The Antichrist - The Charismatic Leader

By Ray Gano

Daniel 7:8 (KJV) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Daniel 7:20 (KJV) And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

It is from these verses in Daniel which we gain a little bit of information about the coming Antichrist.

The primary point that I want to focus on is that we know he will be a powerful and charismatic leader.

Charisma is the ability to exercise diffuse and intensive influence over the normative or ideological orientations of others (Etzioni, 1961). As a result we can identify charismatic leaders by their effects on their followers such that followers of charismatic leaders:

a) have a high degree of loyalty, commitment, and devotion to the leader;

b) identify with the leader and the mission of the leader;

c) emulate his values, goals, and behavior;

d) see the leader as a source of inspiration;

e) derive a sense of high self-esteem from their relationship with the leader and his mission; and

f) have an exceptionally high degree of trust in the leader and the correctness of his beliefs. (1)

To be a charismatic leader, one has to have followers, that is why "leaders lead."

If one does not have followers, then how are they leaders much less a charismatic leader?

Here is an interesting point, most charismatic leaders do not "take" the power, the power is always given to them.

A good example is to look at is Adolph Hitler's rise to power.

Adolph Hitler's Rise to Power

It was Germany's economic depression that really set the stage for the rise of Hitler and Nazism.

After the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the US called in its loans to Germany, and because Germany could not pay back the loans, the German economy collapsed. The number of unemployed grew; crime grew, people starved on the streets. This is the common fallout to a FIAT based economy. It was out of this crisis that the German people looked for someone to blame. They also needed hard solutions. In this case Hitler offered them both, and Nazi success in the elections grew.

Germans turned to Nazism because they were desperate. The number of Nazi seats in the Reichstag rose from 12 in 1928 to 230 in July 1932.

Power is given.

But as we know from history Hitler did not gain the power he wanted. It was his goal to become "Chancellor" but that did not happen.

In November 1932 elections were held in Germany and although the Nazis were gaining in popularity what did happen is that they failed to get a majority of seats in the Reichstag. Because of this Hitler pitched a huge fit and those in power listened.

Franz von Papen was Chancellor of Germany at that time, but he could not get enough support in the Reichstag either. So Hindenburg and von Papen were having to govern by emergency decree under Article 48 of the German Constitution. It is at that time they offered Hitler the post of vice-Chancellor if he promised to support them. Well Hitler refused, in fact he demanded to be made Chancellor. So Von Papen and Hindenburg took a risk and on the 30th of January 1933 Hindenburg made Hitler Chancellor. This was a huge mistake on the part of Hindenburg, he thought he could control Hitler, and history shows how wrong he was.

So as we can see even in the case of Adolph Hitler, the power was given.

The Power is Given

The case will be the same with the Antichrist, his power will be given to him by those who follow and support him.

It is a fact that we are living in the last days. Based on Biblical Prophecy that has come to pass, many agree that we are also living during the final generation.

Stating that and also understanding that power is given and not taken, I have to ask the following…

"Where / who are those who will follow the Antichrist today?"

Looking back at the characteristics of those who follow a charismatic leader, what group of people can we point to today that fit that description?

Many people point to the Catholic Church, but it is a known fact that the Catholic Church is losing numbers. In fact when the rapture takes place (looking at a pre-trib) there will be some Catholics who are also part of the rapture thus diminishing their numbers even more.

Many people point to the New Age followers, but even their numbers are far less than that of the Catholics.

Same goes with Freemasons, Mormons, and just about any other religion out there.

So who is left?

Islam.

Many people out there keep looking for some smoke and mirror European who will rise to power. But to gain global influence, the numbers have to be there to support the leader.

But people refuse to look at the obvious that is taking place.

"Europe has become an incubator for Islamist thought and political development. Since the early 1960s, Muslim Brotherhood members and sympathizers have moved to Europe and slowly but steadily established a wide and well-organized network of mosques, charities, and Islamic organizations. Unlike the larger Islamic community, the Muslim Brotherhood's ultimate goal may not be simply "to help Muslims be the best citizens they can be," but rather to extend Islamic law throughout Europe and the United States." (2)

Europe does not have the numbers to support that idea. The very fact that by 2025 all of Europe will be predominately Muslim is also another indicator that a western Antichrist is not feasible. England in the next several years will in fact become a Muslim nation and there is nothing that the British can do about it. The birthrate of Muslims in England far out weight that of the British nationals and they have lost the battle. England will fall to Islam and is doing so right before our eyes.

In fact we are seeing the beginnings of that taking place in the US as well.

Where / who are those who will follow the Antichrist?

Who will give him the power?

All logic points to Islam and who is their leader?

They call him the Mahdi, we call him the Antichrist.

Interesting enough is that when we read scripture, the Bible points out many ways to identify the Antichrist. These very same points are also the same points that Muslims are looking for in their leader the Mahdi.

While many people are looking for this "smoke and mirror" European, Islam is looking for their leader.

Many who seek out a European Antichrist seem to always fall back on one excuse or another and cannot point to solid facts, but instead point to what appears to be fairytales and hopes in something non-existent.

An example of that is that some point to the mysterious Illuminati. Well where are these people? Who are they and where are their numbers?

Do you see what I mean? There may be a small group of people who are elites, but they need more to truly effect change on the same level that the Antichrist will effect. Do I believe in these folks? Yes I do, but like the Catholics, New Agers and such, they do not have the willing human resources at hand in the numbers needed.

An interesting situation took place at Prophezine this weekend. We were hacked by Muslims from Turkey. We were probably hacked because we take a stand for what is right and expose Islam for what it is, a death cult from the pit of hell.

Why is it that one can stand out in the very center of town and scream at the top of their lungs the horrors of the catholic church, freemasons, Mormons, new age, ect. and not one thing happen to them except possibly strange looks from those who pass by.

But what would happen to the person who would do the same thing except speak out against Islam?

How long would that person be standing there in the middle of the town square?

Odds are not very long, and everyone knows that to be true, before some Muslim or Policeman came to stop them of their "hate speech."

In fact, with all those who are calling out catholic church, freemasons, Mormons, new age, ect, where are all those hackers bringing down the sites of those speaking out against them?

Think about it, where are those Catholic Hacker groups fighting in cyberspace against those who defame Catholicism?

What about Freemasons, Mormons, New Age, ect,?

Do you know of any?

I don’t.

Like it or not, the idea of a European AC is showing itself to be just smoke and mirrors idea and we need to pull our heads out of the sand and critically look at what scripture is clearly telling us.

In fact here is a list comparing what is taught about the Mahdi and what is known about the Antichrist.

Mahdi verses the Antichrist

• Both Deny Trinity And Cross
• Both Deny The Father And The Son
• Both Are Blasphemous
• Both Are Called Deceiver
• Both Claim To Be Messiah
• Both Kingdoms Suffer A Head Wound
• Both Work False Miracles
• Both Ride A White Horse
• Both Attempt To Change The Law
• Both Deny Women’s Rights
• Both Rule Over Ten Entities
• Both Are the Source of Death and War
• Both Use Military Force
• Both Honor Their God with Gold and Silver
• Both Honor a God of War And Advance His Glory Through War
• Both Condon Rape
• Both Usher Seven Years Peace Treaty
• Both Deceive And Destroy By Peace
• Both Break Treaties
• Both Love War for Booty
• Both Desire World Domination
• Both Lead A Turkish-Iranian Invasion
• Both Exalted As God
• Both Ascend To Heaven
• Both Are Described As Beautiful And Wise Bird
• Both Are Light Beings
• Both Are Pride Filled
• Both Are Lords of This World and the Underworld
• Both Are Called the “Son of the Dawn”
• Both Are Afflicters
• Both Are Cast Out Of Heaven
• Both Are “The Lords of Demons”
• Both Are Possessed
• Both Practice Beheading
• Both Desire Israel’s Destruction
• Both Occupy the Temple Mount
• Our Messiah is their Antichrist—Their Antichrist is our Messiah
• Both Stop the Rain
• Both Enjoy Desecrating Bodies (2)

Where is a list like this for a European Antichrist?

Only a Few Muslims Believe in the Mahdi?

Folks, we need to set the record straight, it is not just some small percentage of Islam that believes in the Mahdi. That is an idea falsely reported by a small group who have not conducted their research properly although say that they have.

To say it plainly, all of Islam is looking for the Mahdi and that is a proven fact. It is this fact that those who teach this "small percentage" idea refuse to acknowledge. Be it pride, fear, loss of support, whatever is the motive, they refuse to acknowledge this and they have made their minds up that they are correct instead of facing the provable truth.

What people need to understand is that Islam is the complete 180 degree opposite of Christianity. Their teachings are satanically inspired and basically "flip" what is taught in God's Word, the Bible. It is Satan's oldest ploy, "hath God said?"

Their hero the Mahdi in scriptures is our enemy the Antichrist.

While we await the Second Coming of Christ, they await the coming of Mahdi.

What Satan did is take God's Word and made all what is wrong… right, all what is good.. bad, and all what is true… false. We are literally seeing Isaiah 5:20 being fulfilled.

Isaiah 5:20 (KJV) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Folks, Islam has have a high degree of loyalty, commitment, and devotion to their cause and will have to their future leader the Antichrist / Mahdi.

They are the fastest growing religion in the world today and they already have surpassed in numbers that of the Catholic Church and they are gaining on Christianity.

Islam also represents a complete system including political, social, economic, legal and religious. There is no separation of church and state. This is the very system that is foretold to us in Revelation 13

Revelation 13:16-18 (KJV) And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Islam and the Antichrist / Mahdi are already of one mind and of one mission, that is to rule the world and create a global caliphate / government. All who stand against them will be offered to convert to Islam or die by the sword and beheaded.

Islam already emulates the values, goals, and behavior of the coming Antichrist / Mahdi. Just look at how Christians are already severely persecuted all over the world living within Muslim occupied lands. Even many are losing their heads just as Revelation 20:4 states…

Revelation 20:4 (KJV) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Many in Islam already see the Antichrist / Mahdi as a source of inspiration, and even derive a sense of high self-esteem from their relationship with the leader and his mission. Just look at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran, and how closely he associates himself with the Antichrist / Mahdi.

Finally Muslims will have an exceptionally high degree of trust in the Antichrist / Mahdi and the correctness of his beliefs.

Why?

Because he is one of them, he will be a Muslim coming out of Islam who will then do as all dictators do and turn on those who gave him his power to secure his standing. They then embolden themselves to the point of seeing themselves as God. But we know for a fact that the Antichrist will take it even further.

Scripture says…

2 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

We need to dig into God's Word and allow it to be our filter to what we see taking place in the world. God's Word is very clear when we look down upon the written word and then look up and out upon that horizon, what is it that we clearly see?

We have to face the facts and say that we see Islam at the doorstep and not some European with some smoke and mirror "new world order" religion. We have got to stop shoving square pegs into round holes hoping that they will fit because that is what we in the west have been taught.

We need to give ourselves permission once again to read scripture for ourselves, allowing the Holy Spirit to properly guide us to what is truly there.

It isn't the latest and greatest author on the scene that tells us what our future holds. We have got to lay these "filters" aside because it is only the pure word of God that will direct our every step.

Folks, I know this is a real mind bender because I was there myself, that is until I got to a point and put all the books aside and looked down into my Bible and then looked up and out to the horizon. It isn't the news that guides us, nor is it books, DVDs or even TV shows. The only reliable absolute truth is God's Word.

Psalms 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Endnotes

1 - CHARISMATIC LEADERSHIP: STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTING SOCIAL CHANGE

By
C. Marlene Fiol - University of Colorado - Denver
Drew Harris - Fairleigh Dickinson University
Robert House - University of Pennsylvania

http://leadership.wharton.upenn.edu/l_change/publications/House/Charismatic%20Leadership%20-%20House%20.doc.

2- They Must Be Stopped by Bridgette Gabriell

3 - God's War on Terror By Walid Shoebat

Persecution Coming To America ? You're a Post Tribber!

By Ray Gano

Yesterday I posted my latest video titled "Persecution Coming To America." If you have not had the chance to view it yet, please take the time, it is rather eye opening.

If you have not seen it, you can view the video at...
http://www.youtube.com/prophezine

In fact here is what a few people have said…

AwaitingGlory said…

Great video, Ray! It was grainy and scary enough to be right now! Because we know that is how the video would appear from a secret location if we are marginalized and isolated into persecution. Thanks for making it. May everyone pay attention to the wakeup call.

rureyeswideopen2 said …

Timely message! A sure warning for us all as Islam has infiltrated into every level of Gov. and places of power, and leadership in the USA. Persecution, if God allows is coming not a matter of if, but when! As America has turned it's back on God. We know Jesus is coming! Could be anytime, but if we go into persecution we rest assured in Jesus, our Blessed Hope, and Savior. Standing firm in Faith, and on His Words, and Promises we have stored in our hearts. TY, God bless you, and Maranatha!

But I got an interesting post from someone who just happen to open a brand new You Tube account, under the user name of "TheHotelApocalypse."

To be honest, there is nothing new regarding something like this, but what I find interesting is the post the person put up there.

Here is what TheHotelApocalypse said …

I think Ray Gano use to be pre-trib rapture timing, but with all this survival stuff he is pushing lately, I wonder if he is now pre-wrath, mid-trib, or post-trib?? He really seems like he has indirectly taken a different rapture timing path without officially coming out and saying it. What's your rapture timing position Ray??

First thing that I have to ask is what does that have to do with the context of the video I posted?

To be honest, I have been getting these sort of emails and it is a troubling attitude that I see taking place.

Just to answer this person's post, let me say right here that I stand on the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ and that it is my life's work to share the blessed hope of His soon return.

Anyone can go to our website and read in our About section what it is we stand upon…

Prophezine deals with Bible Prophecy and World Events from a Pre-tribulation, pre-millennial, dispensationalist stand point. We currently serve close to 80,000+ (and growing) people world wide with a newsletter, news updates and website.

Here is the beef I had, and why I am addressing this publicly. Preparing to share the gospel during hard times is greatly needed and greatly overlooked. We are still living in the"until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" period / age. (Luke 21:24)

The problem is that many here in the US think that God's throne is draped in the US flag. Christians in America have become very self centered and based upon what many are saying; believe that the world revolves around the US.

Now I know that many will say that is not true, but it is believed and implied by many people and prophecy teachers as well.

Hard times are coming to this nation. In fact, much of these hard times are based upon our own doing.

Let's look at some events that we are facing as a nation

Economy - The economic upheaval that we are feeling right now and which will get a whole lot worse is not some judgment from God. It is based upon the greed of a few hundred men taking advantage of millions via a fiat based economy. There are known effects of a fiat based economy with the outcome always being hyperinflation followed by charismatic dictator. This has been the case throughout history since the first fiat based system that took place in Greece 650 BC. Those who took us down that path knew this, but it is greed that drove them and continue to drive them today.

Terrorism - Terrorism is a result of poor leadership and a refusal of standing upon what is right. Why is this nation facing radical Islamic terrorism? Because to this day we still have not addressed it head on. One of our greatest presidents, Thomas Jefferson faced the Barbary pirates, the Muslim terrorists of that day head on. The Muslim pirates controlled the Mediterranean sea and surrounding areas. They basically stopped all trade taking place with Europe as a whole and America. Other countries who wished to sail freely who pay a "safety tax" to the pirates for safe passage. Thomas Jefferson saw how much America was doling out to these thugs and said no more. America’s first confrontation with the Islamic world via Thomas Jefferson's helped forge a new nation’s character. Jefferson took the battle to "the shores of Tripoli" and won, pushing back the Muslim horde and freeing the Mediterranean once again for all to sail in peace. What have we been doing here recently? Diplomatic negotiations which is viewed as weakness. We are inviting terrorism in with open arms and doing nothing about it.

Israel - We have turned our back upon the apple of God's eye. God's Word clearly states in Genesis 12…

Genesis 12:3 (KJV) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Look at how we have been forcing Israel to divide the land. Ever since the Carter administration our nation has been taking sides with the enemies of Israel. We had a respite of time during the Reagan years, but once Bush Sr was elected, we went back to making demands upon Israel.

Abortion - We kill millions of innocent babies every year.

Hedonism - sex, pornography, perversion is everywhere.

Homosexuality - is rampant to the point that now Christianity is in such decline that the church is no longer relevant in many people's eyes. If it feels good, do it, who cares about the outcome.

I can go on and on of things we have allowed to take place in this nation. What I am pointing out here is obvious cause and effect. God is a just and fair God, when we follow Him and His Word, this nation is greatly blessed. When we go against Him and His Word, we suffer the consequences of a nation living in sin.

But here is what is troubling, people think that because of all these "bad things" that are staring us in the face, they equate it to Bible Prophecy and say "God is going to rapture us outta here."

Just because this nation is facing situation of our own doing does not mean that God is going to rapture " all the good Christians" out leaving the rest of the "bad folks" behind.

I hate to say this but this mindset is skewed based upon half truths, thus not Biblically sound.

I don’t know about you, but I do not have an all seeing crystal ball telling me exactly when our Lord and Savior is going to rapture us out. Here is also a news flash, no one else does either.

Now by this time some of you are probably calling me a heretic, he is a back slider, etc etc. But let me tell you that is not the case. I am saying all these things because that is what we facing in the US.

It is a fact and no matter how deep we want to bury our heads, the storm of hardship is still coming. The question is what are you going to do about it, especially when we know that Christ Himself told us to "occupy till He returns."

What do I say? I say prepare for the hard times for the sake of the gospel. We are all watchmen and women on the wall. We all know that we are living in the last days of the last days. But none of us have that all seeing crystal ball telling us exactly when Christ will return for his church. It could be today, tomorrow or 10 years from now. We do not know. That is why Christ told us to "occupy till He returns."

Another thing that we in the US need to wake up to is that scripture does not revolve around the US, it is Israel which is the apple of God's eye. I feel very strongly that we are a "sheep" nation and in the end when Christ judges the nations, we will be with the sheep nations vs the goat nations.

Now based upon the logic of what "TheHotelApocalypse" said, anyone who sees the coming storm and is preparing for it is not Pre-Trib?

We have got to wake up and smell the coffee. Mat 28:19-20 is our great commission. In this Christ said "GO YE," that means everyone. It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the gospel when called upon.

1 Peter 3:15 tells us to ALWAYS be ready to share the hope. That means no matter our situation that we need to be ready.

Here is what I asked that person…"What are you doing knowing that this nation is going down the tubes?"

Christ told us to occupy till He returns, not sit on some mountain top with rose colored glasses.

This nation is where it is at today because so many have been sitting on the mountain top wearing rose colored glasses. We as Christians have become severely complacent, to the point of losing everything. I hate to say this but I have witnessed many first hand, who basically have given up and are allowing the enemy the high ground. Why? Because they are not occupying till He Returns.

To be blunt, people are using the rapture as an excuse to not do anything.

Why should I share the gospel when the rapture is right around the corner?

Why should I get involved with outreach at church when the rapture is right around the corner?

Why should I prepare for hard times when the rapture is right around the corner?

Why should I defend the scripture when the rapture is right around the corner?

Why should I fight against the gates of Hell when the rapture is right around the corner?

Folks, I get more and more emails expressing this complacent attitude.

The doctrine of immanency, or the belief in Jesus returning at any moment, is our motivation to charge the gates of hell. How many people do you know that do not know the gospel? But worse, what are you doing about it?

We must be ready to share the gospel no matter what. Why? Because the rapture is immanent, we are running out of time, but we cannot allow that "running out of time" steal our zeal for the Lord's work.

We cannot have our heads in the sand to the obvious any longer. No man knows the day or hour, and yet many are sitting on the sidelines doing nothing all in the name of "waiting for the rapture."

We know for a fact that hard times are coming, how effective will you be when hard times hit?

A great example is looking at Haiti. That could very well take place here. In fact I lived through the 1989 San Francisco earthquake. That to was a 7.0 earthquake. People were hurting and in need then, at that time I was not walking fully with the Lord and did not do anything to help share the gospel when the time was needed.

Imagine those who are prepared in Haiti and how effective they are in sharing the gospel and helping those in need. How many people will they effect for the Lord? Why? Because they were properly prepared, ready for situations, looking for open doors to be ready to share. Is there any question as to what that person stands on being Pre, Mid, Post, ect?

No.

We need to occupy till He returns, we need to get off the sidelines and get ready. The storm is coming and those of us who are watchmen and women on the wall can clearly see it coming.

What credibility will you have if you are standing in welfare lines because you have nothing? But specially since you knew this nation was in trouble and going down. Knowing this information what credibility will you have ?

The answer is none. Specially in a world which sees Christianity as irrelevant in their lives in the first place.

We need to set ourselves apart like Scripture calls us to do and always be ready to share the gospel in good times and in bad. We never know when that one person will approach us and we will feel that tug in our heart to share the gospel.

People are looking for something to make a difference in their lives. How different will you be when the storm of hardship finally comes?

Scripture says...

1 Corinthians 15:34 (KJV) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

To what shame will you face when you stand accountable before the Lord?

Hard times are coming and out of hard times people are open to God's Word. Are you doing nothing about it and mocking many of those of us sounding the alarm and warning the US. Or are you getting ready for that evil day and having done all, to stand (Eph 6:13)

Ephesians 6:13 (KJV) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.