Hitler started WW2 and 35 million died.  Stalin was responsible for an estimated 100 million deaths.  Mao Tse-Tung of China had an estimated 100 million killed.  How many would have been killed had they had nuclear weapons?

Revelation 9:18 – “A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.” Fire, smoke and sulfur depict modern weapons.  At present there are seven billion living.  One-third would be over two billion destroyed.  Sounds like nuclear weapons would have to be used.

Prior to this happening we believe Scripture indicates that there will be a radical movement of people promoting fanatical ideas and theology intended to change the world when all restraints are removed.  Examples will be the teaching of evolution, situation ethics, moral freedom, self sufficiency (man is accountable to no one), sexual permissiveness and there is no life after death.  A world-wide anti-God movement is taking place.

A man will rise to promote security and peace.  The Bible refers to him as “the beast” or the Antichrist.  He will deceive most everyone as he forms a one-world government and a one-world religion.  Is there a person alive today that could convince the world that war could be avoided and peace could occur?  Doesn’t it look like nuclear war happens before the Antichrist takes over and controls the world?  He then will reign for seven years.  Wouldn’t a disaster have to occur before nations would abdicate absolute authority over everyone?  That means control of all money, governments, military and religion.

How concerned should the world be concerning Iran’s development of nuclear bombs?  They believe destroying America and Israel is a requirement to bring back their messiah, the Mahdi.  He and the Muslims would then rule the world.

Under the Antichrist every individual would have a mark or a computer chip on their right hand or their forehead.  Without the mark or chip no one can buy or sell.  We are more inclined to believe it will be a chip that will give complete knowledge and control of every person alive.  Don’t the prophecies of the Bible indicate it will be some time before all of this takes place and not end on December 21, 2012?

Revelation 13:16 – 17 – “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.”

A black market will not be allowed to exist.  It appears Christians will either be beheaded for not worshipping the Antichrist or starve to death for being unable to exchange money.  The Bible seems very clear that Christian’s faith will be tested.  However, many theologians believe the church and those having the Holy Spirit shall be raptured prior to the Antichrist taking over.

When Revelation was written how did the writer know that a day would come when everyone could be able to see what was happening and could worship a world leader?  Revelation 11:9 – “For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial.”

For seven years the Antichrist will rule.  The first 3½ years will be peace and the last 3½ will be total chaos.  The world will then end, as we know it.

II Thessalonians 2:8 – “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.”

The question facing the world today is:  “What shall we do about Iran’s development of nuclear armament?”  Do we ignore it and see weapons of mass destruction be unleashed on America?  Or, do we ignore it and hasten the end times?  Will God make the decision or will it be left up to man?

In the meantime, we see radical changes in artificial intelligence, computers, digital manufacturing, synthetic biology, nanomaterials and further development of technologies.  They are even telling us we will be able to live for hundreds of years because of improvement in health technology.  Do we live believing the future will provide the needs of every man, woman and child or should we live believing the radical fanatics could destroy us?  Regardless how we live, every day evil will make every effort available to deceive us into believing everything will turn out for the best and we need not worry about life after death.  Scripture tells us to always be prepared spiritually for we do not know when our end comes as it may come abruptly, unannounced. Are you prepared—you can be???  John 3:16!