Evangelist's Address

Hutt News, Volume 16, Issue 10, 5 August 1942, Page 5

Evangelist's Address

Last Sunday evening Evangelist JBurnside continued his much appreciated addresses on Bible topics by taking as his subject, "The United States of America in Prophecy— What part has she yet to play in World Affairs?" The Evangelist referred to the "natural curiosity of human beings for what the future holds. This keen curiosity is often commercialised by the fortune-teller spiritualist medium, or astrologer. However. Bible Prophecy is not given to act as a type of fortune-telling nor is it given to satisfy ones idle curiosity as to the future. The great purpose of Bible Prophecy is in the words of St. Peter, to act. "as the light that shineth in a dark place." It is given as a guide to Christians as they travel through the mists of this world's turmoil, sin and despair, showing that a glorious heritage lies ahead for "he that overcorneth." All prophecy indicates that we are living to-day the close of world history and on the verge of the new kingdom of righteousness which Christ shall set up. Revelation 13 reveals, however, that before the end all true Christians will need to know concerning, and be able to escape the delusions ol*. "the Beast',, the "Image to the Beast.", and the distinguishing "Mark of the Beast", which subjects, the Evangelist recalled, he had dealt with during his last three Sunday night lectures. *" The United States of America not only has a great future ahead of it in the political world but in Rev. 13 it is revealed that it will also take the lead in some of the last day world religious trends. The United States is likened in Rev 13: 17 to a gentle lamblike power, rising from the earth, having two horns, which w r ould later, however, speak ,f as a dragon." In identifying this power it is Been first of all that it is a power I that is rising into prominence at that time when (verse 10) "He (the Beast power) that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity." Evangelist recalled how that previous verses within the chapter showed that this "beast" power, after ruling for 1,260 years, was taken into captivity in the historic year 1798 when Berthier, general of Napoleon I, marched down there into Rome. In this very year, 1795, we find that the U.S.A. was rising into world prominence—and the only power, 'destined to become great that can be aply to have been doing so at that time. >. The second point of identification is the fact that this lamb-like power having two horns rose "out. of the earth.' (verse 11). The Evangelist showed that without exception every other nation mentioned in prophecy is always referred to as coining up rather "out of the sea" —a symbol of peoples, nations, and multitudes. It is significant, thus, that whereas other nations arose in the densely populated centres of the world such as in Europe, this lamblike power arises in a new country entirely— sparsely populated and virgin. Whereas other nations gained power through subjective warfare and in exploitation of other peoples and nationals, the United States gained its power in the new practically uninhaMtutea continent of North Ame-

-ica by rising by its' exploitation of the s< i! — indeed arising, as the prophecy says, "out of the earth" A third point of identification is the description of its character ,(larul» 1 ]<e. having no horns). On the d:&nin*. of its constitution the United Stales entitled all its peoples. from the very outset, to civil and re'?} n>us liberty. Civil and reJifciou.i liW rty are the two planks o' .American constitution. America has yet a great part to play in the political and religious world for she is to "speak as a dragon." Already America is one of the greatest powers on earth and when she speaks the world certainly pauses to listen —politically America speaks to-day in the very power and might of a "'dragon." However that is not the end of the story for Rev 13 reveals that it is this same power of the United States that will also speak as a "dragon" in .the last day religious trends of the world and making overtures also to the "beast" power mentioned within the chapter. The Evangelist appealed for all during these tremendous days when prophecy is fulfilling all around us to make our calling and election sure —to take heed to the warning calls uttered by Bible Prophecy and prepare our lives to meet the "Holy One of Israel" when He roim\s in Power and Majesty to call His own. Bible Prohecy indeed declares that His Coming is near "even at the door." Next. Sunday night at the Eva Draper Studio, Evangelist Burnside speaks on the "Seven Last Plagues of Rev. 16—How May We Avoid Them?" A warm invitation to attend these truth-filled and timely addresses each Sunday evening is extended to all Lower Hutt citizens. Free literature may be obtained, or your questions answered, by addressing the Evangelist c/o ''Hutt News."