From the point of view of the Scriptures, the “world” represents everything directly or indirectly related to mankind outside of Christ

Group 5 Introduction to the Prophecies Concerning the Church and the World (CW) Introduction: From the point of view of the Scriptures, the “world” represents everything directly or indirectly related to mankind outside of Christ. Where human activity is to be found, if it is not related with Jesus Christ, it is the “world”. Because the total sum of all human activity, in whatever sphere outside of Christ, is orientated to “self”, all activity in the world (outside of the influence of Christ) is related to “selfishness”, which, according to the Scriptures is “enmity against God” (see Rom. 8:7). Further, the Scriptures say - “the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). This verse is directly related to man’s influence upon the world in unrighteousness. Regrettably and tragically the creation at large, the handiwork of the Lord; the sea, the air, the land, all the animals and all the plant life have been drastically marred and ill-affected by the activity of mankind outside of the counsel and dominion of Christ, and by virtue of this appalling miss-management of the earth and its resources by man, the entire creation, the Scripture says, is groaning to be delivered from man’s abuse of this beautiful planet (see Romans 8:20-22). By the “world” then, we mean all that is in the world, which has been made, fashioned, altered, created, manufactured, destroyed and abused by unredeemed mankind and is under control of Satan, the Prince of this world. There are many signs in the world at this time, which indicate that the end of the age is upon us. We would all do well to consider these signs! Sign CW/1: The Great Hour of Temptation Sign No. Details of Sign Duration in Years Scriptures Remarks Fulfilled Yes/No CW/1 The great hour of temptation. short Rev. 3:10 Many Christian souls will falter in this most serious time. Yes The book of Revelation, chapter 3, verse 10 says: “Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” In the context of the Scripture in which this statement was made, here is a future trial to come upon all the earth. The statement is found in the concluding remarks of the Philadelphian Church age, which age or time came to an end around the year A.D.1900. So this “hour” (certain period of time) of temptation was yet in the future at that date. We dare to declare here and now that the moment the Philadelphian Church age came to a close, the whole Church (all thecongregations of the Lord) began to experience a great hour of temptation, unprecedented in its nature, which temptation came to try the hearts of the redeemed. Thus, in our humble opinion, the Church on earth has undergone this fiery trial of temptation for over 100 years up to this point of time, and further, the intensity of the temptations is increasing by the hour. Each and every Christian has been, is and most certainly will be tempted in every area of their lives to try them, to see what manner of persons they are; to see if they are made of “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or stubble” (I Corinthians 3:12-13). They will be tried by fire to see what is the substance of their soul and what constitutes their life. If they are satisfied with the constitution of their soul being made of “wood, hay or stubble“, they will fail or fall heavily in the hour of temptation, and great will be their Spiritual loss. If their constitution is of “gold, silver or precious stones” the temptations will mature them, and bring them to a place of being “overcomers” (see Revelation 3:21). We address all Christians who are reading these pages; do not be upset at the great hour of temptation that is presently upon the earth, neither be surprised at its consistency or measure of severity upon you. In every area in your life you will be tempted to the uttermost. You will be tempted as never before in the area of sexual immorality; the opposite sex will become very attractive and all manner of lustful desires will overtake you; you will have to contend against laxity and looseness you have never before experienced. You will be tempted by the lusts of the world and the pride of life, with the lusts of the ears and eyes. Believe us, Christian friends, this is an age oftemptation such as never before existed. All manner of “things” have appeared in the shops of the great cities of the world, which our forefathers would not have dreamed of. Many Christians will be sorely tempted by these modern “exciting” conveniences like fast, sleek, modern cars, all manner of appealing furniture, fancy clothes, fine comfortable homes, delicious food, an astonishing array of cosmetics and beautiful jewellery will all collectively present a formidable array of temptations (for Christians of the so-called rich “Western” world). This “fancy fair” lures even the Churches. Be warned, Oh Christian friend, these tantalizing, glittering, sensuous things are empty and soulless and there is no value in them whatsoever. They are but dead garbage. The career-minded, worldly-wise people will tempt you, especially if you are young; the educational craze will beguile you; its subtle arms will embrace you. You will be tempted to give all of your time to the pursuit of a degree and your best friends will convince you of your need of this. “If you want to get ahead, become successful, you must get an education”, will be their cry. While all these subtle voices are clamouring to be heard, the quiet still small voice deep within the recesses of your Spirit will gently speak “come this way My beloved; forget the worldly wise cries; heed My plea; open the door of your heart and allow Me, the Lord, to enter therein and let Me take your hand and lead and guide you through the maze of troubled temptations.” It may come as a complete surprise to the average Christian to be warned that many aspects of the Christian Church will become a “temptation” in these last days. You will be tempted as never before to become involved in all manner of very questionable concepts, ideas, doctrines, events, seminars, schools, methods, all conceived and formulated and fabricated by the Christian Church. They will be a departure from the Word of God, yet on the surface they will appear profitable, appropriate and true. Upon closer examination, however, they are inappropriate, unprofitable, totally out of order, and in many cases an outright delusion! In this time of “great temptation” we should be watchful of Satan working and deceiving as an “angel of light” and his very servants transformed as “ministers of righteousness” (see II Corinthians 11:14-15). Beloved Christian, the closer we come to the birth of the Kingdom of God on earth, the greater will the temptations become! All Christians everywhere will be assaulted as never before. Many will falter; many will fail. Are you able to withstand in this evil, tempting hour, and having done all, will you stand (Ephesians 6.13)? May the Lord have mercy upon us all as we see the overpowering evidence of the fulfilment of this evil sign. Sign CW/2: The Invention and Development of the Nuclear Bomb Sign No. Details of Sign Duration in Years Scriptures Remarks Fulfilled Yes/No CW/2 Invention of the Nuclear/Atomic Bomb. 20th. century Zeph. 1:16-17; Zech. 14:12; 2 Peter 3 Never before in the history of mankind has such a weapon been invented which has the capacity to wipe out all of humanity, including the entire planet. yes

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