The objective of American democracy is freedom for the individual so he may pursue happiness.

The objective of the Scriptures is cross-carrying obedience to the Father so the individual may pursue righteousness.

Oppressed nations of our own day are struggling to throw off the yoke of government in order to obtain liberty—political liberty similar to that found in the United States. The people of the United States have political liberty but languish in the cruel chains of spiritual bondage.

The oppressed nations are not seeking righteousness, they are seeking freedom of expression.

Some members of the oppressed nations are Christians or Jews who wish to worship God without interference. This is a righteous desire. But do they realize Antichrist readily overcomes believers who are living at their ease in a wealthy democracy?

The oppressed believers seek to come to America. Do they understand that the Christian testimony in America has been destroyed? Do they realize the sword of Divine judgment hovers over America?

A Beast has come out of the sea. His name is "man is God—the only God there is."

His number is 666. Man was created on the sixth day. Three is the number of God. The number 666 is man making himself God.

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every God, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that is determined shall be done. (Daniel 11:36)

Antichrist will be a man (or woman) who will appear in the last days. But his spirit has been with us from the first century, at least.

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know it is the last time. (I John 2:18)

People of today, including Christians, who have not submitted themselves to the will of God have the mark of Antichrist in their right hand or in their forehead. Whether there will be an actual physical mark, we do not know. Probably so. But where man's uncrucified will is active, there is Antichrist.

The great problem, the great deception of the last days, is the concept that man can govern his conduct by his own mind, his own brain. For several hundred years, man, particularly Western man, has been toying with the notion that man ought to be the master of his own destiny. This is Antichrist.

The idea has been developing that man is his own God. This thought has become so much a part of us we are unable to envision a civilization in which people practice righteousness, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Yet, God will accept nothing else.

To be continued.