Wyatt Ciesielka

Earlier this year, the world watched as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio—now Francis I—was elected as the leader of his church and its 1.2 billion adherents. Many wondered about the election process, and have asked themselves the question, “How does God show His will about who should lead His people?”

The Bible warns, “In the last days, perilous times will come.” Today, we see perils of every sort increasing all around the world. But we also see a lie. To believe the lie is to deny the clear warnings of Scripture and the reality of world events. To accept the lie is to put ourselves and our loved ones in danger.

Is humanity moving toward democracy or toward dictatorship—toward freedom or toward tyranny? Those who today prosper under democratic government can be thankful, but is democracy the real answer? Or, is there a better way?

The world is in turmoil. In the face of continuing dire global news, and perhaps even hard personal trials, do you worry that you lack the strength to confidently—even joyfully—face the days ahead? Depression and anxiety are very real problems. According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control, one in ten adults in the United States suffers from depression.

Planned austerity measures and "anger at Wall Street elite" have triggered protests throughout Europe and the United States. In America, the "Occupy Wall Street" movement quickly grew into rage against what is seen as corrupt capitalism, called by some "a foul stench in our society" (Reuters, November 18, 2011). Much  as  European austerity protests spread from nation to nation, the U.S. protests quickly spread from New York to other cities, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Oakland and Seattle. The disorder has forced already financially hard-pressed city governments to pay over ten million dollars in police overtime, and city services (ABC News, November 17, 2011).