“The decade of the 2020’s is a Historic Transitional Decade that requires the Preparation for the Times in order to be ready for the Dawning of a New Era.” (Rhema Now Issue #2)
“…but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many…”
(Dan. 11:32–33, Rhema Now Issue #8)
While we know that the dawning of the New Era will see unprecedented darkness across the earth (Isa. 60:2), what exactly will this look like?
If we want to arise as the Daniel 11:32–33 people, we need to be people who can make sense of this through a Biblical lens, so that we can instruct many.
THE CONVERGENCE OF GLOBAL DARKNESS
Major shifts and transitions in five main arenas will lead to the convergence of global darkness.
Things are happening so quickly that almost every week, we receive news of some major development in these five spheres:
1. Business, Finance and Commerce
At least four banks have failed in the first few months of 2023 alone, exposing the weaknesses and flaws of our current financial system. This economic instability is pushing nations to find an answer that will help to stabilise the global economy.
Together with the ongoing digitalising of our trading mediums and platforms (that allows every transaction to be tracked and easily controlled), the stage is being set for the new One World Economy.
Are we as God’s people paying attention?
2. Medical Science and Technology
In the recent decade, the medical sciences have moved beyond finding cures for diseases to prolonging overall human life. With advancements in biology that have given us the ability to alter the very building blocks of who we are as humans — our DNA, the door has opened up for moving “beyond humanity” (i.e. transhumanism).
Coupled with the acceleration of Artificial Intelligence and the concept of brain-machine interfaces such as “Neuralink”, the very definition of what it means to be “human” is brought into question.
Ultimately, mankind is reaching for immortality through technology. At his core, man desires to live forever. The issue is — are we attaining it through God’s way and provision through the cross, or are we seeking to make it happen our way?
3. Religion and Spirituality
With the rise of extremism and conflicts around the world centred on religious differences, there is a push for various faiths to come together in order to find “common ground”. This is especially so for the three “Abrahamic faiths” — Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
More and more, it will be politically incorrect to believe that not all faiths are equal, and the space to openly practice any faith that believes it is the only true way is likely to become smaller and smaller.
Are we as believers ready for this?
4. Lifestyle Trends
Real-life human connections are decreasing as the world is increasingly being connected digitally. More and more, people no longer know how to relate to one another face-to-face. Even amongst believers, “e-church” has become an option that believers turn to instead of the “assembling of ourselves together” as commanded by God in the Bible (Heb. 10:25).
Our means of attaining knowledge have also shifted from searching out established and reliable sources to quick online searches and browsing curated feeds, which feed us information based on a computer algorithm.
We have traded interaction with people and our skill of discernment for convenience. As we become more isolated and plugged into unreliable sources of information, we are opening ourselves to deception and wrong worldviews!
5. Society, Politics and Government
Tensions in society are on the rise and conflicts will become more prevalent as the beliefs of different groups within countries become more and more polarised. Governments will increase surveillance as they look for answers as to how to maintain law and order.
While the original intentions may have been good, things could take a turn very quickly. As of now, arising out of the fight against Covid, systems have been put in place in many nations that can be used for increased surveillance and control.
As believers, we need to prepare ourselves to still thrive in the midst of whatever kind of authority we find ourselves under, because these global shifts are setting the stage for the Harlot-Babylon system to arise, which will ultimately lead to worship of the Antichrist (Rev. 17 & 18)!
SIX DOORWAYS THAT RELEASE DARKNESS
As we keep watch through a Biblical lens, we also need to guard ourselves from the six doorways that escalate and accelerate the release of darkness. The Lord is especially concerned that we as His people do not get ensnared by them.
It is crucial for us to watch and pray for ourselves together with those in our community!
Doorway #1: Cyber
The introduction of augmented and virtual reality applications (such as Pokémon Go or the Metaverse) can open the door to the spirit realm. As the line between reality and fantasy is increasingly being blurred, people will have difficulty telling the difference between what is real and what is not, what is virtual and what is spiritual.
As believers, we need to guard against being caught up in the virtual world. Instead, we should be focused on advancing His Kingdom in accordance with His ways and heart. While He may lead some of us to have a presence in the virtual world for the sake of being a witness, we need to tread with much discernment, always seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Doorway #2: Technology
Even as technology is opening the door to the possibility of “augmenting” ourselves and living forever, we as believers need to hold fast to God’s definition of what makes us “human” and why God allows death in the first place.
Let us consider this: if death was God’s judgment on the sin of man (Rom. 6:23), should we then be seeking eternal life through other means outside the saving work of Jesus?
Doorway #3: Values and Morality
We live in the “post-truth” world, where “truth” and “morality” are no longer absolutes, but defined by each individual, depending on how each person feels. This depravity of the human mind opens up the door for lies to become “truths” and for everyone to do what seems right in his own eyes (Judg. 17:6; 21:25).
As believers, do we truly believe that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life? Or do we subconsciously believe that our faith is simply one of the many ways that lead to God?
Doorway #4: Spiritual
New age practices and the occult are on the rise as people seek a “spirituality without religion”. Satanic worship and witchcraft are increasingly normalised and are emerging into the open, often accompanied by much celebration!
Even some within the Church have adopted new age practices such as “Christianised” Tarot card reading, without realising the dangers of opening such spiritual doors.
Doorway #5: Psychology and Philosophy
Modern popular psychology and philosophy search for peace and truth outside of Jesus and open the door to idolatry.
The self-help narrative that many are being offered puts man at the centre, with self-actualisation as the pinnacle of success. This is a far cry from what Jesus commands us in Matthew 16:24: “…let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”
It has resulted in a man-centred Gospel being preached within some parts of the Body of Christ. Thus, in this hour, God is calling His people back to preaching the unadulterated Gospel of the Kingdom.
Doorway #6: Drugs
Many cultures have long used drugs (especially psychedelics) as a means to enter into spiritual experiences. As they and other narcotics become more prevalent and accepted amongst the younger generation, and are increasingly being prescribed for medical use, doors to the spirit realm can be opened. The minds and lives of individuals can also become susceptible to manipulation and control.
As believers, we need to take heed and be on guard against this trend and doorway. Furthermore, we need to pray for the younger generation to not turn to drugs as a means of escape, or to experience a “high”, but to find their completeness in Jesus.
UNPRECEDENTED GLORY ON GOD’S PEOPLE
In spite of the accelerating darkness, as God’s people, we need not fear! While darkness is increasing exponentially, God’s unprecedented glory will also arise upon His people (Isa. 60:2).
To make us ready vessels to carry His glory, there are seven dimensions that God is highlighting for His Church to pay attention to and align with accordingly, which we will look at in the next issue.
Stay tuned!
The Isaiah 62 Fast
The Lord is on the move! He is issuing the Mordecai call to Gentile believers globally not to remain silent, but to begin to pray regularly, intentionally, and fervently for Israel until Jerusalem is established as a praise in the earth (Esth. 4:14; Isa. 62:6–7)
!It is God’s Sovereign Appointed Time and IHOP – One Thing Ministries will be part of this Isaiah 62 Fast as a hub based in Singapore. In addition to hosting live prayer sessions, we are providing resources to equip the Body of Christ in understanding God’s heart for Israel and how we can pray for her.
Participating in Singapore
We will be providing daily prayer focuses and videos for the duration of the fast. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website for daily updates.
Truly, God is summoning us to align with His heart for Israel. Will you respond to His divine summons and His call in such a time as this?
Visit our Loving Israel Mandate webpage for resources to equip yourself in understanding God’s heart for Israel and how to pray for her.