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In Revelation 17, we see the conflict of the ages, a conflict between the Antichrist and the One True
Christ, our Savior and King:
12 The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.
13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.
14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."

How awesome is that!  We see a decline in this world, and the conditions are ripe for the rise of the Antichrist, who will claim to take the place of God, who will wreak havoc on the earth.  The nations are aligning in order to help facilitate this rise.  But, just as this has been foretold in the Scriptures, so the victory of our King has been proclaimed!  We have to make sure that we are on His side, called by His name, saved by His blood, so that we can be counted with Him, ruling and reigning with Him throughout eternity!

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1st Corinthians 15 gives insight into the future that is promised to us as believers in Christ. God's Word shows us exactly what will occur in the end times.
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

From time to time, we hear about religious-themed fare that will be lighting up television screens. And, ChristianHeadlines.com just ran a piece about an upcoming show presenting a variation on themes that we find in the Scriptures, in Biblical prophecy.

It's called Good Omens and, according to the article, it "tells the story of an angel and a demon who end up becoming friends and working to protect humanity from the Antichrist, according to RelevantMagazine.com."

Michael Sheen of 30 Rock will play the role of the angel, "named Aziraphale, who was assigned by God to guard the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve sinned and ate the forbidden fruit." The "10th Doctor" of the Doctor Who series, David Tennant, is cast in the role of the demon, "named Crowley, who possessed the snake who drew Eve into temptation."

The article says that:

The storyline of the new series goes that Aziraphale and Crowley were left on earth for millennia and have developed a kind of friendship. The two ultimately unite in an attempt to protect humanity from the Antichrist.

The show is a comedy, and as such takes liberties with the biblical account of the end times, as mostly seen in the books of Daniel and Revelation. But nevertheless, it promises to raise interesting questions about the apocalypse and the end of the world.

The Christian Post reports that Good Omens will be a six-part miniseries and will premiere on Amazon Prime, later on BBC.  It is based on the book of the same name by Neil Gaiman and the late Terry Pratchett.  Gaiman is the script writer for the adaptation.

And, in a follow up to a commentary from February, it's been announced that two religious-themed television series are perhaps on the way soon, according to Deadline:

Written/exec produced by Patrick Walsh based on A.J. Jacobs’ bestselling book The Year Of Living Biblically and executive produced by The Big Bang star Johnny Galecki, By The Book centers on a modern man (Jay R. Ferguson) at a crossroads in his life who decides to live according to the Bible.

Written-executive produced by Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters, The Gospel Of Kevin stars Jason Ritter as Kevin, a down-on-his-luck man who is tasked by God with a mission to save the world.

I would dare say that none of the series would warrant an endorsement from me, but it is interesting that television producers are exploring themes with a faith element.  And, stay away from the AMC series, Preacher.  Suffice it to say that the plotline deals with a fictitious bloodline from Jesus, and a recent episode has received well-deserved criticism for a graphic scene - read the Newsbusters account, if you dare.

And, the Good Omens angle, while not Biblical in its approach, does illustrate a long-held fascination with the last days that is seen in entertainment.  And, the popularity of dystopian stories in books and movies reinforces that contention.

So, what do you make of that?  Well, there are a couple of things that are relevant to us:

One is that the Bible does give an accurate portrayal of the end times.  Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies about his first Advent, or first coming to earth; so we can be convinced that what is written in Scripture about the second coming can absolutely be trusted.  If we believe the Bible is true, then we can be convinced of that scenario coming to be...

And, as my friend Jimmy DeYoung reminds us, the stage is being set for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled. As he points out, the actors are in place.  We can acknowlege that the nations are being aligned; world events are coinciding with what the Bible says will occur.

So, while TV producers and filmmakers are grappling with how to entertain the consuming public with Biblically-tinged themes; all people should be considering how the timeline of the last days will affect them.  There will be a day when Jesus will return and take His Church to be with Him. Every person will stand before a holy God in judgment and asked what he or she has done with His Son.  The signs of the times can propel us to examine and to embrace the hope that is available for the believer in Christ.