In “last days” greatest deception ever perpetrated on mankind will beguile mankind, including Christians. One great nation, headed by antichrist, will subdue nations of earth and dominate world. People will think him Savior, man with answer to world’s complex problems, and great peacemaker in an exceedingly dangerous world cowed by specter of terrorism and economic collapse. He will do unthinkable and make a pact with Israel to make peace in Middle East. One man, who claims to be a Christian and appears to be a wonderful person and great leader, comes to power with backing of Church only to later turn on church and Israel in worst persecution world has ever seen. Although seen by Daniel 2,600 years ago, and Apostle John nearly 2,000 years ago, this could very well happen in our lifetime.

Swirling amidst confusion in Middle East and amidst those in media, think tanks, and Left-Behind-oriented prophecy buffs is a plethora of disjointed and ever-changing analyses and strategic conclusions/confusions which becloud real issues playing out in unfolding apocalyptic drama they interpret. Events twist and turn, but history’s inexorable march to finality confounds skeptic, thwarts agnostic, and befuddles wise in his own conceits.

Yes, this is an eschatological compass which takes its cue from Book, but it’s not what you’d expect, not at all. Of Samuel Huntington’s major civilizations which encompass globe, there are but three that militate against each other: Western, Chinese, and Islamic. All three, according Bible (and this is not a wild eyed conjecture, but a calculated hermeneutic of Scripture) were forecast to clash “in latter days” by Hebrew prophets Isaiah, Zechariah, Daniel and Ezekiel, and were substantiated by New Testament counterparts; namely, Jesus, Paul, and John.

No, “events have not overtaken us” . . . nor do we rely upon their fickle interpretations to fit Biblical account. To contrary, Word of God stands unalterable, unchanging, persistent in its discernment; yet, dynamic in manifestation “by prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations” at close of this age (Romans 16:26a).

The current realignment of nations in Middle East, and for that matter, throughout earth, astounds and comforts, persuades and consoles masses on planet . . . while alerting Gentile World Powers (“to all nations”), their days are numbered, for “with evil intent” have they conspired against His purposes (Zechariah 1:15).