A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR JACK VAN IMPE

The Alexander Complex

Again the Bible is completely accurate as it predicts the events of Alexander’s demise, describing in detail the “four horns” that replaced the single broken horn between the goat’s eyes. These four horns represent the four generals who would later divide the sum of Alexander’s great conquests among themselves: Ptolemy became master of Egypt, Cyrene, Cyprus, and Palestine; Seleucus grabbed Syria, Babylonia, and the southern area of Asia Minor; Cassander took possession of Macedonia and Greece; while Lysimachus became the uncontested ruler of Thrace and western Asia Minor.

As I ponder Alexander the Great’s abbreviated life, I recall the story of a newspaper reporter who went to a nursing home to interview one of the senior patients. The reporter was surprised to see that the gentleman looked so young. He asked the standard question: “To what do you attribute your long life?” The man looked the reporter in the eye and said, “Son, I drink a lot of whiskey, and I live a very promiscuous life. I smoke a box of cigars every other day, and do just about anything I want-everything the world calls wrong.” The reporter, taking notes furiously, asked, “Well, sir, you’ve got to tell me: how old are you?” The man replied, “Thirty-two.”

This man, like Alexander the Great, figured he had the world on a string, but when the string suddenly broke sin found him out, and sin won. Alexander the Great had conquered the outside world but had failed to deal with the demons within.

Enter the Madmen

Now the plot thickens, providing us with a prophecy that should make anyone who doubts the veracity of the Book of Daniel a believer. As Daniel watched the vision unfold before his eyes, there came out yet another horn-a fifth horn. It started small, but quickly grew to great influence and power toward the south, the east, and the “Beautiful Land.”

Remember, Daniel’s vision was describing events that would not take place for another two centuries, yet the prediction is accurate down to the very person described, Antiochus IV, also known as Epiphanes, the eighth ruler of the Seleucid division of the expanded Greek empire. Since he did not possess a legitimate right to the throne, Antiochus stooped to bribery and chicanery to become king, and what a cruel monarch he was.

He was a madman-one of the two we’ll speak of in this chapter. His anti-Semitism ran high. He hated God’s chosen people as no ruler had ever hated them. Why did this tyrant take center stage in Daniel’s vision? For two reasons: First, to remind us that almighty God knows-in minute detail-what will happen in history. Antiochus really did appear on the scene, he really did hate the Jews, and he really was the cruelest, most diabolical king anyone could imagine. But there is a second reason why Antiochus is mentioned here: Antiochus Epiphanes is a symbol of the Antichrist and how he will act during the time of the Tribulation.

Remember, the little horn of chapter seven is the actual Antichrist; the little horn in chapter eight is the Jew hater Antiochus Epiphanes, a photocopy of the Antichrist of the Tribulation. That’s why we can use the texts in chapter eight to document the desecration the Antichrist will bring upon the house of Israel during the time of the end.

The Great Masquerade

Let’s look further at the arrogance of this man-symbol of the Antichrist-who magnifies himself as the prince of the host, that is, prince of the Jewish people. He would glorify himself as their prince-just as Jesus Christ will one day reign as their King-again, an end-time hint that the Antichrist will also do his best to “appear as Christ” in what will be one of the greatest masquerade attempts of all time. Second Thessalonians 2:4 says that the Antichrist “opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” This comparison is an absolute match between Antiochus Epiphanes and the Antichrist.

While some Jews would go along with Antiochus’ treachery-feeling they might con their way to independence by toadying up to the tyrant-they would soon discover they had backed the wrong candidate, their hypocrisy soon coming back to bite them. Even as these Jewish “turncoats” were hoping for the best deal they could strike with their foreign intruder, Antiochus began his slaughter of more than one hundred thousand Jews, demanding that the temporary survivors of his holocaust substitute heathen idols for the one, true God.

He tore up their law, defiled their women, desecrated their Sabbath, had circumcised babies hanged, and forced Jews to sacrifice a sow on the holy altar of the temple. He removed the candlestick of light, the censers of gold, the veil, and the crowns and golden ornaments that adorned the temple. He scaled off mountains of gold for his own amusement and stripped the temple of everything that held significance for the Jews. He laughed in the face of the God of the Hebrews as he commanded that coins be stamped with the inscription: Epiphanes-God! Such blasphemy then-or now-does not go unpunished.

The Signs of Things to Come

Having accomplished his filthy deeds, Antiochus Epiphanes continued to supervise one of the greatest massacres of all time, boasting of his actions at every possible moment. If you would like to know more of this man’s reign of terror, read the Book of Maccabees 1:29-64. This madman’s behavior is but a mild warning of the activities of the Antichrist yet to appear-who will arrive on the world scene sooner than most imagine.

Amazingly, Antiochus Epiphanes actually enjoyed a degree of acceptance in the early days of his reign, as we’ve noted, by those hypocrites willing to go along with him for their own gain-even as the Antichrist will dupe millions of our world’s people with his charisma and international leadership skills. In the time of the end, this “beast” will make a peace contract with Israel, but in the middle of the peace process, he will break his word and rescind the treaty. Daniel 9:27 says,

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.”

Antichrist-Temporarily in Control

This breaking of the peace is a significant time in history, for now those with eyes to see will observe that the Antichrist has, in fact, become the devil incarnate. Just as Jesus was God in human form, this Antichrist, during the second three and one-half years of the Tribulation, will have Satan living in him. That’s when he will say, “I am God,” just as a haughty, maniacal Antiochus stamped coins with his own image in an attempt to promote his own deity. Remember, this is what Satan has always wanted to do-to be like the most high God (Isaiah 14:12-14). That’s why he was ousted out of the third heaven and why Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Luke 10:18).

We must remember that the evil one has never been successful. Not that he hasn’t tried. You’ll recall how one day, deep in the wilderness, Satan promised Jesus the world and everything in it if He’d simply bow in allegiance to him (Matthew 4). Jesus didn’t take the bait. However, when we come to the time of the end, the Antichrist-the embodiment of Satan-will finally pull off his coup and become what he’s always wanted to be, magnifying himself above every god, with the assistance of an international religious public relations machine that persuades most of the world that he is the man of the hour. In spite of the evil he will do, in all probability he will still become Time magazine’s “Man of the Year.”

This is the one who one day will sit on the throne in the temple in Jerusalem, look into his mirror, admire himself for his accomplishments, smile, and tell himself, “I am God, and there is none other like me.” My friend, beware of New Agers who tell you that you can become God or like a god. To be seduced by this sweet-sounding rhetoric is the sort of banal thinking-or lack of thinking-that helps to set the stage for what will happen with the advent of the Antichrist. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. The day of the arrival of the Antichrist is rapidly approaching.

FROM THE HEART OF DR. REXELLA VAN IMPE

Somebody’s Children

A few summers ago, after sensing the need for a change of pace, my husband and I drove to Montreal, Canada, the largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris. It was delightful and so relaxing. Just what we needed. The people were friendly, the old city intriguing, the food wonderful. Montreal is considered to be one of North America’s most interesting cities. And we found it to be true. In fact, we agreed Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever seen. In two weeks’ time we walked 150 miles savoring all the sights and delights, and learning about the history and the greater metropolitan area itself.

One afternoon we found an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. “It has to be a great place,” Jack said, “look at all the people!” He patted his “midsection” and I raised my eyebrows and we walked in. We found an empty table and placed our order.

Just as we were being served, two bedraggled-looking young people came in each carrying a backpack. They were obviously exhausted. They spied an empty table where the waitress hadn’t removed the plates from the previous customers, and they plopped down. But just that quickly, they snatched up the leftovers and wolfed them down. Eyes darting around, never making eye contact with anyone, they focused on other empty tables with plates containing food and quickly ran from one to the other, stuffing the food into their mouths. The young woman, whom I guessed to be about twenty, was more aggressive than the young man. They were just starved!

It happened so fast that everyone was in a state of shock. About the time we and others had recovered from seeing this, they grabbed their backpacks and were out of the door and gone. “Jack, if only they’d stayed long enough, we could have offered to buy them food!” I was dazed by the brief encounter. “Oh Jack,” I continued, “I wonder whose child she is …” my voice trailed off.

Jack leaned across the table and patted my hand. The food which had been served so attractively had somehow lost its appeal. I looked around and noticed others were feeling the same way. The charming place which just moments before had been the scene of animated conversation now seemed strangely silent.

Jack’s eyes were sad; mine were tearful.

As we left the ice cream parlor and continued our leisurely walk, my eyes glanced around. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the young couple. “There are so many like them in city after city all over Canada and the United States,” my husband said.

“Where are the parents?” I asked. Jack shook his head. Later, as I reflected on the incident, (in fact, I don’t think I will ever forget those two young people), I was reminded that one of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that we are Gods children. Our needs are important to Him and He is always ready to supply (Phil. 4:19). He knows the way that we take (Job 23:9). I took comfort in the knowledge that God even knew their names (Isa. 45:4). I could leave them in the Fathers hands.

As we walk through life, we can do so with confidence, knowing that the steps, as well as the stops, of God’s children are ordered by Him (Ps. 37:23). Because we are His children, we can count on His promises, and they are so many! Our potential as His children is limitless.

But we need to be living up to our potential. How do people know we belong to God? Three things, it seems to me, characterize the life of a child of God: (1) Our conversation; (2) Our conduct; and (3) Our convictions.

Our conversation: She (or he) openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness (Prov. 31:26).

My mother had a little saying which I have called to mind many times: “He that thinketh by the by the inch, and speaketh by the yard, shall be kicked by the foot.”

The Bible is full of counsel about the need to guard our conversation. Consider just these few: A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous word stir up anger (Prov. 15:1). How many relationships would fare better if these words were called to mind when people were tempted to temperamental outbursts! The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is (of) little worth (Prov. 10:20). Silver reflects. What a beautiful word picture this presents! Our tongues should reflect the Lord.

Our conduct: We must back up our conversation with right conduct. Those beautiful graces depicted in Galatians 5 should exemplify the conduct of our lives: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (w. 22, 23). An entire article could be written around each word, but let me simplify it in this way: LOVE is a new constraint, JOY is a new cheer, PEACE is a new compassion, LONG-SUFFERING is a new continuance, GENTLENESS is a new characteristic, GOODNESS is a new character, PATIENCE is a new confidence, MEEKNESS is a new courtesy and TEMPERANCE is a new contentment.

Our Convictions: The story is told of David Hume, the agnostic, who was reproached by his friends because of his inconsistency. He used to like to go hear the famous preacher John Brown preach, and when questioned about this he explained, “I don’t believe all that he says, but at least once a week I like to hear a man who declares his convictions.”

How important for us to have strong convictions and to abide by them. The letter of James emphasizes that our “yes” should be a simple “yes,” and our “no” a simple “no” (Ja. 5:12). In other words, be convinced in your heart and stand by your convictions. Be a man or woman whose word is unquestionable. If you say you are going to do something, or you promise something, it ought to be as if you were in a courtroom and had taken an oath to speak the truth.

These are just some of the identifying characteristics that mark us as children of God. The Psalmist said, Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace (Ps. 37:37). None of us have arrived, we aren’t wholly perfect, progress is perhaps a more accurate word to describe our condition. But we should be progressing.

Perhaps a good prayer would be: “Lord, help me to reflect the fact that I am your child.

CHANGED LIVES-one at a time

Thank you so much for spreading the truth of the word of God. We are so blessed to have one who is not scared to tell it like it is and not just say what you think we need to hear. I watch your program every Sunday morning and I am very thankful for God’s word. He certainly will return for us sooner than people think and I pray that all are ready. In today’s society people don’t want to listen they think we are crazy and speaking nonsense, I pray for their souls as if they don’t repent they will be left behind. I pray God will use me to spread his word and be strong to witness for him.

Thank you also for the love the both of you share, how awesome to see a marriage still strong and standing on God’s words and promises. We don’t see that a lot in this day in age…

Love you both keep up the good works and I know you will get that LOOK one day of our Lord and Saviors approval,

G. S.

Danielsville, Ga

We just wanted to thank you for doing all you do to educate and encourage believers. I am from the UK and my husband is from the USA and we live in Canada! We found your program a few months ago and every week we sit down as a family and watch and learn from you both. We both find you to be biblically so strong and sound and we find your bible knowledge and recitation so amazing. We want you to know that we appreciate your strong values, your strong stand on what the bible says and your interpretation of the end times. As parents of seven wonderful children, it is easy to be horrified and fearful about the future and what will happen to our world with extreme Islam running rampant but we take great hope and encouragement from your show and your teachings.

We were very worried to hear that you have been receiving threats, and that the enemy has been moving against you, we want you to know that we pray for you and we love you both very much. You have such a touching love for each other and it comes right through the TV screen 🙂

Please don’t stop what you are doing, saying what you are saying because we need you more now than ever and who knows how many other people will be led to watch you on TV?

We look forward to seeing you both again this weekend!

God bless you both!

D. & B. Z. and family

HIGHLIGHTED PRODUCT OFFERS

Enemies of the Cross of Christ

Drs. Jack and Rexella Van Impe have prepared this powerful new video teaching to show you the Enemies of the Cross and how to defeat them. You will discover the answers to critical questions such as:

• Who is calling the cross ‘useless’, and why?
• How can we know if Jesus is the only way to heaven?
• How do contemporary church services fit into the great ‘falling away’ predicted in the Bible?
• How are new Bible translations destroying the Christian faith?
• How does Pope Francis signal Christ’s soon return?
• What will the final one world religion look like?
• Where will the False Prophet come from?
• Who has been lured into the New Age Movement?
• And many more!

Do not allow your family and church to be deceived.

Armageddon’s 4 Horsemen Mounting

And I looked, and behold a pale horse; and his name that set on him was Death, and Hell followed with him Revelation 6:8

Death and Hell about to be unleashed on our world? Revelation 6 gives a horrifying description of the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ and now Drs. Jack and Rexella Van Impe show you that those riders could be mounting their devastating steeds right now!

This video teaching uses Bible prophecy and today’s headlines to show you the startling truth – and help you answer critical questions such as:

• Who are the four horsemen?
• What does former Pope Benedict’s conflict with Islamists reveal?
• What prophecy says Francis will be the last pope before the Antichrist arises?
• What stands in the way of a one world religion?
• When will there be peace in the Middle East?
• What role does Russia play in Armageddon?
• Has the horseman of terrorism already been unleashed?
• Could Shariah Law come to the USA?
• And many more!