Revelation 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
The daily news says ‘The Euphrates River is experiencing a severe, rapid decline due to climate change, unsustainable water management, and upstream dam construction, with experts warning it could largely dry up by 2040–2050. Flow rates have decreased by over 60% compared to last century, threatening water access, food security, and agriculture for over 60 million people.’
When you can’t tell whether you are reading the Bible or the daily news, you know that prophecies are being completed and that we are nearing the end times.
One irrational move by any of the world’s nuclear powers and the world, as we know it, is ended. Electromagnetic Pulses ‘EMP’s’ will shut down internet, power grids, ATMs, financial institutions, everything. Instantaneously. When exactly? Jesus said no one knows.
Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
People love to argue about it though. I say, stop living like we have a while to wait. Stop sinning, and repent and be saved. Turn to the Lord. Last week, life as we know it could have ended very easily.
At Million Friends and PureHeartSchool I teach to live each day as if it would be our last. To say each word as if it would be the last. I see Christians embellishing on their pasts, for whatever reason. I see believers doing things and saying things that I know they’re not proud of. Many are gossipers, like Satan, the accuser of the brethren. I tell my kids and staff ‘Live today as if were your last day alive.’ Even if Jesus didn’t come back for His church today (the rapture), or the world didn’t collapse because of a nuclear war, we could all drop dead at any minute. Dixie, one of my kids from Calvary Chapel Managua, dropped dead last week. We never know.
Make every word, action, thought be as if it were your last. I forget to do this as well, and very often kick myself for not practicing what I preach.
Chuck Smith used to say ‘when the Christmas lights and Christmas trees are up, children, who are too young to understand calendars, know that Christmas is coming. We, by current events know that Jesus is coming.’
Are we going to get caught up in the air before tribulation, during tribulation or after tribulation?
The late Keith Green said ‘live like you’re pre-trib, plan like you’re post trib.’
Some say Jesus already came. Again, no one knows for sure. If you live in an air of joyous expectation of possibly going to heaven at any given time, and sharing the Gospel of Jesus to everyone you can, that’s good enough for me.
My director (and Sunday school teacher) told me that my warnings are making her re-evaluate her standing with God. That’s good, we all should.
Here’s food for thought.
Current global events are frequently analyzed through the lens of biblical eschatology, with many observers noting a convergence of factors that parallel descriptions of the “end times” or “last days.”
Key areas often highlighted include geopolitical instability, natural catastrophes, technological advancements, and societal shifts.
Based on interpretations of prophetic scripture, here are several contemporary issues that correspond to end-times narratives:
1. Geopolitical Turmoil and Middle East Conflicts
The Rise of Iran/Persia: Ongoing conflicts involving Iran (referred to as Persia in biblical prophecy) and Israel are often highlighted, with many interpreting these tensions as part of the Ezekiel 38–39 prophecies (battle of Gog and Magog).
Conflicts and Wars: The prevalence of conflicts and “rumors of war” in multiple countries is frequently linked to Matthew 24, which warns of nations rising against nations.
Israel as a Nation: The existence and political status of Israel are considered a central marker of end-times prophecy by many theologians.
2. Ecological and Physical “Signs”
Natural Disasters: An observed increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters—including earthquakes, fires, and storms—is often cited, echoing forecasts of intense labor pains (Matthew 24:8).
Drought and Resource Scarcity: Specific events, such as the before mentioned drying up of the River Euphrates, are highlighted in relation to Revelation 16:12.
3. Technological and Economic Systems
Digital Control Systems: The rise of digital currencies, biometric IDs, and AI-driven surveillance (such as social credit scores) are frequently interpreted as the infrastructure for the “mark of the beast” system, which limits buying and selling (Revelation 13).
Global Unification: Moves toward a “one world” government framework and the role of the United Nations are often interpreted as preparatory steps for a global, centralized authority.
4. Social, Moral, and Religious Trends
Global Pandemic and Disease: The COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new diseases are viewed as fulfilling prophecies regarding pestilences.
Persecution of Christians: Reports indicate an increase in global, violent persecution of Christians, which is prophesied in Matthew 24:9.
Moral Decay and Lawlessness: A perceived rise in lawlessness and shifting moral standards is frequently equated with the conditions described in 2 Timothy 3:1-2.
Religious Shifts: Efforts towards interfaith unity or the merging of religious structures are interpreted as the development of a “world religion,” sometimes compared to the “great harlot” system in Revelation 17.
5. Increased Gospel Proclamation
Worldwide Gospel Outreach: The rapid, technologically aided expansion of the gospel message to the entire inhabited earth is considered a specific sign that “the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
Matthew 24:14 (NIV) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”