discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Putting God to the Test

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“Test God and see if He’ll do what He said.” On the other hand, “Don’t put the Lord your God to the test!” And then there’s Gideon, who tested God without being invited to do so … and lived. Which is it? Test? Don’t test? Test and take your chances? We’ll discover that the difference comes down to faith and motive as we explore each of the three scenarios above.

Faithless people demand proof. In Deuteronomy 6:16, God warns the Israelites not to test Him as they did at Massah (a warning echoed by Jesus in Matthew 4:5-7). What happened there? As you’ll read in Exodus 17:1-7, the people grumbled in mistrust of God because they had no water. Essentially, they questioned God’s presence, perhaps wondering whether He’d left them to die of thirst in the wilderness. Their lack of faith led them to test God. God responded by providing water, having Moses strike a rock with his staff.

A faithful person seeks reassurance. Judges 6:36-40 tells us that Gideon sought reassurance from God about Israel’s deliverance through him. How? First, he asked that dew appear only on a fleece (a piece of wool), not on the ground around it, as confirmation of military success. God acquiesced. Seeking further reassurance, Gideon then asked the opposite: prove the upcoming success by letting dew appear on the ground around the fleece, but not on the fleece itself. Again, God did as he asked to reassure Gideon that he would be successful—and with only 300 men against a much greater force! So Gideon’s fleece is best understood neither as the rebellious testing condemned in Deuteronomy nor as the divinely invited testing of Malachi, but as a request for confirmation that God, in His mercy, chose to answer.

God demonstrates covenantal faithfulness. Through Malachi, God reminds the people of Israel that He loves them and desires their return. By this time, the people had stopped tithing (a covenantal responsibility), which led to priests and their families starving and the temple falling into disrepair. So God encourages them to uphold the covenant they share. With typical patience, mercy, and love, God reassures the people that they’ll be incredibly blessed if they do, as stated in Malachi 3:10.

There’s a fundamental difference between the first occurrence and this one. The Deuteronomy account forbids faithless demands that God prove Himself. In contrast, Malachi records a unique invitation from God to verify His faithfulness by obeying a specific command and observing the promised result. In the first two accounts, the testing comes from people, whereas in the third, God is the source of the testing.

In summary, motive and faith are essential for knowing when and how to test God. Is it a self-centered challenge, a response to God’s invitation to accept His goodness, or something in between? In the next column, we’ll explore the difference between church indoctrination and Jesus-style discipleship.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

God is More Than Enough

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God is enough. More than enough. Far more than enough for the spiritual and physical needs of His children. Enough even for lesser created things, such as birds and flowers, to feed them and present them in beautiful splendor (e.g., Matthew 6:25-34).

Speaking of birds, we recently had an overwhelming infestation of flying critters under our RV cover. You can imagine the noise and mess! While evicting them, I thought, “What if God put them there as part of His care?” Then I mused, “Whatever …” before recalling the Scripture, “God will not be mocked!” Hmm …

Nonetheless, if we want God to be “more than enough,” we must keep ourselves from the ‘love of money.’ Being content in all circumstances is also critical to a fulfilling life in God through Christ. Asking with the right motives helps ensure we receive what we need. And the art of ‘asking’ requires us to keep asking until our prayers are answered, one way or another (which shows how important our requests are to us).

Philippians 4:6 and Hebrews 13:5, among others, flesh out these and other concepts: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have …” (Hebrews 13:5). Additionally, see James 4:3 (motives) and Luke 18:1-8 (continue to ask). Finally, we need to ask God for things that align with His desires: “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). In the process, we find that God is enough for us, both spiritually and physically.

Spiritually. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Indeed! We have no rescue from wrath or eternal life without it! 2 Corinthians 3:5 also affirms that this sufficiency comes from God. Finally, Jesus offers refreshment more than enough for anyone who responds to God’s call: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

Physically. In Philippians 4:19, we learn that God can supply every need, including food, shelter, peace, and healing. Psalm 23:1 reminds us that God is the Shepherd who ensures we lack nothing of true value. Finally, Paul reminds us that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

In summary, God more than meets both physical and spiritual needs according to His good pleasure. What’s next? I recently heard what sounded like confusion about whether we should test God. In the meantime, rest in the knowledge and comfort that God is and does more than enough for His children.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Biblical Bacon

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No, not pork or by someone who lives ‘high on the hog.’ … Instead, we’ll address biblical finances. Money. Cheddar. Cash. Bread. Bucks. Bacon. Everyone needs it; some worship it. One person’s financial tool can be another’s heart-directed treasure (Matthew 6:21). Nonetheless, the Bible offers guidance on money management and where to direct wealth (see my recent column “The Tithe: Religion Over Love!”). What does God want here?

Obedience over sacrifice. Love MUST trump religion. God said, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 9:13). Obey what? Minimally, to honor God in all things and to be charitable (e.g., Matthew 22:34-40). 1 John 3:17 teaches that God’s love is not in those who ignore others’ needs. Their end will be eternal destruction (e.g., Matthew 25:31-46). “But, Ron: Doesn’t tithing to the church count?” Not necessarily.

There was no New Testament tithe until Constantine reinstituted it in the fourth century to fund people and projects. Until then, church funds were collected only for charity. Paul collected funds from regional churches for the beleaguered saints in Jerusalem. Early Church father Tertullian wrote that money was collected monthly from willing donors to care for widows and orphans, not to fund a “religion that has its price.” Giving money to support church salaries and other needs doesn’t replace the “honor and love” obedience God seeks. By the way, money isn’t the only way to help our churches and others—we can also share our time and talents. So, how do we ensure there’s money to give?

Tips for financial freedom. Work hard, pay bills, avoid debt (if possible), don’t cosign for others, pay taxes, care for fellow followers of Jesus, and save. Working hard reduces the likelihood of ‘idle hands’ and mischief. Remember the ‘Ant and the Grasshopper’ story based on Proverbs 6:6-11? And there’s Paul’s lecture against slackers in Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11).

Borrowing creates slaves. Avoiding debt helps us keep more of what we earn. Don’t borrow unless it’s necessary (perhaps for a home). Be intentional about paying off debt as soon as possible. Similarly, the Bible teaches us never to cosign debt (Proverbs 22:26).

Paying bills and taxes is a biblical principle that, when followed, helps keep us out of trouble. Giving to others is also a non-negotiable biblical principle, as I’ve already stated. This practice demonstrates that we are Jesus’ disciples and children of God (John 13:34-35).

Finally, setting aside some of our bounty will help ensure we can weather financial downturns. Budgeting can help you achieve this and other financial goals. Oh—I almost forgot a critical piece of advice: “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have …” (Hebrews 13:5).

In summary, use your wealth wisely to please God. Be content with what you have and prioritize charity over religion. Next, I’ll drive home the point that God is enough!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Running on Empty?

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The Natural Law of Entropy teaches us that the norm is to move from order to chaos and, in the process, return to a natural state (e.g., steel reverts to rust, and people die and return to dust). Nothing stays good, nor is chaos avoided without help. Otherwise, the makeup industry wouldn’t be so profitable! The principle also applies to us spiritually: stay filled with God’s Spirit, walk by that Spirit, and grow spiritually … or suffer chaos and decay. And that’s the subject here.

The apostle Paul explained that we can receive God’s Spirit as a gift in response to a natural outpouring of faith and obedience (Acts 5:32; Galatians 4:6). As recipients, we become God’s children (Romans 8:14), meant to be continually ‘be being’ filled by the Spirit and to walk accordingly (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16-17). Yes, I wrote ‘be being’ on purpose, as it reflects the intent and context of the original language. So, not just a ‘once-and-done’ action, but an ongoing process of refreshing and renewal. Continual filling is rewarding; the opposite can be disastrous!

Spirit-filled Christians often feel like they’re on a ‘high.’ Strong. Victorious. Spiritually invincible. Well, until life happens … The highs can turn to lows; endurance can become drudgery. Without continual refilling and refreshing, we can feel spiritually weak or empty. In the aftermath of our spiritual emptiness, we may be tempted to ‘dabble’ in unethical or immoral behavior (e.g., sexual, physical, or financial). You’ll find a non-exhaustive list of practices that can exclude someone from God’s Kingdom in Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and Ephesians 5:5. Not continually being filled by God’s Spirit can also leave space for rotten tenants.

In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus tells a parable about a demon cast out of a person, leaving the spirit without a host. In an undesirable situation, the homeless evil spirit returned. Finding it still empty and uncleaned, it and seven of its disembodied spiritual homies move in, likely through possession. We can read about avoidable real-life examples of possession in the Bible.

Avoidable? None of these, or any other examples of demonic possession or oppression, would be possible in a Holy Spirit ‘be-being’ filled environment for someone who has received and is walking in God’s Spirit. They are not running on empty, spiritually speaking, and, by the Holy Spirit, the single spiritual tenant, they exercise love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Note that these are Spirit-driven actions, not feelings or spiritual gifts!

In summary, avoid running on spiritual empty and dabbling in things God hates, which will have negative consequences. How? Immerse yourself in the things of God and walk by His Spirit to leave no room for rotten tenants or ungodly behavior! What’s next? Let’s explore biblical finances, focusing on two things: the truth about godly prosperity and where God really wants you to put your money.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Covenant Revisited: Part II

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Last time, I introduced the covenant we can have with God. Here, we continue exploring the two-way relationship with the Father through faith in the Son and by fulfilling our part of that agreement.

Quick review. The Old Covenant relationship was modeled after the human suzerain-vassal (lord-servant) treaty of Abraham’s time. The New Covenant connection to the Father through the Son is a continuation because the Father, the Son, and the mission and terms remain the same in both.

Terms. God’s obligation was to send a savior and to love people (John 3:16; 1 John 4:19). He has honored the terms and continues to keep close to Him anyone who chooses to remain (John 10:27-29 and 15:4-10; Romans 8:38-39). Jesus expects devotees to openly profess Christ to others (Matthew 10:32), to confess sins and repent, and to bear one another’s burdens (James 5:13-16). They must honor the Father with everything they are and have, in complete devotion, and love one another charitably (Matthew 22:37-40). Loving actions born of faith prove allegiance to the Father through the Son (e.g., John 14:15 and 21; 15:8). Finally, Christ-followers are obligated to grow in spirit and to make disciples who, in turn, create more disciples (e.g., Ephesians 4:11-16 and Matthew 28:18-20).

Blessings. God’s blessings for those He knows include receiving His Spirit now and partnership in the age to come. However, curses also await those God does not know—anyone who has rejected Him, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Knowing God isn’t enough—He must ‘know’ us by our obedient love (1 Corinthians 8:3).

Curses. Refusing or walking away from a relationship with God carries negative consequences. For instance, Jesus teaches that anyone who does not obey the call to be charitable to others will face judgment and destruction (John 15:6; Matthew 25:41-46). The same fate awaits those whose practices oppose God’s standard. The Psalmist David calls for the unrighteous to be removed from the Book of Life (Psalm 69:28). Similarly, Jesus tells John that He will not remove the names of the righteous from the Book (Revelation 3:5). Finally, the names of those who will choose poorly and align with the end-times Antichrist will be absent from it (Revelation 13:8 and 17:8).

Devote and stay. A fruitful and continuing relationship demands that both parties remain in and true to the agreement. The covenant with the Father through Christ is no exception. The language used to denote the need to remain in a relationship with the Father refers to staying put. In scriptures such as John 15:4-10, Jesus explains the need to stay with the Father and the Son, sometimes using conditional statements that insist people can choose to remain or leave. The apostle John continues the theme in 1 John 4:16.

In summary, your Creator has called you back to Him through Jesus. It’s your turn: devote yourself, be charitable, and stay. Next? The dangers of spiritual emptiness and its cure.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Covenant Revisited: Part I

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God’s children are in a covenantal relationship with Him. It’s a committed, faithful bond in which God graciously promises to be with and for His people, and they respond with trust, obedience, and devotion. It’s not merely a contract but a living relationship marked by love, loyalty, and ongoing renewal. We’ll further unpack God’s relational nature and the covenant with Him in the next two articles, updated from the original 2021 publication.

God has sought partnership with His creation since the beginning of human time, when He charged the first man, Adam, with caring for what He had made. Adam cultivated the garden and named the animals (Genesis 1:26-30 and 2:15-20). From then on, a relational God who endowed humans with the ability to choose Him has regularly sought “I will if you will” engagements.

Probably the earliest example of a two-way covenant with God was the one He established with Abraham. In Genesis 15:1-21 and 17:1-14, we learn that God entered into a relationship with Abraham to fulfill a promise to provide a way back and to redeem creation after Adam and Eve’s rebellion. The covenant was based on an ancient Hittite suzerain-vassal framework that outlined the relationship between the lord of the land and its occupants. The lord demanded complete devotion and allegiance, along with a tithe (10%) of what the land produced. In return, subjects received protection and provision. This was the standard arrangement in Abraham’s time and included a preamble listing the parties involved and a historical prologue providing the “basis of obligation.”

Furthermore, the covenantal agreement included stipulations (terms and conditions), blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience. Regular readings of the treaty were necessary to keep it foremost in participants’ minds. That God used it should come as no surprise, given that Father and Son have always employed human language, practices, and figures of speech in communicating with us. The lord-servant arrangement was what Abraham knew, and it would have made sense to him. God continued what He had started by reaffirming the agreement through Moses 500 years later.

God remembered His covenant with the people of Israel when they were captives in Egypt (Exodus 2:24). After their rescue by Moses, God confirmed the treaty using the same suzerain/vassal framework:

1.         Preamble/Title: “I am Yahweh your God . . .”          

2.         Prologue: “. . . who brought you up out of the land” (provides obligations and motive).

3.         Stipulations/Obligations: “You shall have no other gods before me. . . .”

4.         Periodic reading of the treaty.

5.         Witnesses.

6.         Curses and blessings.

Additional covenantal artifacts exist in scriptures such as Deuteronomy 4:32-40, 6:4-25, and chapter eight.

In summary, a God who exercises choice created humans with the same ability, and He sought reciprocal relationships with willing participants in the Old Covenant (Old Testament). Next time, we’ll see that this is still the case in the New Covenant.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley (MDiv; DMin)

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Are You ‘Saved?’ – Part Two

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Someone told me this when I was 16: “All you have to do to be saved from hell is believe in Jesus and say this silent prayer.” It sounded too good to be true, and I thought, “Surely, there must be more to a relationship with God!” Now I can tell you that rescue from hell is possible only through an active, two-way relationship (covenant) with Him that we need to foster… do our part… until we die or the world ends. But this isn’t what many Protestants believe.

In Part One of this series, I defined salvation as both a rescue from God’s future wrath (will be saved) and the process of being made whole (being saved). I also noted that salvation involves two main parts: (1) entering a relationship with God and (2) remaining in that relationship. Here, I will expand on these points and explain their elements.

Enter a relationship (covenant) with God. Some believe that everyone is on the fast track to hell unless God occasionally rescues someone. Others teach that everyone will be saved. The truth: Anyone can choose salvation, but not everyone will … or stay if they do.

• Who. “… God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4).

• Why. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God.” (1 Peter 3:18—see also 1 John 2:2).

• How. Entry into the relationship, like a marriage, requires experience, decision, and devotion: “He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.” (John 1:7; 20:31) and “… confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved …” (Romans 10:9-10).

Stay in the relationship. Honor God, be charitable to people, and abide (stay).

• Honor God with all you are and have (e.g., Matthew 22:34-40).

• Be charitable (love others through a fruitful faith). “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share …” (1 Timothy 6:18). Otherwise, “… faith, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

• Persevere. “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. … If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away … and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (Matthew 24:13; John 15:6).

Summary. Partner with God for transformation, rescue, and eternal life by devoting yourself fully to Him and remaining in the relationship. What’s next? Many Christians view their connection to a heavenly Father (which should be a covenant) as a one-sided affair with a lovesick God. So we’ll work to better understand it. Meanwhile, honor God, be charitable, love justice and mercy, and focus on purity and spiritual growth.

Blessings and peace,
Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv; DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Are You ‘Saved?’ – Part One

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“Are you saved, brother?” two guys asked me for several days about 40 years ago. I initially replied, “Yep!” Finally, I responded, “I was saved the first time you asked me, and I’m still saved!” What does salvation mean, and how do we attain it? We’ll explore this in a two-part series.

Salvation Defined. In Biblical Greek, it means to rescue, protect, or restore. The specific meaning varies based on the context, and the Bible often describes salvation as a future rescue from God’s end-of-the-world wrath: “… for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5) Meanwhile, we are “being” saved—being made whole (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:18).

Salvation relies on choosing, engaging in, and maintaining a healthy relationship with God. Therefore, rescue from God’s wrath requires free-will decision and action, as the Bible teaches and the earliest Church affirmed.

What the Bible teaches and the earliest Church believed. Ancient Church fathers (and the Bible!) taught that salvation has two parts: (1) entering a relationship with God; (2) staying in that relationship. Entry requires a decision and dedication (e.g., John 1:7 and 20:31; Romans 10:9-10). Staying requires obeying God’s commands to honor Him and to love others charitably—doing good works (e.g., James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; Hebrews 10:24; Revelation 20:13). As a result, apostles and early Church fathers emphasized that belief and action go hand in hand: “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. … You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:17 & 24).

Staying also requires perseverance: “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. … If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” (Matthew 24:13; John 15:6). So, who is called by God to believe, devote, and persevere?

Who. God wants everyone to have a relationship with Him (1 Timothy 2:4). So Jesus died to pay the penalty for humanity’s rebellion (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:2). The reality is, though, that not everyone will follow the narrow path to salvation.

The path to salvation. Contrary to popular beliefs, faith alone, silent prayers or fruitless faith will not save you. Instead, the Bible teaches that the way to eternal life follows this basic approach: Experience and decide, devote yourself to God, honor Him, be charitable to people, and stay in the relationship. Dissecting and explaining these steps will be the focus of Part Two.

Summary. Salvation involves being rescued from God’s wrath and experiencing a present transformation. Building and maintaining a relationship with God is essential to navigating these life-changing events. Next time, I will discuss the elements of the pathway that lead to new life and rescue from God’s wrath.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Heavenly Armor: Part Two

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In part one, we learned that evil is everywhere and that we have protective armor and a spiritual sword. The armor consists of these elements:

  • Belt of Truth: Girds us with Christ’s foundational truth.
  • Breastplate of Righteousness: God’s standard that keeps us on the narrow path.
  • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: The good news of God’s Kingdom being shared with humanity.
  • Shield of Faith: Guards us against fear, doubt, and anxiety.
  • Helmet of Salvation: Confidence in future rescue for those who seek God’s righteousness.
  • Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God that helps discern God’s truth from the lies of the Evil One.

Here, we’ll explore the Shield of Faith, which is built on belief—confidence. The apostle Paul explains that this enables us to hold firmly to the unseen aspects of our Christianity, whether through the Spirit or fulfilled prophecies (Hebrews 10:39 & 11:1). We trust in God and Christ because of what they’ve done, are doing, and will do. It’s like this: you strongly believe you’ll get a paycheck because you have received one consistently in the past. But why do we need a Shield of Faith?

A Shield of Faith helps us stay focused on what we know to be true. It enables us to persevere through trials as we pursue the ‘crown of life’ that awaits God’s children (James 1:12). Faith-driven perseverance also builds character and hope (Romans 5:3-4). Without a heavenly Shield of Faith, we would crumble in despair and doubt, unable to endure life’s struggles. Therefore, we need this shield to overcome difficulties and live spiritually. How do we attain this Shield of Faith?

Experience is essential for developing strong faith, and it can take various forms, such as biblical writings and the proclamation that God’s Kingdom is accessible. “But these [signs performed by Jesus] have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31) Additionally, a healthy fear of God and related knowledge are faith-builders: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Additionally, we become stronger in everything through discipline; building faith is no different. Study the Bible. Don’t just read the words—study and seek understanding through prayer! Also, pray regularly to adore and thank God, intercede for yourself and others, and confess sinful behavior. Practice your faith through self-control and charity. And when you lack faith (perhaps due to discouragement, doubt, or spiritual immaturity), pray for faith-boosting wisdom (James 1:5-6).

In summary, a Shield of Faith is crucial for overcoming doubt and fear and for fueling our perseverance as we pursue the ‘crown of life.’ It is developed through experiencing God in various ways and through practice. Next time? Let’s explore the fears of a looming third world war from a biblical perspective.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

World War III?

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I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve heard or read that we’re on the verge of a third world war (WWIII)! Some even believe the war has already begun. Many, especially Evangelicals, think WWIII is tied to end-of-the-world prophecies. Is this true? Or are people just overreacting? I’ll discuss these questions here to help ease fears or anxiety.

Is World War III starting or about to happen? Probably not. Deep alliances, divisions, and failed diplomacy — like those that led to the first two world wars — aren’t at pre-war levels. And although Jesus showed several signs of the end times, current events don’t match anything more than ‘birth pains’ leading to the end. This has been true for 2,000 years, and it will be, with the frequency and intensity of events foretold by Jesus increasing significantly as the end approaches.

Unfortunately, people often believe that current conflicts and natural disasters indicate the end of the world, leading to fears of a looming global war like biblical Armageddon. However, these predictions have recurred throughout history. For example, the Crusades, the Black Plague, the Napoleonic Wars, both World Wars, the Cold War, and Y2K have caused Christians to think the world was ending. Adding to the confusion are Nostradamus’ cryptic prophecies, which some interpret as signs of imminent disaster or biblical prophetic fulfillment.

It’s true that close alliances and divisions among nations, or an event that triggers a major conflict involving them, can lead to a large-scale war. Territorial expansion, dominance, military buildup, and failed diplomacy might signal a global conflict, as seen with both World Wars. Still, we should focus on hope, not despair—on biblical and historical truths, not on distorted media hype, prophecies, or YouTube sensationalism.

What does the Bible reveal about World War III? Nothing. The Bible does suggest there will be at least two major conflicts: the Armageddon of Revelation 16:12-16 and 19:11-21, and the Gog-Magog war of Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 20:8-9. However, neither Armageddon nor the Gog-Magog wars qualify as world wars. Both involve or are against God, and at least the Gog-Magog war targets Israel during a time of peace. Currently, Israel is seen as an aggressor, not a peacetime victim. Also, God is not openly a combatant as He will be in both conflicts I mentioned. Nonetheless, how should we behave?

How should we respond? Paul teaches us to persevere through trials, which builds character and hope (Romans 5:3-4). Jesus also encourages us by saying that those who “endure to the end will be saved” (rescued from God’s wrath to come in the last days—Matthew 10:22 and 24:13). Meanwhile, spend more time honoring God and loving people than watching or reading media outlets!

In short, we’re unlikely to see WWIII or the end of the world anytime soon. Still, we must stay strong and faithful during difficult times. In the next column, I’ll try to unravel the mystery of ‘salvation.’

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

Biblical Truth by Ron Braley