January / February 2026 Volume 108, Number 1

In the Beginning – Prophecies Fulfilling in the Gospel Age

The faithful of the church are being de­veloped under several different condi­tions during the Gospel Age. A great event ends each set of conditions. Dramatic world changes are considered in this Herald issue, and the lessons we can draw from them. Read more

Fall of Jerusalem and Judea – The First Gospel Age Calamity (AD 70)

Jerusalem stands out as the most prominent city in the Bible and one of the world’s oldest con­tinually inhabited urban centers. Its enduring relevance extends beyond scriptural texts, remain­ing a focal point even in contemporary news and religious discourse. Read more

The Fall of Pagan Rome – Rise of Imperial “Christian” Rome

The fall of the Pagan Roman Empire was a process that occurred over sev­eral hundred years, culminating in the 4th century, when Christianity became the of­ficial religion of the empire. Thus, the pagan empire transitioned to an Imperial Christian Empire. Read more

Fall of Imperial Christian Rome – During Dark Ages

The fall of the Roman Empire, and the rise of Papacy, instituted a new condi­tion for Christians, as well as for the rest of the world.
How it Happened
The four beasts of Daniel 7 collectively had 7 heads and 10 horns. From Babylon to the Roman Empire the diadems had been on the 7 heads. When the beast arose, the diadems were transferred to the 10 horns (Revelation 12:3, 13:1), the 10 Germanic tribes which took over the entire Western Roman Empire in the fifth century. Read more

Sardis and Philadelphia: The Reformation Churches – Rediscovering the Bible

The Churches of Sardis and Philadel­phia were involved in the Reformation Movement resulting in the eventual overthrow of the all‑powerful authority of the Papacy and its false doctrines. This gave the spirit‑begotten body members of the Church of Christ the opportunity to serve and worship God the Father and Jesus our Lord in spirit and in Truth. The Master gave special messag­es to these two Churches. The symbolic lessons given to the brethren, and their experiences, are excellent examples of faithfulness that we can apply to our consecrated spiritual lives today. These messages to the Sardis and Philadelphia Churches are found in Revelation 3:1‑13. Read more

News and Views – Current Events

Today in Prophecy – The New Axis of Evil

Four months after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in the United States, President George W. Bush coined the term “The Axis of Evil” to describe Iran, Iraq, and North Korea due to their pursuit of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as the establishment of terrorist training camps. Bush warned, “States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world.” The president then declared a “Global War on Terrorism.” He proceeded with an authorized invasion of Afghani­stan to dismantle the terrorist group Al-Qaeda and overthrow their Taliban supporters. Later, the inva­sion of Iraq followed to eliminate Saddam Hussein’s chemical and biological weapons. Iran remains on the “terrorism” list. Read more

French Revolution, Papacy Terminated – Protestants’ Opportunity

“I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it” (Revelation 3:8).
The French Revolution (1789‑1799) sorely damaged the Papacy, which then had dramatic effects on Christianity. Read more

Return of the Jews to their Land – Preparation for Christ’s Kingdom

Jewish dispersion (Diaspora) had been enforced by Romans and Thracians for six centuries, and then by Arabs and Ottoman Turks for another twelve centuries. Jews worldwide longed for the return to their country.  Read more

The Time of Trouble – Prophecies for Hope in the Ending of the Gospel Age

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21‑22, scriptures from RSV).  
These solemn words from our Lord Jesus Christ describe a period of un­precedented global upheaval, a “Time of Trouble” that the Scriptures clearly indi­cate would precede the full establishment of God’s Kingdom. Read more

Completion of the True Church, and Armageddon – Consummation of the Age

The seventh vial/bowl poured out implies the Church is coming to completion, “It is come to be,” or “It is done” (ASV), like our Lord’s last words on the cross, “It is fin­ished” (John 19:30). The Church’s completion is immediately followed by the battle of Arma­geddon. Jesus said to us, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). It follows logically that as the Church approaches completion, the light is to be dimming down; so, when the Church is complete there will be great spiritual darkness in the world. That can then loose Armageddon.  Read more