The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the bravery of Esther as she helped thwart a plan by a Persian king to wipe out the Jewish people 2,500 years ago.

The colorful festival of Purim, observed this year on March 20-21, remembers how Esther, who was chosen to be the wife of King Ahasuerus, used her influence to stop of the plan of the king’s adviser, Haman, who had persuaded the king to wipe out the Jews.

Author and pastor Mark Biltz states in his newest book, Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times: What the Bible Says and What the Future Holds, that there are connections between Purim, the biblical calendar and the end times, as those historical events will repeat.

“In the story of Purim,” Biltz says, “we read about a man named Haman, who, with the spirit of the Antichrist, wants to annihilate the Jewish people. While Purim implies there was law and order within the society, it was also a time of complete lawlessness. We see this is true from Scripture itself. In the first chapter of Esther, starting in verse 8, everything was done according to the law—even drinking. By verse 13, they decide to enact a law that allows ethnic cleansing, making it permissible to kill all Jews and take their possessions. Of course, making it a law justifies it!”

This same “legalization of lawlessness” is happening today, Biltz adds, especially in terms of morality.

“Many think that all we have to do is make laws and legalize abortion, legalize drugs, legalize prostitution and legalize whatever is immoral, and then our conscience will be cleared,” he said. “The whole concept of illegality is being turned on its head! We must follow the pattern of the Bible. That which has happened before will happen again. History repeats itself, and those who don’t learn from it are doomed to repeat it.”

The Antichrist’s main goal, Biltz writes in Decoding the Antichrist, will not be annihilation but assimilation.

“We see this with the current teaching of ‘Chrislam,’ which is a concerted effort to join Islam with Christianity, as if this will bring world peace,” he said. “To many Christians, their Messiah, Jesus, has done away with the law, and we are now all under grace. Many believe that Jesus changed, modified or canceled God’s law, which would be a strange action for a biblical Messiah who claims to be the same yesterday, today and forever.”

Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times takes an in-depth look at some of the deepest questions surrounding the Antichrist, such as the following:

• What does the Bible say about the Antichrist’s tactics and his motivation?
• Will he be a Muslim, a Jew or a professed Christian—or something else?
• Will the Antichrist work through modern technology to seize control?

Mark Biltz is founder of El Shaddai Ministries and a well-known and popular commentator on the feasts of the Lord. In fact, he has produced a series of DVDs on the feasts that have gone around the world. Biltz is also the author of Blood Moons and God’s Day Timer. His research and theories have led to guest appearances on both radio and television as well as being featured on the covers of magazines.

Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times is published by Charisma House, which has published books that challenge, encourage, teach and equip Christians, including 14 New York Times’ best-sellers.

Your prayers have helped carry me through surgery and seven chemo infusions that have stretched out over six months. Praise God! Most of my battle with cancer has been won! Even as I have struggled with severe side effects, I have experienced deep peace, unceasing joy and great expectancy of blessing to come. Thank you!

Now I face a month of daily radiation beginning around the end of this month. I also will continue an infusion every three weeks until October 2019 to help insure the cancer will not return. As so many of you know, cancer is a wicked disease. As God brings me to your mind, I would treasure your continued prayers.

Anne Graham Lotz, second child of Billy and Ruth Graham, is the founder of AnGeL Ministries and former chairman for the National Day of Prayer Task Force. She has authored 15 books, including her latest, The Daniel Prayer.

This article originally appeared at .

Katariina Rosenblatt was 13 the first time someone tried to sell her for sex.

“She approached me and made me feel like I was valuable,” Katariina tells Charisma News of the grooming process. A woman named Mary groomed Katariina. Mary was a prostitute who recruited younger women for sex work.

“She talked to me and told me that I was special and sort of relayed everything I said to her back to me, so it seemed like she was listening. And traffickers will do that when they’re recruiting their prey. They will mirror the same pain that you feel like they can relate to you. So over the course of a month, Mary groomed me.”

Initially, Mary tried to sell Katariina to a young man, but when Mary found out she was a virgin, plans changed.

Mary then dressed Katariina in white and set her up with an older man.

The buyer offered $500. Mary argued for more. Together, they settled on $550.

Though Katariina came from a broken and abusive family, she knew her worth in Christ. She had recently been saved through a Billy Graham crusade, and as Mary and the buyer went back and forth, Katariina felt the Holy Spirit tell her exactly what she was worth in His eyes.

When the woman she viewed as an older sister left the room so the man could rape the teenager, Katariina’s world shattered.

Katariina broke free, but the incident was far from isolated. She was later recruited at 14 by a girl in her middle school for a pedophilia ring run by the girl’s father. The family hooked Katariina on cocaine, and she eventually sold her body and went deeper into drugs, even marrying the son of a Colombian drug dealer who worked for Pablo Escobar.

But enough was enough, and when her son was 18, Katariina took her daughter and left the family. Now, Katariina holds her master’s degree in law and, after a thorough dissertation on human trafficking, her Ph.D.

She runs There Is Hope For Me and penned a book about her story called Stolen.

Listen to the podcast for her incredible testimony and to hear how God was faithful through it all.

For more human trafficking stories, subscribe to the Charisma News podcast or check out for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through the rest of the month.

When we think of emotional eating, most of us think of anxiety- or depression-induced eating. These definitely are common causes, but they are not the only emotional triggers.

Sometimes anxiety or depression is just the expressed emotion, but it’s not the root. Many times, the overlooked emotion that causes us to overeat is anger.

It’s kind of funny that all last week, as I was reflecting on my own emotional wellbeing. I found myself reaching into the cabinet to snack on some dates and walnuts.

But as I was rummaging through and had begun to chew on a few dates, I realized I wasn’t physically hungry.

So that led me to stop for a moment and think about what was going on with me.

I had recently had a disagreement with a loved one, and I initially thought my feelings were just hurt. But as I stood there in front of the cabinet, still chewing, I realized I was actually very angry.

I closed the bag, made myself a cup of tea and took a moment to let it set in and remind myself that it was OK to be angry.

I wasn’t going to resort to my immature days and be petty or attempt to make my loved ones feel bad. I just had to give my anger to God and let Him sort out the bits that I couldn’t.

I thought I’d done a decent job of processing my emotions. I felt much better the next day when I ran across an article that talked about the importance of distinguishing different types of anger.

I shared this same article on my Facebook Page: “Angry?! How Naming and Understanding the Different Kinds of Anger Can Help.”

I shared it because it really resonated with what I was dealing with and helped me pinpoint the type of anger I was trying to process.

As I read this article, I thought about all of the times in my life when I thought I was just sad, but really, I was angry—very angry.

It’s funny because I’ve always considered myself to be a person who is very slow to anger because it took a lot to cause me to lash out at someone.

But as I continued to reflect, the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance several times when I was so enraged, I felt like I could turn green and Hulk-smash a few things (and/or people!).

Those were times when I broke things and said things I wish I hadn’t.

During those times, I didn’t have the wisdom I learned from Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT: “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

I’ve been making an effort to live by this principle; however, it was impossible to do this if I didn’t even realize I was angry.

So, now that I’ve uncovered it and took some time to consider my triggers, I will be less likely to overeat as a result of hidden anger.

It’s important to develop strategies that will help you avoid overeating as a result of anger and any other emotion.

I want to leave you with a few that helped me.

1. Don’t keep unhealthy snacks in the house. All I had to turn to were some dried dates and walnuts, but perhaps if there was something else in the house, I might have been a bit more tempted.
2. Be conscious about your hunger level and recognize that you can still overeat a healthy snack. If you’re not hungry, and you’re eating to distract yourself from your thoughts, that’s emotional eating.
3. Give yourself permission to feel and work through the emotion. Remind yourself that it’s OK. Your feelings are valid, but they don’t have to dictate what you eat and ultimately impact your health negatively.
4. The alternative can lead to numbness and cause you to feel disconnected. This can trigger additional overeating to fill the void that often results.
5. Pray and ask God to reveal the source of your feelings and give you the appropriate strategy for dealing with them. Allow Him to tell you what to do and when. He will send peace and calmness as you release it to Him. {eoa}

Kiesha Easley is an educator, author and Christian health coach. She struggled with chronic fatigue and her weight for years. Finally, in 2017, she lost 75 pounds naturally. She became so inspired to help others that she wrote Worth the Weight to share her story and reveal the strategies she used. Now, she helps women who are struggling learn to make the mindset and spiritual shifts needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. Learn more at .

This article originally appeared at .

Chris Pratt has had no shortage of public moments during which he has openly shared his Christian faith, with the actor telling young people and adults, alike, that God loves them, wants the best for them—and that he personally seeks a relationship with the Almighty.

And that’s not all. The A-lister also believes his faith helps sustain him in an industry that often has a slew of pitfalls for megastars like him. So, we decided to pull together five of Pratt’s most powerful and inspirational faith quotes.

READ ALSO: 6 Powerful Bits of Life-Changing Wisdom from the Apostles

Listen to us explain these excellent quotes at the 26:30-mark:

Chris Pratt’s Powerful Message About Handling Fame

Pratt recently responded to The Late Show host Stephen Colbert when Colbert asked if intense fame ever has the actor feeling as though he’s living in a metaphorical lion’s den. Here was his response:

“If the spotlight that’s shining on you is brighter than the light that comes from within you—it’ll kill you. And you see it all the time. People in our position, people that are actors, you see a lot. It’s this real bright spotlight.”

Actor Chris Pratt Tells MTV Fans That God Loves Them

Speaking last year at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards, Pratt took to the stage to tell the audience that God loves them and wants the best for them. Here was his powerful message:

“God is real. God loves you; God wants the best for you. Believe that. I do.”

The Actor’s Message About Perfection Went Viral

In a world that encourages selfies and “all-about-me” attitudes, Pratt also reminded the MTV audience that no one is perfect—and that God designed each and every person. The actor also said that “grace is a gift.”

“Nobody is perfect. People will tell you that you are perfect just the way that you are, you’re not! You’re imperfect. You always will be, but there is a powerful force that designed you that way, and if you are willing to accept that, you will have grace. And grace is a gift. Like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else’s blood. Do not forget it. Don’t take it for granted.

Read Also: 10 Bible Lessons on Self-Improvement

Chris Pratt Has a Passion for Young People

Speaking at last year’s Teen Choice Awards, Pratt told the young audience that he always makes an effort to thank God when he’s in front of youths. It was an excellent admission—and one that shows he’s well aware of the power of his platform:

“I want to thank God. I always do that when I’m up on a platform in front of a bunch of young faces.”

The Actor Says He Loves God—and Wants Others to as Well

Pratt also told the young people assembled for the Teen Choice Awards that he loves God and that they should also do the same. It’s a simple message that carries a lot of power.

“I love God, that’s my thing. I love him! And you should too!”

Want more inspiration? Be sure to subscribe to “The Pure Flix Podcast” today. {eoa}

This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider. Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. You can get a free, one-month trial here.

I was in worship, and I had a vision of people on top of a mountain, and I heard God say, “I am positioning my people on the mountain tops.” I instantly knew in what was being revealed that He desired to release elevation to the body of Christ. He proceeded to reveal that it would not be a gradual climb. I did not witness people climbing the mountain. I saw people automatically positioned on the top of the mountain. The Spirit was revealing that people didn’t have to climb the mountain, but that He was getting ready to assign instant elevation. I saw people standing on the mountaintops shouting out and exalting the name of Jesus.

Joseph had to work in prison for years, but in a moment, He was placed in one of the highest positions in the kingdom. Just as you have worked and served faithfully for years, He has observed your petitions for assistance in elevating His Son Jesus’ name and advancing His kingdom. Just as Joseph labored, you too have labored and toiled. It is time for your instant elevation. God says, “I am making way for your elevation.”

The elevation coming is for those who are strong at heart, for those who can withstand the battle. The elevation doesn’t come without warfare and resistance, but the Lord has prepared you for this time of gratification to bring forth glorification to His name.

As you are positioned on the mountaintop to do His work you will not be alone. He has sent forth others around you and has created an army of laborers to work together. It is a strong workforce for the kingdom of God, and it will come against the powers of darkness. You will be given divine favor with man, and the Lord will open doors of abundance. The abundance will come forth like a fresh morning rain, also being produced and released in an instance. Again, this isn’t something you have to work for, but something He chooses to assign to His faithful workers.

He says to pray and prepare the way for this enlightenment, the understanding and the insight of what will come forth. Pray and seek His face for what He desires to give you; it will bring glory to His name. The time is now. You don’t have to wait any longer. Remove yourself from the distractions of this world, the time stealers and destiny destroyers. As you remove everything unproductive and unfruitful in your life, you will be able to hear the intensity of His voice and get divine instruction and application for this season of elevation. {eoa}

Kathy DeGraw is a prophetic spiritual warfare strategist releasing the love and power of God, to ignite and activate people, release prophetic destinies and deliver people from the bondage of the enemy. She is the founder of Kathy DeGraw Ministries and Be Love Outreach. She is the author of several books, including Speak Out, Discerning and Destroying the Works of Satan, Identity Invasion, Who is Speaking? and Warfare Declarations. You can connect with Kathy on Facebook, or visit .

Anwar Fazal leads the largest church in Pakistan and a 24-hour prayer house where miracles happen every day.

Fazal was born into a family of Christians, and his family even received a prophetic word before his birth that he would be a pastor. As he grew up, however, he rejected the Lord because he says it was his family’s decision, and not his own.

But in 1995, Fazal met Marilyn Hickey at a prayer festival. That’s when everything changed.

“She’s my mentor, my heart, my love,” Fazal says. “My mother and father are passed away in heaven, and God blessed me with my spiritual mom, Marilyn Hickey. She’s guided me all this time, she prays over me and teaches me like a son, and I love first Jesus, then I love my mom, Marilyn.”

Hickey’s influence is undeniable, but Fazal has become recognizable in his own right for his work advancing God’s kingdom in Pakistan.

Fazal runs Isaac Television Network, Eternal Life Church, a prayer house and spends part of his time in the United States with Frank Amedia.

At Fazal’s prayer house, he says he’s seen a man come in with cancer devouring his body and leave completely healed in the name of Jesus. In another instance, Fazal says a lame young woman actually saw him in her dreams, and he healed her, so she walked into church the following week.

And that’s just the beginning.

Listen to the podcast to hear his miraculous stories about what the Lord is doing in Pakistan.

Debates about borders and immigration continue to be top of mind for lawmakers, among families and even in churches.

The American Pastors Network (APN) is highlighting a new survey from LifeWay Research that found that the majority of pastors want illegal immigration to end.

APN President Sam Rohrer says immigration is an issue that has been difficult for pastors and churches to grasp, as they may struggle with what the Bible says and what the culture demands.

“Immigration and border control issues dominate our news and divide our nation—and perhaps the people in the pews of America’s churches are split on this matter—but God is not divided nor is He confused on this or any issue, and we should not be either,” Rohrer says. “In fact, there are clear, biblical principles on why no one should be confused about God’s position on immigration and borders.”

According to the LifeWay survey, which surveyed 1,000 Protestant pastors, most say an immigration solution should be multifaceted.

• 80 percent say the government has the responsibility to stop illegal immigration; 9 percent disagree and 11 percent are not sure.
• 70 percent say they are in favor of an immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for those who are currently in the country illegally; 17 percent disagree and 13 percent are not sure.
• 76 percent say Christians have a responsibility to assist immigrants even if they are in the country illegally, while 14 percent disagree and 10 percent are not sure.
• Almost 3 in 10 pastors say their churches are involved locally in assisting immigrants.

Rohrer has shared insight about the biblical guidance available on border security and immigration on the APN daily 60-second radio feature, “Stand in the Gap Minute,” heard on hundreds of stations nationwide. Rohrer and his radio co-hosts also frequently explore immigration and how it relates to both the Bible and the Constitution on the daily, live, one-hour radio program, “Stand in the Gap Today.” The national “Stand in the Gap” television program has also delved into this important matter.

“Without borders there’s no order, no law, no justice,” Rohrer said. “Without borders, God’s promise to bless the nation whose God is the Lord could never occur. God’s plan of redemption revolves around nations. Borders are essential to nations. In fact, the definition of nation includes a common language, a common view of God and common borders. God’s blessings and judgment are bestowed on individuals and nations. Therefore, borders and border control are essential to protect a nation’s citizens and should rise to the highest of concerns for those in civil authority.

“This is why God provided civil government with the sword of justice,” he added. “This is, in part, why we are to pray for those in authority—that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives and because they are accountable to God. God’s Word does hold all the answers about borders, immigration and much more; we just need to read God’s instruction for our lives and our nation, take them to heart and follow them.”

“Great civilizations are not murdered. Instead, they take their own lives.” —Arnold Toynbee, author and historian

In our home I have a plaque prominently displayed that reads, “Make sure that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord” (Col. 4:17). The charge was given to Archippus, whom Paul called his “fellow soldier” (Phil.1:2). Was he holding back in a time of intense spiritual warfare?

We are unmistakably in a similar time. “If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound who will prepare himself for the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8).

We are alive in a watershed moment where pornography is a “click away;” gay marriage has been normalized, institutionalized and celebrated; socialism is seducing masses; transgenderism is foisted on women’s bathrooms; legalization of marijuana advances; physician-assisted suicide has been legalized; and now, abortion on demand at anytime and for any reason alongside killing of newly born babies are acceptable.

When pastors should have been hyperventilating amidst our cultural catastrophe, speaking boldly and equipping people on issues transcending politics, many capitulated to cowardice and avoided controversy to pursue non-offensive church growth strategies. Spineless shepherds succumbing to this seduction should reverse course or consider resigning lest their example influence others.

“What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother’s heart faint as well as his heart” (Deut. 20:8) in the day of battle.

I know of a leader who awoke one morning to God’s still small voice, “Get your house in order. You will soon die. What you’ve done has been ‘wood, hay and stubble’ ” (see 1 Cor. 3:12). He cried out to God for another chance, convicted that his ministry was missing the mark.

How many pastors will do almost anything to draw more people when the root problem is not new plans and shuffling personnel but repenting for not fulfilling the ministry they’ve received from the Lord at this tipping point in America’s history? May we follow another shepherd, David, who exclaimed, “Rivers of waters run down my eyes, because people do not keep Your law” (Ps. 119:136).

Having been involved in pastoral ministry for 46 years, I understand the pressures we leaders experience from culture, congregants, budget, guests and beyond, but we mustn’t compromise!

Societal Breakdown

In the 19th century, Charles Finney led in the battle of their generation, stopping slavery. He was criticized by pastors for getting “political” instead of “just preaching the gospel.” He responded by admonishing pastors: “Address this monster … call it sin!”

I’ve spoken at Oberlin College where as its president, Finney, pricked consciences: “It is doubtless true that one of the reasons for the low state of religion at the present time is that many churches have taken the wrong side on the subject of slavery, have suffered prejudice to prevail over principle and have feared to call this abomination by its true name.”

Civil War, societal breakdown and the loss of 620,000 lives was the toll from the church sleepwalking through what should’ve been its finest hour.

Cowardice and Disobedience

A second time, multitudes of pastors and therefore much of the church slumbered to its collective shame was during the Civil Rights era. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

When the soul of our nation is being torn asunder as it is today just as it was then, it’s time for leaders to choose the fear of God rather than fear of man and financial security. Multitudes are awakening as they observe what’s resulted from the pastoral negligence.

• Scores of church members now accept homosexuality along with the adoption of children by gay and lesbian couples.
• Entire denominations ordain gay and lesbian ministers and officiate same-sex “weddings.” [The second largest Protestant denomination narrowly escaped going this apostate direction only days ago!]
• Multitudes of young people in our churches embrace the gay, bisexual and transgender lifestyle as okay along with cohabitation before marriage.

Just returning from the annual Roundtable summit hosted by Rick Joyner, we acknowledged many leaders have been hiding rather than heralding biblically-informed moral positions. It’s time for the emergence of a spiritual Delta Force to challenge those reluctant to lead responsibly.

I experienced this first hand a few years ago when I was told in a church: Don’t put out objective voter guides because they might upset black members. Cease working on an educational video exposing 10 deceptions of gay “marriage” as it would be too controversial, possibly inviting death threats. This would be a deal breaker concerning continuance in the church.

I was soon let go with some severance without any announcement to the church. When I inquired if something could be said to the people I served for years I was told, “Just go. Don’t come back.”

Evaluation Time

We are directed by God to be “salt” influencing society positively as an antiseptic holding back decay. We’re to winsomely communicate and demonstrate the Gospel and unchanging biblical truth. Addressing issues truthfully and redemptively is nonnegotiable.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).

Many pastors and people today sit silently on the sidelines because of too narrow an understanding of the gospel and the kingdom of God. When Jesus commanded us to “make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20b), He meant more than “trust Me for forgiveness to go to heaven” but bring the domain of your King to this world.

His directive was, teach “all things I have commanded you.” This entails all He taught in the gospels as well as the epistles that come by divine inspiration. Serious about fulfilling our ministry during these “perilous times” (2 Tim. 3:1), let’s reject any pull towards “cultural acceptability” and unscriptural “inclusivity.” Let’s do some evaluation.

1. Do I seek the approval of the world over faithfulness to God’s Word?

   “For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? For if I were still trying to please man, I would not be the servant of Christ” (Gal.1:10). If I choose man-pleasing over God-pleasing, I disqualify myself as His servant.

2. Am I cowardly or compassionately declaring that a homosexual lifestyle is sin?

   There is not one passage in Scripture approving the practice of homosexuality. God condemns the perversion of His design for those He created and loves (Gen. 19:1-38; , 20:13; Mark 10:6–9; Rom. 1:26–7, 1:32; 1 Cor. 6:9–11; Jude 1:7). At the same time, He provides freedom for all who turn to Him in repentance to escape the bondage and brokenness of this way of life.

3. Am I silent in speaking the truth on same-sex “marriage” as being sinful and contrary to God’s design for man and woman in marriage?

   The prevailing “progressive” worldview deceives millions. It will “suppress the truth through unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18) regarding these unions. This devastates the family unit; undermines thousands of years of scriptural teaching on marriage and family; and perverts the witness of husband and wife representing Christ and His church. The Bible explicitly describes a homosexual lifestyle with six terms: 1. Sexual Impurity 2. Degrading 3. Unnatural 4. Shameful 5. Indecent 6. Perversion (Rom. 1:24-27).

4. Am I afraid to say abortion and infanticide are both serious sins?

   While there is mercy and forgiveness if someone repents and turns to God, Christians and especially pastors must never treat the murder of a baby lightly. At the same time, we will continue offering compassionate counsel and care, adoption alternatives and practical support for those in crisis pregnancy situations. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows” (James 1:27a).

5. As a leader, have I avoided controversial issues to not offend members or lose financial support? Can I say with Paul, “I did not keep from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27)?

Our church members are bombarded with propaganda and pressure to conform from 10 sources:

• Political leaders.
• College professors.
• Public school teachers.
• Celebrities.
• Musical artists.
• Film and TV personalities.
• Sports figures.
• Internet bloggers.
• Talk show hosts.
• Friends.

“The times of ignorance God has overlooked” (see Acts 17:30a), but He’s calling pastors and parents to account as a bulwark stemming the avalanche of today’s evil. We must boldly communicate truth to experience the dawning of a new day in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our sermon applications must go beyond boss and co-worker aggravations representing the “horrendous persecution and problems” we face and address today’s hot-button issues.

Discerning the Times

Jesus once upbraided a crowd for readily forecasting the weather but failing to realize the urgency of the hour. “Why do you not know how to discern this time?” (Luke 12:56).

He’s saying the same to us today as we’re experiencing a staggering sea change where pride, godlessness, immorality, violence, perversion and rebellion to God’s commandments are at an all-time high. We’re in a period of “training for reigning” so we’ll not hold back.

This is not a time to say, “Let others get involved”… “God is sovereign”…”I’ll just pray… I’m busy”… “We’re called to just preach the gospel”… “It’s all going down anyway.”

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point that the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages is where the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, it’s merely flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point” —Martin Luther.

Here’s the deal: A.W. Tozer said, “When we become so tolerant that we lead people into mental fog and spiritual darkness, we are not acting like Christians, we are acting like cowards.” As Paul told Archippus, “Make sure you fulfill the ministry you received in the Lord.” Let’s rise up in faith before another Civil War unfolds. May this be the church’s finest hour leading to America’s Third Great Awakening!

The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the bravery of Esther as she helped thwart a plan by a Persian king to wipe out the Jewish people 2,500 years ago.

The colorful festival of Purim, observed this year on March 20-21, remembers how Esther, who was chosen to be the wife of King Ahasuerus, used her influence to stop of the plan of the king’s adviser, Haman, who had persuaded the king to wipe out the Jews.

Author and pastor Mark Biltz states in his newest book, Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times: What the Bible Says and What the Future Holds, that there are connections between Purim, the biblical calendar and the end times, as those historical events will repeat.

“In the story of Purim,” Biltz says, “we read about a man named Haman, who, with the spirit of the Antichrist, wants to annihilate the Jewish people. While Purim implies there was law and order within the society, it was also a time of complete lawlessness. We see this is true from Scripture itself. In the first chapter of Esther, starting in verse 8, everything was done according to the law—even drinking. By verse 13, they decide to enact a law that allows ethnic cleansing, making it permissible to kill all Jews and take their possessions. Of course, making it a law justifies it!”

This same “legalization of lawlessness” is happening today, Biltz adds, especially in terms of morality.

“Many think that all we have to do is make laws and legalize abortion, legalize drugs, legalize prostitution and legalize whatever is immoral, and then our conscience will be cleared,” he said. “The whole concept of illegality is being turned on its head! We must follow the pattern of the Bible. That which has happened before will happen again. History repeats itself, and those who don’t learn from it are doomed to repeat it.”

The Antichrist’s main goal, Biltz writes in Decoding the Antichrist, will not be annihilation but assimilation.

“We see this with the current teaching of ‘Chrislam,’ which is a concerted effort to join Islam with Christianity, as if this will bring world peace,” he said. “To many Christians, their Messiah, Jesus, has done away with the law, and we are now all under grace. Many believe that Jesus changed, modified or canceled God’s law, which would be a strange action for a biblical Messiah who claims to be the same yesterday, today and forever.”

Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times takes an in-depth look at some of the deepest questions surrounding the Antichrist, such as the following:

• What does the Bible say about the Antichrist’s tactics and his motivation?
• Will he be a Muslim, a Jew or a professed Christian—or something else?
• Will the Antichrist work through modern technology to seize control?

Mark Biltz is founder of El Shaddai Ministries and a well-known and popular commentator on the feasts of the Lord. In fact, he has produced a series of DVDs on the feasts that have gone around the world. Biltz is also the author of Blood Moons and God’s Day Timer. His research and theories have led to guest appearances on both radio and television as well as being featured on the covers of magazines.

Decoding the Antichrist and the End Times is published by Charisma House, which has published books that challenge, encourage, teach and equip Christians, including 14 New York Times’ best-sellers.