Q & R: End Times? Armageddon?

Here’s the Q:

I had an almost heated discussion with my book club during a recent dinner.  It had to do with the perceived deterioration in our culture.  I recalled from one of your books the argument being made that the world/culture cannot be saved by God, but can only be “flushed.”  Instead, you made the case that the arc of history is still heading toward consummation and completion.  I agree with that view, that to resort to having confidence only in Armageddon diminishes God’s power and/or plan.  I too almost need to believe that despite what may currently appear to be a “downward spiral” as was mentioned at our dinner, that God is sovereign, his plans cannot be thwarted, and that he is not overwhelmed by what even he may see as the moral decay most of us would acknowledge.

Can you point me in the right direction, or amplify your thoughts on the subject?