For since the creation of the world His invisible [attributes] are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even]
His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
(Romans 1:20).
New Zealand
Picture Of The Year
Choosing the top twenty-five news articles for 2008 relating to the
Bible and a Biblical prophetic worldview was a very difficult process
this year. There were so many significant items showing we are living in
the last days. However, in looking over the hundreds of articles we
posted during 2008, there are a number of obvious trends.
First, it is apparent, that a Christianity based on faith in the Word of
God continues to be under attack from all angles. The emerging church
continues to promote Roman Catholic experiences and contemplative
eastern meditative practices. The gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly
being redefined in order to prepare for a wide path that is open to
people of all “faith.”
Second, this wide path leading towards an ecumenical union with Rome
shows that the Roman Catholic Church’s “New Evangelization Plan”
continues to be effective. Not only are the “separated brethren” being
drawn back into the fold, it is apparent that the religions of the world
are being drawn into a global plan that is uniting all religions for the
cause of peace with headquarters in Rome. It is also important to note
the role that “Mary – the mother of the Eucharist” and her son, the
“Eucharistic Jesus” play in this global ecumenical agenda.
Third, Israel, God’s Last Days time piece, continues to be in the news
on a daily basis. Biblical prophecy unfolds as a plan develops by the
enemies of Israel to wipe God’s chosen people off the map.
Fourth, the global financial meltdown that occurred this past year has
become a major factor in setting up a global economic and political
entity that prepares the way for a global currency the Bible predicts
lies ahead. Major political and economic leaders from around the world,
including the pope, have called for a New World Order and a One World
Economy this past year.
Thus
current events indicate to us that a “three-legged stool” is presently
under construction – a global government, a global economy and a global
spirituality. While evangelical Christians in the past understood this
scenario would be a sign of the soon return of Jesus Christ, the
apostasy that has occurred over the past several years has blinded many
from seeing the important prophetic signs that are being fulfilled.
Thus
the reason, Understand The Times has chosen the Rick Warren DAVOS
interview as the most significant news item for 2008 in light of
Bible prophecy. The gospel of Jesus Christ that is clearly proclaimed in
the Bible is now being replaced by a much more inclusive “social gospel”
that is driven by the motive of “just doing good.” This revised gospel
is seducing millions of professing Christians into becoming part of the
third-leg of the three-legged stool - the spiritual leg. In the future
we expect to see various “interfaith-based” initiatives unfold that
“evangelicals” will embrace thus playing an even more important role in
forming the third-leg of the Last Days three-legged stool plan.
This
is a time to take the warnings from God’s Word seriously. It is
important to follow Jesus Christ and His Word. The return of Jesus
Christ is at hand. Take heed and be alert!
Following are the articles that we have chosen as the top twenty-five
for 2008:
25.
Church to Charles
Darwin: We’re sorry we doubted you - 7/14/2008
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=75273
24.
The Gospel according to Joel Osteen - 2/10/2008
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/points/stories/DN-lehmann_10edi.ART.State.Edition1.45647de.html
23.
Same-sex couples could create children -
4/18/2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1895645/Same-sex-couples-could-create-children.html
22.
Many Americans Say Christianity Not the Only Way to Eternal Life -
12/19/2008
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081219/many-americans-say-christianity-not-the-only-way-to-eternal-life.htm
21.
How Catholic religious
communities are trying to attract young people again -
10/14/2008
http://www.slate.com/id/2201421/?GT1=38001
20.
Monastic Evangelicals: The attraction of ancient spiritual disciplines -
2/8/2008
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/february/23.28.html
19.
Buddhists, Christians Consider Point of Union - 5/20/2008
http://www.zenit.org/article-22633?l=english
18.
Anglicans add Hindu Snowman, Chinese Dragon to Christmas Displays - 12/15/2008
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081215/anglicans-add-hindu-snowmen-chinese-dragon-to-christmas-displays.htm
17.
A Warm Protestant Welcome for Mary -
1/25/2008
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/religion/2008/01/25/a-warm-protestant-welcome-for-mary.html
16. Lessen focus on eternity, McLaren says at Willow Creek student ministries
conference - 4/18/2008
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27867
15.
NATO chief: I'm not positive Iran can
be stopped - 10/6/2008
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1222017475347&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull
14. Report: Israel Preparing to Strike Iran Without U.S. Consent -
12/4/2008
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,461588,00.html
13. Inside the hush-hush North American Union confab
- 3/13/2008
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=58788
12.
Natural Disasters Up More Than 400 Percent in Two Decades - 6/5/2008
http://www.naturalnews.com/023362.html
11.
Pontiff Puts
World in Mary’s Hands - 10/19/2008
http://www.zenit.org/article-23987?l=english
10.
Globalization Needs 'Values' to Succeed, Says Blair - 12/14/2008
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081214/globalization-needs-values-to-succeed-says-blair.htm
9.
Spiritual leaders gather in Aspen: Group hopes to discover
collective voice - 11/9/2008
http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20081109/NEWS/811089983/1077&ParentProfile=1058&title=Spiritual
leaders gather in Aspen, hope to discover collective voice
8. Pope Calls for Study of Eucharistic Mystery
- 6/22/2008
http://www.zenit.org/article-22990?l=english
7. Pope calls for a new Pentecost to launch renewal of American Church
- 4/19/2008
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=123948.
6. Ecumenism ultimately points toward a common Eucharist, Pope tells Christians -
7/18/2008
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13290
5. Pope to gather with 200 religious leaders at interfaith
- 3/12/2008
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801407.htm
4.
Pope: Globalized
World Needs Interreligious Cooperation - 5/16/2008
http://www.zenit.org/article-22602?l=english
3.
G20 leaders to struggle to reshape global economy - 11/10/2008
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Economy/idUSTRE4A966O20081110
2. Foreign economists urge 'global plan' -
10/1/2008
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/01/foreign-economists-prod-us-on-global-plan/
1. Rick Warren’s Three Legged Stool Plan – DAVOS interview
- 1/25/2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je2FDmsrxiA audio
http://www.understandthetimes.org/rwdavos.shtml transcript
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