Gingrich "converted to Catholicism a year ago, mostly through his wife's witness and an encounter with Benedict XVI." Zenit
Excerpts from a powerful, very insightful sermon by Pastor Hal Mayer of Keep the Faith ministry:
The kings of the earth have committed fornication with Rome. The rulers of this world seek Rome’s counsel. They are also influenced by Rome in making their decisions. Rome in many ways has developed very powerful influence. This power is reflected in many different ways.
For instance in 1989, Germany was reunited and the Berlin wall separating east and west was no more. This was engineered by John Paul II working together with Ronald Reagan and other world leaders, and was reported in Time magazine as a clandestine campaign which was one of the “greatest secret alliances of all time.” In other words, they were in a conspiracy against communism, and amazingly without knowing it, they were fulfilling prophecy. Rome could never recover old Europe and thereby resurrect the Holy Roman Empire without the dissolution of Eastern European communism, particularly that which controlled Central and Eastern Europe. It was one of Rome’s key political achievements under John Paul II which then paved the way for the European Union to be melded together, which is now a federated block of nations with an overriding supranational constitution and government. This is essentially the way Europe was in the middle ages when Rome controlled it. There are new people. There are new documents, and new agencies, but the principles are the same. And Rome is working very hard to rebuild the ancient relationships that will put her on the throne of Europe. Even the European Union President is a Jesuit trained Roman Catholic.
What happened between John Paul and Ronald Reagan was an alliance, a cooperative effort. Rome had a lot of power in Poland because more than 90% of its people are Roman Catholic. John Paul II was also a Pole. This made it very difficult for the polish communist government to overrule him. In fact, they were utterly unsuccessful.
But that was 1989. Since then the popularity of Rome in America has dramatically increased. Americans are awed by Rome. This gives Rome tremendous influence and power. Now Rome has expanded her political efforts and is determined to influence the nation’s laws whenever possible. Once Rome has power to dictate the laws she wants, she will influence lawmakers to enact her ultimate geopolitical objective, Sunday laws.
Bertone was speaking at a conference marking the 80th anniversary of the Lateran Treaty of 1929 which established the current Vatican as an independent city state and recognized its sovereignty. This was also the beginning of the healing of the deadly wound mentioned in Revelation 13:3.
“Cardinal Bertone noted in a special way the funeral of John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI, ‘which brought to Rome the top political authorities of the world and massive crowds.’”
The pontificate of John Paul II, the second longest in history, and perhaps the most influential in recent times from a global perspective, elevated the popularity of the papacy to unprecedented levels which greatly enhanced its political influence and power.
The Bible also identifies the papacy as great, particularly in regard to her arrogance and sins and her blasphemy against God, all in the name of God, and of Christ.
That greatness is reflected in so many aspects of Rome’s relationships with nation states too. Leaders of most nations, when in Europe on official business stop in Rome for an audience with the Pope. And Rome knows that this gives her political power on a global scale. But perhaps for Rome, there is no greater prize than to manipulate the United States, which was originally founded on Protestant principles. Rome has been patiently working to strengthen her power in the United States so that she would be able to influence its laws and policies. That day has now come.
Listen to this powerful statement from the book Great Controversy, page 581. “God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men.” Perhaps we could say that Rome has silently grown into power! This prophecy has been largely fulfilled. But it has more to go. Rome has not yet influenced the United States to pass a Sunday law. But note also that her doctrines are gaining acceptance and influence in legislative halls too.
“She [meaning Rome] is piling up her lofty and massive structures in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectingly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution.” GC 581.
When Rome gains popularity and influence she gains political strength. Then she pressures lawmakers to make laws that suit her. Note that there will come a time for her to strike. I wonder why the author used this term “strike.” It reminds us of a snake coiled up and ready to strike the innocent little mouse that is minding his own business doing what God made him to do.
The passage I read says that “Rome is strengthening her forces.” This is talking about her influence, and particularly in democratic Western countries, it is talking about votes. She is doing this in many ways. For instance, she does this through Catholic immigration into Western Europe, the USA and other Western nations. She also has her bishops conferences close to the centers of power in Western nations. In the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is in Washington DC, not far from the White House and Congress. Needless to say, the bishops designed it that way so that they can influence these individuals and legislative bodies and the votes they cast for legislative actions. She also promotes causes that advocate for the poor, which, while a good thing in itself, Rome uses to strengthen her own power and influence with the people. This translates into votes for and against those individuals or laws that Rome endorses or does not endorse. Her Jesuit institutions influence generation after generation of congressmen and congresswomen and other political leaders who are trained in them. This list of her “forces” could go on and on. Keep the Faith
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