News and Prophecy Staff

Last week, there was a major earthquake just outside Caracas, Venezuela. The initial 7.2 quake was followed seconds later by an even greater 7.5 quake—an event known as a “seismic doublet.” As of the time of this writing, casualties are still being counted, but more than 2,000 are already known to have died, more than 10,000 have been injured, and tens of thousands are still unaccounted for (NPR, July 1, 2026).

Society today downplays the benefits of marriage as God designed it. Yet followers of Jesus Christ realize that God created marriage to bring a man and woman into a lifelong relationship where the two function together in harmony (Genesis 2:18, 24). Building a happy and successful marriage takes work, time, and intentionality. It is not easy—especially in a world whose “god,” the Devil, is bent on destroying this God-ordained institution (2 Corinthians 4:4)—but when God gives a command, He does so to bless and not to punish us.

“If you’ve been thinking it seems like there are more wars raging in the world… you’re right and the data proves it” (NPR, June 9, 2026). A recent study from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) revealed that 2025 saw the highest number of national conflicts since World War II. Fatalities, especially among civilians, were the highest since the Rwandan genocide of 1994.

Fertility rates are dropping in nations around the world. What was once a problem of the developed world is now impacting developing nations as well. Mexico and Iran have been hit, and Asian nations are feeling population decline powerfully.