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All human societies, including our own, tell stories of how the world began. Such stories are almost infinitely varied in detail, but they tend to include some basic themes.

What prompts cult leaders to go completely over the edge, like Applewhite? Power. It corrupts them. They break down and become psychotic. We saw it down in Waco, Texas with the Branch Davidians, and we saw it down in Guyana with Jim Jones' Peoples' Temple. Then they go one of two ways: They build up an arsenal of weapons to prepare for the apocalypse, or they go the passive way. And that's what probably happened to Applewhite. His whole world was breaking down, and he induced his followers to go along with him. He used the old cry of "Let's do it before it happens." Every suicide that I've ever treated wants to take matters into their own hands. It's their last power. And they all believe that there is another world. These people (Heaven's Gate members) packed suitcases before they committed suicide.

The many "false prophets" that will deceive many, in v.5; it corresponds to the 1st seal, the "white horse" (Rev.6:2). The False Prophets are also mentioned in v.11, and in v.24, during the Great Tribulation

"World Christian has put together this booklet that will help you pray each day, at the same time Muslims are praying," said Yoder. "The twist is this: we're encouraging Christians to pray that many of these Muslims will turn to Christ."