Are you worried
about the apocalypse?
A lot of people are.
Some even talk
of "apocalypse anxiety,"
that is, the feeling
that the world will end,
by any number
of calamities,
and there's nothing
we can do about it.
Do you ever worry about the end
of the world?
The Bible reveals
hard times are coming.
But should we
be distressed about it?
Is fear of the future
irrational and unnecessary?
And can a clear understanding
of Scripture
actually give us hope
and encouragement?
Let's explore this subject today
and discover the truth,
as we uncover four myths
of the Apocalypse.
♪
Welcome to Tomorrow's World.
The world
of entertainment
is really the heartbeat
of a culture.
It reflects society's
values, hopes and fears.
What does our
entertainment say about us?
I think most of us would agree,
our entertainment says
we are obsessed with
the end of the world.
And it's not just
in recent times.
Consider H.G. Wells' book
The War of the Worlds,
published back in 1897.
It was read
on the air
on October 30, 1938,
in the form of a radio drama.
Some mistakenly thought
it was the news report
of Martians taking over
New York,
and it caused panic
among some listeners.
Since then,
countless movies have been made
about aliens, invasions,
and the end of the world.
Who can forget
the gripping title of 1955's
The Invasion
of the Body Snatchers,
or lesser-known movies
like 1962's
Panic in Year Zero?
In more recent years,
we've had
Armageddon,
Independence Day,
and of course,
the ever-popular
Avengers movies.
If you think the number
of apocalyptic movies is
increasing with each year,
you're right.
In 2016,
renowned author
and Colgate University professor
Dr. Anthony Aveni
wrote a book entitled
Apocalyptic Anxiety:
Religion, Science,
and America's Obsession
with the End of the World.
In it he explained:
Society is obsessed
with the end
of the world.
And most of these fictions
present what is called
a dystopian picture
of the world
That is,
a future when society collapses,
order disintegrates,
and there is great suffering
for humanity.
When monsters and zombies
lurk from behind
every burned-out, smoking
pile of rubble,
waiting to terrorize
desperate human survivors.
You get the picture.
It's only entertainment though,
right?
I mean we don't
take these movies seriously,
do we?
We know they're fiction,
just a harmless two hours
of fun.
But stop and think:
Is there some level
of primal fear
behind this growing genre
of entertainment?
And some
of them don't describe
aliens coming to earth,
but rather global collapse
from climate change.
They predict
the polar ice cap will melt,
or CO 2 levels will increase
to dangerous levels,
and coastal cities will
be inundated.
Or maybe
an asteroid will crash to earth.
Regardless,
when you look under the surface,
though it's fiction,
there's something behind this.
They are playing
on the real fears
of real people.
Now, it is true that
horrific events will happen
in our world.
Jesus Himself
said there will be
great distress
in the future.
In Luke 21, verse 25
He said this...
But in the same section,
we read of a different
response from people
who are aware of the truth,
preparing for it,
and ready.
This is in Luke 21:28...
How can we make sure
we have this mind-set
when these things happen?
That's why we're talking
about it today
on this program.
You see,
if we expose the erroneous myths
about the future,
we can have greater confidence
and peace in our lives today.
Who doesn't want that?
So let's look at four myths
of the apocalypse,
to separate truth from fiction.
Myth Number One:
To most, the word
"apocalypse" refers to
"the end of the world."
But does the word "apocalypse"
really mean that?
Many of our regular viewers
will know the answer,
but I'll explain it here.
The last book
of the Bible is called
"The Revelation
of Jesus Christ."
The word "revelation"
is just the English word
translated from a Greek word,
apokalypsis.
We find apokalypsis used
in the original Greek
in the first verse
of the first chapter
of Revelation.
Notice what it says...
"Revelation" and apokalypsis
mean the same thing:
an uncovering, an unveiling,
or a revealing.
The word doesn't
necessarily mean a meltdown
of society.
So why has the word apocalypse
come to mean,
in popular usage,
the dramatic collapse
and end of something?
Well, because the Book
of Revelation,
or The Apocalypse,
does contain a series
of visions revealing sobering
events to happen
in the last days.
But notice the focus
and purpose
of the book of Revelation:
to reveal.
Your Savior,
the Son of God,
commissioned John
to write down what he saw,
so the future would be foretold,
what was hidden
would be uncovered.
He wanted His people
to not be confused
about the future,
but be enlightened
and encouraged by knowing
the truth.
Was the Book of Revelation
meant to be a message of doom?
Not at all.
In fact, read on
in Revelation
chapter 1 verse 3...
You can be blessed for
reading this Book.
It's the God of Heaven
and Earth talking to you.
You can be blessed
for listening to His message,
doing what He says,
and keeping the words
written in it.
Maybe you've been confused
reading the Book
of Revelation.
Don't give up!
You need to know what's
in this book!
God had it recorded
so that it would open
our understanding,
and give us comfort and hope.
Which is why
on today's program,
we're offering you
the free study guide:
Revelation:
The Mystery Unveiled.
Written by the late pastor
and teacher John Ogwyn,
it will take you step by step
through a book
many find difficult
to understand.
Chapter 1 asks the question:
Chapter 2 explains:
Chapter 3 details:
Ask God for understanding,
and let this booklet
help you as you learn
the meaning
of the Book of Revelation.
Just call the number
on your screen,
or write to us
or request this booklet online.
Don't forget.
Order it today.
♪
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♪
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Welcome back.
In the last segment
of this program,
we saw that the word
"apocalypse"
comes from a Greek word
that just means
an uncovering.
It doesn't necessarily mean
doom for all mankind.
And so the book of Revelation,
or we might say,
"The Apocalypse,"
was intended to open
our understanding
about the future.
Which brings us
to the second myth
about the apocalypse:
The Book of Revelation
does speak
of a coming Great Tribulation,
the worst time
of trouble ever.
Many professing Christians
stake their hope
on being raptured
to escape the Tribulation.
But is that
what the Bible says will happen?
The Book of Revelation
does describe the saints
being protected.
This is what we find
in Revelation 3:10...
But how will God protect
His Church?
We find the answer
a few chapters later.
Revelation chapter 12
describes Satan the devil's
aim to thwart God's plan
and destroy humanity.
At the very end of the age,
Satan is thrown down
to the earth,
and is very angry.
He persecutes the Church,
described in symbol as a woman.
But notice what happens next,
in Revelation 12:14...
Bible scholars point out that
"times" represent years.
So three and a half "times"
equals three and a half years.
This is speaking
of the Tribulation.
God will take His people
into the wilderness
for three and a half years.
But Satan will try to stop them.
This is found in
Revelation chapter
12 verse 15...
Does this sound like a church
being swept up to heaven?
Or rather,
is it describing
people right here on earth,
pursued by an army,
represented by a flood?
God will miraculously destroy
that army,
apparently by an earthquake,
as the earth figuratively
opens up its mouth.
And then God will put His shield
of protection over these people,
for the duration
of the Tribulation.
The hope of the saints
is not the rapture.
The hope of the saints
is God's protection
during the Tribulation
and then the change
into Spirit at His coming.
There is much more
than we can explain
in this short program.
And that's why we're offering
this free study guide,
Revelation:
The Mystery Unveiled.
It explains how God
will protect, nourish,
and preserve His servants
even at the end of the age.
Read it for yourself.
Order your free copy
of Revelation:
The Mystery Unveiled
by going on our website
or calling us on the phone
or if you wish, drop a letter
in the mail.
Use the contact information
given on your screen.
We want to get this
study guide to you.
It will give depth
and meaning to your Bible study
like never before.
Order today.
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Today we're exposing four myths
of the apocalypse.
There are so many
misunderstandings
of what will happen
at the end of the age.
But God wants to reveal
the truth to you and me.
And He wants to show us
how we can really be protected.
What else does He say
in His word?
Well let's examine another myth.
Myth Number three:
Think about it.
How many books and movies
have this general theme?
In some stories,
the humans use technology
to win the day.
In others, they are given
or develop special superpowers
to fight off their enemies.
Whatever the case,
it's usually the humans
who figure out a way
to survive and outsmart
the evil invaders.
Now I know,
it's just fiction.
We're not supposed to
believe it.
People watch it just for fun.
And yet, what is the message
that is subtly
--and not so subtly--
drilled into our heads
over and over and over again?
The message is,
in the end we humans win.
In the end,
we overcome our differences,
we work together
against a common enemy,
we use science,
we use strange new powers
and good, old-fashioned
ingenuity and guts.
In the end,
someone among us
will save the day.
That's one
of the common storylines
of the apocalyptic genre.
But is anyone
asking the question,
is it really going to
happen this way?
Where can we turn to find out?
The Book of Revelation
has the answer.
And it reveals
that the storyline
of the future
is not like Deep Impact
or Terminator or Godzilla.
The Bible shows
a very different picture.
Let's look at it together.
Read with me a passage
from Revelation 19:11...
Who does the Bible reveal
will come down from heaven
in the last days?
Not an alien invader,
but Jesus Christ.
This passage describes
the awe-inspiring appearance
of Jesus at His second coming.
He won't come in secret...
John wrote in Revelation 1:7
that every eye will see Him.
And Acts chapter 1 reveals
another glimpse
of how He will return.
When Jesus ascended
to the Father,
His disciples watched him go up
and disappear into the clouds.
Then notice what an angel
told these men,
in Acts 1:11...
The nations will see
Jesus Christ visibly descending
from the clouds,
to the ground.
How will they receive Him?
With open arms?
Jubilant that the Messiah
has returned,
to save mankind from himself?
As Revelation 1:7 says...
They'll be upset,
They'll be angry,
and they'll try to kill Him.
Now, is that surprising?
Well that's what human beings
did the first time
the Son of God came.
And they'll try a second time.
Let's read it
in Revelation 19:19...
Think about those words.
The kings of the earth
will join together,
in a concerted effort
--not to attack an evil
alien invader
but to destroy the very
Savior Himself.
Could it be that some
will be deluded into thinking
He is a hostile alien coming
to annihilate mankind?
And could Satan the devil
be behind that message?
The nations fighting Christ
will not prevail.
Their leaders--the Beast
and the False Prophet--
will be captured and killed
and their armies destroyed.
And Jesus Christ
will subdue the nations
and set up His Kingdom on earth.
So what's the value
in studying the Book
of Revelation?
It reveals our future.
And our study guide,
Revelation:
The Mystery Unveiled
can help you walk through
this vital book.
Chapters 4, 5, and 6
explain who these people are
who fight Christ
when He returns.
They explain why human armies
will attempt to stop Him,
and why they'll be unsuccessful.
In a time when many
are throwing out the Bible,
we all need to ask God
to help us understand the Bible
so we can be ready
for the chaotic times ahead.
Read your Bible,
read the Book of Revelation,
and order Revelation:
The Mystery Unveiled.
Call, click or write today.
♪
Today's offer is yours
absolutely free
No Cost, No Obligation
Call toll free now
...
Call toll free now
or write to us
at the address
on your screen
or visit us online
at TomorrowsWorld.org
♪
Announcer: With this offer,
you will also receive
your free subscription
to Tomorrow's World magazine
full of timely articles
and unique insights
on today's important issues.
And be sure to go to
TomorrowsWorld.org/digital.
Have a digital subscription
sent right to your email inbox.
Faster than postal mail!
Visit us online, now!
In today's program,
we've considered some
of the myths
of the apocalypse.
What we've found
is that apocalypse
is not just about disaster
and calamity,
but about God
revealing the future.
We've seen that the hope
of Christians is being protected
by God right here
during the Tribulation
and being glorified
at Christ's return.
And we've also shown that
human armies will band together
to actually fight
the Son of God, Himself.
In the time remaining,
let's expose
just one more myth:
What is the common theme
of so many dystopic,
post-apocalyptic books
and movies today?
The battle of earth ends
in crumbling buildings,
burned out vehicles,
and shell-shocked survivors
fighting for their lives...
with no hope for the future.
They struggle to live
in a hopeless world
where cruel enemies prey
on their helpless victims.
Or they find themselves
in an environment
so damaged by calamity
and disaster,
it's no longer fit
for human life.
It's a grim
and disturbing story.
But what is the truth?
Actually just the opposite.
Again, the book of Revelation
lives up to its name.
It reveals the truth.
Let's listen
to what God has to say.
We can read it together
Revelation 20:1...
Keep reading,
in Revelation 20:4
What we're reading is
a true description
of the post-apocalyptic world
--"tomorrow's world,"
as we call it--
and it will be
a brand new civilization.
The devil
will be taken away,
and the righteous saints
will rule in government.
They will occupy positions
of responsibility
in Christ's Kingdom
and rule with Him
for a thousand years.
The Bible
is filled with descriptions
of that time
of peace and safety and harmony.
It will be a time
of rebuilding cities,
restoring life,
and teaching humanity
how to live.
It will be a time of renewal
and hope and faith.
The Old Testament prophet Micah
prophesied of that time as well.
In Micah chapter 4 verse 1,
it says this...
That means God will establish
His Kingdom on earth
--through Christ--
and that government will subdue
all other governments.
Micah chapter 4 verse 3...
This is a prophecy of God,
of what happens
after the Tribulation
and the Day of the Lord.
Can you imagine
no more war between nations?
It seems too good to be true,
doesn't it?
But that's the real
post-apocalyptic world!
Going on, in Micah 4:4...
He's describing a world
of peace.
And think about what this
is portraying.
Imagine a man with his wife
and children,
sitting in the shade of a tree
in their backyard,
having a picnic.
Picture the smaller ones running
and playing games,
enjoying life.
That is a snapshot of life
in the post-apocalyptic world.
Again, it will be
a brand-new civilization,
not what you find in the movies.
But who will you believe?
Hollywood?
Or the ever-living God?
Do you want to be
in that number
of saints who are protected
and then glorified
and rule with Christ on earth?
You can.
And our study guide
Revelation:
The Mystery Unveiled
can help you walk through
this vital book
Order your free copy
of Revelation:
The Mystery Unveiled
by going on our website
or calling us on the phone.
And thank you for joining us
on today's program
Come back next week
for another edition
of Tomorrow's World.
As the media
portrays false images
of the future,
we all need to read our Bibles,
to understand what
our future holds.
Gerald Weston, Richard Ames,
Wallace Smith, and I
will continue to share with you
the straight-from-the-Bible
teachings of Jesus Christ,
the good news
of the coming Kingdom of God,
and the prophecies
of tomorrow's world.
Be sure to join us again
next time, right here,
at this same time.
♪
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