PROPHECY HEADLINES: Saudi Arabia, Egypt pledge to form pan-Arab military | Israel says wave of Palestinian violence is fading | Iran says its missile program is not up for negotiation

PROPHECY BOOTCAMP: Our topic for today is titled "The Rise of Antichrist (Part 5)" from Dr. Ed Hindson's book "Revelation: Unlocking the Future."

The eschatological monster from the sea represents the epitome and culmination of the Gentile powers of all time. Thus, he is the embodiment of the lion, bear, leopard, and monster of Daniel's vision of the four beasts. As in Daniel's prophecy of the fourth beast, he is described as having seven heads and ten horns.

Most commentators understand the beast of the sea to be the Antichrist. Whether he is a specific person, a political system, or both, is a matter of debate. Since he is associated with the same symbols given to Rome (seven heads and ten horns), it is generally assumed that he represents the revived Roman Empire of the Last Days. The characteristics of the beast are the same as those of the "little horn" of Daniel 7:8. He is arrogant, egotistical, powerful, and ruthless. And he will bring the final abomination upon Jerusalem.

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OCCUPY TILL I COME: We are continuing our journey through the book, "Coming Events and Present Duties," by J.C. Ryle. This section is titled, "Watch" (Part 43) based on the parable of the foolish and wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. J.C. Ryle writes:

Watch not least against the sin of Jehu. A man may have great zeal to all appearance — and yet have very bad motives. It is a much easier thing to oppose Antichrist — than to follow Christ. It is one thing to protest against error — it is quite another thing to love the truth. So watch and pray!

Let us all watch more than we have done! Let us watch more every year that we live. Let us watch, that we may not be surprised when the Lord appears.

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