I recently posted on my Facebook page an article titled: “Magog Alliance Rising – Turkey Shifts To Russian Alliance” and this is a part consequence of Turkey being snubbed by the West and being now courted by Russia. Magog is significant and, as students of Bible prophecy know, is one of the alliances of nations (this one led by Russia) that will be present in the end times and will wage war against each other in the final “Battle of Armageddon”.

One of my friends posted in response an article titled: “Is Donald Trump the Anti-Christ?” which begins: “Is Donald J. Trump the long-prophesied Beast of Revelation? According to the Bible, the Antichrist will be a charismatic celebrity, a “big talker” and a “smooth talker.” He will convince people that he alone has the solution to every problem. He will claim to be a dealmaker and a master negotiator. He will claim to know how to defend Israel and to create lasting peace in the Middle East, while plotting to betray and destroy Israel. He will be an intimidator and a militant lover of power. He will exalt and magnify himself and claim to be the “only Savior.” He will deceive the masses, even the very elect. Sound like anyone you know?”. The author then elaborates on his reasons for thinking this, including Trump’s link to the number “666”. While the points made are interesting, they are also speculative, and there is a lot that does not quite resonate.

As interesting as these articles are, it is not my purpose to elaborate on them here. Neither is it my intention to enter into a deep theological discourse on Biblical prophecy, as fascinating as I found it. Reading the two articles did inspire me to read through the book of Daniel. (I found listening to David Suchet reading through Daniel, while at the same time following the text though Biblegateway, helpful.) I recall as a young Christian there were a number in my neck of the woods that studied deeply Bible prophecy especially that which related to end time events. Many of these were elderly. I thought then, as I do now, they could have been better employed doing something more useful. They were in the minority among Christians because of their interest and in holding dispensational pre-millennial views (still popular among many American fundamentalists). While looking back, there was a lot I agreed with, there was I came to question, especially when I met good Christian folk who saw things a lot differently. Some of my early mentors were adamant, for example, that the Common Market (now the EU) will form the power base for the soon to emerge AntiChrist. Going back two centuries, some of that ilk identified him as Napoleon, and later other figures. It is easy now to be wise after the event, but one of the lessons sure is not to speculate but rather face facts.

While I have learned better to over pontificate on specific events and personalities and am reluctant to equate these with what has being set out in books of the Bible, like Revelation and Daniel, I have little doubt that the end time scenario is being played out before our eyes, as has been prophesized two to three thousand years earlier. As for Donald Trump, I have already discussed at length my views on the man. While he is sweet talking those who were once skeptical and opposed to his side, I still don’t trust the man, any more than I trust any politician. While well respected American preacher, John MacArthur, is not everyone’s cup of tea, including mine at times (although in many ways we are on similar wave lengths theologically), I found a two minute clip stating why he intended to vote Trump quite compelling (see here). Much as he disliked Trump, he felt what Trump stood for was more in line with his Bible based perspectives on how government ought to be than his rivals. I agreed before and I still agree and would still vote Trump if I could.

What bothers me is we do live in perilous times, evidenced by the momentous events happening around us at an alarming rate, and all too often one of the obvious consequences is injustice and where the innocent suffer, and over which we have little or no control. Many, maybe most, Christian believers seem oblivious of and deceived by what is happening, even if feeling there is much wrong with the world and which needs to change. As for end time events, there are huge variations in understanding, even among the best among Christian commentators, and none of us can predict how these are going to precisely pan out in the end. As far as I am aware, the Almighty has not told anyone, other than what is in the Bible. I believe there will be the emergence of the AntiChrist, who will claim much. Many will follow him in hope. He will oppose those who are on God’s side. Who that person is, I cannot say. I know Jesus is coming again, and he will set up his eternal kingdom. We need to be forewarned and forearmed as to what is happening. The big question is: are you ready? Those who are need not fear for the future. As for Donald Trump, I would like to think he is a modern day King Cyrus, God raised up for such a time as this. That there is a darker side has been made evident; time will tell what it is to be.