Jesus gave us signs of what the Antichrist would be like. He told us what to look for. In 2nd Thessalonians 2:4 it states, "He opposes and exalts himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, and even sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." We know from Revelation chapter 17 that the false church will sit on the beast (Antichrist) in Rome. This means that the Antichrist will come from Rome which is in Italy. Daniel saw all the kingdoms from his time all the way to the last kingdom which he says will be the reborn Roman Empire. The European Union is that reborn Roman Empire and Italy has been a major player in the EU since it started. One of the major signs of the end times is the rebirth of the Roman Empire, so watching the signs concerning the political climate within the EU should be taken with special interest. The is one man you should pay special attention to, and that is Silvio Berlusconi. Berlusconi is the former Prime Minister of Italy. He is one of the most powerful men in all of Europe and he is one of the richest men in the world. In a few day Italy will elect a new Prime minister. As it stands right now, officials are saying Berlusconi will win. Why is this so important? Remember Jesus said when this man comes he would exalt himself? Let me give you some quotes Berlusconi has stated about himself. You can click to the links below and read them for yourselves later. Here they are. 1."I am the Jesus Christ of Politics. I am a patient victim, I put up with everyone, I sacrifice myself for everyone" . 2. There is no-one on the world stage who can compete with me." 3. In the Guardian report Jan. 18, 2004 they reported that Berlusconi calls himself 'monarchist' which means (he being the king). Now let me ask you a question, does this sound just like Jesus warned us about the personality of the Antichrist? You bet it does, but there is more. A Writer for the Guardian news profiles Berlusconi like this, "Silvio Berlusconi, a Roman emperor for the 21st century" Jesus told us Rome would return and there would be one last emperor over all of the reborn Roman Empire. In 2009 the European Union will elect that emperor. Some think the first to take the position will be Tony Blair, but time will tell. All I know is a man from Rome will end up in this position just as Jesus stated he would. So far when you compare scripture and the signs of the Antichrist's personality with Berlusconi they all run parallel. Berlusconi already says he is the king! If you see Berlusconi elected as Italy's new President on the 14th of April, this is what to watch for. Watch and see If he reenters the Middle East peace talks. We know from Daniel chapter 9 that the Antichrist will confirm a covinant (peace and safety, or peace agreement) for Israel and the Arabs. If Berlusconi is the man who confirms that agreement with many, then you will know he is the man Jesus warned about. If you are not saved by the blood of Jesus Christ yet , and If I were you, I would keep your eyes on this man. If he turns out to fulfill scripture you will be forced to deal with this man at some point in the future. The Christians who have already taken Christ as their Savior should be looking for Christ. It is my belief that Jesus will remove every Christian from this earth either just before the 7 year begins or right after it begins. Let me give you these words spoken by Jesus about this issue. Jesus said, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36) What was Jesus talking about here? He was referring to the end times and the tribulation period, a time that all hell will break out on this planet. Why would Jesus tell you to pray to escape ALL THESE THINGS unless that is exactly what he meant. Jesus didn't say pray that you escape some of these things. Why would Jesus tell you to pray for something that wasn't going to happen. If Jesus knew that you had to go through the tribulation it would have been a waste of His time to even say you will escape ALL THESE THINGS. Fact is, we must stand on his promise. He showed us the way out. First we are to do what" He said, WATCH. Watch what? For all the signs of the end times. If you are following Christ you must be watching these signs. If you don't listen to the wisdom of the Lord you will end up like the religious leaders in Christ's day who didn't even recognize the Messiah, and He was standing right before their eyes. I for one am praying I am accounted worthy to escape all these things and will stand before the Lord when He comes for me. You will never find a case in the bible where God's judgment was passed until He removed all the righteous first. As a matte of fact Jesus even said it was going to be this way in the end times. Read the words of Christ in Matthew 24:37-39, "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so hall also the coming of the Son of man be." Christ is coming soon to removed His people first, then when they are safe in the chambers of heaven, the 7 years of tribulation will commence. I encourage anyone not ready for the Lord's second coming to get ready now while you still have time to do so. Every word Jesus spoke is coming to pass now and you are running out of time to take part of God's grace. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, will you open it up to Him? Your Father is waiting for your answer.