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[The text below represents an edited transcript of the television version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Christianity Is Under Attack

Is Christianity dangerous? Even the question sounds absurd. After all, Christianity is about loving your neighbor, turning the other cheek, and showing mercy to your enemies. How could that be dangerous?

And yet, in the last few years, there is a growing narrative that the Western Christian traditions are not healthy for society.

If you’ve lived more than a few decades, you’ve noticed this radical shift. And it has been shocking. After all, if Jesus taught mercy and love and consideration for our neighbors, how did Christianity turn into the enemy?

According to this narrative, Christianity is not inclusive. It’s not compassionate. It’s not keeping up with the times, nor is it on the “right side of history.” The list goes on and on. And yet, Christian and biblical traditions have formed the backbone of much of Western civilization. So what’s going on?

Cultural shifts don’t happen overnight, and they don’t happen in a vacuum. There are reasons for the dramatic changes we’ve seen in society. And there is a reason why hating Christianity has become the latest fad.

So, what are we supposed to think of this trend? Why is it happening? And more importantly, what can we do? You might be surprised by the answers.

On today’s program, let’s look for those answers. And get ready, because later in the program I’ll give you an opportunity to request today’s offer, Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity.

So, join us today on Tomorrow’s World, as we ask and answer the question: Is Christianity dangerous? I’ll be right back.

A Cultural Shift Is Redefining the Bible as Hate Speech

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible.

Some consider Christianity to be dangerous. But there’s no question that Christianity itself is under attack.

Roughly 2.4 billion people around the world call themselves Christians. And 365 million of them live in about 50 nations where they experience “high levels of persecution or discrimination,” according to Christianity Today (“The 50 Countries Where It’s Hardest to Follow Jesus in 2024,” ChristianityToday.com, January 17, 2024).

It’s easy for us to disregard them, if we live comfortably in the Western world, because they are far away. We enjoy much more freedom. But are there signs on the horizon that those freedoms are evaporating, even in the Western world? Is greater persecution coming?

In Finland, a former Finnish Member of Parliament was taken to trial in 2022 for a hate crime having to do with the Bible. Paivi Rasanen was charged with making derogatory comments toward homosexuals, quoting Romans 1:24–27 (“Paivi Rasanen: Finnish MP in Bible hate speech trial,” BBC.com, January 24, 2022). She defended herself by saying she was simply expressing what the Bible says.

The Bible itself is being put on trial. This should raise alarm bells for all who consider themselves Christians. An article on the Religious Freedom Institute website summed it up well:

“The Räsänen prosecution did nothing more than draw a logical conclusion from the ideological shift that has occurred in the course of recent decades, not just in Finland but also in the United States, Canada, and the rest of Western Europe. In today’s West…. Now that this type of instinctive secularist progressivism has become the cultural norm, Romans 1:24–27 is hate speech” (“The Bible as Hate Speech?”, ReligiousFreedomInstitute.org, April 1, 2022).

So, what should you do if your belief system is being labeled as dangerous, and yet it’s becoming more dangerous for you to practice it? In the remainder of the program let’s talk about three things you can and should do.

#1: Christians Should Know and Live by the Bible

Number 1: Live by the literal, biblical word of God.

This might seem overly simplistic. But don’t overlook the obvious. Make sure you are living by the Bible and living like a Christian. That means, we need to get our house in order. The Apostle Peter explained this in 1 Peter 4:14–16.

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you…. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.”

Why is this important? Well, there are a lot of people out there today who profess Christianity, but the fruit of their lives tells a different story. Researcher George Barna points this out in a survey entitled, “American Worldview Inventory, 2024.” He explains the following:

Biblical worldview incidence in the United States has declined for five consecutive generations, and during that time the number of adults holding a biblical worldview has plummeted from 12% to today’s 4% level (“CRC Study Shows Younger Generations Reject Biblical Worldview, Ushering in ‘New Morality,’” ArizonaChristian.edu, May 28, 2024).

Biblical worldview means that you see your world through the lens of the Bible and the Christianity of the Bible. It means that the Bible and your faith and obedience in Jesus Christ affects and guides the countless decisions you make every single day.

When only 4% describe themselves this way, it means we have a lot of fake Christians. Some theologians have been saying this for a long time. Professor Rufus M. Jones wrote this:

If by any chance Christ Himself had been taken by His later followers as the model and pattern of the new way, and a serious attempt had been made to set up His life and teaching as the standard and norm for the Church, Christianity would have been something vastly different from what it became (The Church’s Debt to Heretics, 1924, pp. 15–16).

Back in the 1800s, the philosopher and theologian Søren Kirkegaard put it more bluntly.

The Christianity of the New Testament simply does not exist (Kierkegaard’s Attack Upon “Christendom”, Walter Lowrie, trans., 1946, pp. 32–33).

In other words, the Church Jesus founded was, over the centuries, watered down with compromises to become unrecognizable today.

So, Christianity is claimed to be dangerous and toxic and harmful by some today. But the truth is, very few actually practice it. How strange.

Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Christianity

We truly are living in a dangerous time. And they will get more dangerous. We shouldn’t really be surprised, because Jesus Christ gave His disciples warnings about how to handle it. Notice one of the first warnings He issued, in Matthew 24, beginning in verse 3.

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:3–5).

Did you catch that? Jesus said many would come in His name. Many would profess faith in Jesus, and even say that Jesus is Lord. And then He said, “And will deceive many.”

So, just because someone uses the name of Christ and calls himself or herself a Christian does not mean they are a true follower of Christ. This is the first thing we must understand. We need to recognize false Christianity. Why is this so important?

We’ll answer that question in a few moments. But first I want to give you a chance to order our free study guide we’re offering today, Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity, written by the late evangelist, Roderick C. Meredith. He writes:

This booklet contains genuinely shocking information for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. It has profound implications for the future of our civilization (p. 1, Satan's Counterfeit Christianity, Roderick C. Meredith).

If you are concerned about our modern nations, and the future of your family, you need this information. We’ll send it to you free of charge. We don’t ask for money and we never will. So, call, write, or order online today. Order now.

Real Christians Do What the Bible Says

Welcome back. In the last segment, we saw that there are a lot of fake Christians in our world today. And our job, if we really want to be a disciple of Christ, is to find out what the Bible says and get our lives in line with it. There is a Church founded by Jesus Christ that will be around until His return. Notice what He said in Matthew 16:18. As He told His disciples:

“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

In other words, He said His church that He built would never die out.

And that brings us to our second point. As we find ourselves in difficult times, when Christianity as a whole is being vilified as the enemy, as dangerous, what should we do? Does Jesus give us any instructions? He does.

#2: Don’t Fight Back Politically

That brings us to number 2: Don’t put your faith in political movements.

Jesus Christ faced immense pressure to fight back against the political forces He faced when He was on this earth. But notice what He said when questioned by the Roman governor Pilate. It’s found in John 18:36.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

God doesn’t want us to get involved in the political contests of this world. He doesn’t want us to physically fight or even politically fight our adversaries. You see, for those who see their religious freedoms trampled on, there is a temptation to seek a political solution. Particularly in the United States, some have decided they need to support a movement, such as Christian nationalism. Christianity Today defines Christian nationalism this way:

Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way (“What Is Christian Nationalism?”, Christianity Today, February 3, 2021).

Should sincere, heartfelt Christians support Christian nationalism? We all are grateful for any leaders in our governments who support any biblical values. That is for sure. But is it through political movements that we will solve our problems ultimately? Of course not.

If you watch the news, you know the bad press that Christian political activists are getting from many quarters. Here are some of the headlines:

• “Christianity ‘increasingly regarded’ by the state as ‘harmful’” (Sky News Australia)
• “‘Toxic Christianity’: the evangelicals creating champions for Trump” (The Guardian)
• “What is Christian nationalism and why it raises concerns about threats to democracy” (PBS News)

If you are concerned about the rights of sincere Christians being trampled on, you might feel a kinship with those trying to fight back against this avalanche. You might even want to get politically involved. But ask yourself, does God want you to put your faith in political movements?

The Real Danger Is Counterfeit Christianity—and the Rise of the Beast Power and False Prophet

Critics of Christian political activism warn that Christianity is dangerous. While they are terribly wrong on most counts, there is a grain of truth to what they say. You see, “counterfeit Christianity” is dangerous. And will be in the future. Let me explain.

There is a counterfeit Christianity—we already saw that in the last segment. And Bible prophecy shows that a counterfeit religious system will rise to power and dominance at the close of this age. It will be led by a charismatic leader out of Europe. He will be cast as a savior, a defender of Christian values, and a follower of Christ. But Jesus tells us be careful, be warned, don’t be deceived. It’s a counterfeit. Notice how it’s described in Revelation 13:11.

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.”

This religious leader will claim to be Christian—he has two horns like a lamb, and Jesus is symbolized as a Lamb. But he will speak like a dragon. His words and his teachings will not follow the Bible at all. What will this religious leader do? Going on in Revelation 13:13,

He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth… He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads (Revelation 13:13–16).

Mark 13:22 says the deception will be so great, that “even the elect, if possible, will be deceived.” This will be an extremely dangerous time for genuine Christians.

Later in Revelation, John describes this counterfeit religious system as a woman, sitting on a beast. A woman in the Book of Revelation symbolizes a church. Notice Revelation 17:3.

“And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:3–6).

Is counterfeit Christianity dangerous? Yes. This system will have put to death true servants of God. It will take away religious freedom and compel obedience by force. This false prophet will, in league with a political and military leader known as the beast, bring our world to a state of suffering like we have never known. Notice what John writes in Revelation 19:19:

“And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.”

This alliance between church and state will literally try to fight against the returning Christ. But it will be no match. The One who sits on the horse, Jesus Christ, will return in glory and power to put down this rebellion. Notice, going on, in Revelation 19:20.

Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.

There’s more to the story, but first let me offer you our free study guide today, Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. You’ll see for yourself how “the counterfeit religion spread,” how a “modern ‘Babylon’ was created,” and how in the future we’ll see “Babylon revived.” Don’t take these issues lightly. What is detailed in this book will affect your life and the lives of your family members in the very near future. So request your free copy of Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. You can call, write, or order online. Order today.

#3: Let Jesus Christ Be yOur Rock and Protector

In the last two segments, we discussed the question: Is Christianity dangerous? As society grows more anti-Christian, we will find ourselves living in a time more and more dangerous for real, genuine Christians. What should we do? Completely align our lives with Christ, in every way. Don’t put our faith in political movements.

But what’s a third thing we must do? Number three: Let Christ be our rock and protector.

In the last segment, we saw that Revelation uses the symbolism of a harlot woman to describe a counterfeit church in the end times. In contrast, the Book of Revelation also uses the imagery of a chaste and pure woman to describe God’s faithful, true Church. What does it say about that Church? Will there be protection from the destruction and devastation of the Tribulation for that Church? Yes.

Notice, Revelation gives a behind-the-scenes picture of a galactic war yet in the future, when Satan the Devil will fight against God on His throne. We pick it up in Revelation 12:7.

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (Revelation 12:7–9).

Remember, the counterfeit church deceives the masses and is influenced by the dragon. Here we see why so many Christians in the last days will be Christian in name only—because they have been deceived into accepting a counterfeit religion.

But what about those who really do follow Christ? God offers protection, on earth, to His faithful followers in a place of safety. Continuing on in Revelation 12:13,

Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent (Revelation 12:13–14).

Some people think this refers to the church being raptured. No, it’s simply taken into a wilderness. Heaven is not a wilderness. The children of Israel came out of Egypt symbolically on eagles’ wings—that’s mentioned in Exodus 19:4. But we know they just walked. It’s the same concept here. Going on, verse 15:

So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:15–17).

In other words, those who are faithful and protected from the wrath of Satan the Devil will also have the testimony of Christ and be keeping the commandments of God. That’s not the Jews. That’s God’s genuine Church.

You and I, if we really are followers of Christ, if we obey His commandments—all ten of them—and are covered with the blood of His sacrifice, and are led by His Holy Spirit, He says He will take care of us.

But in order to be under His protection, we have to let Him be our Lord and Master now. We have to trust Him. We have to give our lives to Him now. Notice what the prophet Jeremiah wrote, starting in Jeremiah 17:5.

Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord…. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes (Jeremiah 17:5–8).

God says our real trust must be in Him and our Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Rock. He is our Protector. He is our Savior. And it is He who will raise us up if we die before His return.

David recognized that, and he was a man after God’s own heart. In Psalm 18, starting in verse 1, we read this:

“I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalms 18:1–3).

How grateful we are for having a faithful and loving High Priest. He is our Rock. He is our Strength. How important that will be, as times get more difficult, in the days ahead.

And it’s important to remember that God’s ways are good for us and produce blessings for those who will walk in His ways. As Moses told the Israelites as they were coming out of Egypt, beginning in Deuteronomy 10:12,

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good” (Deuteronomy 10:12–13).

Yes, God’s way of life—it’s not bad, or evil, or hateful, or repressive. Everything He commands us to do, in the end, is for our good. That’s something to be thankful about.

Again, I want to mention the study guide we are offering today on this program, Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. As we’ve seen, when it comes to our beliefs, sincerity is not enough. We’ve got to base what we believe on Scripture. There is a real devil, Satan, who has a kingdom and who is the counterfeiter. He’s the cause of the confusion in modern mainstream Christianity. He will cause the mayhem and destruction that is coming. But there is protection under the care of Almighty God. Open your Bible and read for yourself. Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity will help you in your studies.

You need this information. So, call, click, or write today. Order now.

Be on Guard Against Fake Christianity

In today’s program, we saw that in our world today, Christianity is often accused of being dangerous. But we’ve got to understand—what type of Christianity? There is a true and a false Christianity. The false Christianity truly is dangerous. It will bring the world to the brink of destruction. But the true Christianity, the Christianity of the Bible, is the only real hope for the world. It teaches us that Jesus Christ will return, set His feet on the earth, and bring peace and prosperity that we desperately need.

Jesus Christ promises He will help those who are His faithful and zealous servants. He is our Rock. He is our fortress, our High Tower. He is our protection. And we need that more than ever.

So yes, counterfeit Christianity—it is dangerous. We must be alert and awake, and not fall prey. And we must embrace genuine Christianity with all of our hearts. It’s the hope of humanity—that time of Christ’s millennial reign on earth. God speed that day.

Thank you for watching. And don’t forget to order your free literature today, Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. It will open your eyes to the deceptions of Satan the Devil, and help you to recognize how to be a true and genuine follower of Jesus Christ, preparing for His wonderful Kingdom coming soon.

And be sure to join us next time, as Gerald Weston, Wallace Smith, and I explain the good news of Tomorrow’s World, and the truth, comfort, and hope it can bring to you and your family.

See you next time!

[The text below represents an edited transcript of the television version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Why Is Reading Bible Prophecy Important?

The Christian Bible holds the Guinness World Record of best-selling book in the world (“Best-selling book,” GuinessWorldRecords.com). Many homes in the Western world have at least one Bible on their bookshelves, and many of them have more than one. But how many people actually read them? And even of those who do, how many read Bible prophecy?

Prophecy makes up a quarter of God’s revealed word, yet for many it is the most neglected part of Scripture.

My friends, we don’t want you to fall into that trap, because God wants you to dive into the prophecies He inspired to be recorded for you to understand.

Join us on this episode of Tomorrow’s World where we explain why you need Bible prophecy.

Avoiding Bible Prophecy Neglects More Than 25% of Scripture

Greetings, and welcome to Tomorrow’s World. Today, we’re going to help you understand why you need Bible prophecy.

We’ll also be offering you one of our most popular free DVDs, The Power of Prophecy. This DVD contains four programs that are designed to help you finally begin to understand the prophecies that fill God’s word. Like everything we offer on Tomorrow’s World, there’s no cost to you whatsoever. So, be sure to keep an eye on your screen for the information you need to get your own free copy.

Now, before we begin, I need to be very clear. Today, I am speaking specifically of Bible prophecy. History is filled with so-called prophets who claimed to tell the future—men like Edgar Cayce or Nostradamus. History has not been too kind to such claims. The same could be said for the weird predictions concerning the year 2012—a weird “end of the world” prediction based on drug-induced, misinterpreted Mayan concepts that did more to sell crackpot books and movie tickets than it did about telling the future.

Bible prophecy is important—so much so that God has filled His own word with it. So it should not be a surprise that the Devil has counterfeited true Bible prophecy and the biblical prophets in countless ways.

But you don’t need the counterfeit—you need the truth! And that’s what I am focusing on today: Real Bible prophecy.

And let’s be honest: Have you ever tried to read Bible prophecy and found it intimidating?

With all of its symbols and visions of harlots and monsters and statues, or talk of antichrists, the fall of empires, heavenly signs—it can seem a bit much.

When I was a young teenager, I remember reading the book of Revelation and reading about the seven-headed beast with ten horns. I told my late grandmother about what I thought it meant—which was completely wrong, by the way—and she looked at me kindly and told me with a gentle smile, “You know, we tend to stay away from that book of the Bible.”

Now, I am definitely not here to speak ill about my grandmother on a television program broadcast around the world. I loved her very much. But for all her wisdom and experience, she had simply never had anyone explain to her the blessings that reading and understanding prophecy can bring into our lives—and the purposes for which God inspired it in the first place.

Think about what avoiding prophecy meant for her—and for you and me.

Between one-fourth and one-third of your Bible is prophecy. Imagine ignoring every fourth word or every fourth chapter. If anyone else demanded that we rip out 30 percent of the pages of our Bible, we would be crying out about censorship and totalitarianism.

When Jesus was about to begin His ministry, He was tempted by Satan, and in response, Jesus made an important statement that we need to listen to today—in Matthew 4:4.

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.”

Note that “every word” means every word, not two out of three, or three out of four.

Jesus Christ Commands Us to Live by Every Word of God

In fact, Christ is plain that He wants His followers reading the prophecies he inspired, in both the Old and New Testaments. In Revelation 19:10, we’re told that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” and the very beginning of the book of Revelation, the very first verse of the very first chapter, tells us that Christ revealed the contents of that book under God’s instructions “to show His servants—things which must shortly take place.”

Blessings Come from Hearing Bible Prophecy

And in Revelation 1:3, God gives us a promise:

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

Who doesn’t want to receive God’s blessings? God doesn’t waste words, and He inspired Bible prophecy for good reason. Over the rest of today’s program, we’re going to outline four reasons God inspired prophecy. When you see the truth of each, you understand why it is such a vital part of the Bible, and why you need to dive into it yourself.

But before we look at the first reason, I want to give you the opportunity to receive a free DVD that will help you understand the prophecies of the Bible. The Power of Prophecy is one of our most popular free resources, with four Tomorrow’s World programs that answer a host of vital questions about Bible prophecy, including:

• What is the mysterious beast of Revelation?
• What are the five keys to understanding prophecy?
• What are the six greatest perils facing the United States?
• What does the Bible say about the future of the EU, Russia, China, Iran, and other nations?
• How can I personally prepare for what is to come and protect my family?
• How can I escape the Great Tribulation?

Unlocking Bible prophecy to your understanding will help the pages of Scripture come to life in a way they never have before. Request your free copy of The Power of Prophecy, and I will be right back to begin explaining why God has inspired prophecies in the pages of your Bible.

Point #1: Bible prophecy warns people and nations to repent to avoid punishment

Welcome back! Today, we’re helping you understand why you need Bible prophecy. And the key is understanding why God inspired it in your Bible in the first place. We’re looking at four reasons, and here is the first: Bible prophecy warns people and nations to repent so they can avoid punishment.

When the Apostle Peter wrapped up the first inspired sermon of the New Testament Church, he told the gathered crowds,

“Be saved from this perverse generation” (Acts 2:40).

My friends, look around you at the world today and tell me—honestly—if you don’t think that his words apply even more powerfully today—almost 2,000 years later—than they did in his day?

Our world is failing because of sin—breaking God’s laws

You can see it, can’t you? The world is coming apart at the seams. Something is terribly wrong with civilization, and while many people claim they know the way to fix it, none of them are saying what truly needs to be said: The world is dying due to sin, the breaking of God’s righteous law. In fact, as we highlight frequently on this program and in our free Tomorrow’s World magazine, some of those nations that have been blessed the most by God are the very nations that are leading the way in breaking God’s law, and teaching others to do so.

One major consequence of sin will be the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord

That path will lead those nations, and eventually the entire world, into the most horrific time mankind has ever known: The Great Tribulation, followed by the Day of the Lord. We read of the times prophesied to come in Matthew chapter 24, beginning in verse 21.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21).

Note: Jesus says “no flesh” would be saved if God did not intervene. While the punishment for unrepentant sin will begin, frankly, in the United States, Great Britain, and other British-descended nations, it will eventually engulf the entire world, threatening the existence of every living thing.

But God the Father and Jesus Christ make a way of escape available.

God wants all people to repent and turn away from sin

In Ezekiel 33:11, God tells us that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Instead, He warns us about what is coming so that we will repent, so that we will stop sinning and accept the opportunity for escape.

Turn earlier in the book of Ezekiel and read His passionate words to Israel—words that I assure you are meant for nations and peoples today. Read them in Ezekiel 18:30.

“Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!”

Today’s free DVD, The Power of Prophecy, teaches that understanding how God describes modern nations in the ancient words of the Bible is a fundamental key to understanding prophecy. And, believe it or not, modern nations such as the United States, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, Germany, France, China, Russia, and, yes, the modern state of Israel, as well as many others, are identifiable in Bible prophecy.

And when you understand what Bible prophecy says is coming upon our nations, and how their sins will be visited upon them, then you understand why all of us here at Tomorrow’s World refuse to cease crying aloud and sparing not in declaring those sins and encouraging the world to turn from its sins, embrace its Savior, Jesus Christ, and find escape from the times to come. For repentance is the only means of escape, and prophecy makes this fact plain. Bible prophecy warns people and nations to repent so they can avoid punishment.

My friends, that means you and me, too. If you want to escape the punishments coming upon this world, then you need to stop sinning and breaking God’s commands and turn to Jesus Christ in repentant obedience.

Point #2: Bible prophecy encourages people in captivity to repent

However, we must see the world not as we want it to be, but as it really is. God certainly does. And the fact is that, sadly, most will not repent and change. In fact, many of you watching may not choose to turn from your sins. Most will go into punishment and into captivity. Then, the second reason God inspired prophecy in the pages of Scripture kicks in: Bible prophecy encourages those in captivity to repent.

Like punishment from a loving parent, God’s punishment isn’t harsh just for the sake of being harsh. He hopes individuals will repent before punishment arrives. And even after punishment has come, He continues to hope they will repent. And prophecy plays a role in that, too.

We see this purpose for prophecy reflected in passages such as Deuteronomy 4. Yes, Deuteronomy was written to ancient Israel long ago. But today’s free DVD, The Power of Prophecy, will explain why its words have meaning for many modern nations today. And in those words, God inspires Moses to explain to Israel about the punishment they will receive for their sins, and how they can still choose to change. We see this starting in verse 27.

And the Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the Lord will drive you. And there you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them (Deuteronomy 4:27–31).

It is our sincere hope that many if not all of you listening will repent, turn to God with all your heart, and sincerely commit your lives to obeying Him. But for those who do not and who find themselves under the soon-coming punishment of the Great Tribulation, then we hope these words of Deuteronomy 4 will come to mind—that you will remember that the times you are experiencing were prophesied and came about exactly as the Bible said they would. And that you will at that time turn to God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Cry out to Him in those times! And if you turn to Jesus Christ in your captivity with a whole heart, committed to obeying Him, then He will hear you.

Yes, the second reason God inspired prophecies in the pages of your Bibles is that Bible prophecy encourages those in captivity to repent.

Well, so far, the reasons for Bible prophecy we’ve covered have been a bit of a downer! The next reason we will cover will visit the other extreme, as we see that prophecy also brings us the greatest hope in all of human history—a hope you need in your life!

We’ll cover that in a moment—but first, let me pause to remind you how to get your free DVD, “The Power of Prophecy.” This collection of four Tomorrow’s World programs is a must-have for anyone who has been confused or intimidated by prophecy before but who longs to understand it. God inspired prophecy to be understood! Don’t regret missing out on the life-changing information in this DVD. Order yours now, and I’ll be right back to explain the great hope of mankind that is revealed in the words of Bible prophecy.

Point #3: Bible prophecy announces the good news of the coming Kingdom of God

So far, we’ve seen that God uses prophecy to warn nations to repent and escape punishment, and He uses it to inspire those who do not repent to turn to Him in the midst of their punishment.

The third reason for Bible prophecy highlights the irony of Christians who say that you don’t need to pay attention to prophecy, because it illustrates why prophecy is at the heart of the message Jesus Christ came to preach.

The third reason is that Bible prophecy announces the good news of the coming Kingdom of God.

Too many think Jesus Christ only came to tell people how they can be forgiven of their sins. And, yes, the forgiveness of sins is a source of joy and cause for praise! But that is only one facet of a larger message God sent His Son to preach. We read of that message in Mark 1:14–15.

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

That Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God to be established at the return of Jesus Christ is one of the most hope-filled and life-transforming messages you can ever hope to comprehend.

And focusing as it does on future events, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is inherently a prophetic message. In fact, many prophecies of both the Old and New Testaments POINT US to different, hopeful details of that Kingdom’s reign! For instance:

• Revelation 20 speaks of the 1,000-year removal of Satan the Devil and proclaims that glorified, faithful Christians will reign alongside Jesus Christ during that time.
• Zechariah 14 explains how all the nations of the world will assemble in Jerusalem each year for the joyous Feast of Tabernacles.
• Isaiah 35 tells of the transformed and beautified earth, and the healing of all who are blind, deaf, and unable to walk.
• Zechariah 8 tells of how small children will be safe to play in the streets.

If you are a longtime viewer or a subscriber to the Tomorrow’s World magazine, then you know the many prophecies of the Kingdom of God are a special focus of this ministry. God has commissioned us to preach the Gospel of Christ’s coming Kingdom—and we do.

And you need the hope that comes from understanding about that Kingdom. That’s why you need Bible prophecy. There is a reason the Apostle Peter called the prophetic reign of Jesus Christ the “restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21).

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God is a prophetic message, and if you are ignoring the prophecies of your Bible, then you are ignoring the beautiful descriptions of tomorrow’s world that the Almighty inspired in the pages of Scripture to fill you with a hope and longing for that soon-coming world.

Again, Bible prophecy announces the good news of the coming Kingdom of God.

Point #4: Bible prophecy demonstrates God’s total sovereignty and power

A fourth, vital reason for prophecy is that Bible prophecy demonstrates God’s total sovereignty and power.

And in a world like today’s, in which every week seems to bring news of more upheaval, chaos, and heartbreak, we need a reminder that our loving Creator is truly in control.

God points to this purpose of prophecy in Isaiah chapter 46, beginning in verse 9.

“Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:9–11).

Many of you are familiar with my friend and longtime Tomorrow’s World presenter Richard Ames. He loves to emphasize a vital truth that he summarizes in three simple words: “GOD REIGNS SUPREME.” And if any of you knew Richard Ames personally, then you know he lived his life in the light of those words!

God uses prophecy to help teach you that truth and to make it that much more real in your heart and your mind—in your life. Bible prophecy teaches us that God is faithful and can be trusted. It reveals that all of human history, from the beginning to the end, is simply the unfolding of His plan for mankind—and it reveals that plan.

When we trust God, then even in our hardships, we can have faith that He is in charge and is working all things to our good, as we’re told in Romans 8:28. It is that trust in God’s power to fulfill His purpose that moved the Apostle Paul, in all his hardships to begin his letter to Titus in this way:

Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began… (Titus 1:1–2).

Only the Creator has the ability to declare the end from the beginning and to guarantee it will be so. And such a Creator is not only worthy of our love and worship, He is also worthy of our trust. Prophecy helps to remind us that He has total sovereignty and power, and we can trust Him with our lives.

God Shows Your Life’s Purpose With Prophecy

When we put these four purposes of prophecy together, we see that Bible prophecy is not just some academic pursuit or some “fortunetelling” game in which we try to predict the future and see if it turns out the way we thought. You need prophecy because there is a purpose God intends to work in your life. We’ll discuss that purpose in the conclusion of our program.

First, let me take advantage of this last break to encourage you to order today’s free DVD, “The Power of Prophecy.” We don’t just want you to understand that prophecy is important. We want you to UNDERSTAND PROPHECY. This free DVD will help get you on your way. One of the four messages on this DVD is “Five Keys to Understanding Prophecy,” and it will begin to explain how to take the often intimidating symbols and messages of Bible prophecy and make their meaning plain. It’s time to stop avoiding prophecy and, instead, dive into the deep end. This DVD, “The Power of Prophecy,” will help you get started. Order your copy now, and I’ll be right back to help us see what all of this should mean.

Prophecy is meant to change your life—for the better

Today, we’ve discussed four reasons God inspires prophecy in the pages of your Bible.

1. Bible prophecy warns people and nations to repent so they can avoid punishment.
2. Bible prophecy encourages those in captivity to repent.
3. Bible prophecy announces the good news of the coming Kingdom of God.
4. Bible prophecy demonstrates God’s total sovereignty and power.

When you think about these reasons, it’s plain that God doesn’t intend prophecy to be some sort of academic exercise or just some sort of secret code we have to crack to know what the future holds. Rather, God is using prophecy to produce an impact in your life. He seeks to change your life and draw you closer to Him—to bring you more in line with His purpose for your life.

God intends prophecy to move you to repent—to change your ways day by day, turning from sin and disobedience to His laws, and turning to repentance, embracing the rulership of His Son, Jesus Christ. Whether we do this before punishment comes our way, or even in the midst of that punishment, a transformed life is what He seeks to achieve with His inspired prophecies.

Bible prophecy reveals hope for your future

And with prophecy, God gives form to our hope for the future. By pointing us, in prophecy, to our future roles in His Kingdom—as glorified children of God, helping Jesus Christ to beautify this world and serve others by helping them to understand the ways of God more fully—God gives us a goal that gives meaning to our lives. As Christ says in Matthew 6:33, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”—and prophecy helps to make that Kingdom real to us, painting a beautiful and detailed picture of tomorrow’s world that helps us to envision the world He longs to build alongside us.

Finally, when life gets difficult, and we pass through trial and hardship, it is prophecy that reminds us that God is great and good, and that in all things He reigns supreme in the heavens—that no matter our current circumstances, the end of all things is in His hands, and we can rest assured that He is in control.

My friends, you need what God wants to place within your life through the words of prophecy He has inspired in the pages of His Bible. And if you are ready for what He longs to give you, today’s free DVD will be a great place for you to start. I hope you will order your copy today.

And I hope you will come back next time! When you do, Gerald Weston, Richard Ames, Rod McNair, and I will be right here waiting for you—ready to share with you the teachings of Jesus Christ, the powerful hope of the Kingdom of God, and the end-time prophecies of your Bible and their meaning. Until then, take care.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of the television version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Democracy Is Not Going to Solve Our Problems

Tens of millions of people go to the polls each year to vote for the candidate of their choice. Sometimes it’s FOR a candidate. Other times it’s a vote AGAINST the other fellow. We’ve all heard the slogans—vote for so and so:

• For a Brighter Future
• He’s a Candidate You Can Trust
• Just Believe!
• Yes, We Can!
• Build Back Better
• It’s Time for Change
• We Can Do Better

It’s human nature to desire to make your voice heard, and democracy in one form or another is ingrained in us from an early age. Some candidates are elected to keep the country out of war, yet often end up in war. Whether it’s a country ruled by a king, a dictator, or an elected official, events outside of their control often define their rule.

The United States is a Democratic Republic, where citizens cherish their voice in choosing their leaders.

On November 19, 1863, former United States President Abraham Lincoln spoke these famous words in the aftermath of the American Civil War Battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth” (The Gettysburg Address. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1863).

Yes, government of the people, by the people, for the people is taken for granted as the way government should be, and although other nations may not use the same words, government by the people is in the hearts of many. But is there a better way? Not only is there a better way, that better way is just around the corner. Stay tuned!

A Better Government Is Coming

A warm welcome to all of you from all of us here at Tomorrow’s World, where today I’m going to show you from the Bible that there is a better way than government of the people and by the people.

I’ll also be offering you a free resource that explains the nature and the source of that government, so have writing material available so you can order our easy-to-read booklet, Do You Believe the True Gospel?

Have you realized dear friends that the good news, the Gospel that Jesus proclaimed for three-and-a-half years prior to His crucifixion, is a message about a new government to come? Why isn’t that biblical message being taught in today’s churches?

To understand, we need the big picture.

Mankind’s chaotic attempts to govern himself began in the Garden of Eden. God placed in that paradise two trees with great symbolic meaning. One tree symbolized man looking to God to define the way to live, to determine right and wrong. And if that tree was chosen, it would lead to life. The other tree symbolized man setting himself up as god, to determine for himself right and wrong.

So, what do those trees have to do with this subject? Everything! When I graduated from Ambassador College in 1969, our yearbook wrote of the results of man’s attempts to build a world apart from God. It labeled education as “the Mother which spawned the Scientists, Captains of Industry and Business, Politicians and Rulers, leaders in Modern Society, and the Theologians.” But what are the results of humanity’s mother—its systems of education—is a “sick, chaotic world of violence.” On the subject of government, the Envoy explains:

The modern world has produced three more or less new forms of government. Each promises peace, happiness, and prosperity for its people… United States and British-type “Democracy”; Swedish and French-type Modern “Socialism”; and atheistic Communism. 

All three are predicated on the theory that every individual has the right to share in the results of Science, Industry, and the modern life. All three are based on a system of Industry, and diffusion of Education. But what do we actually find? We find some heads of state sincerely seeking peace, and the betterment of their peoples. But none is bringing peace because none knows the way to peace. But all too often we find also the opposite. We find selfish, greedy men of excessive vanity, ambitious in their lust for rule, scheming to get their hands on the throttle of power for personal aggrandizement and monetary gain. We find graft, immorality, deception, dishonesty, running rampant in high places. 

Governments promise peace but bring wars!

There is no doubt that some leaders are better than others, but none truly bring a lasting solution to mankind’s problems. The solution to humanity’s problems can never be found in man’s governments. It must be found in the neglected word of God.

Satan Is the Ruler of This World for Now

Adam chose the wrong tree, and mankind has followed his example ever since. But as we read in Genesis, Adam and his wife Eve, were influenced by a deceptive and persuasive spirit being. He is no mythical figure. He is the god of this world! Does that surprise you? Jesus referred to him as such three times on the night in which He was betrayed. For example, He said in John 12:31,

“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”

Then in John 14:30, Jesus said,

“I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”

While not mentioning Satan or the devil by name, Jesus’ reference is clear. The Apostle Paul also refers to Satan as the god of this age in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

And how can we neglect this powerful statement on who it is that directs the course of this world.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2).

Yes, it is Satan the devil who directs the course of our world, and that means our approach toward science, business, entertainment, government, and yes, even religion and theologians. And this includes professing Christianity, for, as we read in 2 Corinthians 11:4.

For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

And in case this is not plain enough, Paul continues in verses 14 and 15:

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

The Gospel Message Includes Government

This understanding of who the god of this age is, who directs the course of this world, explains what we see around us. It explains the confusion, the hatred, the degeneracy, the selfishness and greed, and the endless wars. But the Bible gives us hope. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is far more than about His death, burial, and resurrection.

Yes, that is important, but He came with a message of hope for this troubled world that goes far beyond what you hear in Sunday morning sermons. He brought a message about a soon-coming government to replace the current god of this age.

To learn more about the exciting message Jesus was sent to give—a message extensively explained in scripture after scripture—order our free resource, Do You Believe the True Gospel?

Frankly, dear friends, you will be shocked to learn how deceived you may have been about the message Jesus proclaimed. The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most exciting message ever given to humanity and the good thing is that you can open your bible and prove these things for yourself. It is all there in your Bible and this resource will point out many of the plain, easy to understand, passages of Scripture that spell it out. So, order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel? 

The Return of Jesus Christ Will Save the World from Destruction

Let’s be honest with ourselves. Our world is in trouble. We have regional wars in Europe and the Middle East—either of which can explode into World War III. I could go on about the truly existential threats in our world, but we hear plenty of that, and we see it all around us. However, the message Jesus proclaimed was that of good news. Yes, He did speak of some very bad news just prior to His return. He said it will get so bad that unless He returns to stop our madness, all flesh would be destroyed. Here it is in His famous Olivet prophecy.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22).

However, the good news is that He will intervene to save us from ourselves. And the overwhelming focus of Jesus’ message was one of hope—the good news of His coming Kingdom. Most of His ministry focused on the Kingdom of God. It was only toward the end of His ministry that He spoke of His death and resurrection.

This fact is shown in our free resource, Do You Believe the True Gospel?. Don’t believe me just because I say it. Prove it for yourself out of the pages of your own Bible. Do You Believe the True Gospel? will help you do so.

The Kingdom of God Will Replace This World’s Political Systems

Do you realize the expression “Kingdom of God” is mentioned 70 times in the New Testament? And Matthew uses the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” 33 additional times. There are other references to the Gospel of the Kingdom, or simply the Kingdom. Should we not take notice of something referred to over 100 times by Jesus and the Apostles? 

We’ll look at what Jesus meant by His Kingdom message, but first let’s show what He didn’t mean. As explained in a previous program about the gospel that Jesus Christ proclaimed, I stated the following:

In the sermon on the mount—considered to be at the heart of Jesus’ message to mankind—we find what are called the beatitudes, or beautiful attitudes. We read in Matthew 5 and verse 3: 

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

Many assume this means we go to heaven, but two verses later, in verse 5, we read:

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

This presents a problem. Do the poor in spirit (verse 3) go to heaven, while the meek (verse 5) inherit the earth? Which is it? Heaven or earth? The answer lies with the question of what does the expression “kingdom of heaven” mean? 

Matthew uses this expression most of the time, but he also uses, as we see in chapter 6 and verse 33, the expression, Kingdom of God.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

We also find Matthew uses the two—Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God—interchangeably. Here it is in chapter 19, and verses 23 and 24:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).

Interestingly, the other gospel writers—Mark, Luke, and John – never, not even once, use the expression Kingdom of Heaven. They consistently use only Kingdom of God. And in the original Greek, from which the New Testament is translated, the words heaven and God are very different. They cannot be confused. So, when Jesus said:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

And followed two verses later with:

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

We must take a closer look at the meaning of the expressions “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God.” What is the difference between the two? And what relationship does this have with where the saved go after death? Let me answer that with these simple questions:

• Does the expression Kingdom of God mean that the Kingdom is in God?
• Or does the expression show ownership of the Kingdom—God’s Kingdom?

Yes, it is God’s kingdom, not a kingdom in God. Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God are interchangeable and denote ownership, not location.

The Gospel of the Kingdom Includes the King, His People, and His Laws

The Kingdom of God is the most exciting message ever given. It is about a world-ruling government to come. People become most excited about voting into office a new knight in shining armor who will save us from all our problems, but fail to see the one and only solution to humanity’s difficulties. Professing Christians talk about Jesus, celebrate His birth, and throw about the term gospel, but precious few have any understanding of the message Jesus proclaimed for three-and-one-half years prior to His crucifixion and resurrection. Do you? Don’t be too sure. Our resource Do You Believe the True Gospel?  takes you through the Bible and demonstrates what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. If you consider yourself a Christian, would you not want to be certain of what that Gospel is?

Beware of a Different Gospel

After all, Paul pronounced a curse on anyone preaching a different gospel.

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:6-8).

That’s from Galatians 1, verses 6 thru 8, and they are strong words. I personally fear to teach any other gospel than the one Jesus Christ proclaimed. And I hope that you do as well.

That is why we are offering this free resource—Do You Believe the True Gospel? You don’t need to guess. You ought not follow anyone blindly, so order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel? and do it today.

Read it and look up the scriptures. Prove it for yourself.

Mankind’s Lasting Hope Is to Replace Democracy—and All Other Human Governments

Hope springs eternal for those who are looking for the next politician who can bring peace and prosperity to all his citizens. For sure, some men or women do a better job than others in positions of rulership, but the overall track record of government of the people and by the people, leaves many disappointed. Now don’t misunderstand.

Sir Winston Churchill was not far from the truth when he said:

“Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time“ (Churchill by Himself, p. 574).

But is there a better way? Are we left to our own devices in selecting the next great hope? And we must ask: Does the majority really select our leaders? As we have seen in an earlier portion of this program, there is a powerful spirit being who directs the course of this world. Note it again from Ephesians 2:1-2.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2).

However, we must also recognize that God raises up and removes rulers in order to carry out His purposes. Do we really think we can outvote Him?

Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.... He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:20-21).

Jesus Christ Is Bringing the Better Solution with the Kingdom of God

Jesus Christ offers us a better way than the government of the people and by the people. The Kingdom of God is the government of God, as we see from Daniel 7. This chapter begins by describing four world ruling kingdoms as wild beasts. Notice the explanation given to Daniel regarding these four beasts—verses 17 and 18:

Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever (Daniel 7:17-18).

These same four kingdoms—king and kingdom are used interchangeably in the Bible—are referred to in Daniel 2 where Nebuchadnezzar saw a giant image of a man in a most vivid dream. Daniel was called in to explain the dream. Here is the interpretation:

“You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom….you are this head of gold. But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron…that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others” (Daniel 2:37-40).

These four kingdoms are the same as the four beasts described in Daniel 7. And in both cases, the fourth kingdom continues in one form or another until the coming of the Messiah who will crush that kingdom and give rulership over to a very different kind of people.

Notice the explanation of the conclusion of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, beginning in verse 41:

“Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it…. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:41-44).

Just Believing in Jesus Is Not Enough

What does all this have to do with you? And what does it have to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

I’ll answer these questions in the conclusion of today’s program, but I want to remind you of our resource—Do You Believe the True Gospel?—which explains all of this in greater detail. And the good thing is that you can open your Bible and prove these things for yourself.

No, the Gospel is not about “just believe in Jesus and, after a life of cramming all the fun you can into it, you die and go off to a celestial retirement.” The true Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most exciting message ever given to man, but the god of this world has blinded the eyes of professing Christians. As it says in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4,

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

So, pick up the phone and order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel? Do it today and when I come back I’ll explain why this should be important to you.

Satan Has Blinded This World from the True Gospel

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important proclamation in the history of the world, but the minds of professing Christians have been blinded by the god of this age. Yet, the Bible is full of this message. Note what Jesus said in Luke 4:43:

“I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”

So, what does this have to do with you? Everything! In Jesus’ parable of the minas, He describes a nobleman (representing himself) going into a far country (heaven) to receive for Himself a kingdom. We read of that coronation ceremony in Daniel 7:13-14. Write that down and look it up: Daniel 7:13-14. Or you can order our free resource, Do You Believe the True Gospel?, where this and many other scriptures can be found. Prove it for yourself.

Daniel 7:27 goes on to make this profound statement:

Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints [servants] of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.

The Gospel Message Is of a Government for the People—But Not “by the People”

When Jesus returns to earth, He will appoint those who will rule on earth, as we read in Christ’s parable of the minas.

Then came the first, saying, “Master, your mina has earned ten minas.” And he said to him, “Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:16-17).

No more politicking. No more government of the people and by the people. However, it will be government for the people—all people—and it will be fair, compassionate, and bring prosperity to all.

Seek to Be in the Kingdom of God

This is the Gospel Jesus brought—a message about a future government, a government that you can be part of. Just imagine. Develop the character of Jesus Christ now and help bring peace and prosperity for all when He sets up His kingdom at His return.

Don’t be deceived by a false gospel. There is far more to this than I’ve covered in this short program, so be sure to order your free copy of Do You Believe the True Gospel?

And be sure to come back next week, when Richard Ames, Wallace Smith, Rod McNair, and I explain the prophecies of the Bible, proclaim the good news of Christ’s coming Kingdom, and help you understand the world in which you live today. See you next time.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of the television version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Jesus Gave Instructions on How to Make Disciples

Jesus told His disciples, “You will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” That’s in Matthew 10:23. In other words, they had a mission. They were to preach the Gospel to the cities of Israel.

But where were those cities? Many assume He was talking about the cities of the Jews. And certainly, they did go to those cities in His day. But what about after His death and resurrection? Where did they go? The apostles took the Gospel message to the Israelites where they had been scattered after the Assyrian captivity of 721 BC. And ultimately, that same Gospel was taken to regions all over the known world, as Christ commanded.

Notice what He said in Matthew 28, verses 18–20.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

So, the Gospel message was made available to Israelites and non-Israelites. But did you notice something? Jesus also said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Preaching the Gospel Is the Mission of the Church

Did the preaching of the Gospel message stop with the death of the apostles? Or would it be preached in the time just before Christ’s return?

On today’s program, let’s answer that question. And at the same time, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how Tomorrow’s World is striving to fulfill that very mission. In particular, I want to focus on live, in-person special events we call Tomorrow’s World Presentations. And later in the program I’ll give you an opportunity to request the free study guide we’re offering today, Where Is God’s True Church?

So, join us today on Tomorrow’s World, as we discuss the commission Christ gave to His Church, and how you can be a part of it. I’ll be right back.

Preach the Gospel of the Kingdom Until Jesus Returns

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible.

When Jesus was on this earth, He didn’t choose His disciples just so they could believe in Him and gain salvation. He called them to do a Work. And He describes that Work, or commission, in Matthew 28:19.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations….”

This is not an unfamiliar passage to many professing Christians. But there is another instruction of Christ, which is less well-known.

It’s found in Matthew 10:5–6.

These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Who are the lost sheep of the house of Israel? Well, certainly it may have included some of the Jews living around Jerusalem at that time. But students of the Bible will remember that there were ten other tribes of Israel that were long gone by the time Jesus lived. They had inhabited the northern portion of Israel, and were conquered by the Assyrians in 721 AD. They were exiled and never returned. Jesus directed His apostles to take the Gospel message to them. Notice what else Jesus said, in Matthew 10:23.

“…For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

He was telling them that this effort of taking the Gospel to the cities of Israel—scattered beyond Judea—would go all the way to the time of the end. And even when Christ returns, God’s servants would have not finished going through all the cities of Israel. In other words, they would be trying, but Christ’s return would cut their efforts short.

So, that’s exactly what the apostles did. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, over time they scattered, traveling to the cities of Israel, where they had settled after the Assyrian captivity.

This fascinating story was brought out by our late fellow presenter, Rod King, in his telecast, “Where Did the Apostles Go?”

The point is, it was the Church’s mission to take the Gospel to the world. But also, in particular, to take that message to the cities of scattered Israel.

Fast forward almost 2,000 years.

Jesus said He would be with His Church to do His Work all the way to the end of the age. Where can you find that same Work being done today?

Tomorrow’s World Exists to Take the Gospel to the World

Tomorrow’s World takes Christ’s command to take the Gospel to the world seriously. That’s why we’re here.

And so, you’ll find our program being accessed all over the world, whether on network and local TV, or on the Internet. Whether you live in Mexico or Panama; India or Hong Kong; Lesotho or Eswatini. You can find it.

But you’ll also find that message being preached in the cities of modern Israel. That is, the English-speaking countries of the world and the nations in northwest Europe. There is a special focus, from Christ, to take the message to those places, based on Christ’s command.

How is that message going out? If you are a regular viewer of this program, you might be familiar with the presenters Gerald Weston, Richard Ames, Wallace Smith and me. If you’ve been watching Tomorrow’s World for some time, you might even remember, Roderick C. Meredith. He powerfully preached this same message for decades and served as the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God before his death in 2017.

Going back further, some might be familiar with our predecessor in this Work, Herbert W. Armstrong. He started broadcasting on radio back in 1933. And that small start has grown into a Work reaching countries and territories all over the world. That’s what we’re doing today.

Platforms Tomorrow’s World Uses to Preach the Gospel

But sometimes people ask what’s behind Tomorrow’s World? Is it just a television program? That’s a good question. Let’s answer that.

Tomorrow’s World airs on local and network TV around the United States, across the North American continent, and all over the globe. We have a presence on YouTube, ROKU, and other platforms. Tomorrow’s World creates whiteboard videos and Viewpoint videos, addressing biblical topics and current social issues. And we do it in French, Spanish, Dutch, German and other languages. But one thing you may not be aware of is, we also organize live events. They’re called Tomorrow’s World Presentations. And one may be coming to a city near you.

At these live events we invite our subscribers to come and meet the television presenters and other speakers and ministers from the Living Church of God. The Living Church of God sponsors and produces Tomorrow’s World. Guests at these presentations also meet other supporters and co-workers of the Tomorrow’s World program, many of whom are members of the Living Church of God.

These live events are a real thrill to us, because they are a unique opportunity to get in contact with our viewers and readers. And it also gives them an opportunity to meet our presenters and others who are living the way of life we discuss on this program.

These Efforts Teach the True Christian Lifestyle

Tomorrow’s World, sponsored by and produced by the Living Church of God, is about teaching a way of life.

A way of life of obeying God’s laws, accepting the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and being forgiven of sin. It’s a way of life of being empowered by the indwelling of God’s Spirit, through repentance and baptism and God’s grace and mercy.

It’s God’s way of life. And this program is backed and supported by the Living Church of God, made up of faithful members who have dedicated themselves to this same way of life. Through their generous support, Tomorrow’s World is publishing a warning and a witness to the world in these end times.

Attend a Tomorrow’s World Live Event

One of the services we provide at Tomorrow’s World is live events. It gives our viewers and subscribers an opportunity to come and see a presentation on a given topic, and interact with presenters and supporters of Tomorrow’s World. We call them Tomorrow’s World Presentations. You may be surprised that we’ve held more than 1,100 of these events in the United States over the last 18 years. Outside of the US, we’ve conducted almost 700 additional events, in that same period. All told, more than 37,000 subscribers and guests have attended these presentations.

Now, why do we do this? And what are they all about? Live, in-person presentations have been part of this Work for decades. The Worldwide Church of God conducted live presentations decades ago, all over the United States and around the world. One of those events was in Kenya in 1975. It drew thousands of attendees to the Kenyatta Center in Nairobi. Recently, evangelist and regional director of the Living Church of God in the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, Peter Nathan told of two men who attended that lecture way back in 1975. They are still dedicated, faithful followers of Jesus Christ to this day and members of the Living Church of God.

My wife and I spent time in the Philippines in the late 1990s. We would often hear ordinary taxi drivers speak of the times when live presentations were also done there as well, in the 1970s at the Philippines Cultural Center in downtown Manila.

The late Roderick C. Meredith also conducted in-person presentations many years ago, including a seven-week, five-nights-a-week program in London for subscribers to the Plain Truth magazine.

What to Expect at a Tomorrow’s World Presentation

In more recent times, in 2006, the Living Church of God began conducting these live events as well. Not filling huge arenas, but typically smaller gatherings of 30 or 40 interested subscribers at a time in a hotel meeting hall or conference center. But as I said, even in these small groups we’ve totaled more than 37,000 guests attending these events over the last 18 years.

In that time, we’ve covered such topics as:

• “What’s Ahead for America?”
• “The Gathering Storm”
• “Has Religion Failed You?”
• “After Armageddon”
• “The Mystery of the Holy Days”
• “Wake-up America”
• “Has God Abandoned Mankind?”
• And “Signs of Christ’s Return”

Outside of the United States, we’ve covered such topics as:

• “Canada in Prophecy”
• “Africa in Prophecy”
• And “What’s Ahead for Australia and the World?”

What we find so exciting about these events is that it gives us, as presenters, an opportunity to get around and personally talk to our viewers and subscribers. We usually have a 50-minute to one hour presentation, followed by a break and refreshments, where we can chat with our guests. Afterwards, we typically have a question-and-answer session to answer Bible questions. And then we stick around and continue to chat and answer questions on a one-on-one basis. Frankly, it’s helpful and instructive for us to learn what’s on the minds of those who are watching Tomorrow’s World.

After the event, we usually have a follow-up presentation, given by the local Living Church of God pastor in the area. Sometimes he’ll conduct a series of Bible studies. Some who are interested inquire about attending a Living Church of God Sabbath service as guests. There’s no pressure. It’s not an altar call. It’s simply a chance for you, as a viewer and subscriber to Tomorrow’s World, to learn more about the Work being done by Tomorrow’s World and the Church behind it. And it’s a chance for you to meet others. You’ll meet real people, who are facing the same challenges you are, and have the same concerns you have, as you navigate this increasingly chaotic and dangerous world.

Tomorrow’s World Presentations Are Free Events

By the way, in case you are wondering, these events are absolutely free. Like everything else we do at Tomorrow’s World, there is no charge. Some ask, how can we do that? Why don’t we ask for money? It’s simple. As Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10:8,

“Freely you have received, freely give.”

And that’s our guiding principle here at Tomorrow’s World. We simply don’t ask for money. Of course, there are expenses. The cost of hall rental, sending out invitations, and providing refreshments, to name a few. But those expenses are shouldered by the generous tithes and offerings of the members of the Living Church of God and co-workers of Tomorrow’s World. They supply the financial support and, frankly, the on-site logistical support in setting up the event as well.

How to Become Part of the Work of God

Tomorrow’s World is much more than just a television program. It is an effort by the Living Church of God to take the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world. Many of you rely on this program, Tomorrow’s World, to gain an understanding of what’s happening in your world. Some even write to us from time to time to ask questions about the Bible. Many of you let us know you are encouraged to know there is “someone out there,” boldly speaking the truth, straight from the Bible. My question is, are you just a spectator or do you want to be a participant?

Find a Tomorrow’s World Event Near You

Tomorrow’s World Presentations are an opportunity for you to find out more about this Work and how you can be a part of it.

To find out when a presentation is coming to your city, check out our website. That’s where we list upcoming events. All you have to do is go to tomorrowsworld.org, and click on the tab, “Presentations.” There you will find a list of upcoming presentations. Simply fill out the form and check the box of the city where you want to attend a presentation. An online invitation will be sent to you.

If you are a Tomorrow’s World magazine subscriber, an invitation will automatically be sent to you, when we have a presentation in your city. So, watch the website, and watch your mail, and find out when we’re coming to town.

Suggest Locations for a Tomorrow’s World Presentation

And if we don’t have one listed for where you live, write us a note. Give us a suggestion of where you’d like us to conduct one. Just go to the main website page of tomorrowsworld.org, click on the “Comments” tab at the top, and fill out the form to send us a comment. We’d love to hear from you. And while you’re at it, tell us why you want to have presentation in your area. Tell us if there are burning questions you’d like us to address.

You know, it’s exciting to be in front of this camera, knowing that what we record here in our Tomorrow’s World studio will reach out to thousands of viewers all over the world. But there is something equally or maybe even more exciting about doing these live, local events. Even if only a few dozen guests show up, that’s ok. Because those who do are there because they're hungry for the truth. They are searching for substance and meaning, and want to know what the Bible really says about our world today. And they want to know is there anyone else like me who is searching for answers?

Support Tomorrow’s World in Taking the Gospel to the World

Jesus said His disciples would not go through all the cities of Israel before His return. Here at Tomorrow’s World, we’re doing our best to hit them all. As well, we are going to cities all over the world. But there’s so much more work to do. Tomorrow’s World Presentations are an opportunity for you to meet us, check us out, and decide, “Is this something I want to be a part of?”

In John 4, Jesus gave powerful insight into His Father’s Work. He had been speaking with a Samaritan woman while His disciples went into the city to get food. When they came back, they brought Jesus food as well, and they offered it to Him.

But notice His reply, in John 4:32, 34, and 35.

But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”… “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:32-35).

Jesus was no doubt referring to the Samaritans who at that very moment were coming out to meet Him, as a result of the testimony of the women He had talked to. Jesus was not against eating lunch. But He was trying to show His disciples that at that moment, the absolute highest priority was for Him to teach and help those who were seeking the truth. Lunch could wait. Notice, going further, in verses 37–38:

“For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

Get Involved in This Work

Jesus was saying you are not the first ones to be involved in this Work. Others have gone before, and you are building on the foundation they laid. I can see this applies in my life.

My parents heard this same message preached back in the 1950s and 60s, and it changed their life. Through them, my siblings and I were blessed to learn the truths expounded on this program. And now we have the chance to put our shoulder to the wheel in this Work.

In Matthew chapter 20, Jesus gave an analogy about the Kingdom of Heaven. He described the Work of God as a landowner hiring workers into His vineyard. He then described how some were hired in the morning, others at noon, in the afternoon, and the evening.

Finally, notice what He said in verse 6:

“And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive’” (Matthew 20:6-7).

When is the last minute? When is the 11th hour? If we think of it in prophetic terms, it’s those who would be doing Christ’s Work just before the end of the age. Could that be you?

The Gospel Includes a Warning Message

I want to leave you with one more thought. It’s found in Ezekiel chapter 33. It’s a challenge we take very seriously in this Work. Ezekiel was given a warning message to take to the house of Israel, of impending calamity. The only problem is, that nation had already been destroyed before Ezekiel received his commission. Figure that one out.

The only possible way this can make sense is that Ezekiel’s message was to be given to his fellow Israelites in a fulfillment in the last days. In other words, Ezekiel’s message was not for his day. It’s really meant for our day. Ezekiel 33, verses 1–7:

Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head….

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me” (Ezekiel 33:1-7).

Now, why is this important? The Church today should be fulfilling this Ezekiel warning. And yet, what are many churches doing? Getting involved politically? Pushing forward the woke agenda? Watering down God’s laws?

Ezekiel’s Warning Is for the End-Times

This warning is for us today. And if God has opened your eyes to His truth, what are you doing with what you know? Can you really sit idly by as a bystander, when the most important activity on earth is getting involved in and supporting the Work of the living God?

Jesus Christ is coming soon. He’s going to set up His government. He’s going to bring peace to a troubled world. He is offering a precious few the chance to be part of that team publishing this vital truth to a troubled world.

What an opportunity. Come to one of our Tomorrow’s World Presentations, if you want to hear more. It’s coming to a city near you.

Hey, everyone, thanks for watching. We hope you found this video helpful.

We here at Tomorrow’s World want to help you make sense of your world through the pages of your Bible. So if you found it helpful and want to learn more, be sure to get your free copy of our study guide, Where Is God’s True Church Today? It will be sent to you completely free of charge.

And remember to like and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss another video. See you next time.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of the TV version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Are Heaven and Hell the Only Options After Death?

Life is wonderful when we are healthy and all is going well. Under such circumstances we want it to go on forever, but our bodies don’t last. They break down and, eventually, life in this flesh comes to an end. Then what?

Many believe we have an immortal soul that immediately goes to heaven or descends into a place of eternal torment. Ministers teach this to their congregations and parents teach this to their children. But is that what the Bible tells us about what happens when we die?

There is no more important question than “when you die, then what?” Can you know? And where can you go for the answer?

Science offers no answers. Philosophers speculate and disagree with one another. Some eastern religions teach reincarnation but have no proof. Only the Bible gives a credible answer, but it is not the one most think it is.

You need to know for sure. On today’s program, we will look at what the Bible actually says about life after death. Also on today’s program, I’ll be offering a free resource that gives additional information on this subject. Be sure to have writing material available to take down our contact information to receive a free copy of What Happens When You Die? I’ll be back in five seconds to give you the answer to this most important of all questions.

The Bible Challenges Pagan Traditions—Including Heaven and Hell

A warm welcome to all of you from all of us here at Tomorrow’s World, where today I’m asking the question: When you die—then what? And I’ll give you the answer straight from the pages of the Bible.

Traditions, handed down from generation to generation, have baked into the subject the pagan doctrine that you have an ever-living soul that goes to heaven or hell upon death. This tradition needs to be challenged from the Bible.

The Immortal Soul Does Not Exist in Scripture

The Old Testament word that is translated soul comes from the Hebrew word nephesh. It is first used when describing the creation of man. Notice it in Genesis 2 and verse 7:

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul [nephesh] (Genesis 2:7, KJV).

Now that is from the King James Version. The New King James Version and other translations say “a living being.” But regardless of the translation, it should be obvious to any thinking person that whatever this nephesh is, it is not immortal. If this nephesh—this soul—is living, would that not indicate you could have a dead nephesh? And that is exactly what Scripture tells us. There are many examples of this, but let’s notice one that is so obvious that even a child can understand it. God declares in Ezekiel 18:4:

Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:4).

And verse 20 repeats this for emphasis:

The soul who sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:20).

The Soul Is Mortal, Meaning It Can Die

Again, there are many proofs that whatever the Bible calls a soul is mortal, but let’s see what Jesus said.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

Notice that both the physical body and the soul—the life principle—can be destroyed by God.

Now let’s turn to what is arguably the best-known scripture in all the Bible—John 3:16.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Here we see that perishing and everlasting life are contrasted—opposites. God gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we would NOT perish but live forever. And is this not what the Apostle Paul confirms in Romans 6:23?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Yes, what we earn from sin is not eternal life in hellfire but death. Why is that so difficult to understand?

Going to Hell at Death Would Be the Equivalent of Eternal Life

It amazes me how angry some so-called Christians become when you tell them that the reward of the unsaved is NOT eternal life in a place of ever-burning torture. How much evil can a person do to be punished for a billion years squared and squared again a billion times! That hardly sounds like a God of love.

No, the Bible speaks of a fire so hot that it burns up the wicked. As John the Baptist said:

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:11-12).

Fire by nature is unquenchable. It burns until there is no more fuel. Now I understand that there are several scriptures that need explanation, but they will have to wait for another program.

Compare Traditions with What the Bible Actually Says

Dear friends, we all have an expiration date in our future, so do you care what happens when you die? Are you satisfied with accepting a tradition you’ve heard all your life that may not be true? Or would you really like to know—straight from the pages of the Bible? Our free resource—What Happens When You Die?—gives a thorough explanation of this subject.

Senior Tomorrow’s World telecast presenter—Mr. Richard Ames—asks these vitally important questions:

Is there any way to know with certainty what awaits us after we die?

• Do the dead go to heaven or hell?
• Or does the Bible say something else entirely?
• What is the real reward of the saved?

He also asks and answers this question that has plagued many over the centuries:

• Does God have a plan for those who die without having ever heard about Jesus Christ?

We must not make assumptions out of our limited understanding. The Bible provides the answers. So, order today, a free copy of What Happens When You Die? Just call the toll-free number shown on your screen or go to TWTV.ORG/Death. There is no cost and your name will not be sold to anyone. It really is that simple. And when I return after this short break, I’ll introduce a seeming contradiction of scripture and how it relates to this subject.

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God Includes the True Christian Inheritance

On this Tomorrow’s World telecast, I’m asking and answering the question: When you die—then what? The source for the answer is the Bible, the very book that Christianity claims to be its source of truth, but instead answers with heathen traditions. In the previous section I explained that, according to the Bible, whatever a soul is, it is mortal and the idea that it goes off to heaven or hell upon death is based on human tradition.

In the Sermon on the Mount—considered to be at the heart of Jesus’ message to mankind—we find what are called the beatitudes, or beautiful attitudes. We read in Matthew 5 and verse 3:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

Many assume this means we go to heaven, but two verses later, in verse 5, we read:

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

This presents a problem. Do the poor in spirit (verse 3) go to heaven, while the meek (verse 5) inherit the earth? Which is it? Heaven or earth? The answer lies with the question of what does the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” mean?

Matthew uses this expression most of the time, but he also uses, as we see in chapter 6 and verse 33, the expression “Kingdom of God.”

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

We also find Matthew uses the two—Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God—interchangeably. Here it is in chapter 19, verses 23 and 24:

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24).

Interestingly, the other gospel writers—Mark, Luke, and John—never, not even once, use the expression Kingdom of Heaven. They consistently use only Kingdom of God. And in the original Greek, from which the New Testament is translated, the words heaven and God are very different—they cannot be confused. So, when Jesus said:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

And followed two verses later with:

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

We must take a closer look at the meaning of the expressions “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God.” What is the difference between the two and what relationship does this have with where the saved go after death? Let me answer that with these simple questions:

• Does the expression Kingdom of God mean that the Kingdom is IN God?
• Or does the expression show ownership of the Kingdom—God’s Kingdom?

Yes, it is God’s Kingdom, not a kingdom IN God.

Let me give this example. If we were to refer to the Bank of Morgan, would we assume the bank is in Morgan, or owned by Morgan? The answer is obvious. The bank is not in Morgan. Morgan is the owner—it is Morgan’s bank. So why is it so difficult for people to understand that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a kingdom in Heaven. It is Heaven’s—that is God’s—Kingdom.

The Saints Will Inherit the Kingdom of God—on Earth

Therefore, when Jesus said:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

He was saying that Heaven’s Kingdom—the same as God’s Kingdom—is reserved for the poor in spirit. But verse 5 shows the location of their inheritance—not in heaven, but on earth.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

There is no contradiction between the two verses. On the night in which He was betrayed, Jesus told His disciples:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2).

On the surface, this may sound like we will go to heaven to live in palatial mansions, but the next verse clarifies the subject by saying:

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).

And this brings up an important question: Where will Jesus be? If we’ll be where He is, that will answer the question of where we’ll be.

I’ll answer that shortly, but I want to remind you of today’s free offer, What Happens When You Die? Dear friends, the Bible is very clear when you look at all the passages relating to this subject. Yes, there are a few ambiguous verses. However, a careful reading of them shows they do not contradict clear passages of scripture. Our resource—What Happens When You Die?—addresses verses that I don’t have time to cover on this program, so order your copy today. Just call the toll-free number or go to TWTV.ORG/Death. Our booklet What Happens When You Die? will be sent to you free of charge as it has already been paid for by Living Church of God members and our coworkers. And when I return after this short 15-second break, I’ll show you what the Bible says about where Jesus will be.

Jesus Christ Will Establish His Kingdom on Earth When He Returns

On this Tomorrow’s World program, I’m addressing the question: When you die—then what?

As we have already seen, we must read the Bible carefully. One example of a misunderstanding Jesus’ disciples had is a warning for us to listen and read carefully. It is found in John 21. The context is when Jesus told Peter something about his future—verse 18:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish” (John 21:18).

It is then that Peter wanted to know what would happen to John.

Peter, seeing him [that is, John], said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:21-22).

Now notice how this simple statement was widely misunderstood.

Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:23).

Compare Your Beliefs with What Is Actually in the Bible

It is only too easy to read something into Scripture that is not there, and this is especially true if you have been told something all your life. And that is what too many do. They have heard that people go to heaven when they die, and they read that into scriptures that say no such thing.

As we have already seen, when people see the words, Kingdom of Heaven, they read into it, that we are going to heaven; but as I have shown, the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” indicates ownership rather than location. For when it says Kingdom of God, it does not mean the Kingdom is in God. But rather it is God’s Kingdom. The Kingdom belongs to Heaven, that is God.

There are more scriptures than I have time to address that are erroneously believed to support going to heaven, and many are covered in our free resource—What Happens When You Die? But let’s get to the crux of the issue. Jesus tells us in John 12:26:

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:26).

But where does the Bible tell us He will be?

Jesus Himself said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me.”

Following His resurrection and how He appeared on numerous occasions to His disciples and others for 40 days, we read that He was taken up into heaven as they watched. We next read in Acts, chapter 1:

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11).

We also read of His return to earth in Revelation 22 and verse 12. If you have a red-letter Bible you will see that these are Jesus’ own words.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

Jesus Christ Will Rule on Earth from Jerusalem When He Returns

Yes, He is coming back to earth, and His reward is with Him. And to this, many other scriptures agree, both in the Old Testament and the New. For example, the prophet Zechariah is explicit when he says the Messiah would come back to rule on the earth. And he does not talk in sentimental terms of ruling in our hearts. Notice the time setting is the Day of the Lord—the time in the future when God intervenes dramatically in world affairs. Begin in verse 1.

Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem…. Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east (Zechariah 14:1-4).

Now notice that this has not yet happened. This is not about His first coming but His second coming.

And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south (Zechariah 14:4).

The prophet goes on to show in verse 9:

And the Lord shall be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9).

He also explains that all nations will be called up to worship the King, Jesus Christ, at Jerusalem and any nation that does not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and worship the King will have no rain. Look it up. Read it for yourself in Zechariah 14!

Dear friends, this is a large subject and I want you to understand it. We must not rely on traditions handed down to us. The only source of truth is the very word of God—the Bible. Our free resource—What Happens When You Die?—will answer the questions that you may be wondering about right now. For example: What about the thief on the cross? And what happens to the unrepented wicked?

These and many more questions are answered in our resource—What Happens When You Die? And this easy-to-read booklet, which is documented by scriptures that you can look up in your own Bible, can be yours free for the asking. So pick up the phone and call the toll free number on your screen, or go to TWTV.org/Death. And when I come back after this short break, I’ll show you what Jesus said about His Kingdom and where He will set it up.

All Scripture Points to Jesus Christ Returning to Rule on Earth

Welcome back to Tomorrow’s World, where I’m asking and answering the question: When you die—then what? Can there be any more important question than this? We cannot rely on tradition, even tradition that supposedly comes from the Bible. We must read from the Bible what it actually says.

The Jews of Jesus’ day knew that He was preaching the good news of the coming Kingdom of God, which they thought He would set up in His day. That is the reason He gave the Parable of the Minas. We read of this parable in Luke the 19th chapter. Let’s notice it beginning in verse 12:

Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities’” (Luke 19:12-19).

Note that it said He would go into a far country to receive a kingdom and to return. This is a clear reference to Him going to heaven after He was resurrected. But do you realize, dear friends, that this receiving of a kingdom was foretold hundreds of years earlier? You can read it in Daniel 7:13 and 14:

I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14).

The book of Daniel is all about five great kingdoms, or empires—four human, one Divine (the Kingdom of God). They begin with Nebuchadnezzar’s Chaldean Empire, followed by the Medo-Persian Empire, overthrown by Alexander the Great and his Greco-Macedonian Empire, and ending with the Roman Empire, which would continue in one form or another all the way down to the coming of Christ when He sets up His Kingdom.

Jesus Christ Will Rule His Kingdom with His Faithful Servants

And as we read in the Parable of the Minas, the Kingdom of God will be ruled by Christ and those servants of His who have proven to have holy, righteous character. Here is how Daniel explains it—verse 27:

Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him (Daniel 7:27).

And if all of this is not clear enough, Revelation 5:9-10 tell us exactly from where Christ’s servants will rule:

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).

There is so much more regarding this subject and that is why we are offering a free resource—What Happens When You Die? I sincerely hope you will avail yourself of this vital resource.

And be sure to come back next week when Richard Ames, Wallace Smith, Rod McNair, and I bring you the good news of Tomorrow’s World, explain end-time prophecies, and make sense of the world in which we live. See you next week.