Just think of what has transpired over the last 20 years, and the accelerating pace of change that has occurred in the last few years alone. It has been absolutely overwhelming.  Each evening’s newscast reveals another amazing development in our complex world.

Twenty years ago the Soviet Union and the United States were locked in the midst of a cold war with the prospect of nuclear war seemed high. But, as we know, that has all changed dramatically with the collapse of the Communist Block as predicted in the exciting bible prophecy of the King of the North’s domination of the King of the South so that the King of the South (communistic atheism) disappears from the prophecy of Daniel 11:40 completely. Communism has crumbled as the King of the North attacks and destroys the King of the South.

We have learned that this almost unbelievable event of the demise of the Soviet Empire was the direct result of the reemergence of the Pope as a major political force in the world.

And so, the Papacy and Rome has emerged from the rubbish heap of communism as one of the dominant world players.Even more fascinating and alarming is what is happening in these countries in the aftermath of communism demise.

As communism disappears from the lands of Eastern Europe the political clout of Catholic Church has increased dramatically.  There is a clear pattern of Church and State union with the church using the power of the State to enforce its religion on the people.

Listen to this statement recorded in the Chicago Tribune:  The Papacy is most powerful in the World. Listen to this Statement from book "The Keys of this Blood" by Malachi Martin: This leaves no doubt about the geopolitical nature of Rome. What Martin says is astounding to students of Bible prophecy. Not only is Rome having an impact on the former communist lands, she is also impacting America. This is the focus of our message tonight.

Revelation 13 adds a significant new detail to the end time scenario by revealing another world power that is destined to join forces with this revived Rome. Under this union will come this final crisis for God’s people before the glorious return of our Lord. Let’s see this fascinating new development. Revelation 13:9-11   Now as we already know Revelation 13:1-10 describes a beast that is to arise out of the sea.  We have revealed its identity clearly as we have found it to be the same power as the little horn in Dan.7. The Roman Church – Union of church and state during the Dark Ages.

But now in Revelation 13:11 another beast emerges.  Let’s notice its dominant characteristics. Who is this 2nd Beast?  Four distinct marks point out clearly - the second beast is a reference to the USA, which came into its own after the Revolutionary War in the last part of the 18th Century.   

#1 It arose at the right time - verse 10 indicates that this power is rising just after the first beast goes into captivity.  This took place in 1798.

#2 It arose in the right place - Arises out of the earth instead of the sea.  Since the water is symbolic of people, the earth being the opposite would be symbolic of a land without heavy population at its inception.

#3 It is depicted as a new nation -This beast does not arise by military conquest of the lands of Europe as all the other beasts have, but instead arises in a new land.  

#4 It is a Democracy - America’s unique destiny was to create a world where people were not coerced into religion by fear of the state, but could choose any religion or no religion based on their own conscience. The second beast is characterized as lamb-like. Verse11 The lamb stands for Christ and so this tells us it would have a profession of Christianity and would be lamb-like in its inception.

I thank God for the great role that America has played for over 200 years. However, I must say this is not the final picture of America. Verse11  also says the lamb-like beast would speak as the dragon.

Revelation 12:13 reminds us of the actions of the dragon.  To speak as a dragon is to persecute those who dissent - Freedom of conscience is destroyed like in the early days of Christianity and the Dark Ages.    In order to fulfill this prediction, America will need to repudiate her constitution and Bill of Rights, which guarantee religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Yet this is the inevitable future of the US as predicted by John the Revelator.

Revelation 13:11,12,15-17    Amazing!  America takes the lead role in causing the entire world to follow the first beast whose fatal wound healed.

And dear friends, as amazing as this seems - transpiring before our very eyes.  The deadly wound is almost completely healed.  Pope John II has led his papacy to such global heights that he is now the renowned confidant of all world leaders.

And we must not fail to take note that with the fall of communism the US has emerged as the one remaining superpower. Indeed, for the first time in history the US is poised to assume this destined role. Under this leadership the Bible declares it will ultimately bring the entire world into the camp of Rome once again.  What used to be known as Protestant America will be foremost in paving the way for a New World order under the Roman papacy.

Now I realize that in previous times it would have seemed almost inconceivable that America could fulfill Revelation 13. For a long time Communism stood in the way, but now that is gone.    Malichi Martin, in book "The Keys of This Blood" documents the Struggle for supremacy and states how Rome comes out on top. And of course we now know how Rome defeated communism with the help of the US. Now, I want you to notice how the Bible says the Final events will be accomplished through a counterfeit religious revival with miracles, signs and wonders. Revelation 13:13, 14

Notice it mentions fire. Fire in the New Testament symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Here is the prediction of a false Holy Spirit revival, which has been taking place for many years.

Scripture also indicates that there is a particular form the Holy Spirit takes when it is symbolized by fire. Acts 2:1-4 Here the scripture links the falling of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues.  But this will be a false revivalist movement with miracles and the false gift of tongues instead of God’s truth. A false revival because it is based on false authority – miracles, not scripture.  Notice what Jesus said when He promised the true gift of the Holy Spirit.John 16:13, 14

A genuine baptism of the Holy Spirit will lead people to exalt Jesus and Biblical truth. The Holy Spirit does not talk about Himself, but leads us to Jesus. This is what the Holy Spirit is sent for – to point people to Christ and His truth.Of course, there are genuine miracles and other gifts of the Holy Spirit today. But these can never be used as an excuse for not following the clearly revealed Word of God.

We must also remember that the Devil also is performing miracles and signs as part of the great last day deception involving the Antichrist and her allies.  I’m afraid this is what is transpiring in a very bold way in the Charismatic movement today. Revelation 16:13,14In three places we are told about "signs" being used by the false prophet to deceive people into the false worship of the Beast. Revelation 13, 16 & 19:20

The true evidence of the Holy Spirit and revival is not outward physical phenomena – dancing, shouting or speaking in tongues – not even miracles. The true evidence is seen in the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of transformed individualsGalatians 5:22, 23 Love, joy, peace, self-control are the biblical signs of the baptism of the Holy Spirit – not an outward physical phenomenon.

Bible believing Christians need to be very cautious of any movements with such a heavy emphasis on the supernatural in light of Revelation 13 and 16.

Now, I want us to take note that the performance of the miracles and signs give America the power to erect the image to the beast.Revelation 13:14The false Holy Spirit revival is a vital agency in causing the image to the beast. The tongues’ movement has jumped denominational lines and has invaded Catholicism and Protestantism today.

In fact, it has become the great unifying factor in the ecumenical movement within Christendom.Where other attempts to formally unite the denominations have failed the charismatic movement has united Christians as nothing else could.

Now remember, the first beast is the medieval papacy with its union of church and state. The image to the beast in America would be an American likeness – a union of church and state. And this would be perpetuated by the false spiritual revival.

It’s a well-known fact that in the last decade the political arm of the charismatic movement has developed into the so-called "religious right." In their attempt to influence the political process they have gained a respectable seat in the Republican Party.

For the past decade they have supported politicians who promised to help fulfill their religious values and return America to their religion. Church and State issues are on the front burner today. Much of what has been advocated is to be commended but what is really the agenda of the "religious right."Now listen to another popular religious political figure, Pat Robertson, in his book, The New World Order.  Here he clearly defines his political agenda.

In his view the only people who should lead this New World order are religious people who will enforce religious principles, but whose religion?  His! In Robertson’s New World order the 10 Commandments are enforced, including his interpretation of the 4th, which he believes enjoins society to require people to keep Sunday.

If we read between the lines of this statement it appears that one of the reasons he laments the separation of church and state is because this prevents them from enforcing Sunday observance. The fascinating thing is that both Pat Robertson and his Christian right and John Paul II have identical aims, a New World order controlling people’s religion.I should add that the US has a Supreme Court that no longer values individual liberties with the same concern of former justices. Listen to these statements by Supreme Court  Justices

Another popular religious leader of the "Political Right" Jerry Falwell has said:

In view of Revelation 13’s prediction these statements are absolutely astounding. Note that they wish to eliminate the basic right and guarantee of the constitution – the separation of church and state so that beliefs can be legislated.

This provides clear evidence that prophecy is unfolding in a most dramatic fashion today. The Bible predicts a coming confederacy of religions attempting to unite church and state.  And the entire world is now looking to America for leadership.  They will be led into this totally new, world order reestablishing the preeminence of Rome in controlling the world. And it is already happening today.

The Great Protestant religious leaders leading world back to Rome.As the papacy continues to adhere to its religious errors it invites the world to unite with her in promoting a common agenda.   Other popular religious movements such as Promise Keepers are calling for the same thing. 

Revelation 13:15-17 clearly describes the scene that follows this final establishment of the New World order.Those who refuse to comply with this New World order will be killed.   A death penalty will be reenacted for religious dissenters just as when the papacy ruled during the Dark Ages.Revelation 13:11 says... How does a nation speak? Through the acting of it legislative body – It’s laws.

The Mark of the Beast – the sign of allegiance to this papal power will be enforced by legislation.No doubt, this will be an extremely trying time for God’s people who will be in the minority. If the New World order could conquer them its dominion would be universal.This is why with great fury they attack the people of God with economic restrictions and death decree.  There are elements at work today - Listen to this amazing statement by Robert Grant  SLIDE Quote

Perhaps this will all be happen as a result of the natural disasters that are happening in such dramatic fashion, combined with other situations such as economic collapse.  Jesus said:    Luke 21:10-12
And there are even other explosive world developments of the last several years that also seem to be setting the world up for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.  At the same time various religious political elements are seeking to gain control of American government and legislate their brand of religious fundamentalism. What an exciting time to live for Jesus today!

Indeed, the time has come for earth’s final showdown – the Battle of Armageddon.  The Final assault of evil is now beginning to take shape.But thank God He will intervene on behalf of those who love Him enough to remain faithful. The time of defeat for God’s people turns into a triumphant conclusion to the great controversy, as Christ Himself leads the armies of heaven to stand for God’s people in this trying hour.  But for Him to stand for you in that day, you must stand for Him today.  To be faithful then, one must be faithful today.
I want to ask you if you will stand for Him tonight and ask Him to keep you by His grace as you submit to Him and desire to keep His commandments.  Revelation 22:14

Only those who take God seriously enough to love and obey Him will be able to endure the difficult times.  God promises to keep them by His grace as they commit fully to Christ and His truth.