The Nation's Role in the World Economy

Arno Froese

With the fall of Soviet communism, the world opened itself up to receive a new form of economic globalism. The Bible reveals that this successful model is not based on traditional, sound economics but is built on a delusion identified in Scripture as being “drunk of the wrath of her fornication”: “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies” (Revelation 18:3).

This is the epitome of success for the world economy. Note that the verse says “all” nations. What did these nations do? They became drunk. That means they are unaware of what they are doing. An intoxicated person thinks more of himself than he should. Consider the devastating effects of drunk driving. Why do some people drive drunk? Because they believe that they can drive as well or better drunk than sober. They believe in a delusion.

The “wine of the wrath” has caused the nations to think or act irrationally.

Who is involved? We mentioned “all” nations and “the kings of the earth.” This is the political power structure of the world. We no longer have kings, at least not of any measurable significance as far as the economy is concerned. These kings, no doubt, are the political leaders of the world who have committed fornication with “her.” Who is
“her”? She is identified in Revelation 17:5 as “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” In spite of these extremely negative connotations, this system is amazingly successful: “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”

That means all nations are involved: Their leaders, economists and financial experts as well as their institutions and the global corporations. They have become drunk and committed fornication.

Fornication

The word “fornication,” which appears twice in this verse, means an act committed with a harlot. Unger’s Bible Dictionary defines “harlot” as a figurative term for an idolatress (Isaiah 1:21; Jeremiah 2:20; Revelation 17:1,5,15;19:2) (page 456). Unger’s indicates the word “fornication” is derived from a Greek word, porneia, which “is used of illicit sexual intercourse in general (Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25; Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13, 18; 7:2, etc.).” Further, the word is distinguished from “adultery;” thus, there is a distinction between adultery and fornication among nations where polygamy exists.

“If a married man has criminal intercourse with a married woman, or with one promised in marriage, or with a widow expecting to be married with a brother-in-law, it is accounted adultery,” it is noted in Unger’s. “If he is guilty of such intercourse with a woman who is unmarried it is considered fornication.”

At present, “adultery” refers to such an act when the person is married, and fornication to such an act when the person is not. Fornication may be defined as lewdness of an unmarried person of either sex. Its prohibition rests on the ground that it discourages marriage, leaves the education and care of children insecure, depraves and defiles the mind more than any other vice, and thus is unfit for the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9, etc.). Our Lord forbids the thoughts that lead to it (Matthew 5:28).

In a figurative sense, the close relationship between Jehovah and Israel is spoken of under the figure of marriage, with Israel representing the unfaithful wife of the Lord, who is now rejected but who is yet to be restored.

The Church of the New Testament represents a pure virgin espoused to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2), and thus is differentiated from the nation Israel (1 Corinthians 10:32). The worship of idols is naturally mentioned as fornication (Revelation 14:8; 17:2,4; 18:3; 19:2), as is the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered to idols
(Revelation 2:21).

Progressive Fornication

Important to realize is that this does not deal with other people or a future event, but it touches us individually and personally today. According to Matthew 5:28, the Lord declares guilty each and every person who even has an evil thought: “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” From that perspective, I don’t think anyone can claim to be innocent of this type of fornication.

The words “idolatry” and “idols” can be used in this connection. This reminds us of a substitution, or something that’s not authentic. Prostitution, which relates to harlots and fornication, means “[offering] oneself or another as a paid sexual partner,” according to Webster’s Dictionary. When we think on these matters, we realize we are dealing with a substitution for the real thing. Mystery Babylon, the mother of harlots, is the epitome of substitution. She offers all of life’s pleasures to those who will become one with her.

Marriage is ordained by God and the union described in Scripture: “they twain shall be one flesh.” Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh” (1 Corinthians 6:16). The goal of the “mother of harlots” is to have the entire world practice economic, financial, political and religious fornication and become “one flesh” with her.

We must point out that this type of fornication is not a physical act between a man and a woman. Rather, it’s a figurative way of speaking of the union between this woman/city/system and the world: “With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication” (Revelation 17:2).

Wine of Fornication

The cause of this apparent success is the drinking of the wine of her fornication. Again, this is a figure of speech. Thus, an additional question is necessary: How did the nation become intoxicated with the wine of her fornication? Because they all desired to be healthy and prosperous. This woman/city/system is the originator of global prosperity: “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication” (Revelation 17:4). Doesn’t that sound like stocks and bonds, cash and valuables? Is the world becoming intoxicated by these commodities today? Revelation 18:3 says: “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Yes, she is extremely rich: “she has glorified herself and lived deliciously.” What about the politicians? “And the kings of the earth…have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her” (verse 9).

This leads us to another question: What’s wrong with being rich and prosperous? Nothing. According to the Bible, Abraham, the father of all believers, was very wealthy. So was Joseph in Egypt and David in Jerusalem. These men trusted God, believed His Word and acted in accordance with His will. But I think we can say with reasonable assurance that they possessed great riches rather than allowing the riches to possess them. There’s a big difference.

Financial Fornication

The Bible does not say that money is the root of all evil; it states that evil springs from “the love of money.” Here we step into a territory that exposes the success of the industrialized world in our days: deception. Once in a while a modern-day deception is exposed. Most recently it was Enron in the United States, Parmalat in Europe and the great Russian oil deal that went sour. Suddenly, investors awaken to a nightmare: their capital has vanished into thin air; their riches are gone overnight.

In the February 2004 issue of Eternal Value Review, financial expert Wilfred Hahn wrote the following:

…Wall Street and those who have the means,motives and aspirations to play the “game.” By its very nature, it is a game that not all can win though wealth management companies (the major brokerage firms, mutual fund companies,etc.) purposely deny this fact.They prey on gullible investors and savers, knowing full well that the lure
of gains and easy retirement end up in the transfer of wealth to insiders, elite investors and the money mavens in this “rigged” game that still rules. The ways and means are no longer important in this respect. The bottom line is to make financial markets soar.The dangers of corruption,falsification,“ fairy tales”and destruction of a country’s backbone
are ignored.

The core of this rotten ideology is found in high places. Here, it is important to recognize that a very dangerous and deceptive change has occurred on the part of leaders and
authorities.The lure of financial wealth — more, exactly, the perception of wealth — has become a deliberate policy tool.Wealth goes before all. Make most people think that they are becoming wealthier, that more wealth gains are probable, and national prosperity and economic growth will follow. It used to be the other way around.Honest vocation
and industry led to higher living standards and wealth. Prosperity was an outcome, not a fabricated lure.

This new demagoguery clearly emerged in the early 1990s in intellectual circles. A quote reflecting this thinking in a foreign policy magazine article in 1996 states that “the new approach requires that a state find ways to increase the market value of its productive assets.” Such an economic policy “aims to achieve growth by wealth creation therefore
does not attempt to increase the production of goods and services,except as a secondary objective.”

One can almost sense how wealth is being created from thin air. Such a system is like a soap bubble that can burst any moment. These words remind us of Revelation 18:15-16: “The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment,weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!” The people will realize that they have been deceived, but it will be too late.

We are all familiar with the Great Depression of 1929. Until this day no one can quite put a finger on the cause. We can say the system collapsed or the investors lost
faith, but we do know one thing led to another until there was utter chaos.

Things have improved greatly since then. Another Wall Street collapse like the one of 1929 is unlikely because the financial systems and economies are globally interconnected. But, it stands to reason when something does go wrong, and it will, then it will be global in scope.

Holy Revenge

What kind of fornication does the financial world commit with this woman/city/system? “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her” (Revelation 18:20). Why do heaven, the holy apostles and the prophets rejoice over her destruction? Here we must read Revelation 18:24: “And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” Riches, pleasure and success caused the destruction of those who spoke the
truth. There is no room for truth in the New World Order, but there’s plenty of room for success.

Furthermore, we read in verse 19: “And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.”

In contrast to the weeping and wailing on earth, there is rejoicing in heaven because the rich, the great and the powerful of this world have violated the basic human rights of the saints and the Truth, Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the truth.”

The Rich

When James wrote about the last days, he specifically mentioned the wealthy: “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the ries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter” (James 5:1-5).

Keep in mind all the riches are generated by those who labor with dedication and faithful service to the rich.

In the United States we idolize the rich. But we forget that, in most instances, this wealth is not earned by the wealthy people themselves. Rather, it is earned by those who work for those who are prosperous. Many employers take advantage of their employees, who are often forced to make the company number one in their lives.

Here is an article we published in the May 2004 issue of Midnight Call:

JAPAN

“Vintage-year” Divorces Swell in the Country of Law and Order
He averages 12-hour work days, followed by an obligatory round of drinks with co-workers and a long commute home.
She dutifully waits up for him to return and prepares breakfast in the mornings.
Then retirement rolls around, and he discovers that he is a stranger to his own family.
The result is a phenomenon that Japanese are calling “vintage-year divorce,” the fastest-growing component of a marital breakup rate that has doubled since 1975.
Reflecting larger changes in society, the divorces are more likely initiated by women, often after 20 years or more together.
“Expectations are definitely changing. Many people are putting their happiness first, and if they think they won’t find that in their marriage, they get out,” said Atsuko Okano, 49, a divorcee and founder of a nationwide divorce counseling service, Caratclub.
A record 289,838 couples divorced in 2002, the most recent year available, up 1.4 percent from 2001, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry announced in September. The divorce rate also hit a new record of 2.3 divorces for every 1,000 people — more than double the rate of 1.07 in 1975.
A decade ago, divorce could mean a serious loss of face — or even a loss of career. Although the Japanese legal system makes it a relatively straightforward procedure and provides for alimony and child support, many couples long were deterred by the shame associated with divorce.
But as the stigma rapidly fades, couples across the demographic spectrum are parting ways.
In 1975, such divorces comprised less than 6 percent of the total. By the late 1990s, they were 17 percent.
The country’s low divorce rate, much like its crime rate, has long been cited as an example of Japanese social 2.3 divorces for every 1,000 people compares to 2.82 in
England or 4.0 in the United States.

The Kansas City Star, 25 January 2004, P.A12

The beginning of the end of marriage is in sight, in part because of this mindset: “Total dedication to the boss for the sake of money.” Or better yet, “the love of money!”

Economic Fornication

Today’s economy differs considerably from that of 200 years ago. Production and sales no longer determine economic growth and stability; numerous circumstances associated with economies, politics and finances determine success or failure. Global interdependency is a major contributing factor to the health of the international economy.

When the stock market took a nosedive in Hong Kong in the ‘80s, it affected the entire Asian market virtually overnight — and the rest of the world a little later. Economies are driven by circumstantial information that becomes available first to the insiders, then to the investors, and later to the public.

Often overlooked is that we are in the midst of this development. The nations are drunk with the wine of the wrath of Babylon’s fornication. The world’s political leaders have become an integral part of the religious power structure; thus, they have become one. Hence, fornication.

For example, it is unthinkable in the U.S. for an atheist to be elected to office. Religion and politics are so closely connected that they have become virtually inseparable. The same can also be said for much of the Asian and European countries, thus a religiously motivated philosophy is producing an unprecedented political economic power structure.

We mustn’t try to push the fulfillment off to some future time, but rather recognize that we are in the midst of the process right now. These things don’t happen overnight. They were in the works long ago and are being implemented to a greater degree as the years go by.

Also, we must keep in mind that deception can only be achieved by success. You simply cannot deceive someone by using force. A person may surrender to the use of force but he will not allow himself to be deceived.

Geographic Center of Fornication

The Bible identifies three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. America and Australia were added later. At the center of those first three continents is where the Garden of Eden was located, according to the description of the rivers mentioned in the book of Genesis. Babylon, the first Gentile superpower, was established in that part of the world. Later, it was replaced by Medo-Persia, the second Gentile super power, followed by Greece, which stretched across the empire from southern Europe to Ethiopia in the south and from India in the east to Libya in the west. Rome is the fourth and final Gentile superpower. While Rome did take possession of all the previous empires, the Roman forces moved
north and conquered virtually all of Europe.

Although the Roman Empire ceased to exist as a political and military giant, the Roman culture, civilization, and especially the laws, continue to spread across the globe today.

Global Europe

Let’s look at the European power structure under the spirit of Rome. To the east lies Asia. This continent has been subject to European rules and laws through colonialism. Even today, most Asian countries practice Roman laws and use European languages to communicate.

Africa is located south of Europe and was dominated by European colonial powers for centuries.

Although virtually all countries are independent today, the infrastructure, education, history, and laws have been adapted by the newly independent countries. North and South America are products of European colonization. And in the far southeast is Australia, a completely European continent.

This is the fourth and final Gentile superpower responsible for the dominion of the entire world. We have to keep in mind that no other nation, groups of nations or continents have ever taken over the world to such an extent as did the Europeans (Romans). Having said that, we still have a problem because Europe does not rule the nations of the world. More than 200 independent sovereign nations are on planet Earth. How will they unite to form such an incredible block in order to fulfill Scriptures such as Revelation 18:3? The progress toward that goal began when printed paper money was introduced. But even before then, we could identify the beginning of global economy as reported in Luke 2:1: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Taxes were the first steps toward a world economy. Paper money is next in line and that will be followed by individual total control.

Antichrist and World Economy

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:16-17).

This describes ultimate control of the world economy. Again, I must caution the reader not to place this prophetic Scripture into the distant future so that it has no relationship to us at this time in history. While it is true that the mark of the beast has not yet been implemented (and according to my understanding of Bible prophecy, it will not be offered before the Church has been raptured), the preparation for the mark of the beast is in full swing.

I don’t mean the actual physical mark, as far as how it will be applied and what it will consist of. I believe that is open to speculation. We do, however, know “all” the people in the world will be involved for the purpose of total control of buying and selling.

Think about the tremendous advantage people would have if business and finance were handled above the table. Governments would flood their coffers with tax money; businesses would flourish because customers would be controlled. Retailers would sell only products that were controlled.

In some countries, the underground economy is larger than the official economy. Estimates for the extent of illegal commercial activity in the United States range between 5 and 15 percent.

Total control would also mean no more crime, no more drug trade, and no more tax evasion, all for the benefit of humanity.

I can imagine people standing in line for days to receive this coveted mark on their right hands or on their foreheads.

Uncertainty is the greatest headache for any commercial endeavor. Business owners wonder how their customers will react and what their profit margin will be. That will all be a thing of the past when total control has been implemented; everything will be in perfect order. No longer will businesses have to employ expensive consulting firms to determine
how to most profitably operate their businesses because everything will be instantly available. All customers will be registered; all products will be accounted for — all will be controlled by the mark of the beast!

The Final Deception

Maybe you’re thinking people will not be willing to surrender their privacy and become part of this global system by receiving the mark. My response to that is found in these two verses: “And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:14-15). People will be deceived by the false prophet who will visibly demonstrate supernatural powers so that they will believe a lie.

Notice that the false prophet orders the people on earth — the scientists, the computer geniuses — to “make an image.” Whatever the image, we do know it will be manmade. This is only natural because man always worships self; the image of the beast will be a product, or better yet, an idol created by himself.

Revelation 9:20-21 explains how deceived people react: “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.”

The image of the beast will have the power to distinguish between those who truly worship and those who do not. As a result, the image “will cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”

Finally, all opposition will be eliminated. Peace and prosperity will prevail around the globe.

The Glory of the Antichrist

The Antichrist won’t need to do much more than speak words of blasphemy against the God of heaven; the world will admire him.

It is significant that the Antichrist won’t be powerful or prestigious because of his own achievements; everything he has will have been given to him:

“and the dragon gave him his power” (Revelation 13:2);
“the dragon which gave power unto the beast” (verse 4);
“And there was given unto him” (verse 5);
“and it was given unto him” (verse 7).

Although he will be a man of fierce countenance and a great deceiver, he will be the most benevolent leader the world will have ever seen, as indicated by the people’s reaction: “and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:3-4).

The title of this article could easily have been reversed to “How World Economies Will Rule the Nations.” No one in authority will have the power to withstand the global zconomy. No longer will any nation afford to be independent, for all nations today are interdependent. But this interdependence must be governed by some type of authority, one I believe is yet to come.

Global Rule

Although international jurisdictions are globally recognized, enforcement is still questionable. International rule already dominates the wealthy nations. For example, large corporations in the United States wishing to merge with others need special permission from the European Union, and vice versa. The World Trade Organization is growing
stronger each year and will become a force to be reckoned with in the not-too-distant future.

As the years go by, we will notice a greater level of acceptance of global law, interpretation and enforcement. We already have a world court in The Hague, Holland.

Switzerland, an extremely prosperous and independent country, plays host to many of the important global issues.

Rome is another important location for globalization. That is where today’s European Union was born in 1957 based on the Treaty of Rome.

Also in Rome is the UN-recognized Vatican, headquarters of the world’s largest religion. The pope, leader of the Vatican, is now recognized as the leading moral authority for the civilized world. The players are all in place.

But there is a problem: Europe still lacks a united voice, even though it represents the world’s largest economy. In contrast to the United States, which speaks with one voice, Europe speaks with 25. Nevertheless, it is significant that the European Union recently adopted the slogan “United in Diversity” as its motto.

The United Nations

Another important global organization is the United Nations, which, headquartered in New York, is somewhat isolated from the rest of the nations. Much can be said both positive and negative — about the United Nations. Most often, we hear statements such as “it is just a paper tiger” or “it’s all talk and no action” describing the organization. Those may be accurate analyses at this point, but why is the United Nations powerless? We find the answer in its members, particularly the United States, which is not too keen on being told what other nations think, desire or do. However, the UN is greatly respected by both developing and underdeveloped nations. The United Nations offers a platform from where grievances can be voiced against the rich nations, which virtually monopolize global economy.

The future of the United Nations and its location are left to speculation, but Scripture tells us a spirit of unprecedented global unity will prevail. The monopolizing activity will be in Europe.

The Fourth Beast

The Bible describes this final kingdom as global: “Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces” (Daniel 7:23). Notice the words “diverse” and “whole earth.” The fourth beast is the fourth global kingdom, eventually ruled by an individual whose activity Daniel described as follows: “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand” (Daniel 8:23-25).

According to these and many other biblical facts we have cited in this chapter, Revelation 18:3 will be fulfilled: “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”

Why Europe?

We quoted Revelation 18:3 at the beginning of this article. Now let’s highlight one more issue: “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” This in itself is not strange, because merchants generally are rich. They buy and sell products. Buying costs money and between the purchase and the sale exists the profit. The quicker a merchant can turn a purchase into a sale, the faster he makes his profit.

Wilfred Hahn’s quote showed us how profits are being generated by different methods today. No longer is profitability based on products and productivity. Riches are based on this woman/city/system called “Mystery Babylon.” “The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her” (Revelation 18:15). Verse 9 says: “the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her.” And verse 23 reads: “for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.”

But not all nations are rich; therefore, we need to look for a system that will virtually eliminate poverty.

My wife Ruth does not always accompany me on my travels, but when I come home she always asks the standard question: “Was that a rich country?” My standard answer is, “All countries are rich; the question is, ‘How many poor people do they have?’”

Poverty Problem

In the United States, one of the most successful countries in the world, poverty is the gaping hole that most of us do not want to speak of or acknowledge. The World Fact Book published by the Central Intelligence Agency lists America’s poverty line at 12.9 percent. Whenever I mention this fact publicly, I usually receive much protest: “This is the land of plenty! We throw more food away than anyone else in the world.” This may very well be true, but it doesn’t change the clear fact that food pantries are operated by churches across the United States. Millions of meals are offered to the poor during Thanksgiving and Christmas time, testifying to the fact that millions of Americans do not have enough food.

Recently, we received a postcard from the United States Postal Service that said: “Help the national association of letter carriers stamp out hunger.” This solicitation further stated: “The National Association of Letter Carriers in conjunction with the United States Postal Service® will be collecting non-perishable food items like canned soup, juice,
vegetables, cereal and rice on Saturday, May 8 to help families in need in our community.” Hunger and poverty are obviously a reality in the United States.

One thing becomes clear: In order for the world, particularly the developing and underdeveloped nations, to accept or adapt an economic model, it has to be one that is unquestionably successful. It must benefit everyone. Where do we find an example where poverty is virtually eliminated? In the progressive European nations.

In order to fulfill Revelation 18:3: “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies,” the general public has to become rich or at least enjoy a high quality of life.

The following statistics about quality of life are quoted from pages 307-308 of the Encyclopedia Britannica Almanac 2003:

These statistics speak for themselves. People living in poor countries have a low life expectancy, high infant mortality, and scarce water supplies. In those countries, a large number of citizens depend upon the care of few doctors.

The World Health Organization places the United States in 24th position for life expectancy.

According to the 2000 World Health Report, the United States ranked 37th in health-related services.

What becomes clear when comparing statistics is that as individuals, the Europeans have achieved a quality of life unsurpassed in the world. As a result, Europe has become the favorite destination for immigrants.

Furthermore, the quality of life for Europeans is enhanced by the shortest work week and the longest vacation time:

European Global Economy

Regardless of these statistics, we must keep in mind that the prophetic Word teaches that the last Gentile superpower must be diverse. No other
power structure can match Europe in appearance, action, implementation and power. We are reminded again of the European Union’s motto: “United in diversity.” The door is open not only for additional European nations, because the Mediterranean countries desire to get in, but the door or
better yet, doors — are open to the rest of the world all because of diversity.

Today, the overwhelming amount of foreign aid is supplied by Europe, thus opening the door for developing nations to follow in the footsteps of the European Union. In contrast, the United States supplies less than 10 percent of the world’s foreign aid budget.

Slowly but surely, a multitude of diverse nations are establishing the wealthiest and most secure society in the world.

Rome dominated when Jesus came and Rome will dominate when He returns!

These few examples should clearly show that we are living in a global economy. That, in turn, indicates that our time on earth is limited. The trumpet will soon be heard and we will be translated into the presence of our Lord: “and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

MidnightCall Magazine

July 2008

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