Radical Christians believe humanity is in 'the end of times' as the outbreak of war in Ukraine has 'prophetic significance.'
Evangelical pastor Greg Laurie from the Harvest Christian Fellowship in California claims the Bible predicts the coming of war and plagues when Jesus is meant to return to Earth – which he claims is related to the current conflict and the coronavirus pandemic.
In a bizarre social media video following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Laurie said: "Is there any prophetic significance to what is happening in Ukraine right now?
“The answer is…Yes! I believe that Christ could come back at any moment.
“There are signs of times the Bible tells us to be looking for. Jesus likened it to labour pains in a woman who’s ready to give birth—the idea being the closer they get together the closer you are to the birth.”
"Jesus said that there ‘will be wars and rumours of wars’.
“War on a scale that we have not seen in a long time. If the coronavirus is not a plague, I don’t know what it is – a global plague.”
He also claimed the antichrist will come in the form of a 'world leader' that finally shows their 'true colours.'
"The Bible warns of a world leader that will come and dominate and deceive people but ultimately reveal his true colours and he’s called the antichrist," he added.
“I believe a lot of this government overreach – imposing themselves on their people is a sign of what is going to come later when the antichrist emerges on the scene.”
The pastor's ideas come from a piece of scripture from Matthew 42 in which Jesus describes the signs to watch for his return which describes a series of odd and extreme events.
To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
The passage reads: "You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.
"Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
"There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Russia 'fires rockets' at another nuclear reactor despite 'large scale disaster' warning
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Source: Read Full Article
