“HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW MANY WARS HAVE BEEN FOUGHT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME? I CAN’T IMAGINE, BUT THE TRUTH IS WAR IS INEVITABLE AS LONG AS THE HUMAN RACE REMAINS UNDER THE RULERSHIP OF FALLEN HUMAN BEINGS.”

 I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the Bible and its amazing prediction of a coming final war to be fought that ends all battle for time and eternity …

…After three years of steady decline, the number of wars fought worldwide increased significantly in at the turn of the century. By the 20^th century’s end there were 40 armed conflicts being fought on the territories of 36 countries, up from 36 armed conflicts in 31 countries in 1998 (and compared to 37 in 32 countries in 1997, 40 in 34 countries in 1996, and 44 armed conflicts in 39 countries in 1995). Indeed war seems inevitable in a world run by lost sinners. Now no one in their right mind looks for war and enjoys it when it comes. But the fact is war is inevitable as long as sinners, that is fallen humanity, is in charge of running this world. The Lord Jesus Christ commented on this when He said,

Mat 24:4-7 (NIV)  Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ, ‘ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

This was an answered prediction of what is in store for our world, just prior to the Second Coming of Christ to take back this world for His rightful ownership. Yes, Jesus predicted there will continue to be wars, until the final Ruler and King of Kings arrives to take His rightful place as Ruler of this world. But in that prediction we are told there will be a final battle to procure this position, a battle that is a fatal battle where the armies of our entire world are defeated by God Himself. When will that be? How will it happen? Well, after another moment of music, I’ll return and tell you all about it…

...Now in previous broadcasts, I’ve talked about what’s in store for the future of our world. Let’s review how the world will stack up in the last days just before Christ returns to the earth.

We are told that the world will evolve and align into four great powers that will rule after the Church of Jesus Christ is “raptured” from the earth. This will occur in a time period known as the Tribulation Period, a literal time period that last for seven years (Jer. 30:7; Mat 24:21-22,29). By review the nations of today’s world will gather together as follows. There will be a…

1. A WESTERN CONFEDERACY COMPOSED OF 10 FEDERATED NATIONS (Rev. 17:8-16) – This will mainly be a “United States of Europe,” as it will be composed of all the nations that arose out of the old Roman Empire . Possibly America will exist during this time, but it will be absorbed by this powerful industrial and military giant ruled by none other than the Antichrist himself. Secondly, there will be…

2. A NORTHERN CONFEDERACY OF NATIONS (Ezek 38:2-6) – The nations that will align into this powerful group will most likely be the Russian nations, including Iran, Iraq, Ethiopia, Libya, and parts of Turkey and Eastern Europe. The Russian nations will head up this coalition and be a fierce force in the Tribulation period. Third we discover,

3. AN ASIATIC CONFEDERACY OF NATIONS (Rev. 16:12) – In Revelation 16:12 we read that Palestine will be invaded by a great army coming from the “east” beyond the River Euphrates known as “the kings of the east.” This second great alliance of nation that threatens the power of the antichrist, who is gaining rulership of the world, will be most likely composed of the nations of Japan , China , Vietnam , Thailand and other Asian countries. Now the fourth world power group to arise is,

4. AN ARAB CONFEDERACY OF NATIONS  (Dan 11:40 ) – This third power will be angry and hostile to the Antichrist’s Western (European) Confederacy as well as the Northern (Russian) Confederacy. Daniel describes these people as the “King of the South.” This power in the mid-point of the Tribulation will march on Palestine and set off a movement of other nations that brings about its own destruction. The “King of the South,” will probably be Egypt aligned with the countries black Africa and other Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia , Kuwait , etc.

These latter three world powers will undoubtedly, but temporarily align to challenge the Western European Federation under the leadership of the Antichrist.

Now, the Book of Revelation tells us the world will be in the state of war to be fought against one another, but the world ruler that arises, the Antichrist will have the greatest control. But something happens where mankind is deceived into thinking it can finally once for all get rid of this God Syndrome that has afflicted the world for millenniums. We are told in Scripture that Satan who is now ruling the world temporarily, incites the armies and world rulers of these four confederation of nations to gather together in one place, not to fight each other, but a greater enemy – God Himself. Let’s read the Scripture for the scenario,

Rev 16:13-16 (NIV)  Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty… 16 Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Now everyone has heard this term “Armageddon.” Why even Hollywood filmmakers have been enamored by it and produced all sorts of films depicting their idea of what it is. However, in the Bible God tells us there is coming a day, a literal day in the future where the entire armies of the world will be united under the banner of all things – DEMON SPIRITS – to fight against God Himself. This Battle of Armageddon will be the final war our present world, under the rulership of mankind and demon influence, will ever face and fight.

Now, the evil spirits spoken about in (Rev. 16:13) will gather all the rulers and their armies (the kings of the east in 16:12 , and the kings of the whole world in 16:14 ) to a place called Armageddon in Hebrew. Some archaeologists have located this battlefield near the city of Megiddo (southeast of the modern port of Haifa ), which guarded a large plain in northern Israel . This is a strategic location near a prominent international highway leading north from Egypt through Israel , along the coast, and on to Babylon . Megiddo overlooks the entire plain southward toward Galilee and westward toward the mountains of Gilboa. History reveals that over two hundred battles have been fought in this area (Judges 5:19 ; 2 Kings 9:27 ).

Looking back we see that when God delivered Israel from ancient Egypt , He dried up the Red Sea to let the nation of Israel out. But here in the coming future, God dries up part of the Euphrates to allow the armies of the kings of the east to meet with the armies of the nations of the world at Armageddon. Now, the word “battle” in Rev. 16:14, is better translated “campaign.” In prophetic future history the Bible tells us that Russia and her allies will invade Palestine about the middle of the Tribulation. This is known as the battle of “Gog and Magog,” predicted in (Ezek. 38–39). Scriptures tells us also that Russia and her allies will bee judged by the Lord for this aggression. However, this leaves the Beast (Satan’s puppet) in complete control of the world-system, ruling from Jerusalem . But Russia , although she suffers defeat, with the kings of the east, and Egypt they all join forces to battle the armies of the Beast or Antichrist at Armageddon. The word “Armageddon” means “ mountain of Megiddo .” This area has long been recognized as one of the world’s greatest battlefields; and it is here that the final battle will be fought between Christ and Antichrist. Now what brings all the nations of the earth to Armageddon for battle? Well, they are enticed by three demon spirits that looked like frogs. The kings of the three confederations of nations are deceived to think they will be fighting against the Antichrist’s kingdom, but when they get there, they will unite for unexpectedly a great enemy of a lost and sinful world appears in the skies coming to the earth. Who is this extraterrestrial enemy? Some alien space creature? Hollywood would like you to think so, but no, the Bible tells us it is the rightful owner of the Universe. Our God and King Jesus Christ, who has been silent for so many millenniums, but has promised to return in power and great glory.

Now, the armies of these three other world powers, will gather to attack Jerusalem and the Antichrist; but suddenly, the Heavens open and then the “sign” of the Son of Man will appear

Mat 24:29-30 (NIV)  “Immediately after the distress of those days “’the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 30 “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.

and the armies of the entire world will unite to fight against this Holy One the Lord Jesus Christ coming to the earth with all his glory, angels and saints. What a sight it shall be. Listen to the Word of God that tells us this,

Rev 19:11-21 (NIV)  I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great.” 19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Yes indeed my friend, the world’s final war where mankind rules the earth will be fought at what is called the Battle of Armageddon. But the outcome is sure. The armies of the world, all of them will be slain and destroyed forever. God will have taken back this world He created and rightly rule as the Lord Himself will establish His own literal rulership in the Person of Jesus Christ. Oh what a glorious day that will be. However, knowing the end from the beginning should encourage us to join forces with the winning side.

Are you on the winning side? Maybe for now it appears the Lord’s people, the Church of Jesus Christ is not a winner? The world laughs at us, considers us just a pain in the neck of world advancement. Why the Bible predicts this attitude and also its defeat. Listen to the Psalmist who said,

Psa 2 (NIV)  Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion , my holy hill." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son ; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter ; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Indeed, my friend, the world is fast moving toward that time called the Tribulation. What precedes that is the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, His return first to take off this earth every living saint who has trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and God. Following this, will usher in a time of terrible judgments, worldwide catastrophes, and brutal dictatorship under the rulership of the Antichrist.

Now, no matter what the unbelieving world may say, God’s judgments are righteous. All sinners will in that day, reap what they sow. You see the Bible tells us that God’s “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne”,

Psa 97:2 (NIV)  Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

Therefore nobody can accuse God of being unfair. But alas, God’s judgments do not change men’s hearts. Through all these terrible times of affliction coming, mankind doesn’t soften to God, rather hardens their hearts. Therefore, against this dark background of the Tribulation judgments, shines the ever glorious and beautiful promise of God. Yes, Jesus Christ is coming again and perhaps very soon. The Bible encourage us that we who are Christ’s own, must watch eagerly and walk carefully so that we will be ready to meet Him.

1 John 2:28 (NIV)  And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

For God’s judgment will one day be finished and God’s long-suffering with sinful rebellious humanity will finally end and  then -- His wrath will be revealed. What holds Him back today?

2 Pet 3:9 (NIV)  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Pet 3:15 (NIV)  Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

We are for now living in the time of spiritual silence, a calm before the storm of God’s wrath that will break forth on a fallen rebellious world. The call to all is for us “to repent” and “turn” to God surrendering our stubborn wills to God’s will and the rulership of His Son Jesus Christ. All who do are promised a bright and glorious future. All who refuse, ignore and or even neglect to do this, will suffer terrible loss not only here and now but for eternity. We read of the final fate of all who chose not to stand with Jesus our God and Savior at what is called the Great White Throne Judgment:

Rev 20:11-15 (NIV)  Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

This scene provides a graphic display of the final wrath of God that will be unleashed on a Christ rejecting world of humanity. Indeed, it shows God’s anger and judgment against sin and against those who have constantly rejected Christ as the means of forgiveness and reconciliation. But nonetheless, God’s wrath exists alongside His mercy. So, in every generation, there must be balanced preaching and teaching about the grace of God and His desire to save us from His wrath and anger against sin. In our day though, teaching about God’s love and tolerance have become so predominant that God’s anger seems to be mythical. But the Bible makes it clear,

Psa 2:10-12 (NIV)  Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

To “kiss” the Son means to surrender your heart, your will and life to Him, Jesus Christ, before it’s too late. Yes, the Hour of God’s wrath is coming upon the whole world, and only those who crown Christ king here and now will be spared. If you haven’t yielded yourself to God through His Son Jesus Christ, now is the time, now is the day of salvation.

Acts 16:31 (NIV)  “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

The warning of God’s coming wrath and the call of God’s grace is out. The question is, what will you do with it? Remember, your decision in this life determines your destiny in the next. May God add His blessing to these words for Jesus’ sake, Amen.

…Friends, the Bible says clearly of those who have trusted Jesus Christ alone for their salvation,

Rev 20:6 (NIV)  Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

Yes, the best is yet to come for God’s children. Oh, we may suffer in this life, never be appreciated, endure hardships and be forgotten and even become forsaken people, but the Lord Jesus said,

Luke 12:32 (NIV)  "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

For sure, the kingdom of Christ is coming and all of God’s children will be there. May God so bless your heart and life to be among the saints on that day. Until then, wait patiently for the Lord, keep the faith, labor hard and long for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the hearts of sinners, and be ready for the Lord is coming soon for you and for me.

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