Increasing Turmoil in U.S. Cities

For many in the Western world, news about feuding factions in the Middle East or Africa may seem “far away.” Yet it is also erupting in America—from Ferguson, Missouri to Baltimore, Maryland, on the edge of the U.S. capital. Recently, the governor of Maryland called out the National Guard and the city of Baltimore instituted a curfew to quell the violence that broke out after the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray. The rioting included “rock-throwing youths, arson, looting and at least 15 police officers injured… Angry residents threw bottles, rocks and chunks of concrete at officers who lined up in riot gear with shields deployed. Cars were set on fire, store windows were shattered, a CVS drugstore was looted, and the cafe inside a century-old Italian deli was destroyed” (New York Times, April 27, 2015). Jesus prophesied that in the last days “nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7). The inspired Greek word translated “nation” is ethnos—which indicates that “increasing ethnic strife” will be one of the key events that will mark the end of the age. This prophesied ethnic strife will impact Israelite-descended nations like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Western European nations that have turned away from God and despised His laws (see Leviticus 26:14-33; Deuteronomy 28:43). As problems mount that defy human solutions, the need for Jesus Christ to return to establish a world government that will bring peace and justice (Isaiah 9:6-7) will become obvious to more and more people. This is what the “true gospel” of the Kingdom of God is all about (Mark 1:14-15; Acts 1:6; Revelation 5:10; 11:15-18). Read about this soon-coming reality in The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?

Jesus prophesied that in the last days “nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7). The inspired Greek word translated “nation” is ethnos—which indicates that “increasing ethnic strife” will be one of the key events that will mark the end of the age. This prophesied ethnic strife will impact Israelite-descended nations like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Western European nations that have turned away from God and despised His laws (see Leviticus 26:14-33; Deuteronomy 28:43). As problems mount that defy human solutions, the need for Jesus Christ to return to establish a world government that will bring peace and justice (Isaiah 9:6-7) will become obvious to more and more people. This is what the “true gospel” of the Kingdom of God is all about (Mark 1:14-15; Acts 1:6; Revelation 5:10; 11:15-18).

Read about this soon-coming reality in The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?