Once again, this series was initially posted in 2007. I believe developments since show that it is still relevant today. 

We will have a look at how the end-time stage is set for the scenarios we will explore.

America is at the top of the food chain, so far as nations of the earth are concerned. It is the richest, most materially blessed nation-state ever to exist. Its achievements in almost every facet of human endeavor are without peer in the annals of the ages.

The European Union is developing rapidly into a colossus that will challenge the US for the title of world champ, so far as superpowers are concerned. But Europe lacks one ingredient in order to achieve America’s superpower status, no matter how economically strong the EU becomes. That one missing element is the military might—particularly the high-tech military complex—firmly entrenched and fortified by (likely) the most horrific thermonuclear capability and the most sophisticated means to deliver total devastation to any other nation foolish enough to initiate such conflagration.

Russia is again beginning to show signs of beefing up for superpower military status. It, too, however, lags far behind in high-tech matters—things that prevent it from achieving the degree of hegemony over parts of the world formerly under the dictatorial eyes of the USSR. The Russian economy continues to be in shambles, and achieving the high-tech needed is thus impeded.

China is biding its time, building a strong economic base for one purpose: to attain a level of fiscal power that can buy and/or develop the high-tech sophistication essential to superpower status. The Chinese raw manpower capabilities unquestionably present potentially the greatest threat, in terms of sheer numbers, of any military force in human history.

All other nations are bit players in the scenarios we will examine. But, combined, they present massive—even insurmountable—problems for the prophesied frightening world of the perhaps not-too-distant future.

Israel is smack in the center of all this global chemistry. That nation will be–according to the very Word of the Creator of all things—the catalyst that will galvanize earth-dwellers into rebellion against Him, thus bringing all armies of the world to Armageddon. Here is what the One who knows the end from the beginning has to say about Israel and all other nations at the time of the end of days:

“And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (Zechariah 12:3).

So, with the world stage set as far as geopolitical matters are concerned, let’s begin to try to look into the future, again with the crucial caveat that this is all speculation, though well-studied and prayed over by yours truly. Daniel the prophet gave the end-time wrap-up in one concise prophetic passage:

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” (Daniel 9:27).

Will the consummation as described in that passage begin to rumble upon this judgment-bound earth something like this? Business will be going along at a dynamic clip despite occasional blips, flare-ups, and glitches. Jesus tells us that in Luke 17:26–29. The rich will be getting richer, and the poor will be going further into poverty–despite the socialists-elite’s promises to the contrary. Terrorism will be pervasive, and increasingly so, just as Paul the apostle stated when he said men and seducers would grow worse and worse, and just as Jesus prophesied when He said things would be just as they were like in Noah’s day, a time when violence filled the whole world (Genesis 6:11, 13).

The Arab Islamic states, wanting—as they have for millennia—to erase the Jews from the earth, will be looking for ways to penetrate Israel’s protective shell, fearful of direct assault because of Israel’s lethal nuclear arsenal. The world of diplomats—the so-called international community—will, led by the American State Department, be looking for a way to placate the hostile Islamics. Israel’s territory, as always, will be the offering on the altar of Mideast peacemaking. This, while giving Israel little or no say in the offering.

Every major Mideast terrorist organization, with headquarters in Damascus, Syria, will beat the drums of hatred against Israel as never before. Concern that Israel will take preemptive action will trouble the Jim Bakers of the times in this scenario. Even some who call themselves evangelical Christians will join with other religious entities to point a finger at Israel as the obstinate party in the growing threat to regional, maybe even world, peace.

Well, better stop there for now. If the Rapture doesn’t occur between now and next week, I can promise it will occur then–in this scenario, at least.

—Terry

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A Special Thank You!

The donation request for the Pakistani ministry was very successful, thanks to you wonderful brothers and sisters who so generously opened up your hearts to this effort.

Soon, our Pakistani Pastor Anil will send for posting his personal note of gratitude to you and thanks to our Lord.

The printing and distribution of my two little books, Prophecy Power: Strength from God to Face Your Future and HeavenVision: Glimpses into Glory are now in process there in Pakistan. Let us pray together that many souls come to Christ in this mission effort!

For those of you who wish to contribute to this important gospel mission in Pakistan, please send a check to the address below.

Please make checks payable to my name—Terry James—and send to the following address:

Terry James Prophecyline

PO Box 38

Benton, AR 72018

Again, may our Lord bless each of you in every way!

—Terry