Author Alex McFarland Believes Jesus’ Return May Be Closer than Many Think

McFarland and Bert Harper are co-hosts of the popular American Family Radio program Exploring the World and co-authors of a new book, 100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times, which aims to help Christians discern current events through a biblical lens.

It is the third in a series of “100 Bible Questions” books, with questions drawn from actual inquiries from listeners who call into their show. Earlier books included 100 Bible Questions and Answers – which tackled general biblical topics – and 100 Bible Questions and Answers for Families.

“People of all ages seem to have a real interest in: When is Jesus coming back?” McFarland told Crosswalk Headlines.

The book explores today’s most common questions about the world and its future, helping readers live with courage and hope amid cultural shifts, McFarland said.

When asked if he believes Christians are living in the End Times, McFarland answered without hesitation: “only God knows ultimately.”

“But I do tend to think that … our moment of history is unlike anything else that's ever come along before,” he told Crosswalk Headlines. “And I do think that we are very likely near the return of Christ. I really do. Now, only the Lord knows, and I certainly would not presume to set a date. But I mean, my goodness, Israel is in their land. The world is wired up. It's almost like a global police state. There's the call for a cashless society and cryptocurrency.”

Other signs, he said, include rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and a worldwide loss of morality.

“And so I've got to say that the chess pieces appear to be on the table,” he said. “We've seen the rise of so much violence and terrorism and false religions and persecution of Christians and persecution of Jewish people, the rise of anti-Semitism. And so what we say to people is: Have your house in order. Number one, make sure that you've opened your heart and have a relationship with Christ. But then be ready to live so that when Christ does appear – as 1 John 2:28 says – we will have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”

McFarland and Harper describe themselves as premillennial, but he says they welcome fellowship with believers of any eschatological view who affirm the core truths of the faith.

“The point of orthodoxy on which we all agree is that Christ is coming back, and the Lord Jesus will rule and reign from Jerusalem,” he said. “Now, we've definitely got some very closely held opinions on the fine print, but you know, we are a family. … What is very clear, no ambiguity whatsoever, is that the Lord has told us to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, and so let's act on what we clearly know and hold kind of humbly what we think we know, but aren't too sure about.”

Conversations about End Times theology, he said, should ultimately bring Christians peace.

“The Lord is in control,” he said. “God has a 100 percent track record of keeping His promises.”

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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.