Are wars and rumors of wars linked to the end times?

TL;DR:

Wars and rumors of wars are not necessarily signs of the end times but are part of human existence. Wars will increase into the end times. Jesus calls believers to stay focused on living for Him and spreading the gospel until the end comes

what does the bible say?

Wars and rumors of wars are mentioned as warnings, but they are just signs of what is to come, not indications that the end times have arrived. Jesus taught that conflicts and wars are part of human existence and should not be viewed as signs of the end of the age (Matthew 24:6). Wars, along with other events like famine and earthquakes, are "the beginning of birth pains" (Matthew 24:8). While wars will continue throughout history, including more catastrophic ones in the end times, Jesus instructs believers not to be alarmed by them. Believers are to focus on living for Christ, in war or out of war, knowing that the end will come when the gospel is proclaimed to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

from the old testament

Wars and rumors of wars linked to the end times are not found specifically in the Old Testament although the concept of conflict and tribulation in the last days is present. For instance, many Old Testament prophecies, particularly in the books of Daniel (Daniel 11:40-45), Isaiah (Isaiah 2:4), and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 38-39), speak of future upheavals, wars, and nations rising against one another, often in the context of God's judgment and the coming Messiah’s reign.

from the new testament

In Matthew 24:3, Jesus' disciples asked, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" "And Jesus answered them, 'See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet'" (Matthew 24:4–6). Jesus told His disciples that wars and rumors of wars are a part of human existence now on earth and should not lure us into thinking the latest conflicts are a sign of the end of the age.
Jesus also said that nations will be in conflict, famine will happen, and earthquakes will occur. "All these are but the beginning of the birth pains" (Matthew 24:8). Jesus also told His followers they would be persecuted (even to death), people will fall away and betray and hate one another, false prophets will arise, and lawlessness will increase (Matthew 24:8–12). These things are all to be expected and do not indicate that the end has come.

implications for today

Wars will still occur in the end times. In fact, some very catastrophic wars take place at the end of the age that will overshadow anything we have experienced thus far. Until Jesus brings eternal peace for individuals and for nations in the Millennial Kingdom, there will always be war. We need not panic at every war and rumor of war. In fact, Jesus told His followers not to be alarmed by these things.

Rather than worry about the wars raging in the Middle East, in Eastern Europe, and elsewhere, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and obey Him. He has given us a mission to fulfill (Matthew 28:18-20). When telling His disciples about the signs of the end, He said, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). Living for Him, reflecting Him, and sharing the gospel should be our focus.

understand

Wars and rumors of wars are part of human existence, not exclusive to the end-times.
Conflicts will increase, but they are just the beginning of birth pains.
Believers should focus on living for Christ and sharing the gospel until the end comes.

reflect

How do you personally react when hearing about wars or conflicts in the world?
What does it look like for you to stay focused on living for Christ amidst the challenges, conflicts, and uncertainties of the world?
How can you incorporate the mission of living for Christ and sharing the gospel into your daily life, regardless of the state of the world?

engage

How does the increase in wars and conflicts impact the way we live out our faith?
How can we help others not be alarmed by the chaos and instead stay focused on God's call for us?
What role does the proclamation of the gospel play in our understanding of the end times and our responsibility as believers?