Subject: Last Days Prophecies
SIGNS NOT TO BE IGNORED

The sky is a beautiful blue as sunshine radiates across the land. Without warning, the sky begins to fade into a dull gray as the sun slowly disappears. A gentle, almost imperceptible breeze begins to stir, but soon the wind begins to intensify. The clouds darken and the sky turns an angry hue. Distant rumblings announce a storm is rapidly approaching!

We have all witnessed an advancing storm, and, at times, we think the storm will pass. But as the weather deteriorates, we prepare ourselves for the worse. Windows are closed, outdoor furniture battened down and perhaps, because of possible power outages, alternate lighting is at the ready. In essence, we take heed of the warning signs and prepare for what looms ahead.

A ‘storm’ is looming on mankind’s horizon, and warnings are all around! We must heed these ever-accelerating warning signs, signs of the end times!

Listed here are a few signs Jesus Himself foretold concerning the days leading up to His glorious Second Coming.

• Matthew 24:5,11: As false preachers/teachers attempt to justify sin by altering inerrant Bible doctrine to accommodate man’s ungodly thinking, apostasy thrives! Once fundamental churches are now following the world through compromise, blending different religions into ecumenical unions, and tolerating worldly influences. (II Timothy 3:13)
   

• Matthew 24:6,7: ‘Wars and rumors of wars’ have always existed. What makes this sign most relevant today is ever-increasing Muslim terrorism, the boiling turmoil of the Middle East and the anti-Israel position many countries are taking, including America! With massive destructive power, warfare is rapidly accelerating. (Matthew 24:22)
   

• Matthew 24:7: Recently Newsweek stated “Worldwide, the litany of weather extremes has reached biblical proportions.” Last year alone continual earthquakes, approximately 1,000 tornadoes, epic flooding and drought (China) plagued Plant Earth. “2010 was the hottest year on earth since weather records began” according to Newsweek. Weather changes are proof positive that Bible prophecy is being fulfilled! (Luke 21:25)
   

• Matthew 24:8-9: Around the world, Christians are persecuted to the point of death. In America, we are still free to worship and express our Christian beliefs, although inroads are being made to suppress our liberties: prayer, nativities, Christmas Carols, and cross displays are coming under attack. Even our President announced “we’re no longer a Christian nation.” Love for Jesus will wane; hatred toward Him will flourish!
   

• Matthew 24:14: With millions of Bibles translated into various foreign languages, missionary dedication, and sophisticated electronics, The Gospel is reaching around the globe.

If these signs are not important, if mere drivel, why did Jesus provide them? The answer is clear! God wants us to be aware of the events leading-up to His Second Coming! He wants us to secure our salvation. (John 3:16) He wants us to be ready to meet Him at the Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). If alive when the Rapture occurs (prior to His Second Coming), and we have NOT accepted Jesus Christ as our savior through sincere belief and faith in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 10:9-13), we will be one of millions left behind at the Rapture; left to suffer the indescribable terrors of the seven-year Tribulation! (Revelation 4-19)

“This also know, that in the last days perilous times will come.” (II Timothy 3:1) Soon the consequences of worldly corruption, violence, and wickedness will give birth to worldwide tribulation! The antichrist will rule with terror over a one-world government. Catastrophes will rack earth and death will flourish!

For Christians, the developing signs and dreadful Tribulation period are not cause for fear, but reason for great expectation and joy…our Lord is coming back and we will be united forever! “And when these things begin to come to pass…look up…for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28)

Are we ready to rejoice, or are we scoffers who clearly fulfill one of the many signs of His Second Coming? “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?....(II Peter 3:3-4)

No one knows but God the Father, the exact time of our Lord’s return. Still we need not be ignorant as to His Second Coming! Scripture provides ample signs for our awareness! (II Timothy 3:2-5, Daniel 12:4, Ezekiel 37, Psalms 83:4, Jude 1:18, I Timothy 4:1-3, Luke 17:26-30)

Heed the signs! “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not! (Luke 12:40)