Hal Lindsey Report (08-19-2011): The Mark, Lawlessness Explodes, Love Grows Cold and Mystery Babylon

This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report'

If you're like me, you were appalled as you watched televised images of the mayhem exploding in various neighborhoods of greater London last week. This was England, birthplace of the Magna Carta, fount of modern civilization. In fact, as most of us were growing up, we had images of Great Britain as being the most "civilized" nation on earth. You know, "a fine old English gentleman" image.

Yet here were pictures of young, hooded thugs and ruffians -- boys and girls, men and women, black and white and brown and Asian -- smashing shop windows, kicking down locked doors, plundering, looting, and setting fire to businesses and automobiles. All, seemingly, under the helpless gaze of the local police.

This was no protest over perceived police brutality. This was nothing more than greed, insolence, and disdain for societal order and the rights of others. This was a breakdown of law and order. This was absolute "lawlessness."

So, too, were the instances of "flash mob" violence and thievery which broke out over the last few weeks in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Maryland. Groups of bored, self-absorbed young people who apparently feel they're owed something by the rest of society, just burst into a business, overwhelm the staff, and take what they want. Though none of those "flash mobs" burned whole neighborhoods to the ground (yet), they, too, are graphic examples of the encroaching breakdown of society. In short, "lawlessness."

I remember the late '60's and early '70's on the college campuses. We thought we were living in the "outlaw years." Young rebels called policemen "pigs" and demonstrated their displeasure with the "establishment" over the Vietnam war and other issues. There was rioting and limited incidents of "terrorism." At the time, it felt like America was coming apart at the seams.

But, of course, in the last couple of decades we've experienced "terrorism" on steroids. Our world has moved from the minor to the major leagues in that regard. And all just as the prophets, and Jesus, predicted. But here in America, we've witnessed a dramatic increase in the general attitude of "lawlessness," from the flash mobs in the street to the highest reaches of government. The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days, "perilous times will come."

But lawlessness isn't the only recent development that lets us know we're living in the final days of this Age of Grace.

Two researchers associated with the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and Northwestern University reported a startling invention in a recent issue of the journal, "Science." They announced the development of a "patch" which is thinner than a human hair. It feels as "soft as human skin" and can draw power from light or ambient electromagnetic radiation. It adheres to the skin without glue or sticky material. It is practically weightless and, because of its incredible nanotechnology, can be used to monitor brain, heart, and muscle tissue activity. When placed on the throat, it allows the wearer to operate voice-activated devices. Coincidentally, the device, which they say "blurs the distinction between electronics and biology," can also be used to digitize the wearer's identity and banking records, thus making it possible to conduct financial transactions by simply scanning the easily applied electronic "tattoo."

Now, I'm not saying that this is the "mark of the Beast" described in Revelation 13:16-18, but there's no denying that it is an eye-popping example of how technology is racing toward providing the coming Antichrist with the ability to control the financial transactions of every person in the world. But technology alone won't be sufficient to cause most of the world to accept his leadership and even worship him as god. It will take massive calamities and economic crises to convince the nations of the world to submit themselves to his rule. And, frankly, when I look at what's happening in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even here in America, that doesn't require a huge leap of imagination!

Finally, this week I'm going to answer a question from some of our program's viewers in New Zealand. They're Catholic believers who wonder about the Bible's references to "mystery Babylon" and its connection to a religious system associated with Rome. They want to know what I'm sure millions of sincere Catholic believers want to know: where do they fit in the end-time scenario as described in the Bible.

The answer is so simple, it may surprise you.

Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration (on Sundays now!), CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.

God Bless,

Hal Lindsey
mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com
web: http://www.hallindsey.com