Steve Wohlberg was just interviewed by Gerry Wagoner about his new book Approaching Armageddon, and several exciting ways that fellow Christians are demonstrating interest in the book.
Hi Steve. I understand you have a new book coming out this week. What is it about? Yes, the title is Approaching Armageddon: Discover Hope Beyond Earth’s Final Battle. The book has 11 chapters, which are essentially divided into three main sections. The first section gives readers strong evidence—based on ancient prophecies that have already been literally fulfilled—that they can trust the Bible. The second section is about what is now happening in our world everywhere: the pandemic, deadly disasters, fierce wildfires, riots, rage, violence, political divisions, sexual immorality, the increase of knowledge, a global environmental crisis—all of which have been predicted as “signs” by Jesus Christ and other Bible writers. The third section is about the final battle, called “Armageddon,” and the wonderful future that is waiting for us (after the dust settles) if we trust and follow Jesus. So the book hits hard about current events, but gives lots of hope beyond this storm. Above all, Jesus is lifted up. His love is highlighted, which He revealed on the cross. He loves us all!
Is the world getting worse? Or is it just more of the same? It is definitely getting worse because the Spirit of God is slowly withdrawing. The Bible says, “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Jesus also predicted, “because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). The Greek word for “abound” literally means to “increase” like weeds in a garden. Thus sin will “increase” as we near the Day of God.
What about natural disasters? Are they on the rise over the last twenty years? Yes. Just look at California, Oregon, and Washington. This is a record fire season—worse than ever. In California, more than 4 million acres have burned in the last few months, and there are still about two months left of the fire season. Hurricanes are getting stronger. I expect such things to keep increasing as biblical signs to sinful humanity that the world is Approaching Armageddon. God speaks through deadly disasters. They are warnings of things to come. Their purpose is to awaken sinners, so they will repent, and seek the Lord, while mercy lingers.
We have seen tremendous efforts to blame natural disasters on anthropogenic activity—by the Pope and also from the radical green movement, both seeking control over the affairs of humanity. Is there a different reason, such as God allowing these things to occur as 6000–years of evil reach their fullness? In Noah’s day, scientists gave all sorts of reasons why a global flood was impossible. But they were wrong. Today, people put the blame on human overuse of fossil fuels. The truth is that there are multiple reasons why these things occur. Take the western US fires. Some are caused by downed power lines. Sometimes arson. Sometimes lightening strikes. Poor forest management is contributing to the inferno. Plus, strong winds. In all of this, God is speaking. He has “many tools in His shed,” as they say. He speaks through direct judgments sometimes, or by allowing sin to run its course. But to place the blame entirely on human activities like fossil fuel use fails to see the deeper sin issue and the breaking of God’s law. These are God’s judgments to wake people up. Blaming fossil fuel use removes God from the picture, which is wholly deceptive. God is speaking through these catastrophes. “Repent!” is His urgent call. His message goes beyond, “Go Green.” Yes, taking better care of His earth is good. But as long is sin grows, no green legislation will solve the bigger problem.
Tell us about the Battle of Armageddon. The word “Armageddon” appears only one time in the Bible, in Revelation 16:16. The immediate context shows it is “the battle of the great day of God Almighty.” Verse 14. The larger context—verses 13-21—reveals that it is a global showdown between the world forces of evil and God Almighty. A parallel passage is Revelation 19:11-16 which depicts Jesus Christ returning on “a white horse” to crush the world forces of Satan. Millions think Armageddon will be a bloody Middle East military battle against Israelis. But Revelation 16:13-21 and Revelation 19:11-16 tell us a different story. The battle is global. Jesus will “smite the nations” (Revelation 19:15). “The cities of the nations fell” (Revelation 16:19). “Great Babylon” is destroyed (Revelation 16:19). The battle isn’t Middle East-centered. It’s global. And the ‘good guys’ aren’t Jews per se, but all true followers of Jesus (Jew and Gentile) who reject the wiles of Babylon. Approaching Armageddon explains a lot more details.
Is there any interest in your book from our evangelical friends? Oh yes! Providentially, the publisher is Destiny Image, a mainstream Christian publisher. White Horse Media has also hired Gina Adams, president of The Adams Group PR for publicity, and she has already sent out press releases to both mainstream faith-based media, and even secular media. Gina recently confirmed two big interviews for me, one on a Christian radio show, “The Bottom Line,” plus a TV interview on The Cornerstone TeleVision Network which also broadcasts on “Glorystar.” I expect many more interviews. As people look around, many see The End approaching. Interest is great. That’s we hired the Adams Group. Because time is short, we want to expand our efforts to share God’s Word with larger audiences.
What do you say to people who live in fear of the Time of the End? Some refer the matter to GC 622 where it says that the Time of the End will be worse than people anticipate. Near the beginning of Matthew 24, which contains Jesus Christ’s longest message on the signs of the times and the approach of Armageddon, Jesus said, “see that you be not troubled” (Matthew 24:6). Yes, a “time of trouble” is coming (Daniel 12:1), yet Jesus still says, “see that you be not troubled.” “Let not your heart be troubled,” is His word in John 14:1. He also says, “In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Thus Jesus gives us lots of encouragement. He wants us to trust Him, and not to be afraid.
What is the bad news of the Time of the End? The bad news is that life on earth will be characterized by increasing chaos, wickedness, mayhem, and increasing judgments from God against sin and evil. Times will get tougher. “In the last days,” wrote Paul, “perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1).
What is the goods news of the Time of the End? The good news is that “knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4) meaning that God’s people will experience richer revelations of His Word, His promises, and His presence. As sin’s night deepens, we can also be encouraged that “our redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
What Bible prophecies have been fulfilled already? There are lots of them. Approaching Armageddon starts out showing how Jesus perfectly fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, such as the prediction that the Messiah would come out of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), minister in “Galilee” (Isaiah 9:1,2) and be betrayed for “thirty pieces of silver” (Zechariah 11:12). Daniel’s prophecy that after Babylon would come three more nations (Persia, Greece, and Rome) with the last nation begin divided (European divisions of Rome) has also been perfectly fulfilled. Jesus prediction that “not one stone will be left” (see Matthew 24:2) of the Jewish temple also saw a striking fulfillment in 70 AD when Roman legions broke through Jerusalem’s mighty walls and burned the temple to the ground. Each of these prophecies is discussed in Approaching Armageddon, and the fulfillment of each gives us greater confidence in the Bible, and that its future prophecies will also be fulfilled.
What counsel do you have for people who are turning to politics as the solution to our world’s problems? Read Daniel 2. The kingdoms of men are represented by the tall metallic man which King Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. That statue is finally crushed by the “Rock,” representing God’s kingdom, which alone “shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44). God alone is sustaining the present kingdoms, even in their sinful state. Yet the earthly outlook isn’t pretty. Jesus said, “Upon the earth [shall be] distress of nations, with perplexity” (Luke 21:26). The Greek word for “perplexity” means, “with no way out.” Man can’t fully solve earth’s problems. Politicians may or may not help some, but our hope mustn’t rest on their decisions. Our hope is in God, and in the return of Jesus.
What Bible prophecies are yet to be fulfilled? Most of the “signs” Jesus and other writers predicted are now being fulfilled. Other prophecies like the mark of the beast, the close of probation, the seven last plagues, the destruction of Babylon, and the return of Jesus Christ are still ahead of us. Armageddon hasn’t come yet; but its coming, sooner than many of us think.
I understand that you were interviewed recently by a major radio station. Tell us about that interview. God has opened many doors allowing me to be a guest on many radio shows. One recent one was with host Rob Pratte on KDKA in Pittsburg. Here is that podcast. For 20 minutes we discussed Approaching Armageddon, the signs of the times, and the return of Jesus. I will join Mr. Pratte again soon. My interview with Roger Marsh on The Bottom Line is slated for October 20. If Fulcrum 7 readers would like to hear that one and other interviews, they can sign up to receive my free E-newsletters on www.whitehorsemedia.com. If an interview is recorded, which most are, I will send out links to my E-news subscribers. These interviews are exciting. His truth is marching on!
The Bible says we will experience false Christs in the end. What are some of those false Christs? There are many of them. One man is Álvaro Theiss, who has over 330,000 followers. Another is Pastor Appollo Quiboloy in the Philippines, whose website boasts that he has 7 million followers worldwide and growing—covering 200 countries and 2000 cities, spanning most continents of the world. Both of these men claim to be Jesus incarnated. Jesus warned, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4).
What good news do you have for our readers as we approach the End? The best news is that Jesus has promised to be with us, “even to the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20), and that He will soon personally return to gather His faithful children, and to take us to a better land where there will be “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). This is our glorious hope. In this world of chaos, we can have firm confidence in Jesus, in His Word, in His promises, and in certainty of that future. What could be better than that!?
Any final thoughts? I want to thank Fulcrum 7 for this interview. Truly, Approaching Armageddon is a wonderful book. It will anchor readers in the Word of God, and give them hope for the future. It is easy to read, and easy to share with friends and neighbors. It is perfect for our times. We have also filmed an “Approaching Armageddon Master Video Course” where participants can watch me go through 11 sessions. This course includes the book, a workbook, and two Q & A sessions. The book is now available from White Horse Media. Time is short. Let’s not become discouraged. Let’s lift up our heads, for our redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).
Steve Wohlberg is the Speaker/Director of White Horse Media based in Priest River, Idaho. He is the author of many books, including End Times Health War. His websites are whitehorsemedia.com, and SproutingWithSteve.com.