This month there will no doubt be hundreds if not thousands of reviews written about 2016.  I am not about to throw my hat into that ring, but wish to show support for the brethren who have already summarized the year’s events from a Christian perspective.

2016 was full of end time prophetic markers with Israel occupying the center of world attention once again.  While thousands of Christians suffered horrific persecution at the hands of radical Isis and other terrorists, many western evangelicals focused their attention primarily on the U.S. Presidential election.  Muslims are increasingly convinced that their long-awaited Imam will appear on the world stage soon.  Some fear that we are on the verge of the Gog-Magog War, or WWIII.  Evidence shows that more Jews are accepting Jesus as their promised Messiah, while other Jews are becoming more excited that their long-awaited non-Jesus messiah is coming soon.   Intricate preparations are being made as even the Israeli police seem to believe the Messiah is coming soon.

Another article by Jan Markell, Top Bible Prophesy Stories of 2016, sums up the year 2016 pretty well with eighteen Biblical end time prophetic events.

But why do so many people of diverse faith believe that we are on the verge of a world-changing event?  And if so, “Why is any of this relevant to me?” you may ask.

I just felt like pointing out that while many Christians may be focused on New Year’s Resolutions, politics, or faith seminars, some Christian leaders remark that the church is lukewarm and not actively supporting Israel; nor is it overly concerned with preparations for the imminent return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

What do you think?  What is beyond 2016?