Yes, the end IS near,

Does the Bible say anything relevant beyond what we have always said for 150 years, "The end is near!"?

Yes, the end IS near, "the nations ARE angry" (Rev. 11:18). Careful Bible students have quoted that text ever since the crisis in Europe in 1848. Like King Zedekiah asked of Jeremiah, "Is there any word from the Lord?" (37:17), we ask, does the Bible have some "present truth" for us? Yes, here are a few very clear truths:

(1) The gap between the rich and the poor will get wider, no matter what Congress does about tax cuts (James 5:1-7).

(2) The fear of terrorism will continue, even increase, no matter who is President (Luke 21:26).

(3) Entertainment and sports industries will prosper more and more (Matt. 24:38, 39; Luke 17:26-32; 2 Tim. 3:1, 4).

(4) Natural and man-made disasters will increase (Matt. 24:6-8).

(5) Family values will steadily erode and faithful sexual love become almost extinct (Matt. 24:12; 2 Tim. 3:3).

(6) The godless millions and billions will be brought to a critical decision for or against the Gospel (Joel 3:9-14).

(7) This will require an unprecedented, powerful proclamation of the true Gospel that God in His wisdom (which He still has!) will enable to penetrate somehow to all of humanity (Matt. 24:14; Rev. 18:1-4).

Meanwhile, Revelation 13 continues to outline fantastic success for the two-horned beast/nation who began by speaking "like a lamb" but ends up "speaking as a dragon" (vs. 11). All this nation's military involvements will strengthen its position. But the Good News will be proclaimed "mightily": "Come out of [Babylon], My people" (18:4).

The News behind the news: The Holy Spirit is busy preparing a responsive people. Are you listening to Him?