Brief Summary
This video discusses the increasingly dark times we are facing, marked by a global decline in values and the rise of anti-Christian sentiments. It emphasizes the importance of understanding history from a biblical perspective, recognizing its patterns, and identifying the "remnant" – those who remain faithful and are used by God to carry out His purposes. The speaker encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, resist the pressures of the world, and unite with other like-minded individuals to advance God's kingdom.
- The world is getting darker, with values being destroyed and anti-Christian sentiments rising.
- History has a beginning and an end, and it progresses with a purpose.
- God uses the "remnant" – those who remain faithful – to carry out His purposes.
- Believers should stand firm in their faith, resist the pressures of the world, and unite with other like-minded individuals.
Introduction: The Darkening World and God's Word
The speaker begins by acknowledging the increasingly dark times we live in, marked by a global decline in values and the weakening of the church. He points to the legalization of same-sex marriage and the push for religious integration as signs of a global project to undermine Christianity. He references biblical prophecies about the end times, including the increase of lawlessness and the persecution of believers.
Understanding History from a Biblical Perspective
The speaker transitions to discussing history from a biblical perspective, emphasizing that it has a beginning (creation) and an end (judgment). He contrasts this view with secular perspectives that deny God's role in history. He highlights key aspects of biblical history: it is finite, it progresses towards a goal, it involves conflict and resistance, and it follows patterns. He notes that history is not merely a series of random events but a purposeful progression towards God's ultimate plan.
The Pattern of History: Old Testament and New Testament
The speaker explains that history is divided into the Old Testament and New Testament periods, and that these periods share similar patterns. He notes that towards the end of the Old Testament period, Israel experienced a spiritual decline, with the rise of powerful empires and the persecution of prophets. He draws parallels to the present day, with the rise of globalism and anti-Christian sentiments. He emphasizes that empires often rise alongside Christian revivals, but eventually seek to suppress the church.
The Decline of the Church and the Rise of Anti-Christian Sentiment
The speaker discusses the decline of the church in the West, particularly in Europe and the United States. He notes that even as these nations have become global powers, their churches have weakened. He also addresses the rise of anti-Christian sentiment in South Korea, with the spread of neo-Marxist ideologies and the promotion of negative stereotypes about Christians in the media. He laments the fact that many young Christians are ashamed to identify with their faith.
The Story of Elijah and the Remnant
The speaker uses the story of Elijah to illustrate the concept of the "remnant." He recounts how Elijah, feeling alone and discouraged, complained to God about the wickedness of Israel. God responded by revealing that He had reserved 7,000 who had not bowed down to Baal. The speaker emphasizes that even in the darkest of times, God always has a remnant of faithful believers who will carry out His purposes.
The Characteristics of the Remnant
The speaker defines the characteristics of the remnant, drawing from Micah 5:7 and Isaiah 10:20-21. He emphasizes that the remnant are those who do not rely on people or worldly powers, but trust solely in God. They are those who return to God and remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of opposition.
Global Alliance: Uniting the Remnant
The speaker introduces the Global Alliance, a gathering of faithful pastors and leaders from around the world. He explains that this alliance is a way for the remnant to unite, encourage one another, and strategize for advancing God's kingdom in these dark times. He shares stories of individuals from various nations who have remained faithful despite facing persecution and hardship.
Conclusion: The Unstoppable Advance of History
The speaker concludes by reiterating that history will continue to advance until the return of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that just as in the Old Testament, God will use the remnant to carry out His purposes in the New Testament. He encourages believers to take comfort in this truth and to remain faithful, knowing that God is at work even in the darkest of times.
