One of the questions my dad was often asked in the months before his diagnosis was, "What's next?" People, understandably, want to know -- if the new "European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument" that went into effect Jan. 1, 2007, is really the beginning of Daniel's 70th week -- then what should we expect to see happening in the world scene?

My dad's response was that, according to Bible prophecies, we should see a time of false peace dawning over the Middle East -- allowing Israel to rebuild her temple. In the meantime, a new political, economic and religious order will be set up -- putting everything in place for the time, in three and a half years, when the Antichrist will go into the temple, stop the sacrifices and offerings, and declare himself to be God. Then he and his 10 kings will gain power to rule for three and a half years. (If you haven't read the "Overview" and "Herb's Quick Time Line," both linked at the top of the front page, then I encourage you to do so. They'll get you up to speed.)

But what's next, specifically, for us Christians? The Bible prophecies also have much to say about this. In Revelation 13 and 14, we learn that when the Antichrist takes power, he will use it to make war against the saints. (Note the links I provided on the front page about the EU's developing army, which includes military and civilian components.) This is the time the Bible refers to as the "great tribulation" -- and, as many of you know, Herb believed that Christians will have to go through this tribulation. He didn't find biblical support for the currently popular "pre-tribulation view of the rapture" -- the view that Christians will be raptured before the great tribulation begins. 

In Revelation 13 and 14, we also learn that people will be required to worship the Antichrist. To encourage them to do so, a religious leader -- whom the Bible calls the "False Prophet" -- will rise. He will appear harmless, but will be working with Satan. The False Prophet will deceive many people by performing amazing signs that appear to be empowered by God (like calling fire down from heaven). And he also will require people to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead -- a mark that's somehow associated with the number 666 -- to show their allegiance to the Antichrist. Those who refuse to worship the Antichrist will be killed.

Herb's heart was heavy for the Christians who will have to go through the great tribulation. He feared that many of them will be spiritually and mentally unprepared because they expect to be raptured before this time begins. He also feared that many professing Christians will be deceived by the False Prophet. In Revelation 16:13-14, we see that demonic activity on earth will greatly increase during this time, creating an end-time deception the world has never seen. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 24:24.

Herb believed that Christians will need a solid faith in Jesus to enable them to remain faithful to Him through the great tribulation. Revelation speaks of the need for "perseverance of the saints" several times (Rev. 1:9, 2:2, 2:3, 2:19, 3:10, 13:10 and 14:12 New American Standard Version). Revelation 14:12 says:

"Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus." 

In light of what may soon be coming, FP will focus on the perseverance of the saints -- helping equip us all with a strong faith in, and knowledge of, Jesus Christ that won't be shaken by persecution or deceptive teachings.

Of course, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world already face persecution and even martyrdom. Yet, Jesus warned that the final tribulation will be more intense for God's people than any other time in history.

But the Bible also promises special blessings and a victorious ending for those who must go through the tribulation (Revelation 7:9-17, 14:13, 15:1:4).

So, let's watch and see if the world events Herb reported on continue to unfold as he expected. And let's spur one another on toward a persevering faith in Jesus.