Signs of the times

The current standoff between the Palestinians and the Israelis is making top headlines and it's also likely to be a topic addressed from the pulpit during a crusade coming to Cape Girardeau Monday.

The five-night Hope for America crusade begins at 7 p.m. Monday with nationally-known preachers and biblical prophecy experts.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell will speak Monday. Tuesday's speaker will be Dr. Ed Hindson, dean of the Tim LaHaye School of Prophecy at Liberty University, a Christian college founded by Falwell.

Author Tim LaHaye will speak Wednesday and Thursday. He is co-author of the popular "Left Behind" book series about the second coming of Christ.

John Hagee, author and pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, will speak Friday.

Most of the men are known for their understanding of prophecy, Revelation and the end times. But what do world events have to do with preaching?

These men believe that current events are signals to the end times foretold in Revelation, the last book of the Bible.

LaHaye said that people need to look at the events happening in the world and make a decision about their salvation.

"There are 1,000 prophecies in the Bible so you'd think God must have intended us to study Bible prophecy, and the fact that half of those have already been fulfilled gives us confidence that the other half also will be fulfilled," he said.

LaHaye will be speaking about his latest book, "Merciful God of Prophecy," to be released in August. He was reviewing a final draft of the text on Thursday just prior to speaking with the Southeast Missourian.

"It's a very stirring work," he said. "It reveals that the God of prophecy is not an angry taskmaster, but is merciful."

People often believe God is only angry, but LaHaye said that Revelation, the book of prophecy in the Bible, actually shows his acts of mercy.

During the time of tribulation, a period of seven years, people will be forced to choose between Christ and the antichrist, LaHaye said. "There will be a battle between Satan and God for the souls of man."

That time could be one of the most important in history, he said.

There are plenty of signs today that point to the end of time and second coming of Christ, LaHaye said.

While no one knows with certainty when the time will be, "many could see the end of the world," he said.

People faced the reality of the world's evil and danger after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. And the events of the world are causing people to search out God. "It's part of his plan and is an expression of his grace," LaHaye said.

And each speaker wants people who attend the crusade to know about grace, forgiveness and Christ's love.

Falwell said the crusade is really a catalyst for area churches seeking to make a Christian impact. "There is a hunger for God and bringing people to salvation," he said. "But it's the local churches that are the only hope."

While the speakers are different each night, the crusade will focus on having right relationships and knowing Christ, organizers said.

"I suspect it will be a lot of emphasis on what's happening in the Middle East but it will be about the Gospel message," Falwell said.

And while the organizers are members of Baptist churches, the crusade isn't limited to any particular denomination. About 40 churches from New Madrid, Mo., to Southern Illinois have pledged their support to the week-long event.

Some churches have agreed to cancel mid-week services so that they can support the crusade. Mike Woelk, pastor of Livingway Foursquare Church, said his congregation has been encouraged to attend the services each night, but most importantly to pray.

It's important for churches to support the work of their peers in the community. "It's important for us to agree in spirit, and be supportive of things biblical," Woelk said.

The Rev. David Griesemer, the main organizer for the crusade, said many churches are collecting special offerings on Sunday for the crusade to show their support.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126