Is the conflict in Ukraine the beginning of World War III?  

 

According to Dr. Glen Duerr, associate professor of international studies, while the illegal Russian invasion of its neighbor to the south began as a localized conflict, it has the potential to become something far larger and more dangerous. 

 

While there is much yet to happen in world history prior to the return of Christ, he sees this military offensive fitting Jesus’ description of “wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6).  

 

Europe has experienced a sustained period of peace since the end of World War II, and no country there has any interest in attacking a much larger and better-equipped Russian military. Yet, a long history of invasions from the West feeds the rationalizations of Vladimir Putin.  

 

Such insight regarding the international stage may not have been expected from young Glen, an aspiring professional soccer player who played semi-pro ball till his passions began shifting from the pitch to the classroom. He has been a professor of international studies at Cedarville since 2012.  

 

His personal history is international as well, having been born in the United Kingdom, then moving to Canada as a youth, attending college, and then emigrating to the U.S. where he earned a Ph.D. in political science at Kent State University. He is a citizen of all three countries.  

 

While the political world and its complicated workings keep his able mind engaged, it was the Lord Jesus who captured his heart on July 2, 2000, during a tour of southeast Asia with an Athletes in Action traveling soccer team.  

 

With the conflict in Ukraine and the promise of Jesus that such situations will only grow and worsen as His return draws near, what are Christians to do?  

 

“A biblical worldview gives us a way to think through it, and it also hastens us to share the Gospel, to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” he shares during the podcast. “We should speak truth and speak boldly about what Vladimir Putin is doing, and how it’s illegal and it violates international law, but most importantly, it violates the 10 Commandments and God’s provisions for how we should live and know that He is the ultimate judge. One day there will be a judgment for all this.”  

 

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Glen is a popular and much sought-after source by the media. Back in 2020, Cedarville public relations celebrated Glen’s 500th interview.