In John’s vision that we will look at in today’s sermon, he saw an incredible sight. He wrote, “…I saw a beast coming out of the sea…” (Revelation 13:1b, NIV). This ‘beast’ seems to represent the development of a global government under the control of the Antichrist during the final 3 ½ years of ‘The Tribulation Period’ who receives his power, his authority, and his opportunity to rule from ‘the dragon’ who is Satan. John wrote, “…The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.” (Revelation 13:2b, NIV). The terms ‘power’ [strength—likely military strength], ‘throne’ [indicating governmental control concentrated in one individual], and ‘great authority’ [legal authority to rule] are all terms necessary for the development of a government—in this case a global government. Therefore, I interpret this vision as the development of a global government ruled by the Antichrist during the final 3 ½ years of ‘The Tribulation Period.’