Why then are the defenders of public religion so determined to undermine prayer in Jesus name? The Bible warned us of this day when the Antichrist, a false Christ, even a hater of the Biblical Jesus, would make his appearance in a stealthy fashion, hidden from physical sight in the form of many religions. It is very evident that the small brain approach of championing all religions but denying Biblical religion is cheap and childish. One would think that an educated journalist could see through this cheap scheme. Again, that is Satan’s great plan. Satan uses the non-religious religionist to argue his devilish plan to make religion a smorgasboard of religions. The process is easily understood by genuine followers of Christ as the work of Antichrist.

Understanding the coming of Antichrist is strategic for this time in history. His design is to stay beneath the radar of Christian activities. To be visible is to alert his enemies and to actually aid the Bible believers in warning the world of the timeline to where we have progressed. Promoting beautiful religious activities, as he did with the sanitized testimonies of children, makes this Jesus-hater look benign and even religious. Remember, right beside Mr. Garfield’s attack of Jesus was his display of the children’s testimonies. It was one of the cheapest use of children that I have ever witnessed. Every parent should be furious unless, of course, they buy his use of children to attack those of us who thoroughly love the Lord Jesus and trust Him explicitly for our salvation.

The Antichrist must have a religious unity stripped of all narrow-minded zealots. Biblical prophecy cannot progress to the one-world system unless religion stands on an equal footing between the political and the economic world. The political unity of worldwide proportions must have a common partner in religion. The death and funeral of Pope John Paul II was the greatest moment of history in unity between the political and religious world. The constant attack upon George W. Bush is more religious than political. The very idea that he would say the name of Jesus in public is sheer terror to the Christ-haters. America has emerged as the last holdout to a one-world court system, one- world police system, and even a one-world army.

Equating the Muslim fundamentalists with Bible believing Christians has become common fare. This is the most unfair attack against the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and dedicated Christians, of all our attackers. Genuine Christians have never been guilty of seeking to enforce faith by force. Bible believers have always desired to practice their faith in private and public without restrictions, and then let men choose from their own hearts. Our faith is so real and so life-enhancing that our enemies have always desired to drive us into hiding. Nothing shows the value of a realistic faith in Jesus Christ better than the fear of those who reject our faith. They have never fought us with an even hand. As we approach the end of the church age, this battle is destined to accelerate. But the Bible believers will win and that very fact drives the Antichrist insane with anger.

The entire future of Bible prophecy is intimately connected to the name of Jesus Christ. To remove or reduce His name is not just foolish and childish, it is eternal suicide and it cannot be successful. The Book of Revelation is a prophetic picture of the end times and it is entitled, “The Revelation (Unveiling) of Jesus Christ.” The hatred of Jesus’ name is closely connected to the hatred of this final book of the Bible. Hundreds of Bible prophecies are being fulfilled as I write. Every event in the Middle East is in absolute harmony with every word that the Bible or Jesus Christ has recorded. Israel, Iraq, the European Common Market, the hatred of the Jews, and the attack on Jesus’ name all fit a Biblical pattern. The Antichrist activities have never been more visible to those that take the Bible literally.

Those of us who spice our spiritual life with the name of Jesus have no desire to force anyone to use His name or believe in His name. We are the most devoted defenders of Israel. Our interest in the Muslim world is genuine, and we pray earnestly for their freedoms. Religious liberty for the entire human race is a passion of our heart. An overly proportionate number of the armed Americans fighting and dying to liberate Iraqis are believers in Jesus Christ, and they bow in their trenches to call on God in Christ’s name. Since their salaries are paid by tax dollars, must we force them to cease praying in Jesus name?

The campaign of Ken Garfield is ill-timed, foolish and destined to defeat. His colors are all too visible, and The Charlotte Observer would be wise to send him on an unending sabbatical. We have always been friends and will continue, but his attack on the name of Jesus is clearly outside the realm of his expertise. I cannot help but consider where I as a hopeless sinner would have ended if Christ’s Gospel and grace had not rescued me. Thank God, my Father, for His Son.

Joseph R. Chambers