The world today is far from peaceful, with a recent study by the Institute for Political Science at the University of Hamburg revealing 52 wars fought in 1992, the highest level of military conflict since World War II. Scientists warn that additional conflicts could erupt at any moment, particularly in the Balkan Peninsula and the former Soviet Union states. The average number of violent conflicts per decade has risen steadily since 1945, from 12 in the 1950s to a projected average above 50 in the 1990s. Despite the end of the Cold War and increased UN peacekeeping efforts, only two wars ended in 1992 while four new ones began, underscoring the violent nature of the current global order. Reports indicate that the United States and United Nations could intervene in 72 situations akin to war- and famine-torn Somalia, highlighting the pervasive rumors of wars and the ongoing unrest across nations.

Jesus Christ, in His prophetic words, warns of wars and rumors of wars as indicators of the approaching birth of the Kingdom of God, likening these events to the initial pangs of labor. He suggests that while wars have always been a part of human history, a significant increase in their frequency and number will mark the nearness of His return. This escalation serves as a crucial sign, distinguishing these times from the usual occurrence of conflicts. Moreover, these signs must unfold in an era of rapid, worldwide communication, ensuring that disciples scattered across the globe can hear of these events almost as they happen. Today, with advanced electronic communication, the World Wide Web, and satellite technology, news of disturbances and conflicts in places like Tunisia, Egypt, and Bahrain reaches us instantly, fulfilling the need for alertness among all followers of Christ. In recent times, the United States has seen a marked increase in involvement in conflicts, averaging a war every 23 years over its history, with periods of peace shortening dramatically in the last century. From the long gaps of 33 years between earlier wars, the intervals have shrunk, with only six years between World War II and the Korean War, and eight years until the Vietnam War. Even periods without declared wars, such as the 16 years before the Persian Gulf War, were marked by intense global tensions known as the Cold War. Currently, numerous operations, often referred to as wars in the media, are underway globally under various titles like Operation Desert Storm in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, with the United States bearing significant costs. According to available data, there are approximately 41 ongoing conflicts worldwide, including unresolved tensions like those between North and South Korea, where ceasefires hold but hostility persists. These widespread conflicts and rumors of wars affirm the unfolding of Jesus' prophecy, signaling that we are at the beginning of sorrows.