It is not possible for many of our political leaders to stand before the Throne of God on the sea of glass mixed with fire. They do not have the harps of God. Yet they sometimes are referred to as being Christians.

Things are on the road toward definition.

Political parties in power always seek to present an image of a prosperous country. They will work together with any religious group that enhances that image and claims to seek the welfare of mankind.

Often, however, as we read in the Bible, the true prophets of the Lord proclaimed doom. Think of Jeremiah, for example. The kings of Israel had their palace prophets who kept on speaking of good things to come from the Lord. These prophets the kings favored. The true prophets were often imprisoned or slain.

So it will be in the near future. The man-centered churches will cooperate with democratic government to bring peace and security to the world. But the despised remnant, those who are hearing from Christ, will speak of God's concern with righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God. They will be sponsoring a negative image as far as the government and the majority of Christians are concerned.

How do you think an Antichrist government will act toward those who are proclaiming the words of God rather than speaking of glorious bridges to the future where mankind is living in peace and prosperity? How do you think the leaders of the self-centered churches will act toward those Christians who are prophesying against the government, not cooperating, endangering those who are endeavoring to serve Christ without hearing from Christ?

How did the palace prophets receive the true prophet of the Lord? How did the chief priests and elders receive Christ Jesus? How did the Jews receive the Apostle Paul? Did they not incite the political leaders against him?

As you may have concluded by now, Antichrist and the False Prophet will persecute viciously those who do not cooperate with the formation of a bright new world.

The Antichrist spirit will be personified in the kindest, most generous, capable administrator you can imagine. He (or she) will be personable, attractive to young and old. But in his (or her) heart will burn the fires of Hell, the life of Satan. However, only the remnant, those who are living close to Jesus, will be able to see past the benevolent, gracious appearance.

There is one thing carrying our cross does for us: it enables us to keep from being deceived.

One of the three temptations that all sons of God must overcome is that of commanding stones to be made bread, apart from the prompting of the Lord.

Jesus had been without food for many days. He was in an inhospitable environment.

At this point Satan provoked Christ to work a miracle. "If you are the Son of God, turn the stone into food."

The Lord's response was, "Man does not live by food alone but by the Words coming from the mouth of God."

The point is, we are not to use the gifts of God to provide our needs. God will nourish us according to His will.

To be continued.