Standard Broadcast

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

The World’s Armies Will FiGht Jesus Christ at His Return

The History television channel and the National Geographic channel offer programs with theories about aliens from outer space.

Information regarding the secret Area 51 military base in southern Nevada focuses on numerous reports of UFOs or unidentified flying objects. Many have been explained by sightings of weather balloons or other natural phenomena.

But there is one undeniable invader from outer space who will powerfully transform planet Earth. False prophecies claim this will be the Antichrist. But, in reality, this coming King will conquer all nations and institute the awesome Kingdom of God on earth. This will be the greatest event in all history! On today’s program we will outline the prophesied events leading up to this historic event.

The book of Revelation or the Apocalypse in your Bible announces this future historic event. Revelation 11:15:

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Yes, the powerful King of kings and Lord of lords will institute world peace. But the nations and their military powers will fight against this “invader from outer space.” It tells us in Revelation 11:18, “The nations were angry” when this dramatic announcement is made! They will set in motion what is often called “the Battle of Armageddon.” Who will win that war? My friends, you need to know the amazing prophecies coming in your lifetime. And you can be thankful that the conquering King is coming soon!

Stay tuned!

Is World War 3 Coming?

Warm greetings to all our friends around the world. Regular viewers of Tomorrow’s World know that we look forward to the prophesied time of world peace for all nations. But they also know the reality of world history and world wars.

Popular movies reflect the expectation that we will soon experience the end of the world, by nuclear war, natural disasters, and other means.

You have probably seen movies such as Armageddon, Deep Impact, and The Day After Tomorrow. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has set the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds before midnight. They stated on January 23, 2024,

Ominous trends continue to point the world toward global catastrophe. The war in Ukraine and the widespread and growing reliance on nuclear weapons increase the risk of nuclear escalation. China, Russia, and the United States are all spending huge sums to expand or modernize their nuclear arsenals, adding to the ever-present danger of nuclear war through mistake or miscalculation (“A moment of historic danger: It is still 90 seconds to midnight,” 2024 Doomsday Clock Statement, TheBulletin.org, January 23, 2024).

The Sentinel Newspapers gave this chilling summary:

The “Doomsday Clock” of The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was kept at 90 seconds to midnight this week—the closest to midnight that the clock has been set since it was created in 1947. Midnight is defined by The Bulletin as “nuclear annihilation” (Karl Grossman, “‘Doomsday Clock’ Kept at 90 Seconds to Midnight for 2024,” TheSentinel.com, January 25, 2024).

Bible prophecy also affirms the prospect of “global catastrophe.” Matthew 24:21–22:

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.

Do you understand and accept the reality of potential cosmocide, including the prospect of “nuclear annihilation”? Who will save us from total extinction? Just look down the page to verse 29 in Matthew the 24^th chapter. Your Bible may have the heading titled “The Coming of the Son of Man.” Yes, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, will come to save the world. Matthew 24:29,

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Matthew 24:29–31).

Yes, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, will return to this earth with “power and great glory” as we just read! His return is signaled by “a great sound of a trumpet.” That will be the “last trumpet” also signaling the resurrection of the saints, genuine Christians, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:52!

So, what sequence of prophetic events do you need to watch for? Let’s understand.

There are three prophetic milestones leading up to Christ’s return. They are:

1. The Great Tribulation
2. The Heavenly Signs
3. The Day of the Lord

These three events cover a period of about three and one-half years. There are over thirty prophecies in your Bible referring to the Day of the Lord. Isaiah 34:8 and Isaiah 63:4 show that the Day of the Lord in end-time prophecy, the time preceding the Second Coming, is a period of one year! You might want to write down those references: Isaiah 34:8 and Isaiah 63:4!

The book of Revelation describes these events symbolically in the form of seals and trumpets. The first five seals of Revelation, outlined in chapter six, include the Great Tribulation Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24. The SIXTH seal is the heavenly signs. The whole world will be put on notice when this event occurs.

Let’s read that in REVELATION 6:12:

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, [listen to this] and every mountain and island was moved out of its place (Revelation 6:12–14).

The March 2024 Astronomy magazine features this cover headline: “COSMIC CATASTROPHES: How the Universe threatens life on earth.” Page 18:

The Universe is a terrifying place, filled with existential threats… Earth may seem quite solid beneath our feet, but the continued existence of the thin layers of rock, water, and air that sustain us is in no way guaranteed. Errant asteroids, soaring superflares, and exploding supernovae are just a few of the calamities that might befall our fragile world. In the short term, we may be able to manage or mitigate some of these threats. Asteroids can be diverted and power grids hardened. But other apocalypses are inevitable as the solar system ages: a runaway Moon, Earth’s collapsing magnetosphere, the Sun’s flagging heart. Each one represents a countdown to a different apocalypse, with some more imminent than others.

Such heavenly signs, or COSMIC DISTURBANCES as they are called, will introduce the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is the coming time of God’s wrath and judgment on an unthankful, rebellious world. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, will be WRATHFUL. He’ll execute God’s righteous judgments. The Day of the Lord, here in Revelation 6:17, is called “the great Day of His wrath!”

The Day of the Lord will bring God’s judgments on the nations. The Day of the Lord climaxes with the Seventh Trumpet announcement in Revelation 11:15,

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

That announcement, my friends, introduces the greatest event in all history. What follows that announcement? What prophetic signs should you be watching for?

End-Time Events in Bible Prophecy After the Seventh Trumpet 

The year-long Day of the Lord consists of seven prophetic events that will lead to Armageddon and World War III. What will happen when the seventh trumpet sounds?

The Apostle Paul calls the seventh trumpet the “last trumpet.” Turn in your Bible to 1 Corinthians 15. Not only does God tell the world that it is finally under His direct jurisdiction, but the great resurrection of genuine Christians takes place at the seventh trumpet. If you want to call it a “rapture,” this is the true resurrection event we will all look forward to after the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:50,

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, [WHEN?] at the LAST TRUMPET. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:50–54).

Genuine Christians who are alive at that time will have been protected through three and one-half years here on earth in the “wilderness” as it tells us in Revelation 12:14. Those faithful Christians who are alive will join the faithful saints who died, starting with faithful Abel mentioned in Hebrews 11:4, as well as the patriarchs, apostles, and prophets. The resurrected saints will join Christ on the sea of glass in heaven for the marriage of the Lamb. The Apostle John sees them in vision as you read in Revelation 15:2. Christians are admonished to prepare for that awesome wedding in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. We read the inspiring announcement in Revelation 19:6,

And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:6–8).

The glorified saints will dwell with Christ and God the Father for the nine-day period between the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement, then return to earth with the King of Kings to conquer the nations and establish the Kingdom of God on earth. Revelation the 19^th chapter describes Christ’s powerful return to the earth with the saints. The Apostle John writes in Revelation 19:11,

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

Yes, the conquering King will vanquish the combined military power of all the nations that have turned from fighting themselves, to fighting this invader from outer space. Verse 14,

And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God (Revelation 19:14–15).

Remember, we read earlier that the year-long Day of the Lord will be the time of God’s judgment on our rebellious nations. As it states in Revelation 6:17, “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Continuing in Revelation 19, we see confirmed the glorious ruling authority of the coming ruler of planet earth: “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (v. 16).

He is the conquering King. Yes, “Who is able to stand?”

Who will fight against Christ at His coming? Revelation 17 gives us more details. The revived Roman Empire with its ten kings or kingdoms will use all its military strength to resist the conquering King. Revelation 17:12,

The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:12–14).

Yes, the Lamb, Jesus Christ will overcome them, He will conquer them. And who will be with our Savior? “The armies in heaven” we just read about in Revelation 19:14 will be with Him. Those who are called, chosen, and faithful! That may include you, my friends, if you become a faithful and genuine Christian.

the True Saints of God Will Reign With Jesus Christ

The saints, resurrected to immortality, will join Christ in the heavenly wedding. And we’ve seen that they will come back to earth with Him to defeat His enemies at the battle of Armageddon. The resurrected saints will rule in the Kingdom as kings and priests here on the earth, as we read in “The song of the saints”: Revelation 5:10, “And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

Will you be one of those resurrected Christians? My friends, we need to urgently prepare for the coming Kingdom. How should we prepare? First, we need to fervently pray for the Kingdom to come. Jesus gave us the model prayer in Matthew 6. He taught us to pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come (Matthew 6:9–10).

My friends, if God’s Kingdom does not come, there will be no life left on earth! As Jesus said in Matthew 24:22, “[And] unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”

And we also sigh and cry for the abominations flooding our cities and the world. The prophet Ezekiel reveals just who will be spared from the Great Tribulation. God will spare those who will not join our wicked world.

God will protect those who cry and sigh for the evils and wickedness in our countries. He tells an angelic being to put a mark on them for protection. Ezekiel 9:4,

“Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.”

All the wicked and their families are destroyed, but God tells His servant: “[D]o not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary” (Ezekiel 9:6).

Do you cry and sigh for all the abominations in your country? Tomorrow’s World is striving to fulfill God’s instructions of Isaiah 58:1, “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”

I hope you have seen Mr. Wallace Smith’s program “The War Against Normal” and Mr. Gerald Weston’s program “Political Correctness: A Sinister Deception.” You can access these programs on our website, TOMORROWSWORLD.ORG.

We all need to seek God’s Kingdom and God’s way of life and do what is good and righteous. Jesus told us to “[S]eek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

How to Prepare for Jesus to Return: Watch for These Signs of the End Times

What else must you do to prepare for the coming Kingdom of God and the coming of the conquering King? What did Jesus tell His servants to do, several times? He concluded the parable of the ten virgins with this admonition: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13).

Luke 21:34 also emphasizes “The Importance of Watching”:

But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:34–36).

What specific signs should you be watching for?

Watch for the Abomination of Desolation

In AD 70, the Jerusalem church escaped the Roman capture and desolation of the city. They followed Christ’s instructions in Matthew 24:15:

Therefore when you see the “abomination of desolation,” spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains (Matthew 24:15–16).

We need to watch for an end-time Abomination of Desolation.

Watch for the Great False Prophet

The Apostle Paul warns of a great false prophet who will stand in the holy place. Let’s read that in 2 Thessalonians 2. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Apostle Paul writes,

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4).

This end-time false prophet will cause the future animal sacrifices to cease! Let’s realize that the Jews have not offered animal sacrifices since AD 70 when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. And for the end-time sacrifices to be STOPPED eventually, they need to BEGIN!

Daily Animal Sacrifices in Jerusalem Will Precede the Abomination of Desolation

We’ve seen the awesome power that Jesus Christ will pour out upon the rebellious nations that will fight Him at His coming. As we read in Matthew 24:30, Jesus Christ will return to this earth with “power and great glory.”

You need to prepare for that great event. We cited one major sign to watch for: the end-time Abomination of Desolation Jesus warned us about in Matthew 24:15. The prophet Daniel also tells us that this sign will occur just 1,290 days before Christ’s Second Coming. Daniel 12:11,

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Watch for animal sacrifices offered once again in Jerusalem. When that happens, you will know we are entering the last phase leading up to the return of Christ!

To summarize, watch for:

• Sign #1: Watch for the offering of animal sacrifices once again in Jerusalem.
• And #2: The Abomination of Desolation to be set up in the holy place.

The greatest event in world history is prophesied to come soon. Jesus Christ will come to save our world from cosmocide and total oblivion. He’s called us to prepare for the Kingdom, to pray for the Kingdom, and watch the prophetic signs of the times. You need to know those prophetic signs your Bible plainly reveals. Be sure to order our free study guide Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.

My friends, you need to study your Bible and confirm the truth and the good news of God’s coming Kingdom. Thank God that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Conquering King is coming soon. Be sure to follow Christ’s admonition in Luke 21:36,

Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Thank you for watching!

We here at Tomorrow’s World make these videos to help you understand your world through the pages of the Bible. So if you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss another video.

And if you want to learn more, you can request our free Bible study guide—Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return. Just order online at TWTV.ORG/Signs.

See you next time!

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

Abraham: The Father of Many Nations

The well-known hymn, Standing on the Promises, by Russell Carter is familiar to most church-goers. But what are those promises? Do you know? If you guess, “Salvation through Jesus Christ,” that is certainly one of the promises. But do you know to whom that promise was given, and what other promise accompanied it? And do you realize that this other promise explains what is happening geopolitically in our world today?

We read in Genesis 12, and verses 2–3, that a man named Abram was told to leave his country and go to a place that God had chosen for him, and he would be blessed mightily if he did so. Notice these promises:

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:2–3).

It’s generally understood that, “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed,” is a reference to the Messiah—Jesus Christ.

But what about the blessing of national greatness? Is this fulfilled by the tiny state we now call Israel? Or was it the kingdom of Israel under Kings David or Solomon? Or does it mean far more than that?

The promise of a Savior is general knowledge, but we’ll see on today’s program, one of the most remarkable truths of scripture. It is a truth so plain a child can understand, but one that theologians fail to explain. That truth is the promise of national greatness to Abraham, and it explains what we see in our world today. Stay with me now, as we’ll look at the promises of God to Abraham—promises that God cannot, and has not, broken.

Abraham’s Place in World History

A warm welcome to all of you from all of us here at Tomorrow’s World, where we fearlessly explain, from the pages of the Bible, promises and prophecies others don’t understand, or simply ignore. Do you realize, dear friends, that God gave two major promises to the patriarch Abraham, passed those along to his descendants, and has brought them to pass thousands of years later?

Most church-goers are familiar with one of them, but they are woefully ignorant of the other. Why? And why should this be important to you? When people sing “Standing on the Promises,” do they know what those promises are? The promises of God are found in the book of Genesis, so let’s begin with chapter 12, verses 1–3, where we are introduced to a man named Abram.

Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:1–3).

Then in verse 7 we read the following:

Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7).

How is it that a promise made nearly 4,000 years ago could affect us in the 21^st century? Today we see a struggle in the Middle East over the land promised to Abram and his descendants. But there is far more significance to the promises made to Abraham. Notice in chapter 13 of Genesis that God promised this man, who was childless at the time, that he would be a father of millions, and that his descendants would spread out in all directions.

And the Lord said to Abram… “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered” (Genesis 13:14–16).

People often think of the promised land as only that area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, as we hear angry chants today, “From the river to the sea.” But the promise included much more, as we see from the fifteenth chapter, verse 18, where God told Abram:

“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18).

The River Euphrates starts in Turkey, flows through Syria and modern Iraq and empties into the Persian Gulf. This may not mean that all territory south and west of the Euphrates was given to Israel. But clearly much more than most people realize. And even anciently, Israel possessed land on the east side of the Jordan. When Abram was 99 years old and before the birth of Isaac, in chapter 17, beginning in verse 4, God told him the following:

“As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you” (Genesis 17:4–6).

Notice that the very name Abraham means “father of many nations.” And his wife Sarah was prophesied to be [notice verse 16]:

… a mother of nations; [and that] kings of peoples shall be from her (Genesis 17:16).

As we go through the book of Genesis, we find that God expanded the promises far beyond a tiny land on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

However, Sarah was barren, and in the course of time, Abraham and Sarah became impatient. Sarah suggested that Abraham could produce a child by a surrogate. The result was the birth of Ishmael.

God’s Promises Revealed

Dear friends, you cannot understand our world today without understanding the promises of national greatness made to Abraham and his descendants. Yes, the promises made to him include the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, but that’s not the whole story. These promises include kings (plural!), nations (plural!), and as we will see, great agricultural and mineral wealth, and great military power.

We read that God tested Abraham to know who he would put first—God, or his son? He passed that test and God responded by making the promises unconditional and giving greater detail. Notice it in Genesis 22:16–18:

“By Myself I have sworn,” says the Lord, “because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (Genesis 22:16–18).

So far, we have seen that God promised the following:

1. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.

2. God would give great national blessings to Abraham and his descendants.

3. His descendants would be in number as the sands of the seashore.

and,

4. They would possess the gate of their enemies.

The Apostle Paul explains that point number 1—“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed”—refers to the Messiah.

Notice it in Galatians 3:16:

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “AND TO YOUR SEED,” who is Christ (Galatians 3:16).

That single seed that would bring a blessing to the whole world is the promise of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for the sins of the world and offered salvation and eternal life to mankind. This promise is generally understood, but what about other aspects of the promise made to Abraham? What about:

• Kings?
• Territory?
• Descendants in the millions?
• Possessing gates of their enemies?

Genesis 24:60 shows how these promises were conferred upon Abraham’s daughter-in-law:

And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands of ten thousands [that’s tens of millions]; and may your descendants possess the gates [plural] of those who hate them” (Genesis 24:60).

My friends, these are remarkable promises, if they are true! And we are going to see that they ARE true, that they HAVE been, and ARE being fulfilled right before our very eyes! Furthermore, these promises affect your life!

Now we come to a part of the story that affects what is happening in the Middle East even as I speak. We find that Abraham’s daughter-in-law, Rebekah was pregnant with twin boys who struggled in her womb. When she inquired of God as to why there was such a struggle within her, He answered [Genesis 25:23]:

Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:23).

The two sons were named Jacob and Esau. Do you realize that what is happening in that part of the world all began with what we are reading here in the book of Genesis? The struggles that began between Jacob and Esau were foretold nearly 4,000 years in advance, but what remains of this story is even more remarkable.

Esau was the older of the two and was in line to receive a double portion of the inheritance as a right of birth. But Jacob was a crafty man and induced Esau to sell him his birthright—Genesis 25, beginning in verse 29:

Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary” … But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” (Genesis 25:29–32).

Now it’s evident by what followed that he was not really ready to die:

Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright (Genesis 25:33–34).

Ephraim and Manasseh—Who Are They?

In the course of time, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, and the promises became his. And as we will see, those promises, given thousands of years ago, are coming alive before our very eyes. Let’s pick up the story in Genesis 35 where God appeared to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob [we’ll begin in verse 10]:

And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name”…. Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land” (Genesis 35:10–12).

Notice this additional detail given here. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, meaning a father of many, or a multitude, of nations. But here we see that the promise to his grandson explains the promise included a single nation and a company of nations. So what are we to think of this? And should this matter to you? Absolutely it should! Let’s go to the end of Genesis and read some remarkable prophecies. Bible students know the story of Jacob’s [that is, Israel’s] twelve sons and how they all ended up in Egypt. One of Jacob’s [or Israel’s] sons was Judah—the father of the Jews. Another was Joseph. As Israel came to the end of his life, he adopted Joseph’s two sons—Manasseh and Ephraim. We read of this in chapter 48 of Genesis. After confirming what God had promised him, Israel then said something almost no one understands, yet there’s nothing difficult here. Let’s notice this in Genesis 48:

“And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance” (Genesis 48:5–6).

This adoption by Israel of Joseph’s sons was confirmed in verse 16:

“Let my name [that is, the name Israel] be named upon them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Genesis 48:16).

This is vitally important. The name of Israel was placed, not on the sons of Judah, the Jews, but on the sons of his brother, Joseph. Let that sink in. I repeat, the name of Israel was placed, not on the sons of Judah—not on the Jews—but on the sons of his brother Joseph. And as the verses that follow demonstrate, the birthright blessings, of a single nation, and a multitude of nations, go to Joseph’s sons—Manasseh and Ephraim. The verses that follow prove that! Jacob, that is Israel, commanded Joseph to bring his sons forward to him, that the birthright blessing could be passed to them. Joseph then placed the oldest, that is Manasseh, before his father so that Israel’s right hand would be on his head; and the younger Ephraim in front of Israel’s left hand. However, Israel crossed his hands and conferred the greater blessing on the younger brother. Joseph protested here in Genesis 48:18:

“Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations” (Genesis 48:18–19).

Notice it! The older son would become a great nation, but his younger brother would become a multitude or company of nations. This should be proof enough that these birthright blessings never went to the Jews. But if you have your Bible, turn now to 1 Chronicles 5, or write this down and look it up later. Here we see a clear statement that the birthright went to neither the firstborn [Reuben] of Israel, nor to the Jews. Begin in verse 1:

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled [by sexual misconduct] his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph [Ephraim and Manasseh], the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright; yet Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a ruler [that is, the Messiah—Christ Jesus], although the birthright [the national blessings] was Joseph’s (1 Chronicles 5:1–2).

Understand. Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, had twelve sons. Among the twelve are Judah, the father of the Jews, but also Joseph, whose descendants, through Ephraim and Manasseh, were destined to become a single great nation and a company of nations. From the Jews would come the Messiah, but the promise of national greatness was given to his brother Joseph and his sons. Not only is this what Scripture tells us, so does history! When have the Jews ever been a great nation and a company of nations possessing the bounties of the earth? Some think the split between the house of Judah and the house of Israel fulfilled this, but that cannot be, because the house of Israel was not made up of Jews. The Jews were only a single nation—never a multitude of nations.

American and Great Britain…In Prophecy?

Prior to his death, Jacob [that is, Israel] called all twelve of his sons and foretold what would come of them at the time of the end. Here it is in Genesis 49:1:

And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days” (Genesis 49:1).

To Judah [that is the Jews] we read of the promise of a line of kings culminating in the returning Messiah in verse 10:

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people (Genesis 49:10).

We also see from verses 8 and 9 that the Jews will be a powerful military force at the time of the end, and is that not exactly what we see in our news?

Judah… Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies…. Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him? (Genesis 49:8–9).

This is confirmed in a prophecy about the Jews and Jerusalem, found in Zechariah 12:6:

In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left… (Zechariah 12:6).

But what about the birthright descendants of Joseph during the time of the end—these very days that we’re living in today? Back in Genesis 49:22:

Joseph is a fruitful bough… His branches run over the wall. The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob… by the God of your father who will help you, and by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers (Genesis 49:22–26).

Dear friends, there is so much more to this story that involves the British-descended and American peoples. Only when you understand the prophecies of the Bible can you understand what we see in today’s news, and what the outcome will be.

I hope you profited from this video.

If you found it helpful and want to learn more, be sure to get your free DVD on “The Rise and Fall of Britain and America” by clicking the link in the description or go to TWTV.ORG/Rise.

We here at Tomorrow’s World want to help you understand our world through the pages of the Bible. So be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss another video.

Thanks for watching! See you next time.

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

Do You Keep the Feast of Tabernacles?

Ask anyone what Christmas is, and you’ll get an answer.

Everybody knows about Christmas. The same applies to Easter, the popular spring-time holiday. Even the U.S. President hosts an Easter egg roll each year on the White House lawn. What about the dark and sinister observance of Halloween? That holiday is world-renowned as well, even though it celebrates evil and demon spirits.

But ask the average person on the street about the Feast of Tabernacles and you’ll get some confused looks. Most, unless they are Jewish, won’t even have a clue what you’re talking about.

And yet, the Feast of Tabernacles is not just observed by Jews. A growing number of Christians keep this annual autumn festival every year. Why do THEY keep these feast days?

Maybe it’s time we peeled back the shroud of deception covering the Feast of Tabernacles. Let’s uncover the truth about this important holy day season described in the Bible.

What is the Feast of Tabernacles all about? And why should you care? I’m going to answer those questions in a few moments. Be sure to get ready to request your free study guide offered today, The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan.

So, what is the Feast of Tabernacles? We’ll answer that today on Tomorrow’s World. I’ll be right back.

God’s Seven Annual Holy Days in the Bible

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible. Most people today keep the traditional holidays of Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. Even if people are not religious, they may see these as times to gather with friends and family. But if you asked them, “What is the Feast of Tabernacles?”, they would probably be confused. If they’ve heard of it at all, they might think, “That’s one of those old Jewish holy days that Christ did away on the cross.” But is it?

New Testament Christians Kept God’s Festivals

The truth is the Bible reveals holy days that God instituted for His people. And yes, they are found in the Old Testament. But it may come as a surprise that they are found in the New Testament as well. And the New Testament Christians understood and observed these days. Let’s go through a brief overview of the biblical holy days.

1. Passover

First comes the Christian Passover. It occurs in the springtime, usually in early April. Passover reminds us that Jesus fulfilled the role of the Lamb of God slain for our sins. That’s why the Passover is important to Christians.

As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:7,

“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”

In other words, the Christian Passover is the crucial first step in the plan of God, in bringing redemption to sinning mankind.

2. The Days of Unleavened Bread

The second of the annual feasts is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For New Testament Christians, these days teach us that we must change and grow. Christ’s sacrifice sets us free, but we can’t continue in sin. We have to resist sin and learn a new way of life, with God’s help. As Paul also says in 1 Corinthians 5:8,

“Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

3. Pentecost (a.k.a. the Feast of Firstfruits)

The third holy day in God’s calendar is the Feasts of Firstfruits. In New Testament times it was called Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth.” It was called Pentecost because the exact date of this holy day was calculated by counting fifty days from the starting point of the sabbath in the Feast of Unleavened Bread season. Pentecost occurred in mid-to-late May. In the Holy Land, this was the time of the beginning of the wheat harvest. For Christians in the New Testament, Pentecost was the day in 31 AD when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early Church, and that’s found in Acts 2:1.

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1–2).

What we learn from this feast day is that God is not calling everyone today, only a small group of firstfruits, the early harvest. The rest will have their chance later.

4. The Feast of Trumpets

The next holy day, or feast day, is called the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets usually occurs in mid- to late September in the Roman calendar, and prophetically represents the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. He will come to earth a second time. Only this time He will come in power and glory. Find out more about it on our tomorrowsworld.org website. Just look up the telecast, “What is the Feast of Trumpets.”

After the Feast of Trumpets comes the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement occurs in the Fall as well. It represents the source of sin, the devil, being taken away and mankind becoming “at one” with God.

5. Atonement

The Day of Atonement was still held in high esteem by New Testament Christians, as we find in Acts 27. In this passage, Luke detailed the journeys of Paul and his traveling companions as they sailed on the Mediterranean Sea. We’ll read it in the New International Version:

We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement (Acts 27:8–9, NIV).

How are we to understand this? Well, as already mentioned, the Day of Atonement took place usually in late September or even early October. And that time of year is a stormy season to be sailing on the Mediterranean. But the writer, Luke, used the Day of Atonement as a marker of time that his audience, even Gentile Christians, would be familiar with. Why would they care about the Day of Atonement, unless they were actually keeping it years after the Church was founded in 31 AD?

6. The Feast of Tabernacles

The next biblical feast day is the one we’re discussing today, the Feast of Tabernacles. In short, the Feast of Tabernacles is a seven-day period after the Day of Atonement, foreshadowing 1,000 years of peace, prosperity, and abundance on earth. This is still in the future, but it’s coming soon. Jesus Christ will personally reign on the earth. All humanity—those who survive the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord—will enjoy the benefits and blessings of living under the rule of Jesus Christ. We’ll touch on this holy day season in our next segment.

7. The Last Great Day

That brings us to the last feast day of God’s biblical Holy Days. This is called the Last Great Day. It follows on the heels of the Feast of Tabernacles and represents the time of the general resurrection. This is the time when the great masses of unsaved billions who never had a genuine opportunity for salvation will be raised to life and offered that chance. This day is for them. It’s after the 1,000-year millennium. Their understanding will be opened, God’s Spirit will be made available to them, and they’ll be offered eternal life.

So, that’s a brief overview of the seven annual Holy Days as outlined in your Bible. They’re not the Holy Days of the Jews. They’re not just special days for Israelites only. And they’re not only taught in the Old Testament. These are New Testament holy days that have powerful meaning for Christians today.

The Feast of Tabernacles Reminds Us This Life Is Temporary

But what about our original question, just what is the Feast of Tabernacles?

First, let’s examine the word, “tabernacle.”

The word “tabernacle” just means “tent.” The book of Exodus mentions that Moses built a “tabernacle” or “tent” in the wilderness to be the place of worship of the true God. As a tent, it was only a temporary dwelling. It was not the permanent house—or temple—later built by Solomon in Jerusalem.

To understand the significance of “tents” or “tabernacles,” we have to go back to the nation of Israel as they came out of Egypt. After suffering under the oppressive rule of Egyptian taskmasters, God set them free, around 1446 BC. They left Egypt and headed for the Promised Land. But along the way, they dwelt in tents, as they journeyed through the desolate wilderness.

Compare this with our life today. We are living a temporary, human existence. We are only strangers and pilgrims on earth, as Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:11. We seek a better future existence in God’s Kingdom, just like the children of Israel were seeking the Promised Land.

In fact, the Apostle Peter used the analogy of tents in describing his own life. Notice in 2 Peter 1:12,

“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me” (2 Peter 1:12–14).

Peter compared his physical body to a tent—good for a temporary shelter against the rain, wind, and storms of life, but eventually it wears out. God wants us to learn and understand that our life is just a short journey, and then there is something better coming.

Why is this important? Well, we all have trials and struggles in this life. We all have pain. But there is a better world coming. And frankly, when God’s Kingdom comes, Christ is going to reign not up in heaven, but right here on this troubled earth. This is where the healing and comforting needs to take place. This is where the violence, warfare and hatred have to end. And this is where moral confusion will give way to a genuine understanding of the right way to live.

In other words, don’t be discouraged when you see bad things happen. The Feast of Tabernacles teaches us that this physical life is temporary. And it teaches us that there will come a time when Christ will reign on this earth to bring peace and prosperity to everyone.

There are many prophecies that detail this.

The Feast of Tabernacles Pictures the Millennium and Rule of the Kingdom of God 

Let’s read in Isaiah 2:2,

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills.”

When you read of mountains in the Bible, it’s speaking symbolically of governments. So, this prophecy says that in the future, God’s government will be set up on earth to rule over all other governments. That’s not happened yet. It’s still to come. Going back to Isaiah 2,

“Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:3–4).

Do you see this happening today? Of course not. Today, in every corner of this globe, our brothers and sisters cry out for a better world. In Europe and Africa; Asia and the Middle East; South America, North America, the Caribbean. We see corruption, war, poverty, and violence on a massive scale. It’s heartbreaking.

This world is coming to an end. Jesus Christ will personally stop the hatred and anger and bloodshed.

Notice in Isaiah 11:1:

“There shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse….”

Jesse was the father of David. The Messiah is spoken of as the son of David. So, this is referring to Jesus Christ.

“And a branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:1–2).

This is how Jesus Christ will govern when He returns. With equity, with justice and a spiritual insight that is hard for us to fathom in this world.

Going on in verse 3,

“…He shall not judge by the sight of his eyes, nor decide by the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins, and faithfulness the belt of his waist” (Isaiah 11:3–5).

Notice this summary statement in verse 9:

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”

Now ask yourself this: Is the earth today full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea? Any sane and rational person would have to say, “No way.” This world is not being governed by this Book. But that will dramatically change. Everyone will learn God’s way, and Jesus Christ will personally be on this earth to make sure that happens.

The point is, the Feast of Tabernacles—revealed in the Bible—which takes place in the fall each year, is a seven-day period that symbolizes the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, and that is good news. And that millennial period is just around the corner.

True Saints Will Reign With Christ as Kings and Priests

Peace and abundance will replace the violence and oppression of today.

So, let’s take it one step further. What does this have to do with you? Should Christians keep the Feast of Tabernacles? To answer that, let’s look at what God said to the ancient Israelites about this Feast of Tabernacles. We find it in Deuteronomy 14:23:

“… You shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make his name abide… that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always…. Go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household” (Deuteronomy 14:23, 25–26).

This is describing the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles takes place in the autumn. And in ancient Israel, in an agricultural society, people were intimately connected to the land. When the time of the summer growing season was over, they celebrated the bountiful harvest in thankfulness to God.

It’s ironic that some mistakenly portray the feasts of God as a harsh burden. For those who think that, maybe they haven’t ever actually read what these feasts were like. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a bountiful harvest with abundant food and festivities? And that, for seven whole days. It sounds like a wonderful time. If that’s a burden, count me in.

What’s more, the Feast of Tabernacles wasn’t all just about having fun. It was a celebration with the backdrop of honoring God and thanking Him for His wonderful way of life. And it was about committing to learn to honor Him and hold Him in awe, for His majesty and power; His love and His mercy. The Feast of Tabernacles was also a foreshadowing of the coming reign of Jesus Christ on earth.

So, what does this have to do with Christians today?

Christians Should Keep the Feast of Tabernacles Now

The book of Revelation provides a fascinating glimpse into the 1,000-year time period after Christ returns.

Notice what it says in Revelation 20:4,

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

This is one of the most straightforward passages in the Bible about the future millennium. It will be 1,000 years of Christ reigning on earth. But as we just read, the glorified saints will reign with Him.

Why don’t you hear about this from most churches? After all, this was the belief of the early Christians.

The eminent English scholar and historian, Edward Gibbon wrote The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire in 1789. In it, he discussed how the early church looked at the doctrine of the millennial reign of Christ:

“The ancient and popular doctrine of the Millennium was intimately connected with the second coming of Christ. As the works of the creation had been finished in six days, their duration in their present state, according to a tradition which was attributed to the prophet Elijah, was fixed to six thousand years. By the same analogy it was inferred, that this long period of labor and contention, which was now almost elapsed, would be succeeded by a joyful Sabbath of a thousand years; and that Christ, with the triumphant band of the saints and the elect who had escaped death, or who had been miraculously revived, would reign upon earth till the time appointed for the last and general resurrection” (The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1862, p. 176).

This is exactly what we’ve been reading in the Scriptures. The prophecies of Isaiah and Micah and Revelation speak of a coming millennial reign of the Messiah. But again, why don’t most churches talk about this?

Let’s let Mr. Gibbon himself explain:

“It appears to have been the reigning sentiment of the orthodox believers; and it seems so well adapted to the desires and apprehensions of mankind, that it must have contributed in a very considerable degree to the progress of the Christian faith. But when the edifice of the church was almost completed, the temporary support was laid aside. The doctrine of Christ’s reign upon earth was at first treated as a profound allegory, was considered by degrees as a doubtful and useless opinion, and was at length rejected as the absurd invention of heresy and fanaticism (ibid.).

In other words, early Christians believed in the coming millennial reign of Christ. And it was a fundamental part of their belief. It gave them hope for the future.

But somewhere along the way, people were told the Kingdom was in their hearts. They were told the Kingdom is the church itself. And over time, the truth of Christ’s millennial reign was lost to many. But not all. Today, there are still Christians who keep these days. There are still Christians who value what the original Church taught and are eagerly looking forward to the triumphant return of Christ and His reign on earth.

After all, Jesus Christ Himself kept it. That’s explained in John 7:10. If we are following in the footsteps of Christ, should not we walk as He walked?

All Nations Will Learn to Worship God at His Feasts

Not only that, when Jesus returns to this earth, people all around the world will be keeping the feast days. That’s found in Zechariah 14:16:

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”

This prophecy follows on the heels of the Great Tribulation, and the Day of the LORD. And it says that all of those who fought against Jesus Christ Himself will be observing this Feast. Just think of it. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Shintoists, agnostics, atheists, and yes, all who call themselves Christians—all will be keeping these days.

But what happens if some nations resist? Well, let’s read on in Zechariah 14:17.

“And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:17–18).

God knows that His laws are so important, that He cannot only invite the nations of the world to keep the Feast. He must make them, for their own good. And when they finally keep these days, they’ll begin to experience the deep satisfaction of living God’s way and the blessings from walking in His paths.

So, what is the Feast of Tabernacles? It’s an annual holy day season that God instituted so you and I could understand just how profoundly rewarding His way of life is. And so we can see there is great hope for the future. It’s not just a theoretical issue. It’s about obeying God, observing His days, and experiencing the way of life He intends for all mankind.

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 this 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 The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan. Just order online at twtv.org/Plan. 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 this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Lord, Teach Us to Pray!

Billions of people around the world pray memorized prayers. But do they get answers to their prayers? Do you get answers to YOUR prayers? Are prayers just talking to ourselves? Or is there a real God who answers prayer? Are there practical keys and strategies for answered prayer?

Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” That’s in Luke 11:1. Jesus then gave them the model prayer or the outline prayer. Perhaps you have memorized it and repeat it often. But do you pray with meaning? You need to know the five keys for answered prayer. You can have an amazing and abundant life by following these keys from your Bible!

Stay tuned!

1. Seek to Understand What Is God’s Will

Warm greetings to all our friends around the world!

Millions of people feel helpless and do not know how to get the help they need. There is one source that can give you powerful help and encouragement. That’s the power of prayer. The Bible reveals simple and straightforward keys to answered prayer.

My friends, you can have your prayers answered, IF you follow the biblical keys and strategies. It tells us in Ephesians 3:15 that God is the Father “from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Jesus taught us to begin our prayers by addressing our Father in heaven. Our Father in heaven loves you, and He will listen to your prayers and act upon them, IF you follow the instructions in your Bible.

My friends, your Bible gives promising and guaranteed keys to answered prayer. Let’s consider just five important ones! Our first key strategy for answered prayer is: SEEK GOD’S WILL, and not your own! If you have your Bible, turn to Acts 13. King David was called a man after God’s own heart. That is a very high honor. King David was one who God said would do His will.

Pray for Strength to Do God’s Will

The Apostle Paul is writing about the history of Israel (Acts 13:22):

“And when He [God] had removed him [King Saul], He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, [Listen!] who will do all My will.’ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus…” (Acts 13:22–23).

What was the key characteristic that God saw in David? David was wholehearted in doing God’s will! So the first strategy for answered prayer is to Seek God’s will. Remember the outline prayer. We should all pray every day, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

My friends, we all make many choices every day. Sometimes our human nature gets in the way of doing what we KNOW IS RIGHT! So, we have to pray for God’s strength to do His will. Of course, when it comes to making important decisions, we need to get all the facts, get wise counsel, and pray about it. Perhaps you’re deciding on a career, or a professional training program. Which should you choose? Perhaps you are involved in a romantic relationship, but there are some questions that make you hesitate in considering marriage with this individual; perhaps you are being persuaded by friends to do illegal drugs, engage in illicit sex, or pursue other sinful practices; perhaps you need to decide on buying a home or a condo. Ask God that His will be done! Why? Because He knows what is best for you!

Notice the Apostle John’s assurance concerning answered prayer and doing God’s will.

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14–15).

Yes, you can have the confidence that God is hearing Your prayers if you are dedicated to doing His will.

My friends, when you SEEK GOD’S WILL, and not your own, God will give you great peace of mind and joy.

King David expressed his joy [for] doing God’s will. Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.” Yes, it was a DELIGHT for David to SEEK God’s will. In fact, THAT IS key number six in our inspiring free booklet, TWELVE KEYS TO ANSWERED PRAYER. Here is what Roderick Meredith writes on pages 10–11:

“Another key to successful prayer is to be absolutely sure that—as far as possible—you align your will and your requests with GOD’s will…. As you zealously study the Bible and yield to let Christ live within you, His will increasingly replaces your own. It affects how you pray. You come to realize that God has made all men and women in His image—that He will ‘call’ ALL mankind to understanding and repentance in His time. With this in mind, you will not be praying just for your own good, but for the good of others as well. Then you can sincerely say to God, as Jesus did: ‘not My will, but Yours, be done’” (Luke 22:42).

My friends, seeking God’s will is one of the most important keys to answered prayer.

I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8).

2. Daily Bible Study Aids Effective Prayer

Another major strategy for answered prayer is STUDY YOUR BIBLE DAILY. The Bible reveals the mind of God and the Way of God. The more you’re in harmony with God’s way of life, the more you will be in harmony with God’s will. The Bible gives numerous examples of God’s intervention for nations and individuals. When you read about the lives of Christ, the apostles, and the heroes and heroines of the Bible, your faith will grow. Romans 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

God will increase your faith if you are reading your Bible. Yes, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Think of the times when God rescued the prophet Daniel from the lion’s den; God delivered the three Hebrew men from the fiery furnace; God rescued the whole nation of Israel from the bondage in Egypt and brought them through the Red Sea; an angel led the Apostle Peter from a Jerusalem prison (Acts 12:5–11); In Philippi, God delivered Paul and Silas from an inner prison (Acts 16:24–40). Many were miraculously healed when the shadow of the Apostle Peter passed over them (Acts 5:14–16).

Faith Comes by Hearing the Word of God

Yes, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. My friends, many of you have experienced answered prayer, and perhaps some of you have even experienced miraculous healing based on the promises of your Bible. You need to read your Bible daily! You need spiritual food every day of your life. In our inspiring free booklet, TWELVE KEYS TO ANSWERED PRAYER, Dr. Meredith emphasizes this key to answered prayer: “Study the Bible”:

“To know God, to understand His will and to BELIEVE in His promises, you need to regularly STUDY His inspired Word in an orderly way—just as you might study a science textbook or a volume on history. A good place to start is the book of Matthew—the first book in the New Testament. Read this through slowly and carefully—noting what Jesus actually said, paying particular attention to the many examples of answered prayer” (p. 4).

My friends, apply this strategy for answered prayer: STUDY YOUR BIBLE DAILY.

We’ve briefly discussed two strategies for answered prayer: SEEK GOD’S WILL and STUDY YOUR BIBLE DAILY.

3. Claim God’s Promises

A third, and extremely important strategy is: CLAIM GOD’S PROMISES. Some scholars have estimated that there are more than 3,000 promises in the Bible. The words “promise,” “promises,” and “promised” occur more than 120 times in the New King James Version of the New Testament. One of the most inspiring references concerning God’s promises is in 2 Peter the first chapter.

Turn in your Bible to 2 Peter 1:2.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power [Listen to this!] has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:2–4).

My friends, read that carefully again! God has given you and me “exceedingly great and precious promises”! And he promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19)!

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

My friends, I’ve claimed that promise of Philippians 4:19 many times, and God has answered wonderfully. You can claim God’s promises as well.

What Are God’s Promises?

There are so many promises in the Bible, but let me share a few of them with you. We’ve presented them in previous programs, but these are supremely encouraging:

• God has promised to answer our prayers (Matthew 7:7–8).
• He has promised to fulfill all our needs (Philippians 4:19).
• He has promised to guide our lives (Proverbs 3:5–6).
• He has promised us long life, if we honor our father and mother (Ephesians 6:2–3).
• He has promised us to give us the desires of our heart, IF we delight in Him (Psalm 37:4–5).
• He has promised us peace of mind (Philippians 4:6–7).
• He has promised us the ability to endure trials (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• He has promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Luke 11:13).
• He has promised us the gift of His love (Romans 5:5).
• He has promised us eternal life (1 John 2:25).

My friends, study these PROMISES in your Bible. Remind God that He has given YOU these promises. Ask God in faith to fulfill these promises in YOUR LIFE, and you’ll begin to have a greater peace of mind! Seek God’s will in YOUR LIFE, and you’ll be fulfilling one of the keys to answered prayer.

There are many, many more promises in the Bible for you and your family, and for all human beings on earth. You may want to make your own list.

4. What Did Jesus Teach?

A fourth strategy for answered prayer is to FOLLOW CHRIST’S INSTRUCTIONS.

We’ve already seen Christ’s outline for the model prayer. But He also gave us important topics to pray about. He has given His Church the responsibility to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to all nations. God is calling people from all nations to respond to that message. Jesus had compassion on the people of His day. Even now, He still has compassion on those who respond to the gospel.

Pray for Those Preaching the Gospel

Notice this instruction in Matthew 9:35.

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest’” (Matthew 9:35–38).

My friends, Jesus told His disciples to pray for more laborers to work in the spiritual harvest. Even today, there’s a large spiritual harvest. God wants more laborers, more members in the body of Christ, the Church of God, to serve new people whom He is calling all over this world. Are you praying for more laborers to serve in the spiritual harvest? One important key to answered prayer is to follow Christ’s instructions.

Keep the Commandments

Christ gave us another major instruction to follow in Matthew the 19^th chapter. A young rich man wanted to know what he needed to do to gain eternal life. What was Jesus’ answer (Matthew 19:17)?

“No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Jesus then stated several of the Ten Commandments.

The Apostle John assures us that this is a key to answered prayer (1 John 3:22).

“And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

Yes, my friends, we need to follow Christ’s instruction to keep His commandments!

Watch and Pray to Be Counted Worthy to Escape the Great Tribulation

Turn in your Bible to Matthew 24. What else does Christ instruct us to pray for?

Bible prophecy foretells the Great Tribulation to come. One of the key signs will be the Abomination of Desolation, as Jesus points out in Matthew 24:15.

In verse 20, He tells us to pray about our escape from the Great Tribulation:

“And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 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 24:20–22).

Historically, true Christians fled Jerusalem before its destruction in 70 AD. Now in the end-time, Jesus warns us about this unique time in all history called the Great Tribulation. He promises His faithful servants protection in Luke 21:36.

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Those who are watching world news, and prophetic events, will know when it is time to flee to a place of protection. But Jesus tells us to prepare! How? By praying that our flight will not be in the winter or on the Sabbath. Those who have experienced severe winter storms know just how difficult it is to travel. And Christ who is Lord of the Sabbath, as it tells us in Mark 2:28, instructs us to PRAY that our flight not be on the Sabbath. Yes, Christ expects His servants to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. Be sure to pray that your flight will not be in the winter or on the Sabbath day! The fourth strategy for answered prayer is FOLLOW CHRIST’S INSTRUCTIONS.

5. Prayers of the Righteous: Pray for Others

Human beings are very selfish and carnal. We know of many who have the “gimme” or “get” attitude in their prayers rather than the “give” attitude.

The Apostle Paul quoted Jesus with one of the most important principles for Christians in Acts 20:35:

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

I remember as a little boy, my parents taught me to pray for others, particularly our family. And I remember as a teenager praying for an aunt afflicted with cancer. Do you pray mainly for yourself, or do you pray for others?

The Apostle Paul exhorts us in James 5:16,

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Notice that as we pray for others, God expects us to pray fervently, to put our hearts into our prayers!

Jesus even tells us to pray for our enemies in Matthew 5:44,

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and PRAY for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44–45).

Pray for Our Leaders

In this end-time, we see worsening leadership in various national governments. But at the same time, God expects us to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1).

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

Yes, a fifth strategy for answered prayer is: PRAY FOR OTHERS!

Does God Answer Prayers? Yes!

Effective prayer can change your life! Our Father in heaven wants to hear from you in prayer.

Jesus made this clear in Matthew 7:7.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:7–12).

My friends, our Father in heaven loves you. He has given you authority through the name of Jesus Christ to make your requests known to Him. As a loving Father, God promises to give “good things” to those who ask Him.

Continue to pray for the true Gospel to be preached in all the world. Apply these strategies of prayer and draw closer to your Savior and your Father in heaven.

Thank you for watching!

We here at Tomorrow’s World make these videos to help you understand your world through the pages of the Bible.

So if you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss another video.

And if you want to learn more you can request our free Bible Study Guide—Twelve Keys to Answered Prayer—just order online at TWTV.ORG/Prayer.

See you next time!

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

The Law of Love

Did you know the Bible contains love songs? Hard for some to imagine, but it’s true! Some of our more biblically savvy viewers might think of the Song of Solomon, which is, indeed, a beautiful part of the Bible. But that’s not what I’m thinking of!

Rather, I’m thinking of Psalm 119, which the songwriter, King David, filled with passion, praise, and heartfelt devotion. What was the object of such emotion? Believe it or not, the Ten Commandments!

Does this surprise you?

It shouldn’t. Because they paint a beautiful picture of the mind of God and play a key role in the transformation of the whole world that Jesus Christ will return and establish.

Join us for this episode of Tomorrow’s World, where we’ll uncover The Beauty of the Ten Commandments.

God’s Laws Bring LIBERTY

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

Today we’re going to spend time talking about one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind—the Ten Commandments.

When you look closely enough, the core doctrines of common and mainstream Christianity seem to tell you these divine commands from God are done away with—as if God makes no binding obligation on us any longer, and we’ve been freed from the need to obey—freed from the Ten Commandments.

But when you come to understand the commandments and what they represent, you see that you might as well speak of being “freed” from food and water, or freed from air and light! Or, for that matter, freed from understanding, freed from righteousness, and freed from freedom and liberty, itself! In fact, in his inspired letter, James, the brother of Jesus Christ, TWICE refers to the Commandments as “the law of liberty”—even “the perfect law of liberty.”

Now, some preachers might dither and say that they would never preach against the Ten Commandments. Yet most who would say that are preaching in a pulpit on Sunday after having gone to the mall or the lake or the ballgame on Saturday, in violation of the Fourth Commandment. And in March of 2021, Christianity Today exposed modern Christianity’s opinion on the Seventh Commandment to keep sexual relations within the confines of marriage by reporting that, “Evangelicals, especially those under 40, increasingly see cohabitation as morally acceptable. Most young evangelicals have engaged in it or expect to” (“The Cohabitation Dilemma Comes for America’s Pastors,” ChristianityToday.com, March 16, 2021). And how many cathedrals are filled with statues and images that people bow before, pray before, or even weep before, filled with religious devotion—when the Second Commandment forbids such objects of worship?

Yes, a lot of lip service is paid to the Ten Commandments, but few people really take them as seriously as God the Father and Jesus Christ do. And what a shame that is! Because when they are embraced and taken seriously as merciful instructions handed down by a merciful and loving God, the Ten Commandments are a source of BEAUTY in life that is unmatched by any competing laws or philosophies of men.

At the beginning of the program, I mentioned King David’s “love song” to the Ten Commandments. Let’s read just a few of the words of praise and fondness penned by the Warrior Poet of Israel for these beautiful laws of God.

We’ll find them in Psalm 119. For instance,

Verse 35: “Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.”

Verse 47: “And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love.”

Verse 73: “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.”

Verse 127: “Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!”

Verse 131: “I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.”

Verse 143: “Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.”

Believe me, there were more, but those should help paint the picture!

The Bible says that King David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), and in his trials, he found comfort in the Commandments. In his distress, he found wisdom in them. He found them more beautiful and precious than gold and silver, and he says he longed to understand them and live them, like the thirsty deer longs for water.

No one writes such songs of heartfelt devotion and passion about speed limits or legal regulations pouring out of Congress!

The Ten Commandments are DIFFERENT—they provide guidance, aid, and understanding. They represent the core of the way of life of the very Creator of mankind, who has shared them with us in His mercy. And as we get to know them and understand them—not just in our minds, but with the sort of understanding that only comes from acting and doing—then we begin to better understand the character and mind of God, Himself.

Actually, with the help of God, it is more than that: Keeping the Ten Commandments changes us, and helps us not only to understand the mind of God but even to begin to share the mind of God and to think like Him, ourselves. As David writes in Psalm 19 and verse 7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul….”

It is no wonder that Jesus Christ told a young man quizzing Him about salvation, “[I]f you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17).

Clearly the Ten Commandments mattered to Jesus.

In fact, they matter so much so that the Apostle John wrote in his first letter, in 1 John 2 and verse 4, speaking of Christ, “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

Anyone preaching that you do not need to keep the commandments to know Jesus Christ is a liar and a false preacher, whether he knows it or not, and should be avoided.

What Are the Ten Commandments?

You know, if we’re going to spend all this time talking about the Ten Commandments, maybe I should take the time to read them!

You will find them listed in Exodus chapter 20, where we find the heart of God’s law listed in only 16 verses (vv. 2–17):

1. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

Yes, the whole of the Ten Commandments fits in these 16 verses. But the art of living by them, and the depth of truly understanding them, only really comes through practice, the light of Jesus’ teachings, and the help of God’s Holy Spirit.

Let’s take some time to appreciate their structure and organization.

In Matthew 22, we read an account of a young lawyer who asked Jesus an important question. We begin in verse 36:

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:36–40).

Notice, Jesus said that the entirety of the law and the prophets hangs on these two great commandments: To love God and to love your neighbor.

Now look again at the Ten Commandments to see how they are structured.

The first four of the Ten Commandments teach us how to fulfill the First Great Commandment to love God. And the six Commandments that follow teach us how to fulfill the Second Great Commandment to love others.

The Ten Commandments aren’t just some legalistic list of dos and don’ts. When you understand what Jesus is saying, you see them as essential instructions in love. In fact, let me ask you: What is more beautiful than the love of God? Not just receiving it, but growing in it ourselves, in compassion and outflowing concern?

Well, if we seek to know the beauty of God’s love in our lives, then we will want to keep the Ten Commandments! Don’t take my word for it—take the Apostle John’s! Often called the Apostle of Love because love was such a consistent focus of His writings in Scripture, he teaches us a very important truth of God in his first letter—in 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

When you understand this connection between how the Ten Commandments are central to teaching us how to love God and to love each other and the fact that, as 1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love,” then you begin to see how the Ten Commandments represent God’s own mind and character in print. And how learning to practice them and to make them a part of your life is a vital part of the beautiful transformation God seeks to achieve in all of us

How Do You Keep God’s Commandments?

Let’s dive into some of the individual commandments, themselves. Just as the beauty of a gemstone is shaped by how its individual facets reveal its brilliance, each of the commandments contributes to the overall beauty of these laws of God.

In fact, consider the first one, given in Exodus 20, verses 2 and 3: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Now compare this to, say, the beginning of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which lays a foundation based on the idea that all men are created equal—or the U.N.’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states in its first article that all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights.

In today’s free resource, The Ten Commandments, Roderick Meredith explains the stark difference between works like these and the Commandments:

In our day of human reason, agnosticism, and creeping materialism, it is important to notice that the Almighty spoke first not about the “brotherhood of man,” but about obedience and worship to God, the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth—and the personal God of those who serve and obey Him! (p. 7).

What a difference! Unlike human philosophers or politicians who ground our obligations to each other in moral theories or passing ethical fashions, God grounds our obligations on His own eternal and unchanging status as the Creator of all things, who does not change! (Malachi 3:6).

Consequently, the Ten Commandments have a beautiful and immovable foundation that grounds them in the firmest foundation conceivable. For instance…

• The Fourth Commandment about keeping the Sabbath holy is about the day He, Himself, sanctified at Creation.

• The Sixth Commandment against murder, we’re told in Genesis 9:6, is grounded in the fact that man is made in God’s image.

• The Ninth Commandment against bearing false witness runs afoul of the fact that God is a “God of truth” (Deuteronomy 32:4) and that His word is truth (John 17:17).

This grounding in the nature and character of the Eternal God who created all life—indeed, the God who created all of REALITY!—gives these inspired commandments a richness and depth that few ever take the time to truly explore.

Consider the Third Commandment against using God’s name in vain. How often is this commandment trampled in this world—often by the very ones who claim to be living a godly life! Yet, not using God’s name in vain is so much more than simply not using His name in curse words or swearing. For instance, everyone who claims to be a Christian is, in a very real way, taking on the name of Jesus Christ—yet, if we behave in an un-Christian manner and set a bad example, we’ve taken on that name in vain.

Keeping the Third Commandment means taking our lives seriously enough to bring honor to the name we bear—and in that way, the commandment becomes far more than a guide concerning the statements we make with our mouths, but a motivation to consider the statements we make with our lives.

Even the commandments that might seem obvious—such as the Sixth Commandment, “You shall not murder”—have SO much more to say than those four words might seem to reveal!

Jesus Christ, Himself, makes this plain, explaining in Matthew 5:21 and 22 that hating your brother in your heart is the spirit of murder, and that hating others violates the Sixth Commandment.

When you look at the world today and see how anger-filled it is, and then when you recognize it as the spirit of murder that you are seeing in the faces of rage that fill our streets and news feeds, suddenly you realize just how far we’ve fallen from what God seeks to make of us.

And further still, the command against murder is rooted in the fact that every single human being is created in God’s image. In contrast to the culture of death we see around us—in which abortion, euthanasia, and assisted suicide are considered moral progress instead of the signs of moral degradation they truly represent—a devotion to living the values of the Sixth Commandment is a devotion to respecting the beautiful image of God inherent in every human life! Not just the life of the healthy and strong, but the life of the infirm and the weak. As God told Moses in Exodus 4 and verse 11, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?”

The Sixth Commandment declares that no life is without value and meaning in the eyes of God. And even a supposedly simple, “obvious” command like “You shall not murder” has beautiful depths that are worth exploring.

In a moment, I want to help us step back and take in the larger picture by imagining the world that Jesus Christ will establish at His return. When we do, we’ll find the Ten Commandments are the key to seeing that picture.

A World Free from Sin and Suffering

Imagine a world in which every human being in every country on earth has no other God than the God of the Bible. Every living, breathing soul understands that nothing in their devotions should come before God the Father and Jesus Christ, and everyone worships Them alone. That worship is free of any and all trappings of paganism.

There are no statues or images of so-called saints or other distractions. Every soul on earth uses God’s name with a sense of respect for everything that it represents, because they know that the words they utter matter. Consequently, no one uses foul language any longer. No one anywhere on the planet utters God’s name in a curse, and it would not even cross someone’s mind to swear or speak in a filthy manner.

Imagine a world in which everyone keeps the seventh-day Sabbath. Gone forever are the days when someone worked seven days a week, replaced by a joyful, worldwide observance of God’s ordained rest from labor—a time for families to reaffirm their affections for each other and to seek the face of their God together.

Every week, everyone on earth gathers together as God commands, in holy convocation, to sing praises to their Creator and their Savior, and to learn together from the pages of Scripture.

Imagine, too, that, in that world, families have been restored as the fundamental building blocks of civilization. Parents are honored and loved, in accordance with the fifth commandment, and grandparents and great-grandparents are held in high esteem, as children are taught to respect those who have gone before them. Those same children play safely in the streets as families spend time together in the neighborhood, because violence and hatred are no longer a part of anyone’s experience. Families remain intact for life and marriages remain strong, as men and women learn the joy and peace that comes from reserving physical intimacy for the God-ordained place for which it was designed: their marriages.

There are no locks on doors, and children leave their bicycles on the front lawns, since no one would ever think to take something that is not theirs. And relationships in the community and between people and their leaders are built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect, in which everyone speaks truthfully with each other.

Then imagine that, over all of this lies an air of contentment and gratitude—because the idea that happiness is dependent on the number of things you can buy or collect to keep up with the neighbors has long since passed from the world. Instead, everyone finds their deepest satisfaction in the profitable work of their hands, the joy they feel from the love of friends and family, and the knowledge that the God they worship is One who knows them, and loves them, and is personally working in this world, and in their lives, to bring His purpose for their lives to fruition—when they will join His own Family and step into eternity with Him, forever.

That beautiful world—which Jesus Christ WILL establish at His return—is one in which everyone keeps the Ten Commandments.

Thanks so much for watching! All of us here at Tomorrow’s World work very hard to help you understand your world through the pages of the Bible.

If you’re interested in our free study guide on The Ten Commandments, there’s a link in the description or you can go straight to the url TWTV.org/Ten.

If you enjoyed this content, we hope you’ll click the subscribe button and, even more, if you want to be notified about more, just click the bell.

Thanks so much!