[COBOL2Java]

I wish it were today, but we're not even near. It's supposed to get ALOT worse than this before He comes. Even these trying times are nothing compared to what He described the "Days Before The Coming" would be like.

I'm of the opinion that the time may be near, but things will get a LOT worse than what we have now. I have studied the first few centuries of Christianity, and there were cycles of persecution and relative calm. During the short periods of calm, the numbers of people converting to Christianity swelled. Then persecution set in, and there was significant apostacy, as people deserted the faith in order to save their business / family / necks (take your pick).

I believe that prior to Christ's second coming, believers will be put into a cruciable, and there will be a period of apostacy again - but the remnant will remain. Will this be ralized via a period of Muslim takeover, with worldwide Sharia law imposed? Seems like a possibility to me.

[COBOL2Java]

ralized = realized

Hmmm. Spellcheck didn't catch that one...

[Quix]

I agree.

I have images of God protecting Believers by directing them here and there to places of refuge supernaturally protected etc.

It's a bit complex and confusing at times.

Christ WILL HAVE A SPOTLESS CHURCH.
CHRIST WILL HAVE A UNIFIED CHURCH.
CHRIST WILL HAVE AN OVERCOMING CHURCH.
CHRIST WILL HAVE AN VICTORIOUS, CONQUERING CHURCH.
etc.

He will not always leave us a rag tag wimpy group of groveling, sniveling, whining, self-pitying, impotent, sin ridden motly assorted combative rebellious brats at war with HIM and each other.

Getting us from one to the other state will likely prove to be most interesting. One of His greater miracles, no doubt.

I could easily see satan using Islam to remove other religions and then remove Islam to assume god status. He is sooooo utterly evil and ruthless--Islam has no clue.