“IMO, we are very close to the end of the age.”
Could be. Folks have been thinking that for 2,000 years.
I suppose I should have been more specific. Since we humans cannot see into the future, and since much of Biblical prophecy is written cryptically, we can never say with certainty how it will all play out.
However, given that a seven year agreement (European Neighborhood Project, ref. Daniel 9:26-27) exists between the EU and Israel, and that we are currently half way through it (April 3 is the midpoint if you count its start from when it was funded in October of 2006), then “very close to the end of the age” means “within the next 3 1/2 years.”
If the dissolution of the WEU happens about a year from now, then I expect The Great Tribulation to start somewhere during or at the end of that dissolution process.
IMO, The Great Tribulation will last from then until the fall of 2012. The last year of the seven years is reserved for “retribution” or “redemption” by our heavenly father.
(Ref. Isaiah 34:8 “...a year of retribution...” and Isaiah 63:4 “...the year of my redemption...”)
Bottom line: Be prepared for a time of great trouble that will start between now and the summer of 2011 and will last until the fall of 2012.