What in the World Is Going On?

1. Current World Events Are Prophetic Signs You Cannot Ignore

Are we seeing signs today that should warn us of anything?

Discerning the times. Just as we observe weather patterns to predict storms, current global events serve as crucial indicators of approaching prophetic fulfillment. Unprecedented chaos, food shortages, rising fuel prices, natural disasters, and political realignments are not random occurrences but part of a larger divine narrative. The Bible, with its astounding record of fulfilled prophecy, is the reliable source for understanding the meaning behind these unsettling headlines.

Bible's predictive power. The Bible contains numerous prophecies, many of which have already been fulfilled with pinpoint accuracy, particularly concerning Christ's first coming. The sheer volume of prophecies related to His second coming (three times as many as the first) underscores its certainty. Trusting the Bible's past accuracy allows us to trust its predictions about the future, providing a framework for interpreting today's world.

Awareness, not fear. The purpose of understanding these signs is not to instill fear but to promote awareness and preparedness. Recognizing the prophetic significance of current events helps us piece together the puzzle of what is happening in the world. This knowledge should lead to peace for believers, knowing that God is in control and working according to His plan, even amidst global turmoil.

2. Israel's Rebirth is God's Timepiece for the Last Days

I believe that if you do not know how to read the Bible, you cannot understand the daily newspaper.

Miracle of 1948. The establishment of the modern state of Israel on May 14, 1948, was a pivotal moment, fulfilling ancient prophecies like Isaiah 66:8 ("Shall a nation be born at once?"). After nearly two thousand years of dispersion and suffering, the Jewish people, against all historical precedent for a decimated ancient people, were regathered to their homeland. This event is a clear signpost indicating where we are on history's timeline.

Abrahamic Covenant. God made unconditional promises to Abraham and his descendants, the Jews, including blessings, nationhood, being a blessing to the world, and possession of a specific land.

• Blessings: Jews have disproportionately contributed to the world (e.g., Nobel Prizes).
• Nationhood: Millions of Jews live in Israel and worldwide.
• Blessing to world: The Bible, Jesus, and Christianity came through the Jews.
• Land: God promised Canaan as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:7-8).

Divine faithfulness. God has faithfully kept His promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her, evident throughout history in the fate of nations like Egypt, Babylon, Rome, and more recently, Spain and Germany. America's historical support for Israel is linked to its own blessings. The return of the Jews to Israel, though currently secular, is the first stage of a prophesied regathering that sets the stage for final prophetic events, making Israel God's "timepiece of the ages."

3. Oil's Geopolitical Power Centers End-Time Prophecy in the Middle East

Oil is the new gold in the world economy, and more than any factor other than the nation of Israel, oil holds the key to the prophetic events of the future.

Global dependency. The world's insatiable thirst for oil, exceeding 86 million barrels per day and rising, has made it the lifeblood of the global economy. With the majority of known conventional oil reserves concentrated in the Middle East (about 60%), this region has become the undisputed geopolitical center of the world. This explains why biblical end-time prophecy focuses heavily on this area.

Middle East dominance. The top five countries with the largest oil reserves are Arab nations (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE), controlling vast wealth and influence.

• These nations have nationalized oil facilities developed by Western companies.
• Historically, oil trade in US dollars stabilized the dollar, but shifts (like Iran trading in euros) threaten this.
• Nations like Venezuela, hostile to the US, also hold significant reserves and align with Middle Eastern powers.

Prophetic implications. The concentration of oil wealth and control in nations often hostile to Israel and the West aligns with biblical predictions of future conflicts centered in the Middle East. The wealth generated from oil is seen by some Muslim strategists as divinely provided to finance a final victory over Christianized Euro-American civilization. This economic power fuels the tensions and alliances described in prophecy, setting the stage for future battles.

4. Modern Europe is the Stage for the Revived Roman Empire

Gradually yet steadily, the nations of Europe have come together, creating a modern replica of the ancient Roman Empire.

Daniel's vision. The prophet Daniel's vision of a great image (Daniel 2) and four beasts (Daniel 7) foretold a succession of Gentile world empires that would rule over Israel: Babylon (gold head), Medo-Persia (silver chest/arms), Greece (bronze belly/thighs), and Rome (iron legs). History confirms this progression.

The divided empire. Daniel's prophecy continues with the feet and toes of the image, a mixture of iron and clay, representing a future, divided form of the Roman Empire. The fourth beast in Daniel 7 also has ten horns, interpreted as ten kings or leaders arising from this kingdom. Since the historical Roman Empire did not end suddenly or have a ten-leader configuration, this final stage is yet to come.

European unification. The modern European Union, starting with small steps like the Benelux Conference and the Treaty of Rome, has steadily grown to 27 nations, encompassing the territory of the ancient Roman Empire.

• Key milestones include the European Economic Community (EEC), the Single European Act, the introduction of the euro, and expansion to 27 members.
• The EU is consolidating power, proposing a reduced council membership and a full-time president, signaling a move towards centralized authority.

Setting the stage. The EU's increasing unity and power, despite its internal diversity (iron mixed with clay), align with the prophesied revival of the Roman Empire. This emerging coalition is a conditional prelude to the rise of the Antichrist and the signing of a treaty with Israel, fulfilling Daniel's predictions and indicating the proximity of end-time events.

5. Islamic Radicalism is a Key Force Driving End-Time Conflict

What I want to say next is not easy for me to say but I think I must say it anyway. One of the nicest things about the American people is that you are generous and friendly people, and because of this you are sometimes naïve and overly trusting.

Contradictory nature. Islam presents a puzzling dichotomy: some leaders claim it is a religion of peace, while radical factions openly advocate violence and conquest. This stems partly from the concept of jihad, meaning "struggle," which radicals interpret as violent defense and expansion of Islam. Historical jihads spread Islam through conquest, and this zeal persists today among militants.

Radical goals. Radical Islam aims for global political and religious dominance.

• Fatah (infiltration): Moving into foreign lands in large numbers, building mosques, changing culture from within, and refusing assimilation. This is seen in the "Islamification" of Europe, where Muslim populations are growing rapidly and demanding accommodation or asserting dominance in public spaces.
• Jihad (violent struggle): Openly advocating attacks on the West and Israel, training youth in extremist schools (madrasas), and promoting hatred for non-Muslims.
• Return of Messiah: Some leaders, like Iran's Ahmadinejad, believe creating global chaos will hasten the return of their messianic figure (Mahdi/Twelfth Imam), fueling aggressive actions like pursuing nuclear weapons and threatening Israel.

Threat to the West. General Georges Sada warns that Americans' generosity and trusting nature make them vulnerable to radical Islam's strategies. The goal is not political solutions or welfare but total conquest. The rise of radical Islam is a major factor shaping current global tensions and fulfilling biblical prophecies concerning end-time conflicts, particularly the hatred directed towards Israel and the West.

6. The Rapture is the Imminent Event Removing Believers Before Wrath

According to the Bible, a time is coming when this very thing will happen on a massive, global scale. A day is coming when a billion people will suddenly vanish from the face of the earth without a trace!

The great disappearance. The Rapture is a future event where all true Christians will be suddenly "caught up" from the earth to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This event will be instantaneous ("in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye," 1 Corinthians 15:52) and will involve both living believers and those who have died in Christ, who will be resurrected first.

Rapture vs. Second Coming. It's crucial not to confuse the Rapture with the Second Coming.

• Rapture: Believers are taken to heaven; occurs before the Tribulation; is imminent (no preceding signs); only believers see Christ.
• Second Coming: Christ returns to earth with believers; occurs after the Tribulation; follows specific signs; every eye will see Him.

Purpose of the Rapture. The Rapture removes believers from the earth before the seven-year period of unprecedented global devastation known as the Tribulation. This fulfills promises like Revelation 3:10 ("keep you from the hour of trial") and 1 Thessalonians 5:9 ("God did not appoint us to wrath"). The removal of Christians, who act as "salt" (preserving) and "light" (revealing truth), and the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit through them, will unleash horrific chaos and evil upon the earth.

Comfort and motivation. The promise of the Rapture provides immense comfort for believers, particularly regarding loved ones who have died in Christ, knowing they will be resurrected and reunited. This imminent hope should also motivate believers to live holy lives, watch for Christ's return, work diligently for God's kingdom, and share the gospel with the lost before it's too late.

7. America's Absence in Prophecy Signals Potential Decline or Integration

One of the hardest things for American prophecy students to accept is that the United States is not clearly mentioned in Bible prophecy, yet our nation is the only superpower in the world today.

Lack of specific mention. Unlike ancient nations prominent in biblical prophecy, the United States is not explicitly named in end-time predictions. This is puzzling given its historical global influence and current superpower status. Possible explanations for this silence include:

• America's relative youth compared to ancient prophetic nations.
• Prophecy's primary focus on Israel and its immediate neighbors.

Theories for absence. Prophecy students propose several theories for America's lack of specific mention in end-time events:

• Integration: America could be incorporated into the revived European coalition, aligning with its European heritage and increasing transatlantic economic and political ties. Recent agreements suggest movement towards deeper integration.
• Invasion/Catastrophe: America could be crippled by a major attack (nuclear, WMD, biological) or natural disaster, reducing it to a non-major player by the time of the Tribulation. The threat of rogue nations or terrorists with nuclear capabilities makes this a distinct possibility.
• Moral Decay: America's decline could be internal, resulting from abandoning the godly principles and faith upon which it was founded. Historical cycles of civilizations show a pattern from faith to abundance to complacency and decline. Erosion of religious freedom and traditional values weakens the nation's foundation and invites divine judgment.
• Impotence after Rapture: The sudden removal of millions of Christians and their children in the Rapture would cause unprecedented chaos, loss of skilled labor, and removal of moral influence, potentially crippling the nation's ability to function or project power.

Trust in God, not nation. Regardless of the specific reason for America's prophetic silence, the uncertainty underscores the biblical principle that our ultimate trust should not be in any nation, no matter how powerful, but in God alone. Nations rise and fall, but God's plan is eternal and certain.

8. The Antichrist is the Coming Charismatic, Cruel World Ruler

This leader, who will emerge out of the newly formed European Union, is commonly referred to in the Bible as the Antichrist.

Satan's agent. The Antichrist is a future world ruler, Satan's ultimate human agent, who will oppose and impersonate Christ. He is described by various titles in the Bible, including "the prince who is to come," "the lawless one," and "the beast." While his identity is unknown until after the Rapture, the Bible provides a detailed profile of his character and actions.

Personality traits:

• Charismatic: Possessing magnetic personality and spellbinding eloquence, using "pompous words" to sway the masses (Daniel 7:8, 25).
• Cunning: A political genius and masterful diplomat who will "seize the kingdom by intrigue" (Daniel 11:21), subduing rivals through manipulation rather than outright war. He will succeed in brokering a peace treaty between Israel and its enemies.
• Cruel: A tyrannical dictator who will "devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces" (Daniel 7:23) and mercilessly persecute believers who come to faith during the Tribulation, seeking to "wear out" the saints (Daniel 7:25).

Rise to power. The Antichrist will emerge from the revived Roman Empire (the European Union). He will initially be politically inconspicuous, rising from the "sea" of humanity (Revelation 13:1). After signing a seven-year covenant with Israel, he will consolidate power, possibly through assassinating three leaders (Daniel 7:8, 24).

Blasphemy and worship. Empowered by Satan, the Antichrist will demand worship, setting himself up as God in the temple (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He will perform signs and wonders, including a counterfeit resurrection (Revelation 13:3). He will attempt to change divine laws and times (Daniel 7:25) and implement a global economic system requiring a "mark" for buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-18), ensuring universal compliance or death.

9. A Russian-Islamic Axis is Foretold to Invade Israel

This prophecy predicts an invasion of Israel in the last days—an invasion comprised of enormous masses of troops from a coalition of nations led by Russia and Iran.

Ezekiel's prophecy. Ezekiel 38-39 details a future invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations. Identifying these nations by their modern names reveals a chilling alignment:

• Gog: The ruler of the coalition.
• Magog: Nations north of Israel, likely former Soviet republics (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.).
• Rosh: Russia, identified as coming from the "far north" (Ezekiel 38:6, 15).
• Meshech & Tubal: Likely parts of modern Turkey.
• Persia: Modern Iran.
• Ethiopia: Modern Sudan.
• Libya: Modern Libya.
• Gomer & Beth Togarmah: Likely parts of modern Turkey or Germany.
• Many peoples: Other smaller allied nations, mostly Islamic.

Current alignments. The prophecy's alignment of Russia and Iran, along with other Islamic nations, is becoming increasingly visible today. Russia is actively seeking to reassert its influence, forming alliances with Muslim countries, particularly concerning energy resources and military cooperation (e.g., selling missiles to Iran). Iran is a hotbed of militant Islam, openly hostile to Israel and the West, and exerts influence over groups like Hezbollah.

Timing and purpose. This invasion is prophesied to occur in the "latter years" (Ezekiel 38:8) when Israel is dwelling in "peace and safety" (Ezekiel 38:11, 14), likely after signing a treaty with the Antichrist. The invaders' purpose is to seize Israel's land and plunder its wealth, which has grown significantly in recent decades, particularly in the high-tech sector.

Divine intervention. Despite the overwhelming military might of this coalition, God Himself will intervene to miraculously destroy the invading armies on the mountains of Israel. His arsenal will include earthquakes, confusion causing troops to kill each other, pestilence, and fire and brimstone from the sky. The aftermath will involve a gruesome feast for birds and beasts and seven months of burying bodies, followed by seven years of burning weapons, demonstrating God's power and cleansing the land.

10. Armageddon is the Place of the Final Global Conflict

Armageddon. The very word chills the soul.

More than a battle. Armageddon is not just a battle but a specific geographical location in northern Israel: the "mount of Megiddo" (Revelation 16:16). This plain has historically been the site of numerous battles due to its strategic location. While the term refers to this central gathering place, the final conflict will encompass the entire land of Israel, stretching from Megiddo in the north down to Jordan in the south, with Jerusalem as a key focal point.

The campaign. The "Battle of Armageddon" is more accurately a campaign (Greek: polemos) involving multiple battles fought over a period of time, likely the latter half of the Tribulation. The scale of this conflict will be unprecedented, involving "all nations" (Joel 3:2; Zechariah 14:2) gathered against Jerusalem. The carnage will be horrific, with blood flowing in torrents across the land (Revelation 14:20).

Purpose of the conflict. God allows this final conflict for several key purposes:

• To finish His judgment upon Israel for rejecting Him.
• To finalize His judgment upon the nations that have persecuted Israel throughout history.
• To formally judge all the nations that have rejected Him and refused to repent, even under divine judgment.

Participants. The forces involved include the armies of the Antichrist, armies from the east (potentially 200 million strong, Revelation 9:16), and armies from the south and north (Daniel 11:40-45), all gathered by demonic spirits (Revelation 16:14). Their ultimate, futile goal is to fight against Christ and His returning army.

11. The Return of the King Will End Rebellion and Establish Christ's Reign

Jesus is coming back!

Certainty of return. The Second Coming of Christ is a central, well-attested promise in the Bible, prophesied in the Old Testament, announced by Jesus Himself, confirmed by angels, and emphasized throughout the New Testament. Just as He came the first time
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Last updated: June 19, 2025