[GP Tract]

As the twentieth century draws to a close, there is much speculation about what the new millennium will bring. Some people are convinced that the year 2000 will usher in cataclysmic change. Others say that things will only get better. But most are too caught up in their day-to-day affairs to give the new millennium more than a passing thought. What about you?

Do you think there is any truth to what the modern-day prophets of doom say? Is the world really teetering on the brink? Could a comet or meteor collide with Earth and obliterate all life on the planet? Are invaders from outer space coming to conquer and take command? Or will mankind simply destroy itself?

While Earth-shattering meteors and invading alien armies can be brushed aside as the stuff of Hollywood movies, many of the events reported on the evening news are cause for genuine concern—countries on the verge of economic collapse, kids killing kids, "breakthroughs" in cloning and genetic engineering, new killer diseases with no known cures‚ widespread destruction and loss of life and livelihood caused by radically changing weather patterns, rises in domestic and international terrorism, "ethnic cleansing," and war after war—to name a few.

And where is technology headed? Will the microchip solve the world's problems and give everyone more time to enjoy life, or is it preparing the way for an all-seeing, all-knowing Big Brother state? And while the Internet promises to make life easier by connecting you with millions of people the world over, could it be the undoing of your family and privacy?

Could all of these and other current events be fulfillments of biblical prophecies about the "Endtime"—the last days of man's rule on Earth?

Take, for example, the modern forms of transportation that have made world travelers of hundreds of millions of people, and the staggering scientific and technological advances of the twentieth century. Could those be what the biblical prophet Daniel was describing when he said that "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase" in the Time of the End? (See Daniel 12:4.)

Are the devastating effects of global warming, El Niño, and La Niña‚ only the beginning of the famines, droughts, and earthquakes foretold in Matthew chapter 24? And what about the emergence of new deadly, drug-resistant viruses? Could they be the "pestilences" spoken of in the same passage?

Are the breakdown of the family unit and values, the increase in violent crime, ethnic cleansing, the threat of biological or nuclear warfare‚ and other attacks on social order, all fulfillments of the prediction that in the Last Days the "love of many will grow cold"? (See Matthew 24:12.)

Has materialism become the world's most-practiced "religion," and is that part of the "falling away" from the true God? (See 2 Thessalonians 2:3.)

Does the deepening of the global financial crisis and the need for leadership to successfully manage the world's increasingly interconnected economies point the way to the outcome foretold over 2000 years ago?—That a one-world government will arise, led by a powerful dictator who will appear to solve many of the world's most pressing problems?

What will the new millennium bring? Is the world standing on the threshold of a bright new future‚ or is it the eve of its darkest night?

If you wonder about these things‚ I've got the answers for you! These and many other things that you see in the daily news are all signs of the times and precursors of even more earth-shaking things to come.

Yes, the new millennium will usher in monumental change for the world, but the good news is this: You don't have to fear what the future holds. There are trying times ahead, but these signs also mean that the new beginning that will follow is all the closer!

In the meantime, if you want to know how you can cope with all this, look to Me—Jesus. I will let you in on some amazing news before it happens.

Is Armageddon coming? Yes, but it won't happen just yet. Some major events need to take place before that day, but as rapidly as technological wizardry is advancing, their times will come quickly.

So My advice to you is to prepare now for what's ahead, and the best way to do that is by getting better acquainted with Me. I am able to fill your heart with true love and peace‚ to keep you through any trouble, and to give you a better life—now and forever! If you put your faith and trust in Me and live close to Me, you need never fear. I will give you the guidance and instruction you will need to make it through the coming showdown between the forces of good and evil.

I am the force of good, and this is what I have to offer you: true and lasting love, peace, assurance, and heavenly guidance. All I ask is that you receive Me‚ by inviting Me into your heart and life. Simply say a prayer like the following:

"Yes, Jesus, I want what You have to offer. I want to know more about what the future holds. I want to have the love and peace and assurance You talk about. Please forgive me for the unloving things I've done, come into my heart, and fill me with Your love and truth and peace right now. Teach me how to communicate with You‚ so I can receive Your guidance, instruction, and protection in the days ahead."

If you prayed that little prayer, then you don't have to worry or fear what the new millennium will bring. I protect My children. I will protect you no matter how dark it gets‚ and keep you through whatever crisis may surround you.

In My book, the Bible, I've already described some of the things you can expect. As you become familiar with My Word, you will not only learn more about the future, but your faith will grow and you will learn to better communicate with Me. That link with Me will be the best preparation you can make for the future, because through it l will bring peace and comfort to your heart, and guide you in the days ahead.

As you listen to Me, I will speak to your heart and put thoughts in your mind. Take time to tune in to Me, and I will be by your side and instruct you. This is My promise to you: If you receive the love and truth I offer, I will never leave you. I will always be there for you and see you through anything. You can count on Me!

With love,

Jesus

For more information about the future, what it means for you, and how to prepare for it, please write or e-mail us:

WEB:

www.thefamily.org

e-mail: family@thefamily.org