It sometimes is true that Christian young people are not accustomed to the harsh realities of the world God has made, to the prolonged strain of the work, complexities, struggle, and patience essential to our succeeding in the world and in the Kingdom of God.

In one situation with which we are familiar, the students in a large Christian university refused to study diligently, appealing to their professor to show God's mercy by passing them. Their parents exerted pressure on the school administration to chastise the professor who would adhere to strict academic standards. The deans, because of their desire to keep peace and to be "loved," succumbed to the demands of the students and their parents.

Some are declaring that America is a Christian nation and as such has a unique destiny in the sight of God. It is a sort of American-Israelism. This also is of Antichrist.

America was a haven for Christian people. Now it is a secular nation. Soon it will be brought low by the judgments of God and may never again rise to a position of world importance. Antichrist is looking toward Europe and the Middle East. America is little more than a nuisance in the eyes of those who are seeking to control the world. He who would rule the world must do so from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, from nowhere else.

Many attenders of Christian churches have a false sense of security. When they die physically they will understand they have been in delusion. Instead of going to the new Jerusalem they will find themselves in waiting areas of the spirit realm. There the angels will inform them of the true nature of the Kingdom of God.

As we have said, the principal issue of the last days is the overcoming of Antichrist. God knew man would be in the ascendancy at the time of the end. The Book of Revelation teaches that we must gain victory over Antichrist, over man making himself God. If we do not, we will be tormented with fire and sulfur. The smoke of our torment will ascend up forever (Revelation 14:9-11).

The Lord Jesus gave us the solution to the problem of the Antichrist spirit. Jesus commanded us to lay down our life, take up our cross, and follow Him. If we will do this our self-will shall be destroyed. We will change from self-centeredness to God-centeredness.

Many plagues and torments will come upon the world in the near future. The purpose of these plagues and torments is to turn us to God our Creator in humility, repentance, and obedience.

Those who humble themselves in the sight of God will be saved. But those who become angry with God, whether or not they profess to be Christians, will not be saved. They are the worshipers of Antichrist. They are determined to bend God to their will. If God does not do as they think He should they will rebel against Him. The Divine wrath will be on them to the uttermost.

To be continued.