I recently read a newspaper article about how the country of Czechoslovakia was losing religion. It stated the Czechs consider themselves the most atheist country in Europe, and that fewer Czechs claim allegiance to organized religion that any other people in Europe except Estonians. The article went on to state that the Czechs who attend services at least once a month are only 11.7 percent of the population.
Czechoslovakia, which is pretty well located in the center of Europe, is only one of many countries in Europe in which Christianity is decreasing. The Scandinavian countries have been in the lukewarm stage for years. We all know how France feels about God by the recent statements of its leaders. England has a fast growing population of immigrants with religions that do not believe in Christ. Russia and the former communistic countries are, to an extent, clinging to their atheist past.
The trend in Europe right now is a downhill slide for Christianity. Christians are being terrorized in some of the former USSR countries, and there is also a great prejudice against Jews in Europe that resembles the 1930's.
But all this is not surprising to anyone who reads the End Time Bible prophecies. Many believe that the Antichrist is going to rise out of the old Roman Empire, and take over a big chunk of Europe. For him to do that, the countries of Europe will have to be morally weak. The indifference and lukewarm-ness that is stemming from Europe right now seems to be setting the stage for the Antichrist.
The United States, the most powerful country in the world, does not seem to be mentioned in the End Time prophecies, but Europe will become a great power. Somewhere in the future the United States has to decline in power while Europe surpasses us. We can only surmise this; when the Rapture occurs, a large percentage of Americans will be taken up into Heaven, and will leave the United States weak, especially in the military.
One newspaper stated that 46 percent of Americans are "saved." I know there is a large percentage of Americans saved, but I find it hard to believe it’s as high as 46 percent. If that were true the legalized abortion laws would be history.
But there is a high percentage of Americans who are saved, and the numbers are growing, and it was a surprise to me to find out how many generals, service personnel, and politicians have accepted Jesus. I believe the Rapture will greatly weaken the United States so it will no longer be the world’s superpower, but the Rapture will not affect Europe that much. And when all the saved Christians are removed from Europe, coupled with the indifference, lukewarm-ness, and atheism that’s already present in Europe today, the Antichrist will have no problem taking over.
What can be done about this? Pray! Pray for the United States, pray for Europe, pray for the world. Pray Acts 16:31 and Psalm 91 over with your families. The Bible’s prophecies will come true. But pray that they are delayed long enough to get your families safely home in Heaven before the wrath begins.
By George Konig
Christian Internet Forum
www.georgekonig.org
August 10, 2003
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