and followed the beast. I think the King James version. We're using new King James here. The King James version said, all the world wondered after the beast. The word Catholic means universal. There is no greater example of a universal power than the catholic church. This church is present in virtually every nation in the world. And some of you might be surprised to know the Vatican has diplomatic relations with 100 countries, 180 countries around the world, and actually has ambassadors to most of the countries of the world. And so we now understand it is a global and a world power for all the world. Marvelled or wondered or followed after the beast? According to the prophecy of revelation 13 and verse three, we are asking and answering the question, what other features of the first beast can be identified in revelation 13? Clue number seven. This power would lose its power, then regain its power in revelation 13. Three, we read, and I saw one of his heads, as if it had been mortally wounded and his deadly wound was killed. Let's unpack this a little bit more. Well, some of you would remember that the papacy received a deadly wound in 1798, when the pope was taken captive and stripped of his political power. Then later on, in the year 1929, Mussolini, the italian dictator, and the catholic leadership reached an agreement that reinstated the powers and political status of the Vatican. Since that time, the strength and influence of the church has grown tremendously and exponentially. World leaders and people from all aspects of spirituality now see the pope as the spiritual leader of the world. We gave many more details in session 13 and 14 of who is the Antichrist? Part one and part two. We're asking and answering what other features of the first beast can be identified in revelation 13? Eight. Clue number eight of ten says it is a religious power because it receives worship. The scripture is very clear on this. All who dwell on the earth will worship him. It involves worship. So very clearly, this beast is not a secular or democratic government. Politicians aren't worshipped. This beast power is a religious power that receives worship from people all over the world. There is only one political power that fits all the clues. The roman papacy. This superpower ruled the world for over a thousand years and has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the world. So we are now moving from the first beast of revelation 13 one to ten across to the second beast in revelation 13, verses eleven to 18. And this is our topic for this session. This session is the one covering the final super power. The second beast is the final global ruler in Earth's history. This is the nation that will enforce the dreaded mark of the beast and play a key role in the last dramatic events on the planet. Let's go to question three. What is the initial description of the second beast power? In revelation 13 and verse eleven, John writes, then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. Friends, I want you to notice this description very, very carefully because we need to come back to it. This second beast comes up out of the earth, not out of the sea. So exactly the opposite. He has two horns and he's described as being like a lamb. Not a lamb, but like a lamb or lamb like. But he also speaks like a dragon. So I'm going to remind you in a minute that we're looking for an animal that actually represents the. This superpower best, that has two horns that are like a lamb. We'll come back to that in a moment. Three major clues within this prophecy enable us to identify this nation. Many Bible scholars today believe this power is the United States of America. So let's examine the evidence. What is the initial description of the second beast power? Let's go to clue number one. It would arise after the first beast. As the first beast receives a deadly wound, the second beast is rising to power. This is quite fascinating, isn't it? Let's understand a little bit more. John, the writer of Revelation, described the first beast going into captivity in revelation 1310. This occurred in 1798, when the pope was taken captive and the papacy was stripped of its power. Verse eleven says, then I saw another beast coming up in revelation 13. The new power would begin to emerge around the same time as the previous power would experience its downfall. Did you know that the United States declared its independence in 1776? It voted its constitution in 1787 and adopted its bill of rights in 1791. So by 1798, the United States of America was recognised internationally as a nation and was emerging as a world power. Now, I now want to just go for a moment to John Wesley, the amazing Methodist minister in England. He wrote a book, explanatory notes on the Book of Revelation in 1754. And this is what he said about the second beast he was actually waiting for remarkable isn't it? He is not yet come, though he cannot be far off, for he, the second beast is to appear at the end of the 42 months of the first beast. So in 1754, John Wesley believes that the second beast is about to come forth. So in terms of the 42 months, what does this mean? He's referring to the period of papal supremacy during the middle or dark ages. Revelation 13 five says that this power was given authority to continue 42 months. 42 months in Bible prophecy is explained as 42 months by 30 days in the jewish month being 1260 days. And a day in Bible prophecy stands for a year. So this period began in 538 AD and continued right down to 1798. So the deadly wound and the rise of the land beast would be very close and a fall on this date, 1798 AD. In a moment, we're going to see the overlap, and it is absolutely amazing. We're looking at the second beast, the final superpower in question three, what is the initial description of the second beast? Power. We're going for clue number two. This beast comes from an unpopulated area. Notice it comes from the land. So our artist here showed us a beast that is a lamb. But, friends, I need to ask you, if this second beast is the United States of America, what could a beast that is lamb like in appearance actually be? I'm suggesting to you that perhaps the american bison is the most fitting symbol of the United States of America. In this instance, a lamb like beast does not apply to the american eagle. And so when we look at the american bison, it has two horns. Remember, the prophecy said it had to have two horns, and it had two horns like a lamb. The two horns stand for the way America was founded by its founders, that is, that they kept civil or government and religious affairs separate. They formed the great United States of America with freedom of religion, freedom to practise religion, free from government decrees or interference. So there is a bison, but perhaps John saw a baby bison, who actually can look a little bit lamb like and does have some horns. And so I believe the bison is possibly what the animal that John saw in the prophecy. So this power comes up from an unpopulated area, in stark contrast to most other political powers. In Daniel and revelation, the second beast comes up out of the earth instead of the sea. We know that the sea represents a vastly populated area, as explained in revelation 1715. So it would be logical for the earth to be the very opposite, a land of very few people, sparsely populated. While the United States did not rise from the multitudes of Europe or from Asia, it was born out of a sparsely populated continent, the New World. I want to give you some historical information and evidence on this, some extra material not in the study guide. Here is the new world compared with the old. A description of the american government, institutions, and enterprise by George Alfred Townshenden, published in 1871. And here on page 462, this is what he wrote. He wrote, the mystery of her coming forth from vacancy. Isn't that amazing? He says that the United States of America rises up or comes forth from vacancy, meaning it came up from the earth from a relatively vacant, unpopulated land. In the same book, on page 635, he wrote this, that the nation of America came up like a silent seed. We grew into an empire, end of quote. And so, friends, commentators were noticing that the United States of America came forth from a sparsely or virtually unpopulated area. Let me read this quote to you from the nation. Dublin newspaper, 1850. In the west, an opposing and still more wonderful american empire is emerging. We islanders have no conception of the extraordinary events which, amid the silence of the earth, are daily adding to the power and pride of this gigantic nation. Notice there the rise of America amidst the silence of the earth. I want to take you to an amazing book, the great controversy, page 440. And here we read, quote, what nation of the new world was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness and attracting the attention of the world. The application of the symbol admits of no question one nation and only one meets the specifications of this prophecy. It points unmistakably to the United States of America. Alan the Grey controversy, page 440. Now, I want to ask you the question. Is there any overlap in the two powers? One is going to rise and one is going to fall. The timing of America's rise to power was when the papacy, the popes, the church of Rome, was about to go into captivity and receive its deadly wound. Let's now have a look at those dates. We know the pope was taken captive by General Berthier on February 20, 1798, in Rome under the orders of Napoleon and the french government. Then we know that the United States became a nation on the 1 March 1789. So, friends, can you see the overlap there? 1798 and 1789. One coming up, one going down, exactly as the prophecy specified. What is the initial description of the second beast? Power. We're looking at the second beast, the final superpower. We're looking at clue number three, and that is that it is like a lambda. It's lamb like. It's not a lamb, but it's like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon. Let's share some historical information. This nation has two horns like a lamb. A horn is a symbol of power, kings and government. Daniel 724. The United States government was established on two key principles, civil liberty and religious liberty. Those who first arrived on the continent were looking for a country without a king and a church without a pope. They were looking for democracy and religious freedom. This nation would be like a lamb at first. It would be young, innocent, peace loving, and christian. Jesus is described as the lamb of God in John 129 in the book of revelation. The symbol of the lamb is used 28 times to represent Jesus. This is exactly how the United States actually started out. It was a new, peace loving christian nation that supported religious liberties. Here is the statue of liberty that you are viewing on the screen. Let's go to the poem that goes with the lady with the lambda give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send the homeless, send these, the homeless, tempest tossed to me I lift my lamp beside the golden door. That was written by Emma Lazarus. Friends, America had opened its doors to the refugees fleeing religious persecution in Europe. The prophecy also predicts this power would speak like a dragon. It would talk tough. The dragon is a symbol of Satan. Revelation twelve, seven, nine. What a tragedy that this christian nation would ultimately take on a global role, where power and control will become more important than peace and liberty. Only one power, only one global power fits the clues. The United States of America. The United States was rising to power in 1798 as the Vatican was receiving its deadly wound from an unpopulated area of the planet. It began as a freedom loving christian nation, but is already talking like a dragon. So let's have a look at how history fulfilled this prophecy to the letter by reviewing the american history. Well, on July 4, 1776, you'll need to remember that for the quiz, there was the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And let me give you a statement that reflects that. Quote, we hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. End of quote. In 1798, the Constitution of the United States was formed. Then in 1791, there was the bill of rights. Notice here in amendment number one that the founders were very careful to separate religion and politics. Quote, Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. So, friends, the United States of America provided a total separation between church and state. It was the first time any nation on earth had guaranteed complete civil and religious liberty and has been known to this day as the american experiment. So I need to ask you, how does a nation speak? How is this lamb like beast going to become a dragon, a persecuting power? Very simply, it's answered that it speaks through its laws and legislature. Soon, we believe America is going to speak like a dragon. And that leads us into question four at the top of page ten in our study guide. If it is true that the United States is the final superpower, what should our attitude be toward this nation and their people? Well, the United States is a nation that's been blessed by God. It has prospered in so many ways and become a pioneer in providing freedom and genuine care for people around the world. How shocking to think that God predicted that many of the lamb like values of this great nation would be lost. Despite the future outlook, this is no time for anti american attitudes. There's never an excuse for hatred or terrorism. Broadly speaking, the american people are kind, honest, and compassionate. God's purpose in sharing with us glimpses of the future is preparation, not retaliation. God wants us to have a living relationship with him, a friendship that enables us to withstand any physical, spiritual, or emotional challenges. Let's go to question five. What will the United States achieve and implement as it gains greater power? We go to revelation 1312, speaking about the second beast, and he, the second beast exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. So, friends, notice these two beasts. First beast, church of Rome. Second beast. United States of America are ruling and reigning contemporaneously. Yes. At the same time. So let's now have a look at the United States of America and its global dominance. The United States will exercise all the authority of the first beast. This means it will become a global superpower. This nation even has the ability to enforce religion and determine who can buy or sell. See revelation 1312 and 17. Well, at the turn of the 21st century, the New York Times stated, as said by Charles Krauthammer, commenting on the superpower status of the United States, the fact is, no country has been as dominant culturally, economically, technologically, and militarily in the history of the world since the Roman Empire. End of quote. Friends, isn't it amazing how such a young nation, the lamb like beast, has achieved global dominance in such a short amount of time and with all that military might, has been able to speak to the world in the last few years? As a dragon with unrivalled power. Let's have a look at point number two. The United States of America is also a mixture of politics and religion. The Bible predicts the United States will form an alliance with the papacy, the Church of Rome. It will mix church with state as it, quote, causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast. End of quote from revelation 13, the first beast. The papacy was a mixture of church and state. The United States will encourage its people to make an image to the beast. In revelation 13, verse 14. Here we find a return to a church state government, a mirror image of the papacy. During the Middle Ages, the first president of the United States actually made this comment. Every man conducting himself as a good citizen and being accountable to God alone or his religious opinions ought to be protected in worshipping the deity according to the dictates of his own conscience and of quote, that is George Washington's letter in the United Baptist Chamber of Virginia, May 1789. Well, friends, some things have changed, haven't they? The war on terror has changed. The world government laws are now impacting on religious practises and teaching. The boundaries between church and state have become blurred. World governments are looking to the religions of the world to join them in stamping out fundamentalism. The Bible predicts that the last world government will be a combined force of church and state. Question six. What is the final key that divides the world? We go to revelation 1312, and he causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. So, friends, the second beast, the United States of America, will somehow cause all the world to worship the first beast and return homage, honour and worship to the first beast, the church of Rome. But how can this happen? Is this even possible? Well, friends, it's actually happening right now. The final global issue will revolve around worship. The world will be divided. Many people will obey the state religion, worshipping the beast and receiving its mark, verse 16. But those who remain true to God will worship the creator. See revelation 14 seven. And obey all of God's commandments. See revelation 1412. You know, it's interesting to note that the commandments that revolve around worship and obedience to the creator God, is the Sabbath. If a law was enforced today to return to God's law and worship on Sunday, this is the day chosen by the mainstream church. I want to ask, who would you worship and who would you obey? I'm going to ask a question to share some extra information. Surely politics and religion are not being joined together in the United States of America. Well, friends, here's the archbishop and leader, one of the leaders of the Church of Rome, with on the left hand side of your screen, Hillary Clinton, former presidential candidate and Democrat. And on the right, Donald J. Trump, republican nominee and former president. Some say we'll be another, a future president. Friends, the Church of Rome has relationships with the Republican Party. It also has relationships with the Democratic Party. President Joe Biden is a very proud Roman Catholic and attends mass most Saturday nights or Sunday mornings. In fact, Joe Biden is one of the most religious of any of the presidents of recent times. So, friends, the alliances are already there. Rome has strong relationships with the democratic party and the republican party. And so the United States of America, beast two, will lead the world to worship the power of the papacy, the church of Rome, which was beast one, just as the scripture predicted. We need to ask this question. How does the second beast, the United States of America, cause the world to worship the first beast, the church of Rome or the papacy, meaning the popes. He the second beast, the United States of America, leads the world to enforce a mark of false worship to the authority of the first beast, the papacy. How do we get that understanding? Well, this is what the Bible says in revelation 1316 and 17. He causes all, the second beast, causes all the world, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads that no one might buy or sell, except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. That's revelation 1316. So, friends, that is the topic of our next time together, session 16. We're going to look at detail on what is the mark of the beast. It's very important that we spend a lot of time identifying who is the Antichrist, who is the beast power, who is the Antichrist. Once we've identified who is the beast, it is a lot easier to ascertain correctly. According to Bible prophecy, what is the mark of the beast? We're in question seven. How does the devil deceive people into believing a false religion? We're in revelation 13, 1314. He performs great signs so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceived those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast. Friends, notice here there are miracles. There are signs. There's fire coming down from heaven. That's reminiscent of Elijah calling fire down from heaven. To establish who the true God is. In the Old Testament, this power deceives those who dwell on the earth by the signs and miracles and wonders which he's granted to do in the sight of the beast. What does this actually mean? What does it mean for us today? Very simply, a counterfeit religious revival will sweep the world, and it's happening now. Religious healings and miracles will be so persuasive that they will unite the nations of the world. Revelation 1614. To many people, these miraculous signs will be evidence that the false teachings and religion of the world is actually the true religion of the Bible. We go on to question number eight. In what ways will the United States ultimately enforce control? As the United States gains greater power, it exercises greater control. The great tragedy is that it will be God's true people who are opposed the most vehemently. Notice the future prophetic scenario. So question eight. In what ways will the United States ultimately enforce its control? Point number one. It will have power over the world economy. How do we understand that? Very simply, in revelation 1317, it says that no one might buy or sell. Friends, this is getting very, very close to our study. Together, on the mark of the beast. We'll unpack it more in our next session. But this will suffice for this session that no man might buy or sell. And this is power over the world economy. Well, we know that the United States is the home of international finance and business. This one nation contributes over 30% toward the total world economy and has a dominating influence over the policy and actions of world trade. The amazing advances in technology have enabled the world governments to move toward personal identity cards and a cashless economy. So the big brother has arrived. Everything is set up for the final scenario where the government will determine who will buy and sell. We are looking at in what ways will the United States ultimately enforce its control. Point number two. It will enforce torture and death. The scripture is very clear about this, but to some people, it will be shocking in revelation 1315 and causes many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. The United States has traditionally been known for its fairness and love of freedom. In recent years, there have been shocking revelations of torture and death by the United States military and government. Amnesty International has documented horrific methods of torture at places such as Abu Ghraib prison, Guantanamo Bay in Afghanistan. The United States government has accepted that there are secret CIA prisons around the world with many prisoners held without charge or trial. Persuasive techniques such as waterboarding, making people feel like they're drowning have been used to get criminals to talk. But in the last days, those who do not worship and obey the church, state government power will be killed for their true faith and love for Jesus. We are looking at in what ways will the United States ultimately enforce its control? It will impose upon people the mark of the beast. And in revelation 1316, we read, he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave. That is the beast power. The second beast power, the United States of America will cause people to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads. Friends, we're talking about the mark of the beast. Revelation 13 concludes with both superpowers, the United States of America and the papacy, the church of Rome, reaching a climax of power. Simultaneously, this will result in the implementation of the mark of the beast. The Bible says that if you receive the mark of the beast, you will be safe from the government, but unsafe with God. If you refuse the mark of the beast, you will be safe with God, but unsafe with the government. In such a difficult time as this, it is important to obey God rather than men. 32. Question nine. What can you do to make sure you avoid joining those who disobey God? In John 15 five, Jesus said these words to the disciples, I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit. For without me, you can do nothing. End of. Quote. Friends, the only way to stay true to Jesus is to abide in him. We need to stay true by abiding in Jesus and stay true to God. This actually means having a living relationship with him. That involves praying from your heart and daily Bible study to discover more about God and his will for your life. Abiding in Jesus Christ results in keeping the commandments. See John 1510. Remember what Jesus said, if you love me, keep my commandments. Question number ten. What promise is made to those who persecuted for the sake of Christ and his righteousness? What a beautiful promise this is. This is one of the beatitudes. In Matthew, chapter five and verse ten, Jesus said, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Well, what does this actually mean? Friends, good news. Wonderful news. To those who suffer for Jesus Christ, the Saviour, Jesus Christ promises an eternal life of happiness. Jesus will strengthen you through the challenges of this life. He will then reward you with a life free from sin, a life free from suffering, and a life free from persecution when he returns in the second coming of Jesus Christ. And that's certainly good news. There are three points to remember as we summarise this session. The first beast of Revelation 13 is the same power as the Antichrist, or little horn power of Daniel seven, which is the roman papacy. God just gives us different caricatures of the same power and adds extra details, and he builds on what we understand each time. Point number two. The second beast of Revelation 13 is the final super power in history, and that is the United States of America. Number three, the key issue that will divide the world will be worship linked to obedience. So, as we have summarised this lesson, I'm wondering what your response is. I'm going to ask you this question. Are you willing to worship and obey the creator God in every part of your life, even if it means that you may suffer as a result of your faith? And I'm hoping that you will answer yes, that you want to stay true to the God of heaven. Let's have a look at our relational questions. Does the future worry you? Do you think this is actually a lack of faith? I want to quote here the words of Jesus to the disciples in Matthew 625 27, a beautiful promise. Jesus said, therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. That's very, very time sensitive to us today, isn't it? With food shortages, etcetera. Don't worry about your body or what you're going to wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than cloves? Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in balms, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life, and then we go to Matthew 634. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Well, I hope you can say amen to that. What would you do if your government asked you to do something that went against God's principles? I love psalm 16 eight. David wrote, I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. That's a beautiful promise. And I think we always need to remember that as we've started the day with God, we've asked him to be with us. Through prayer, we've opened his word that we are not alone. And also God sets on us the power of the Holy Spirit even before we know him. The power of the Holy Spirit is given to us. Question three. Can you prepare for future persecution? And how? Well, in psalm 100 1950. It reads, your promise revives me. It comforts me in all my troubles. Friends, we need to remember the great promises of scripture, to read them, to learn them, and to memorise them. Like this. 1 second Timothy, one seven. For God has not given us a spirit of what? Fear. What is fear? Fear. Fear is false evidence appearing real. I know a better and stronger f word, and that is faith. F a I c h. For God has not given us the spirit of fear. In fact, he wants to give you a spirit of faith, but he has given you a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind. Friends, who doesn't need mental clarity and mental strength in these very stressful times in which we live? Relational. Question number four. What will you do this week to ensure that you're abiding in Jesus? How about acts 220? This is great. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Friends, I want to encourage you to have a daily relationship with Jesus. If you haven't started reading the Bible, then I ask you to pray and ask God to give you a heart for reading his word. I suggest to you the gospel of Mark. It's just 16 chapters. Mark is not a waffler. He gives the short version. He gives the main facts. And you can powerfully encounter God's word every morning by reading one chapter of the Gospel of Mark. God bless you. If you've decided to do that. We want to conclude where we started with the five discovery points of session 15, the final superpower. Name the two superpowers in revelation 13. So I'm going to ask you, do you know who they are? Well, I hope you do. They are. The first beast is who? And the second beast is who? Well, I hope you said the first beast is the papacy, the church of Rome, and the second beast is the United States of America. I'm sure you did. Question two. Where did these two superpowers arise from? So the papacy and the Church of Rome came up from populated area, the seas of Europe, and the second beast came up out of the earth, an unpopulated area, which relates to the United States of America. You know, it's interesting that Australia was coming up at the same time, but it had no lamb like beast, and it had no two horns where religion and politics were kept separate, like the United States of America. Number three, what is the final issue that divides the world? Very simply, is it worship or is it politics, or is it both? Friends? It is true worship versus false worship, and it will be enforced via politics. There is a deadly mix for people. Say you shouldn't mix politics with religion, don't they? Number four, how does the final superpower actually exert control? It exerts control by enforcing the mark of the beast. Number five, what does Jesus Christ promise to those who stand for him? He actually promises us an eternal life of happiness. So that is secret to prophecy. The final superpower. Would you like to go through the quiz with me? There's just one correct answer for every question, and there are only five. So let's take a moment, see if you can answer these yourself. Number one, who is the final superpower? Is it a, China, is it b, the papacy? The Church of Rome? Or is it C, the United States of America? I think we're starting off with a very easy one, so lock it in. And the answer is obviously. CDH, the United States of America. Friends, it's interesting that most people today think that China is the greatest superpower, even more than Russia and America. But that would be incorrect. Number two, how did the popes get their power from pagan Rome? How did the popes get their power from pagan Rome? How did papal Rome get power and authority from the caesars? The roman government? A, the roman emperor moved to Constantinople. We're talking about Constantine, who moved the capital from Rome and Italy across to Constantinople in Asia Minor in those times, and today in Turkey. B, money was paid to take over the city of Rome. C, the pope used his army to conquer the state. All right, I want you to lock in one of those answers. How did the popes get their power from pagan Rome? Well, I think that answer is pretty obvious. And the answer is, of course, a. The roman emperor moved from Rome to Constantinople, and therefore the bishop of Rome became the head of the church in Rome and was then made the political head as well for that area. Question number three. Do we know the first beast? How do we know the first beast was not a state power? A, the church never had a large army. B, the church never raised taxes or c. Politicians don't demand worship. A, b or c. How do we know the first beast, the Church of Rome, was not a state power? Lock it in. The answer is c. That's right. Politicians don't demand worship. Therefore, it was a religious power. Question number four. What dates did beast one or the Roman Catholic Church go into captivity? Or beast two, the United States of America arise. A. 1796 and 1787. B, 1798 and 1776. And c. 1798 and 1791. Please lock in your answer. And the answer is b. That's right. 1798 and 1776, which takes us to our last quiz question. Why is the final issue that divides the world worship? Why is it worship? A. God allows this test to show up his faithful and obedient people. He allows them to step forward during this time. B it shows who really is praying. C it shows who's really reading their bibles. Please lock in one of those answers. Why is the final issue that divides the world worship? Lock it in and your answer is five. A. Absolutely. God allows this test to show up his faithful and obedient people. Friends, people can be praying and people can be reading their bibles, but that doesn't mean that they are actually going to be faithful or obedient. Well, in our secrets of prophecy, wall of truth in session 14, last time we learned the Antichrist power is here today and never put tradition above the Bible. In session 15 that we've just completed, we've looked at the final superpower and we've learned that God's people will certainly get tested as to their obedience to the God of heaven and the kingdom of heaven. If you'd like more information, there's more information in the prophecy seminar session number 25 that I've done on this channel and it's entitled Babylon the Great. It's prophecy seminar number 25. So, friends, let's conclude our programme with prayer. Gracious heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, our saviour and Holy Spirit. Lord, we thank you for this amazing Bible study. We see how accurate the word of God is about the two beasts and how things will play out in these last days of earth's history. I pray that those who hear these words will continue to open your word, to open their minds, to study and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Continue to help us as we continue to seek your will and open your word and lead us into it. All understanding and wisdom, we ask in Jesus precious name. Amen Secrets of Prophecy with Pastor David Price has been brought to you by 3ABN Australia radio. For more resource in this series you can visit the YouTube page trueblue SDA all one word that's trueblue SDA.