Are we reaching the end of the age?
In a recent interview on “Deep Believer” with Jennifer Bagnaschi, James Lasher shared his commentary on the book of Revelation, offering a perspective that connects ancient prophecy with current world events.
Lasher explained that the first three chapters of Revelation, which include letters from Jesus to the seven churches, were originally written to communities like Smyrna, Philadelphia and Laodicea. “They were meant for churches in those regions at that time, but they’re also letters to the church today,” he said. These letters highlight spiritual challenges that remain relevant, including persecution, idolatry, immorality and lukewarm faith.
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Persecution, he notes, continues around the world. In Nigeria, tens of thousands of Christians have been killed over the past two decades simply for their faith. In China, underground churches face harsh restrictions, forced to worship silently to avoid arrest. “Their worship is so different from ours because here in America we worship with music, lifting our hands, clapping and shouting praise to the Lord. Well, there they’re not able to do that,” Lasher observed.
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Idolatry, too, has taken new forms in the West. Lasher cites pop culture, media and technology as modern distractions from God. “One thing that has become very idolatrous in our culture… are these phones that we’re attached to all the time,” he said. “Technology is inherently neutral, but don’t make it an idol.” The broader issue, he asserts, is the removal of God from society, particularly in schools and education, leading to cultural and moral decline.
Lasher emphasizes that Israel remains central to biblical prophecy and the end times. Recent developments, including the growing desire among Jews to rebuild the Third Temple, demonstrate the fulfillment of Old and New Testament prophecies. “Tens of thousands of Jews at the Wailing Wall… worshiped and prayed on the Temple Mount desiring to have those rights restored,” he explained.
While the United States is not specifically mentioned in Revelation, Lasher believes America and other nations will be affected by end-time events. “The world is going to be under the control of the Antichrist at some point… because you’re not going to be able to buy and sell without the mark of the beast,” he warned.
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Technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence, could facilitate this global system. “Knowledge is increasing exponentially,” Lasher said, referencing Daniel 12:4, which predicts rapid growth of human understanding in the end times. AI, he notes, may accelerate the rise of the beast system, though its full implementation is still in the future.
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Above all, Lasher urges Christians to remain spiritually vigilant. “Jesus commands us to watch and pray until His return… I don’t want to be one of the five who doesn’t have their oil,” he said, referencing the parable of the ten virgins.
As believers navigate a world of growing challenges, Lasher’s commentary encourages discernment, prayer, and steadfast faith. By understanding Revelation in the context of today, Christians can prepare spiritually and remain focused on God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
