Pastor Terry McCombs presents a sermon examining history, governments, and biblical prophecy from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective.
Christ as Creator and Sustainer
Using Colossians 1:15–17, the sermon explains that Christ created and sustains all things, including:
- The heavens and earth
- Thrones and dominions
- Rulers and authorities
The speaker describes the immense scale and movement of the universe, contrasting it with Earth’s smallness. A photograph of Earth appearing as a tiny blue dot near Saturn is used to illustrate humanity’s limited perspective compared with God’s view.
God’s Control Over History
Drawing from Daniel 2:20–23, the sermon states that God:
- Removes and establishes kings.
- Knows the future.
- Reveals hidden things.
- Directs the course of world history.
The sermon also refers to Ezekiel 21:25–27, interpreting the passage as a prediction that Israel’s royal authority would eventually be removed and that ultimate authority would belong to Christ.
Discussion of Historical Governments
The speaker reviews several historical systems and nations, including ancient Israel, the Roman Catholic Church, France, the United States, communism, and Islam.
Ancient Israel
Ancient Israel is presented as an example of a government intended to operate under God’s law. The sermon highlights:
- God as Israel’s ultimate King.
- Equality under the law.
- Protection of family land ownership.
- Provision for the poor through gleaning.
- Cities of refuge.
- Citizens’ responsibility to understand and uphold the law.
- A militia system rather than a permanent standing army.
The speaker contrasts this model with the monarchies and authoritarian systems surrounding Israel.
The United States
The United States is described as historically unique because of its founding principles, including:
- Separation of church and state.
- Freedom of religion.
- Freedom of speech and assembly.
- The right to bear arms.
- Protection of life, liberty, and property.
- Government based on the consent of the governed.
The sermon connects these principles with biblical ideas such as the Ten Commandments and argues that churches have an important role in teaching citizens moral responsibility.
The French Revolution and Revolutionary Ideologies
The French Revolution is presented as a major historical turning point associated with atheism, social upheaval, and opposition to religious authority. The speaker connects revolutionary principles to later communist and socialist movements and suggests that secret societies played a significant role in spreading these ideas.
Prophecy and Revelation 13
A major part of the sermon interprets Revelation 13 through a historicist, Adventist framework.
The First Beast
The first beast rising from the sea is identified with the papacy. The sermon connects it with:
- The composite beasts of Daniel 7.
- A period of 1,260 years of religious-political dominance.
- The “deadly wound” received in 1798 when the pope was taken captive by French forces.
- The later healing of that wound through the restoration of papal political influence.
The Second Beast
The second beast rising from the earth is interpreted as the United States. The speaker argues that Revelation 13 predicts that this power will eventually:
- Exercise authority on behalf of the first beast.
- Encourage the world to worship the first beast.
- Perform signs and miracles.
- Create an “image” to the first beast.
- Enforce religious allegiance through economic restrictions.
- Promote a mark associated with the beast.
The sermon connects these prophecies with future global religious and political cooperation, including the United Nations and interfaith initiatives. These claims are presented as prophetic interpretations rather than as established historical facts.
Central Spiritual Appeal
The speaker repeatedly emphasizes that Christ’s kingdom is not an earthly political kingdom. Referring to John 18:36, the sermon states:
“My kingdom is not of this world.”
The congregation is encouraged to:
- Avoid placing ultimate hope in political systems.
- Keep their focus on Jesus.
- Recognize Christ as the true King of kings and Lord of lords.
- Allow Christ to rule in their hearts.
- Look forward to God’s eternal kingdom rather than expecting a perfect earthly government.
Closing
The service concludes with the hymn “To Every Man” and a prayer asking Christ to reign in the hearts of believers. The congregation then sings “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing” before the video ends.
