End Times ???

The end of time is supposedly marked by the great expansion of knowledge, earthly disasters and the arrival of false prophets. In addition, a world religion must arise.
Well, when the pony express was quickly replaced by the telegraph and that fell to the transcontinental railroad, pulpits were filled with preachers certain the end was, “just around the corner.” Each advance since, has yielded similar warnings.
Now comes the internet and instant information. Since nothing in the prophecies mentions accurate information being required, this may be it. In truth, I never took it too seriously. Sure there are enough earthly disasters to go around, and we achieved a world religion, the worship of money, long ago, but in general I wasn’t too concerned.
Then on Sunday, there was Glen Beck’s rally. At first it was just a good old political movement with a mean streak, but suddenly, God was invoked. That is always, and I emphasis with big bold black letters always, bad. ( see Oliver Cromwell, Puritans, Crusaders, Al Quida, etc.)
The instant I heard Beck plead to take back the country for God, I thought of false prophets arising. Rush, Ann Coulter, Glen Beck, Fox News – all with the power of the pulpit.
So the next question is , “How do I know they are wrong and I’m right?” “How do I know the Holy Spirit is at work here, and not there?”
Well, here is what I have learned in the last four years.
If it is the Holy Spirit at work it:
1. Includes people, welcomes people, raises people up.
2. Heals people, never diminishes or destroys them.
3. Is about peace and acceptance, never rejection, never “them against us”
4. 1, 2 and 3 are present, even when dealing with horrible behavior or things you are completely and morally opposed to. That’s why the prophet business is not for the weak hearted.
In short, if the “Prophet” does not bring together, does not heal, does not speak with great love, look out. I would respectfully add one more indicator. If someone’s bank account increases in direct proportion to how angry and scared he can keep his audience, he might not be speaking directly from God.