Fear, Skepticism and Confusion 

From the fear of “the bomb” of the early 1950s, to the global warming scare today, that America is dying in a sea of pollution, “the end of the world” has concerned us since we were school children. Today, we continue to live in fear of nuclear annihilation, terrorism, epidemics, droughts, famine, tsunamis and earthquakes.

  Many see a connection between today’s news and the ancient “end-time” prophecies recorded in scripture. Others have become skeptical because of the failed “end of the world” prophecies of self-styled prophets. Such skepticism has been driven by educators and theologians who question the accuracy and authority of scripture. Ordinary people, who say they believe in God, are confused about the future, because they haven’t a clue about what the Bible actually says.

Biblically Significant World Events

The Apostle John clearly declares that end-time prophecies, as they relate to current world events, are meant to be studied and understood, when he writes,

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. …Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy…” (Revelation 1: 1,3) [NKJV]

When Will These Things Be?

Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) [NKJV] He replied by listing a series of specific events that would immediately precede his return. Jesus told His disciples to look for an increase in the number of false teachers claiming to represent Him. He explained that religious confusion, wars, epidemics, droughts, famines and earthquakes will increase just before He comes back. (Matthew 24:3-10). Though the Bible does not give a specific date, Jesus said that when we see “all of these things” taking place we can know for sure we are the final generation living before the end of the age. (Mark 13: 29-30)

Third Temple Preparations Complete

Zechariah reveals that Jerusalem, the center of world attention,  will become “a very heavy stone for all peoples…though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:3) Jerusalem will be “trampled by Gentiles” for three-and-a-half years, (Revelation 11:1-2). Before this final three-and-a-half year Gentile-Israel sharing arrangement, the daily sacrifices are “taken away” (Daniel 8:11). This implies that the daily sacrifices had to have been already instituted. There have not been any animal sacrifices, and not even a Jewish temple in Jerusalem since 70 A.D. The Temple Faithful have already fabricated all the implements and clothing needed for resuming the daily sacrifice system, and there are descendants of the Temple priests and Levites currently being trained for service in the re-built Temple.

Holy Roman Empire Revived Today

A confederation of ten nations or groups of nations, with historical links to the ancient Holy Roman Empire, will arise in Europe just before the return of Jesus Christ (Daniel 2:40–43). On December 1, 2009, fireworks, music, and official speeches welcomed the new European Constitution in Lisbon. December 1st was called a “day of joy” for those who wanted to build a federal United States of Europe. This confederation of nations will surrender their sovereignty to a strong political leader called “the beast,” or Antichrist  (Revelation 17:12–13).

One-world Religion Forming Now

The Antichrist will come to power with the help of a global religious leader, the false prophet. The false prophet will deceive the world with miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12). He will use interfaith activities in an effort to reassemble the fragmented “Christian” churches under his authority (see Isaiah 47:1–8). The Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009 met in Melbourne from December 3rd through December 10th. It was a gathering of approximately 5,000 religious leaders representing every major faith around the world, including Shintoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Paganism, Sikhism, Buddhism and the Australian aboriginal community to promote “peace, diversity and sustainability.”

Prophecy’s Shining Light

Jesus said, “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” (John 14:29) [NKJV] We are entering a dark time in human history, a time of great deception. While many live in fear of the “end of the world,” we have “the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place..” (2 Peter 2:19) [NKJV]