A. Many modern preachers herald the news that a great war between God and Satan will take take place in what they call " Armageddon- The Ultimate War!"
1. Is this great event really coming and sooner than we expect?
2. What does the Bible say about this? Let us know the truth, John 8:32
B. The approach in this discussion will be as follows:
1. Summary of Theories on Armageddon- The Last War
2. Information about Megidddo from the Old Testament to the present
3. What the Bible says on the so called " Armageddon- The Ultimate War!"
Discussion
A. Summary of Theories on Armageddon- The Last War
1. They claim that Armageddon will be the place where the "kings of the earth" under demonic leadership will wage war on the forces of God at the end of history.
2. Protestant Fundamentalists refer to this event as a " cataclysmic" struggle between the forces of " good and evil."
3. Final war between all human governments and God's rule, the eventual victor, Psalm 2:2 and Daniel 2:44
4. Christ and His heavenly army will defeat all earthly enemies, Revelation 19:11-16, 19-21; Ezekiel 39:7
5. This war will encompass the whole earth and not in the Middle East only, Jeremiah 25:32-34; Ezekiel 39:17-30 wherein all nations will converge for their last stand against God's rule.
6. They say that this Last War will be after the " great tribulation" and with Christ's invisible presence which no one knows, Matthew 24: 37-39.
B. Information About Armageddon
1.Armageddon comes from Hebrew " har" hill/ mount and Megiddo, a significant place
2..In Jewish history, Megiddo was the site of devastating conflicts, e.g.." defeat of Josiah," 2 Kings 23:29; victory of Barak, Joshua 5:19 and the death of King Saul, I Samuel 31.
3. Location: on a pass/ road connecting Egypt to Syria, Mesopotamia, etc.
4. Modern name " Tel- Megiddo" a town in ancient Palestine overlooking the Plaib of Esdraelon ( Valley of Jezreel) about 18 miles ( 29 kilometers) Southeast of Haifa in Northern Israel
5. In 1918 during World War I, British general Edmund Allenby defeated Turkey's 7th and 8th armies there..
C. What the Bible says on Armageddon- The Last War concept? ( Revelation 16:12-16)
1. The 6th bowl of wrath is poured on Euphrates River drying it up and allowing armies from Assyria, Babylonia, Parthia, etc to pass through en route to Palestine
2. The invading kings from the east will be led by Satan using three demonic spirits for the battle on the " great day of God, the Almighty."
3. Christ will come as a thief in the night to fight for God, Revelation 9: 14-19; 16:15; Jeremiah1:13
4.Satan ( dragon), the beast ( Roman Empire as persecutor) and the false prophet ( emperor worship) will fight against God's forces.
5. But this is actually a " spiritual battle" as described in Revelation 19:11-21 where Christ will defeat God's enemies.
6. The correct meaning of Revelation 16:12-16 is as follows:
a. " as stated above, the war at Armageddon is a spiritual battle!"
b. it is a warfare being fought by God's people against spiritual enemies as described in Ephesians 6:12
c. as such the weapons being used are also " spiritual" as stated in Ephesians 6:16-17 ( sword of the Spirit against the fiery darts of the wicked one(
d. the whole armor is described in Ephesians 6: 13-17
7. The ultimate war is a continuing conflict between good and evil and not at the end of time, I Timothy 1:18; 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3; 4:7)
8. The result of the war at Armageddon is always a sure victory for God and the faithful saints, I Corinthians 15:57; Romans 8:37; Revelation 12:9 and I Peter 5:8
9. We shall always be the victors when we rely on God and use His weapons, 2 Corinthians 10:4; Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 1:16; John 16:33 and I John 5:4
Conclusion
A. If you are not yet in Christ, we shall be willing to help you to become a disciple of Jesus
1. Mathew 11:28-30 is Christ's invitation for you
2. Come to Him now and be saved spiritually, Acts 2:38