Wars and Rumors of Wars – The Beginning of Sorrows - Is it time yet?

Scripture:

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”
—Matthew 24:6

Iran is a key player in the Middle East, and conflict involving it could be one of the many wars leading into the prophesied end times. This could escalate into a global war (WW3), fulfilling this warning by Jesus.

2. Gog and Magog War – Possible Role of Iran

Scripture:

“Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets…”
—Ezekiel 38:5

“Persia” is the ancient name for modern-day Iran.
In Ezekiel 38–39, Persia is one of the nations allied with Gog, possibly a Russian leader or power, attacking Israel.
This war occurs when Israel is dwelling securely.
God Himself intervenes supernaturally.

📍Some scholars believe the Gog-Magog War is a pre-tribulation event or early in the Tribulation.

🐻 The Bear with Three Ribs – Daniel 7:5

Daniel 7:5 (KJV):

“And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.”

🧩 Traditional Interpretation: The Medo-Persian Empire

Most conservative Bible scholars interpret this bear as symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, which succeeded the Babylonian Empire.

The bear is a fitting image—slow but powerful and ferocious.
The phrase “raised up on one side” reflects how Persia (modern Iran) became the dominant side over Media.
The three ribs in its mouth are usually interpreted as three major conquests made by the Medo-Persian Empire:
1. Lydia (Western Turkey)
2. Babylon
3. Egypt

These were major powers that fell to Medo-Persia.

🔁 Modern Prophetic Insight: Does the Bear Also Point to Iran Today?

While Daniel 7 primarily speaks of past empires, some scholars and watchmen believe these beasts may also represent end-time powers or spirits resurfacing in the last days.

If Interpreted Prophetically for Today:

The bear could represent a resurging Persian spirit, or Iran as a modern-day power.
Iran (Persia) is again aligning itself with Russia (another "bear" symbol) and hostile nations toward Israel, including alliances seen in Ezekiel 38.
The three ribs may represent past enemies or regions targeted by Iran (e.g., Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. presence in the Middle East).
The command “Arise, devour much flesh” hints at an aggressive, war-driven agenda—which fits Iran’s apocalyptic and expansionist ambitions.
🔥 Connection Between Daniel 7 & Ezekiel 38
- Daniel 7:5 (Bear = Medo-Persia)
- Ezekiel 38:5 (Persia = modern Iran, allied with Gog, potentially Russia)
Together, they suggest that the spirit behind ancient Persia (hostile to God's people) is reawakening in modern Iran, playing a significant role in end-time conflict.

Turkey was greece / Greece

🐆 The Leopard in Daniel 7:6 — Prophetic Description

Daniel 7:6 (KJV):

“After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.”

📜 Traditional Interpretation – The Greek Empire

Historically, this verse is widely interpreted as representing the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great:

Leopard: Represents speed and ferocity—Alexander conquered rapidly.
Four wings: Accentuates the speed of conquest.
Four heads: After Alexander’s death, his empire split into four kingdoms, ruled by his generals (Ptolemy, Seleucus, Cassander, and Lysimachus).
Dominion given: The Greek Empire dominated much of the known world.

🔁 Possible End-Times Application — Turkey as the Leopard?

Some modern prophecy scholars believe that Daniel’s beasts may have dual meanings:

Historical empires, and
Future geopolitical powers active in the last days.

With that framework, Turkey is often proposed as the modern “leopard” power, and here’s why:

Why Turkey Could Be the Leopard in the End Times

1. Successor of the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire (centered in modern-day Turkey) succeeded parts of the Greek Empire.
It ruled over Jerusalem and much of the Middle East for centuries.
Turkey is seeking to revive its Islamic and regional power, especially under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has made neo-Ottomanism a public goal.

2. Fast Movement (Wings of a Fowl)

The leopard with wings symbolizes swift conquest or influence.
Turkey has rapidly expanded its military influence in Syria, Libya, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
It uses both diplomacy and military aggression to reshape the Islamic world.

3. Four Heads = Four Divisions or Coalitions?

This could symbolize a future alliance of Islamic nations led or coordinated by Turkey.
Or possibly four key regions under Turkish influence: Europe (NATO), the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.

4. Turkey’s End-Time Role in a Revived Islamic Caliphate

Turkey may lead a revived caliphate — a coalition of Muslim nations — opposing Israel.
Many speculate that the Antichrist could arise from a Middle Eastern or Turkish Islamic background (Daniel 8:9–11 suggests a “little horn” from the Seleucid region, which included modern Turkey and Syria).

🧩 Comparing Daniel 7 to Revelation 13

Revelation 13:2:

“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion...”

In Revelation, the end-time beast is a composite of the lion (Babylon), bear (Persia), and leopard (Greece).
This supports the idea that all these past empires will have their spirits revived or geopolitical successors in the last days.
The leopard element in Revelation suggests a resurgence of the Grecian-Turkish sphere of influence, possibly through Turkey.

⚠️ Final Thoughts: Turkey’s Strategic Importance

Geopolitical power between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
Islamic leadership aspirations
Growing hostility toward Israel
Strong ties to NATO and Russia, making it a dangerous swing power
Could play a major role in Ezekiel 38–39 (Gomer and Togarmah, ancient names for Turkey, are allies of Gog)

✝️ What Should Believers Do?

Watch Turkey's role in the Middle East and global politics.
Be spiritually discerning and rooted in Scripture (Matthew 24:4).
Pray for Turkey—many Christians are persecuted there.
Stay ready for the return of Christ!

3. Rise of the Antichrist and a False Peace Treaty

Scripture:

“He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering…”
—Daniel 9:27

A charismatic world leader (Antichrist) emerges.
He brokers a peace treaty with Israel and possibly Islamic nations after major wars.
This begins the 7-year Tribulation.

4. The Great Tribulation and Global Chaos

Scripture:

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world...”
—Matthew 24:21

Widespread persecution, economic collapse, plagues, and more wars.
Iran and its allies may be involved in ongoing Middle East turmoil.
Revelation 6–18 outlines seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.
WW3 could unfold during this period.

5. Armageddon – The Final Battle

Scripture:

“Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”
—Revelation 16:16

Global powers gather in Israel to fight in the Valley of Megiddo.
Jesus returns at this moment with the armies of Heaven to defeat the Antichrist.

6. The Return of Jesus Christ

Scripture:

“Immediately after the tribulation... they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
—Matthew 24:29-30
“Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations... His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.”
—Zechariah 14:3-4

Christ defeats the Antichrist and judges the nations.
He establishes His 1,000-year reign (Millennium) from Jerusalem (Revelation 20).

🔍 Key Scriptures at a Glance

Prophetic Event	Scripture References
Beginning of Sorrows	Matthew 24:6-8
Gog & Magog War	Ezekiel 38–39, Persia = Iran
Peace Treaty with Israel	Daniel 9:27
Rise of Antichrist	Revelation 13:1-8
Great Tribulation	Matthew 24:15-21, Revelation 6–18
Armageddon	Revelation 16:16, 19:11-21
Christ’s Second Coming	Matthew 24:30, Zechariah 14:4, Revelation 19:11-16
Millennium Reign	Revelation 20:1-6

⚠️ Is the Current Iran Conflict the Start?

It could be a trigger or a precursor to the Gog and Magog war or WW3. Watch for these signs:

Iran attacking or provoking Israel
A new Middle East peace deal
Supernatural intervention in a war
Global alliances forming against Israel

⚠️ Prophetic Warning

Iran's aggressive posture, anti-Israel ideology, and alliances with Russia and other nations align with both Ezekiel 38 and a spiritual resurrection of the bear-like empire in Daniel 7. Whether literal or symbolic, Iran is part of the prophetic puzzle.

✝️ What Should Christians Do?

Watch and pray (Luke 21:36)
Understand the times (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Support Israel (Genesis 12:3, Psalm 122:6)
Walk in holiness and get rid of spiritual compromise
Join deliverance and intercession ministry to stay spiritually strong

✝️ Call to Action

Jesus said:

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour...” (Matthew 25:13)

Now is the time to:

Repent and believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16)
Pray for Israel (Psalm 122:6)
Stay spiritually alert (Luke 21:36)
Get free from bondage – we offer free deliverance webinars and personal ministry

✅ Next Steps

👉 Join our Free Deliverance Webinar:
https://www.touchofgod.org/events/free-webinar-registration

👉 Get Personal Ministry:
https://www.touchofgod.org/ministry-programs/deliverance-ministry

👉 Women Thrive Mentorship Group:
https://www.touchofgod.org/ministry-programs/women-thriving-together-group

📅 Tuesday Night Healing & Deliverance Prayer Call – All welcome!

Would you like a downloadable handout or a video script version of this?

Tuesday, June 17, 2025