This may have been done before. If so, we can move on if need be.
The time of the end, as in, the last 3.5 yrs. or 7 yrs if you prefer. HOW will it begin? What scenario or set of events/circumstances will be upon the opening of it? I am interested to know how others see it beginning. Here is how I presume it will start: ( no matter how we answer, we could be wrong- all of us)
I am looking at the upcoming situation in Israel when they will declare sovereignty over territories and effectively divide the land. This could lead to no small conflict (paraphrasing the Jordanians) and could stir up jihadis from around the middle east to attack Israel. The damage inflicted could be extremely heavy, enough for the Israelis to deploy (tactical) nukes.
The world powers would step in and impose a cease fire AND a new state of Palestine enforced with "peacekeepers" including through a divided Jerusalem. THAT is Rev. 11 as far as I am concerned- the city being trodden under the feet of the Gentiles for 42 months. (yep, no 7 yr. period) This is the time when the 2 witnesses will be on the scene. Shortly after that, the anti-Christ comes to power, starting his own 42 month period,ending by the return of Jesus. (I guess I went a bit beyond the start of it)