Now if you are at all concerned today whether your eyes are open to what is really going on in the world and want to prayerfully be alert and discerning about what you see, then be assured that's the first step to remaining awake. Just being concerned about it at all is the first step to being awake. And the good news of the gospel is that we can be reconciled to God right now. We can call on his name. We can call on the name of Jesus to help us and save us. We can be filled with the Spirit of God to keep us spiritually fired up and alert and discerning of what is really going on in the world around us. That is our privilege. That is the invitation of the Bible: “Come be reconciled to God”. “Be alert. Be awakened to all his goodness for us.

 

1) Do you think wars are inevitable? How could global peace be possible? 

2) What does 'the wrath of God' look like? In what ways do we see it being poured out today?

3) In what ways are the 7 'bowls of God's wrath' different from the 7 trumpets?

4) In Revelation 16:13–14, the 'unholy trinity' of the dragon, beast and false prophet send out deceptive spirits to influence  leaders and gather them for battle. How does deception and propaganda fuel conflict?

5) In light of the challenges, Jesus tells his people 'stay awake and fully clothed' (Rev 16:15). What might this mean in practice?

6) Is Judgement day and the defeat of 'Babylon' something to be feared, or welcomed by Christians?