“2000 years ago, a lonely man exiled on an island in the Mediterranean , wrote an ominous prediction of the future that today is showing signs of reality. He predicted that a fourth of the world's entire population would be destroyed in the Last Days, by the unleashing of deadly diseases that would have no cure.”

Is this prophecy and prediction on its way to fulfillment? In a moment, we'll talk about it…

…Some years ago when America was on the verge of landing on the moon, a young medical graduate, turned author, wrote a science fiction techno-thriller called "The Andromeda Strain " This book was later made into a movie that became a “blockbuster” hit. Michael Crichton's book, told the story of a space probe which came back to earth with soil samples from another planet. However, when the capsule landed in a remote town in the Southwest Mountains of the USA , the retrieval team found the entire town had suddenly died. 

In short, America 's space research teams had discovered a new strain and alien disease unknown before on earth, which was carried to earth by spaceship and upon crashing, was released upon mankind. Quickly, medical specialists secured and isolated the broken capsule and deadly disease, by taking it to an exotic germ containment laboratory for study. This exciting film showed in great technical detail, how this new virulent alien disease grew and quickly mutated. The story and film told us that this unknown disease, codenamed, “Andromeda Strain,” had the ability to wipe out the entire world of humanity in a matter of months, if not fully contained and quickly destroyed.

Action and thrills surrounded the ability of the disease to mutate and grow before their eyes, even eating away the rubber seals on their containment systems. Now, of course, this was science fiction, and all of us breathed easier knowing that. But really, although Crichton's work was fiction, long ago in the Bible, God's prophet the apostle John, predicted that something like this was in reality going to literally happen in future days on the earth near the End Times prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

So my friend, today I want to explore what is happening in our world, and in light of this prediction give you fair warning, the principle of "the Andromeda Strain," may well become a reality in yours and my lifetime. But let’s pause once more to listen to this moment of music, then I’ll return to share with you the biblical revelation of what will happen in the end times to the generation living when such a plague will cover the earth…

…The Book of Revelation in the Bible is God's picture of the last days before God Himself breaks into our world and takes it over for His eternal purposes. In this book of Revelation, we are told what will occur in the last seven years before Christ returns in glory to punish wicked rebels and to come and personally rule the world with His saints. We read in,

Revelation 6:7-8 (NIV) "When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8 I [John] looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth."

Here in these two verses, God reveals that one of His end time judgments against a world, that has rejected Him and His Word for the rule of their lives, will come by means of a “horseman,” which is symbolism of a conqueror. This “Pale Horse” will bring death to over one quarter of the world. In today's figures that amounts to more than a billion people! This predicts that death will come by the sword, famine, and plague and wild beasts to millions upon millions of people worldwide. Now, I'm interested in the second to last means of such coming death, which according to the apostle John, is by deadly “plague or pestilence.”

Yes friend, God foretells us that there is coming a day when wild uncontrollable microbes and disease will relentlessly kill more than a billion people! Sounds impossible? Not so, to science fiction writer Michael Crichton, in his novel the Andromeda Strain, and now not so unreasonable to thinking people in light of serious frightening and emerging facts surrounding the formation of new mutating deadly diseases plaguing the human race.

Are you aware of what's happening in the world of medicine and disease detection? Some of us have not forgotten the scare that burst upon us in the northwest early in 1993.

A killer bacteria, E Coli 0157 struck people who had eaten hamburgers at Jack-in-the-Box restaurants. This new, unknown before, food bacteria, quickly killed two small children and claimed another 500 victims who fortunately survived, not without lifetime complications.

Scientists at the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL in Atlanta , Georgia were mystified by it. Yet, after much difficulty in isolating these microbe bacteria, found it was a mutated strain that crossed from inhabiting only non-acidic foods, to products like beef, potatoes, mayonnaise and even apple cider. Once a person ate food contaminated by this deadly mutant strain of E Coli, those afflicted by this deadly bacterium, could potentially spread it to others, a big problem then and worry across the nation for Day Care centers and hospitals.

In addition to this outbreak, later that year normally healthy young people began dying in the Southwest. A deadly flu-like illness began taking the lives of children and adults of the Navajo Indian population. Before this strange new disease was isolated, more than 18 healthy people in their 20's and 30's died, and hundreds of others were seriously sickened, but survived. This disease was isolated and named the “HANTA VIRUS,” a never before seen, new mutated strain that came from Southeast Asia and was carried over in rat and mice feces. This new strain has become more potent and deadly than its predecessors.

Doing considerable research on this subject over the past years, I learned that Scientists say it's only a matter of time before more exotic germs or new strains of bacterium or viruses declare serious war on humanity. Dr. Gail Cassell, a microbiologist who advises the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL says, "This is something we can't ignore, for as a world population, we are in for danger."

Proof of this continues too, as our world witnesses more frightening new outbreaks of other deadly biological strains. In India , for instance, a brand new mutated “Cholera” [Vibrio Cholerae O139] broke out that quickly killed 5000 people and seriously infected 10,000 more. Medical sleuths isolated this new strain now called “ BENGAL CHOLERA,” which is the first serious new strain in centuries that frighteningly is impervious to all vaccines! Great fear from the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL is that this deadly cholera may spread to other nations and if it does, we are helpless to combat it. Since then it has appeared in Los Angeles , California , but was expeditiously contained by quick acting medical specialists.

Again in May of 1993 another "mystery disease" struck our world, this time in Havana Cuba . More than 10,000 Cubans had contracted a new unknown disease that causes partial loss of eyesight, sharp pain in the head, arms and legs. Fortunately no one died, but many became disabled from it. Doctors worked on discovering what it was and what the cause was. The only clue is that large amounts of Vitamin B seemed to curb some of the effects of those who contracted it, and kept some from contracting it. This mystery disease broke out again in Cuba in June of 1997 and finally was diagnosed as a viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits which was immediately isolated.

Yes, there are many more emerging diseases that worry scientists such as “Lyme Disease,” which most are familiar with today. Lyme Disease has now stricken more than 50,000 Americans since its discovery in 1976, leaving them with chronic arthritis and serious heart problems. Right now thank God, there is a vaccine available that claims to prevent the deadly effects of those who contract it.

But there's more. Now there is the new deadly bacteria called STREPTOCOCCAL BACTERIA, a virulent new strain of GROUP A STREP, best known for killing puppeteer Jim Henson, which emerged in the mid 1980's. It is a fast killing germ that mutated and migrated from Scandinavia . Yet, doctors today are still baffled by it and the number of cases and deaths are increasing because so little is known about it.

Perhaps the most frightening to date was the massive germ invasion of the city of Milwaukee , Wisconsin experienced awhile ago. It appears an intestinal parasite known as Crypto-Spiridium got into the US water supply there, where it infected more than 400,000 people! Previous to this appearance, it had only been found in developing countries in much less serious form. But now it was found right here in America . Doctors say it is most often spread through feces waste found in farm runoff water. This worries many medical experts, particularly AIDS patients and Day Care centers where feces changes of diapers are common.

Now the list could go on, but the king of the plagues that has descended upon humanity, is what we all know as AIDS. Throughout history, plagues have always reached limits and then faded away. The worst previous plague was the Black Plague of Europe in the 14^th Century, which killed more than 25 million people until it finally stopped, by itself, after a century. Amazingly, two-thirds of the infected population survived, building immunity to it. However, AIDS is a different and more deadly plague today! Why? Because it is the first 100% fatal, world epidemic in human history. No one has been known to survive once full blown AIDS surfaces.

Today, AIDS in America is mainly transmitted by homosexual, bisexual and drug using promiscuous people. Yet, in Africa , where it originated, the story is totally different. Here's why. A few years ago the CIA gave a somber report to the President. In the report it documented a warning of projected deaths from AIDS in Africa alone. The best medical advice around the world worked on this report and stated that 70% of the population of Africa , south of the Sahara could become infected with AIDS in the early 21^st century, and here we are today! This region of Sub-Saharan Africa has just over 10% of the world's population, but is now home to two-thirds of all people living with HIV.  Right now in many African tribes only grandparents and older children remain alive to care for babies, as their parents are either dead or dying of AIDS. Moreover, many African nations are no longer releasing statistics on AIDS infection. The figures are now so nightmarish, that they are considered national security. Could this be happening in America also where the true facts will be hidden for fear of national security? I hope not, but it could become a reality, and may already be. New reports surfaced these past few weeks about a new strain of “AIDS” outbreak in New York City . The New York Times reported that a new strain of HIV that is highly resistant to most antiretroviral drugs and causes a rapid onset of AIDS has appeared there. The medical community is very worried and concerned.

Well, this situation is worsening in places like Asia too. Did you know that right now, in Thailand , of their known promiscuous sexually immoral females, more than 96% of all of them are infected with AIDS, and will transmit this disease to every partner before they die.

In India , this same measurement of sexually immoral females, now shows a figure of more than 60%. In Paris , France alone, the figure is also more than 60% of promiscuous females are infected carriers of AIDS.

So, for the first time, from new emerging deadly strains of pestilence and sexually transmitted mutated diseases, we are looking at the prospect of the death of say even an entire continent such as Africa, with many nations of Asia soon to follow and perhaps quickly spreading to our continent as well.

Yes, when John the apostle predicted that God would send worldwide plagues on humanity in the Tribulation Period soon coming, where more than a billion people would die. It is not so far fetched anymore is it? For a world that thumbs its nose in the face of God and His Word for life and living, it is already experiencing plagues that are immune to man's ability to treat them.

Yes, "the Andromeda Strain," may only be a science fiction story, but now before our eyes we are beginning to see its possibility in the form of new and deadly mutating diseases that are striking down humans all across the world as our medical technology stands helplessly by.

Of course, the answer immediately is not to become a hermit or a fanatic to keep clear of people. But rather to ask yourself this, - "Am I one of those rejecters of God and His Word, that God promises to send a future plague upon?" and, "Will I become one of the death statistics of these modern day plagues."

Know for sure my friend, God has promised to send plagues down through the centuries and in the end times, especially to all people who knowing the truth of His Word, reject it, and choose to live godless wicked lifestyles called “atheistic secularism” today. Friend, we are witnessing, in our nation, this very thing as millions of young people growing up in a secular environment, now have no place for God or the Bible. Our educators, media Moguls, our publication giants - all laugh and make fun of God, His Word and followers of it. How sad, yet outrageous for the Bible God says will not be mocked!

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV) "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

Yes, the Bible warns us that we cannot walk away from our Creator, reject His Word for life, and expect Him to remain silent, for He has promised not to do so. You and I, my friend, we are accountable to God through Jesus Christ. Although Christians and non-Christians can become sick and even die of the new plagues growing around us, God still promises to save the souls and spirits of those who turn to Him before it's too late. He will, in this age of grace, grant to anyone a new life to live on for eternity in His presence.

Yes, exotic germs and new deadly strains of diseases are emerging at an unheard of rate, and one day in this fallen world, they will culminate in man's destruction - but mind you, a coming great plague will definitely be a real judgment of God, promised in the Scriptures thousands of years ago. Well, what’s the answer? There is only one. God commands all people everywhere to change their minds, heart and life and turn to Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their soul. Remember, the predictions of the last days may be, only years or even months away. So, I suggest for every one of us, to be sober and consider getting right and staying right with God.

Truly the words of the Bible take on a new meaning, in light of these happenings and possibilities we see arising in our world. And now, God's Book in the Bible called The Revelation of Jesus Christ reveals this day of the “Andromeda Strain” is really coming!

Let us all be ready to meet our God by preparing now to do so. We prepare by calling upon the worthy name of our God Jesus Christ, to literally save us and keep us from His wrath to come on the world and for Him to guide us through the rest of life until we meet Him in eternity.

Friend, the Andromeda Strain or not, many of these apocalyptic judgments are beginning to cast their shadow. The Bible warns, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Are you listening?

Prophecy is an amazing thing, for it foretells what will occur in our future days. However, let us remember God gives us prophecy so we can prepare for tomorrow by changing today. If you are not a Bible believing Christian, and by that I mean one who has openly trusted in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation and life to come, then you need to repent, that is call upon God in a personal prayer of your heart, asking Him to forgive you of your sins through the death of Jesus Christ. Then by asking the Lord Jesus to come take up residence in your soul and grant you His free gift of life eternal, God will save you for eternity. Yes, the Bible promises if anyone will do this, God will indeed save them for Himself and all time to come.

And… following a true desire, confession and commitment, God promises to begin the work of making you into a “new creature” in Christ; But, best of all, by saving you from the coming Plagues of Death that will surely destroy a rebellious world during the Tribulation Period. Thank God I'm saved and I know it! I am waiting for the coming of the Lord to take me home away from these predicted judgments of God's wrath to come. I hope and pray that you are with me. Amen!

In the fiction work called “The Andromeda Strain,” scientific evidence suggests that it's not only possible but quite likely that new and strange organisms await us in space. Of course this is theoretical, for there has been no sign of life anywhere outside of the earth in our universe. However, the concept that new and strange organisms are growing right here on the earth, and present dangerous and deadly microbes that can seriously harm and kill millions of people in a short period of time, is now real and documented. Yet thousands of years ago John the apostle predicted such things to occur near the end times of our world as we know it. Are you ready for it? Have you taken Jesus Christ as your personal Savior from your sin and crowned Him the Lord God of your life? Unless you do, you may well become a victim of these plagues and dies a painful and horrible death, and following that end up in a place called Hell. You can change that in an instant, by calling upon Jesus Christ to save you now and for eternity. May God so bless all who listen.