By Mathew Victor
DURING his college days, Robert Simon almost became a rationalist. As a child, he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Yet, as a youth he found comfort in rationalistic beliefs. ‘That attitude helped me not become an atheist,” he quipped. “A true rationalist is a true Christian. Hallelujah!” A postgraduate in English Literature, Simon had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that led to his salvation experience in 1972 when he was barely 23. Soon, he was baptized and took to preaching the good news. “My first sermon was in a moving train,” he told The Christian Messenger in an interview. Pastor Robert Simon is the founder of Carmel Ministries and is known for his teachings on the book of Revelations. “The central theme of all my ministries is this: ‘You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free’,” he said. Excerpts:
How did you get interested in the book of Revelations?
I come from the CSI background and was saved in 1972. From then on, I have heard several preachers’ sermons on the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. That spurred me to study the books on apocalypse and eschatology more intensely. A year later, I started preaching in conventions. In 1974, Bro. Simon Stanly, an evangelist, showed me how Biblical prophecies had become part and parcel of history over the years. He told me in particular about the re-gathering of the Jews and how various Biblical prophecies were being fulfilled. This provided me the impetus to study prophecies in detail. One such prediction was related to the coming together of NATO countries and the Warsaw pact. In those days, it was unimaginable. Similarly, the unification of the East and West Germany, the disintegration of the USSR were also part of my preaching in those days even before those prophecies could hit history’s newsstands. When I saw these predictions come true quite literally, I began a serious study of the Book of Daniel in the Bible. The question that weighted Nebuchadnezzar was heavy in my mind too – ‘What shall be hereafter?’ Based on these studies, I prepared a series of sermons titled ‘What is tomorrow?’ That gave me a real impetus to dwell more into history and Bible studies.
What are some of your future predictions?
In the coming days, the cry for one global leader will increase. The lobbying for one religion that will purportedly usher world peace will become stronger. Three power blocs namely the eastern power bloc, the northern power bloc and the southwest power bloc will emerge clearly. The United States of America will continue to become weaker as a world power while the European Union will emerge as a new power centre. Involvement of Europe in the middle-east crisis between Israel and Palestine will be more strident. Total failure of democracy and an urgent need to cobble up a new form of government will be noticed. There will also be a proposal to divide Jerusalem.
What are the qualities one needs to have to be raptured?
The qualities of the Philadelphia Church will be the criteria for rapture. For the church, Christ is more than savior, redeemer and lover. Jesus Christ is the Holy One and He is the Truth. In Isaiah we read the righteous people will keep the truth. Holiness and truth are very important in every believer’s life. We should keep the Truth and the Truth shall set us free. So, keep the Truth.
Pastor Robert Simon can be reached by phone: 91-44-26622198 and email: pastorrobertsimon [at] gmail [dot] com
The full length interview is only available in the print edition.
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