Last week we began to address how and why the governments of this world are starting to erode and what will ultimately cause their collapse, which to a large degree is the result of trying to build on socialism. Socialism almost always begins with good intentions, but the good side of the Tree of Knowledge will be just as deadly as the evil side, having the same basic root with the same basic poison. To simplify, the Tree of Knowledge represents man trying to attain on his own without God. Socialism, in its basic form, is man's attempt to be God to men, providing all of his needs.

As the church begins to enter its Promised Land, it will demonstrate to the world the distinction between the citizens of the kingdom of God and those of this world. Presently, there is very little distinction in anything, including the morals, basic integrity, and therefore not surprisingly, the things which afflict Christians and non-Christians. This will not continue. There will be a pruning of those branches which are not bearing fruit, so that those who are bearing fruit will bear more.

As we begin this year with our study of biblical prophecies of the last days, we have evidence of their fulfillment on every news station. The Lord said in Mark 13:8, “For nation will arise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” Certainly we are seeing nations rise against each other, as well as the earthquakes and famines. However, this is not the end, but rather “the beginning of birth pangs.”

         If we are going to be in agreement with God, which is the foundation of abiding in Him, then this must begin by knowing the definitions He has given to us in His Word, the Scriptures, for such things as sin and wickedness, as well as righteousness and truth. If we do not agree with His definitions as He gave them to us, then according to what the Lord said through His prophet Isaiah, if we do not speak according to His Word, then we do not have the light. 

     Another pattern the Lord established when speaking to the churches was leaving promises for the overcomers in each church. Not all were overcomers, but His ultimate call was to those individuals. So, becoming an overcomer should be a basic devotion.

One of the most remarkable transformations of a large organization in history may be what has taken place in the U.S. military over the last two decades. This is not just a matter of modernization, but to develop a culture that is so creative and open to innovation, new ideas, and strategies, as well as developing and implementing them into operation. The U.S. Military has developed this remarkable culture while honoring the great traditions and necessary disciplines required to manage such a large organization.

     The world is now in the Valley of Decision. The consequences of every decision will be magnified and a little turn can lead to strikingly different destinations. This kind of repercussion for our choices has not been seen since the Garden. This is because the world is getting very close to becoming the Garden again—the kingdom of God is at hand.

         The seventh and last trumpet of God in the Book of Revelation is the message “our God reigns!” This is the last message that will go out from God at the end of this age and will help usher in the age when God reigns over the earth through His Son Jesus, and His bride, the church.

         Jesus purchased the earth by His own blood, and He is not coming back to destroy it but to restore it, as we read in such texts as Revelation 21:1-7: