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Lawrence (Lance) Cantor
ROMAN CATHOLICISM & PROTESTANTISM
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
David, after helping you build the hoard of stuff in your garage over a decade ago, I commend your mom, Fran, for training you with a lifetime of ancestry and family album collecting skills!
Wayne said:
Lance, You do not appear to understand praying to a Saint, They are asking the Saint to take their prayer to God. Not unlike you asking someone to pray for me. You are asking another person to carry your prayer to God.
So my prayer requests with/for the living aren't enough? You mean I/we also need to go to the dead for intercession? The Old Testament, specifically Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Leviticus 19:31, explicitly forbids this. These verses highlight that such practices are detestable to God and are associated with the practices of other nations that God drove out of the land of Israel.
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New Testament Guidance:
While the New Testament doesn't explicitly repeat the Old Testament prohibitions of communicating with the dead, it reinforces the importance of seeking guidance from our living God through prayer and the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that believers should not be defiled by practices rooted in darkness and deception.
And besides all this, Mary was a devout teenage girl obedient to the Angel of the Lord. She grew up in a wealthy Jewish family and was virtuous in her faith to God. But then, why not pray to or with dead "righteous" men? The Bible says David was "a man after God's own heart!" As righteous men, I'd rather pray with Abraham, Job, and Noah. Why not pray with these guys to hand off prayers to Gods throne?
No, thanks. I will stick to the Bible's direction to only pray unto the living Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for direct access to the throne room.
And so Biblically, it doesn't make sense that Mary is busy gathering hundreds of millions of prayer requests instead of worshipping God. That’s Jesus’s job…and no one else! Like all believers (we are called saints), I believe Mary now spends her eternity in the presence of God, not forwarding prayers from you and me.
Hey Ron, you’re being tested indeed! Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can be unsettling! So hang in there…the big one (New Madrid 2.0) looks to be coming soon near you...again!
Also, In support of your Methodist roots and apologetics, debating other religious beliefs, including Catholicism, here’s a bit of additional clarification and support that I thought might be handy:
The Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism: A Theological, Historical, and Prophetic Journey.
In the drama of human history, man’s inner spiritual need for worship has created many gods. Yet in modern times, few stories are more layered, more contested, and more symbolically powerful than that of the Roman Catholic Church—and its sharp divergence into Protestantism. From ancient temples and Latin chants to revival tents and guitars, from mitres to microphones, this saga is laced with divine claims, scandalous leaders, and earth-shaking consequences.
So, let’s begin where many agree that it first became real: Rome!
Roman Catholic Roots and Rituals
From Constantine's imperial decree legalizing Christianity in 313 AD to the establishment of papal supremacy, the Roman Catholic Church has evolved with profound theological gravity. Constantine, pragmatic emperor that he was, sought to unify his empire by merging the empire’s pagan ritual with the growing community of Jesus believers known as “The Way.” Temples were converted, altars retained, and the language of Babylon found new life in Roman robes/regalia.
Why Peter? Catholics argue their papal lineage begins with Jesus’ declaration to Peter: “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Thus, Peter is the “first pope,” though Protestant theologians see this verse as referring to Peter’s confession of faith, as a foundation "Stone" of the church of jesus Christ, not his appointment as a/the singular Church leader.
Noteworthy later in Matthew 16:23, Jesus (again) turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
We later read in 1 Peter wherby he sees himself as a fellow elder…not the Papal leader:
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5.
The Church developed a rich liturgical tapestry: incense and holy water, rosary prayers, Latin (Constantine’s language) for Mass, veneration of saints and the Virgin Mary, and the Eucharist, believed during communion to become (unlike Protestant belief) the literal body of Christ. Participation in the Church’s seven sacraments is deemed essential to salvation. Baptism, whether infant or adult, is seen as the gateway to Heaven.
Catholic culture also carries regional folklore and traditions: think Latin America’s “Day of the Dead,” fish on Fridays, and the 3x daily Angelus call to prayer bell. For all its ceremonial splendor, Catholic theology leans on a works-and-sacrament-based path to salvation, intertwined with the mystery of purgatory and prayers to saints as intermediaries. Purgatory is the state of purification after death for those who have died in God's grace but still need to be cleansed of venial sins or the temporal punishment due to past sins.
The Roman Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination in the world, traces its roots back to the earliest followers of Jesus Christ. While Catholicism claims continuity with the apostolic church founded by Christ and His disciples, its historical development and theological practices have been shaped over centuries by a complex interplay of spiritual devotion, political forces, cultural integrations, and doctrinal evolutions.
Historical Foundations: Merging“The Way” into Empire Religion
The earliest Christians, known simply as followers of “The Way” (Acts 9:2), practiced a communal and scripturally grounded faith under heavy persecution. With the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, Christianity was legalized and eventually adopted as the state religion of the Roman Empire. This pivotal shift, while securing the survival and spread of Christianity, also initiated a syncretism—intentional or incidental—between Roman imperial culture and the evolving Christian faith.
Critics of the post-Constantinian church often point to the adoption of elements with perceived pagan origins—such as certain vestments, architectural motifs, and liturgical calendar dates—as evidence of a merging with ancient Babylonian religious customs. While the Church holds that these cultural adaptations served to sanctify and repurpose human traditions for divine worship, some theologians and scholars have debated the theological implications of this syncretism.
The Papacy: Leadership and Apostolic Succession
One of the most distinct features of Roman Catholic ecclesiology is the office of the Pope, considered the successor of the Apostle Peter. Based on an interpretation of Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,” Catholics believe Peter was appointed as the first bishop of Rome and thus the earthly head of the Church. The doctrine of apostolic succession maintains that the Pope carries on this leadership role as the Vicar of Christ on earth.
The Pope’s ceremonial mitre, a tall pointed hat worn during liturgical functions, symbolizes the office’s authority and connection to ancient ecclesiastical tradition. Though visually similar to headwear used in pre-Christian religions, the Church interprets its significance strictly within the boundaries of ecclesial leadership.
Rituals, Sacraments, and Sacred Practices
Central to Catholic life is a structured set of rituals and sacramental theology. The Mass—a liturgical celebration centered around the Eucharist—is the pinnacle of Catholic worship. In this rite, the bread and wine are believed to become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ through transubstantiation, based on Christ’s words at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26–28). Kneeling during the Eucharist signifies reverence toward Christ’s real presence.
Catholics recognize seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders. These are viewed as channels of divine grace, instituted by Christ. Baptism, whether of infants or adults, is considered essential for salvation (John 3:5), and without it, entry into heaven is traditionally viewed as uncertain.
Additional elements of Catholic piety include the use of holy water, incense, and Latin in liturgical settings, though vernacular languages are more common since the Second Vatican Council. The Angelus, a devotional prayer said three times daily (morning, noon, and evening), reflects the rhythm of Catholic daily spirituality.
Prayer and Devotion: Saints, Mary, and the Rosary
A hallmark of Catholicism is its rich devotional life, especially through prayers to saints, which the Church teaches are not worship but requests for intercession. Among the most venerated is Mary, the mother of Jesus, honored for her heroic virtue and sinless obedience. The Rosary, a meditative prayer sequence centered on the life of Christ and Mary, remains one of the most widely practiced devotions.
Canonized saints are celebrated for their exemplary lives of holiness, and their feast days populate the liturgical calendar. Practices like the Day of the Dead, especially observed in Latin American Catholicism, blend indigenous customs with Catholic teaching on the communion of saints and prayer for the dead.
Critics have charged Catholicism with “elevating” saints above the average believer. However, the Church distinguishes between latria (worship due to God alone), dulia (veneration of saints), and hyperdulia (special veneration of Mary).
Salvation, Purgatory, and Works
Catholic soteriology affirms salvation by grace through faith, but insists that works, sacraments, and ongoing cooperation with grace are necessary (James 2:17, Philippians 2:12). The concept of Purgatory—a state of purification for souls destined for heaven—reflects the Church’s understanding of divine justice and mercy, supported by passages like 1 Corinthians 3:15.
While Catholics pray to God through Jesus, many prayers are offered indirectly, invoking saints and Mary for intercession. This practice is rooted in the communal and mystical understanding of the Church as one body (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
Moral and Cultural Expressions
Catholic moral life includes communal disciplines such as abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, honoring holy days of obligation, and fasting. Practices vary globally but share a common aim: to unite personal sacrifice with Christ’s own.
The Church traditionally excludes non-Catholics from receiving Communion, both as a matter of doctrine regarding the Eucharist and a visible sign of full unity, which the Church hopes to achieve through ecumenical dialogue rather than compromise.
Summary
Roman Catholicism is a faith deeply rooted in Scripture, apostolic tradition, and centuries of theological reflection. While its history includes elements adopted or adapted from surrounding cultures, the Church views itself as the custodian of Christ’s mission on earth. Its rich tapestry of rituals, sacraments, devotions, and doctrines continues to shape the spiritual lives of over a billion adherents worldwide.
Enter: Martin Luther & Protestantism
How a monk with a hammer on the church door changed the religious world!
In 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses protesting Roman Catholic corruption, ihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses, indulgences, and doctrinal errors. His rallying cry: sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (God’s grace, and the saving blood of Jesus alone). Thus, Protestantism was born—not a single church, but a movement.
Luther’s bold theology shattered Rome’s monopoly and sparked a forest fire of reform across Europe, across the classes and the masses! The printing press churned out Bibles. Peasants and princes alike stood with Luther. From Calvin’s Geneva to Wesley’s revivals, Protestant denominations flowered with doctrinal variety but shared roots: authority resting solely on the Bible, and eternal salvation into Heaven by faith alone. Thus, the Remission of sins is closely knit to the concept of forgiveness, where God pardons the offense and no longer considers the person guilty. It also involves absolution, where the penalty or punishment for the sin is divinely removed, due to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah at the cross.
Satan’s Long Game: Biblical Attempts to Destroy the Messiah’s Lineage
Ever since The Fall in Eden, and from Genesis to Matthew, the Devil’s fingerprints can be seen trying to derail the promised Seed and plan of God for the ultimate redemption of mankind:
Cain & Abel – Genesis 4: Murder as the first attempt.
The Flood – Genesis 6: Corrupt the gene pool.
Pharaoh’s Edict – Exodus 1: Kill the Hebrew boys.
Athaliah’s massacre – 2 Kings 11: The Line of David nearly extinguished.
Haman’s plot – Esther 3: Genocidal plans.
Herod’s slaughter – Matthew 2: Kill baby Jesus.
King Jeconiah of Judah - Jeremiah 22:30: The lineage of Jesus through Jeconiah (Jehoiachin) was threatened by a prophecy in Jeremiah 22:30, which stated that Jeconiah's descendants would not sit on the throne of David.
But divine providence prevailed. The Lamb of God came—born of a virgin, nailed to a cross, risen in glory!
Revelation 17: The Woman on the Beast – One World Religion coming?
The Apostle John’s apocalyptic vision doesn’t mince “signs and symbols”. We observe his apocalyptic visions of God’s wrath of justice upon a (post-Rapture) unrepentant, unbelieving, and rebelling mankind.
In Revelation 17, we meet “Babylon the Great,” a dazzlingly corrupt woman riding a seven-headed beast… representing corrupt doctrines and practices by the early church and Rome.
She is clothed in purple and scarlet, drunk on the blood of saints, and decked with gold and jewels. Many scholars associate this figure with religious corruption and political seduction—a spiritual system merged with empire. An imminent One World government and religion ruled by the Unholy Trinity: Satan, the Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet.
Some interpreters, controversially, link this imagery with the ecclesiastical power of the Catholic Church. Whether literal or symbolic, Revelation’s warning is stark: global religious deception will culminate in a unified system that ultimately turns on the true followers of Christ.
Comparative Chart: Catholicism vs. 10 Protestant Denominations
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Denomination
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Doctrinal Differences with Catholicism
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Bible Rationale
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Unfulfilled Prophecy & Eschatology
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Southern Baptist Convention
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Sola fide, believer's baptism only
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Ephesians 2:8–9; Acts 2:38
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Pre-millennial rapture, Revelation 20
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United Methodist Church
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Grace through faith, open communion, female clergy
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Romans 3:28; Galatians 3:28
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Moral decline as signs (2 Timothy 3)
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Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA)
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Justification by faith, infant baptism, open communion
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Romans 5:1; Acts 16:15
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Awaiting the second coming, Revelation 22:12
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Assemblies of God
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit, tongues, healing, pre-trib rapture
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Acts 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17
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Rapture and tribulation, Daniel 9:27
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Church of God (Cleveland, TN)
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Holiness, Spirit baptism, tongues
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1 Peter 1:16; Acts 2:38–39
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Emphasis on revival before end, Joel 2
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National Baptist Convention
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Emphasis on soul liberty, traditional Baptist theology
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Romans 10:9; Matthew 28:19
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Watchfulness, Matthew 24:44
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Presbyterian Church (USA)
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Reformed theology, predestination
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Ephesians 1:4–5; Romans 9
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Symbolic interpretation of Revelation
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Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
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Conservative Lutheran doctrine, closed communion
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John 6:54; Romans 6:3–4
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Focus on Christ’s return and final judgment
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Churches of Christ
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No instrumental music, adult baptism essential
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Acts 2:38; Colossians 3:16
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Judgment-focused, Acts 17:31
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American Baptist Churches USA
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Autonomy of local churches, ordinances not sacraments
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1 Corinthians 11:24–26; Romans 14:5
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Emphasize readiness, Matthew 25
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Roman Catholic Church
If you claim to have saving faith but don't show it through your actions (like helping others in need), your faith is empty, dry, and fruitless. Nonetheless, salvation is dependent on Jesus’s grace through faith, not on man’s works of self-effort or achievement.
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Sacraments, veneration of Mary/saints, tradition as authority
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James 2:17; Matthew 16:18
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Tribulation before return, Revelation 13–17
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Earth’s 16 Tipping Points & Jesus’ Prophetic Warnings in 2025
Science and Scripture don’t often meet at a café, but in this case, they do share a table.
Climate scientists have flagged 16 “tipping points” that could destabilize Earth’s systems. In eerie prophetic alignment, Jesus warned of rapidly escalating apocalyptic conditions (as in birth pangs) now observed today:
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Earth Tipping Point
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Corresponding Scripture (Jesus' Warning)
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Arctic sea ice loss
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Luke 21:25 – "distress of nations with perplexity"
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Greenland ice sheet melt
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Matthew 24:20 – "pray your flight not in winter"
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West Antarctic ice sheet collapse
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Luke 17:29 – "fire and brimstone from heaven"
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Amazon rainforest dieback
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Matthew 24:7 – "famines and earthquakes"
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Boreal forest shift
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Luke 21:11 – "great earthquakes in various places"
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Atlantic Ocean circulation disruption - AMOC
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Matthew 24:22 – "unless those days were shortened"
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Coral reef die-off
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Luke 21:26 – "men’s hearts failing for fear"
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Permafrost thaw, Arctic-Antarctic
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Luke 17:27 – "eating, drinking, buying, selling"
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Monsoon shifts
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Matthew 24:38 – "until the flood came"
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Himalayan glacier loss
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Matthew 24:21 – "great tribulation"
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Sahara & Deserts greening
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Luke 21:10 – "nation against nation"
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Siberia sinkholes methane instability
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Matthew 24:29 – "powers of the heavens shaken"
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Ocean coral bleaching acidification
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Revelation 8:9 – "a third of sea creatures died"
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Biodiversity collapse, extinctions
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Romans 8:22 – "creation groans"
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Soil collapse, intensifying sunrays
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Matthew 13:6 – "no deep root, scorched by sun"
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Freshwater depletion & pathogens
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Revelation 16:4 – "rivers turned to blood"
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The 2026 Horizon: A Final Word
As the digital age of AI and quantum computing hurtles toward sentient robots, singularity of governance, immorality, and environmental collapse, Bible prophecy reads less like poetry and more like headlines.
If Daniel’s 70th Week (Daniel 9:27) began around 2026, then 2029 may mark the midpoint—the revealing of the Antichrist and his “abomination of desolation” caused when seated in the soon-to-be-built 3rd Temple in Jerusalem. This future event, where the Antichrist will set up an image of himself in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and demand global worship, and will effectively desecrate the holy place, forcing people to flee for their lives or be killed!
But don’t despair. This isn’t just doom—it’s the countdown to the glory of Jesus’s triumphant return with his saints (all believers from all generations) at the battle of Armageddon!
Jesus Christ returns. Evil collapses with the Unholy Trinity thrown into the lake of fire. Heaven invades the dying Earth. A new earthly kingdom begins its 1000-year reign with the King of kings, Jesus, seated in Jerusalem as the world's first benevolent monarch until eternity!
The End, New Beginning.
Further Reading & References
Catechism of the Catholic Church – https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
Assemblies of God Beliefs – https://ag.org/Beliefs
Southern Baptist Convention – https://www.sbc.net/about/what-we-do/
UN Climate Tipping Points – https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/
“Understanding End Times Prophecy” – Paul Benware
“A Woman Rides the Beast” – Dave Hunt
“The Book of Signs” – David Jeremiah
BibleGateway.com – for parallel translations
Be alert. Be brave. Be watching.
The King of Kings is returning soon!
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