The Last Days—Part Two

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree:  As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it (the time of Jesus’ return) is near, right at the door.”  Matthew 24:32-33 (NIV)

Just as the tree shows signs of the approaching season, so there will be signs of Jesus’ return.  In his book, IMPLOSION, Joel Rosenberg lists the following twenty signs that can be found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:

·        Wars and rumors of wars

·        Uprisings and revolutions and kingdoms being shaken

·        Famines

·        Earthquakes

·        Pestilences and plagues

·        Terrors and growing fears

·        Great signs in the heavens and bloodred moons

·        The roaring of the sea and the waves

·        Persecution of the church

·        Apostasy of the church

·        Betrayal

·        Lawlessness

·        False prophets and false teachers

·        False messiahs

·        Increase in knowledge and travel

·        The State of Israel being reborn and increasingly becoming the epicenter of international attention

·        The gospel being preached to every nation

·        A spiritual awakening in Israel and among the Jewish people

·        A spiritual awakening in Iran

·        An increase in mockery of Bible prophecy

Are there any of these signs that have not occurred?  These signs will not only be evident, but will intensify like birth pains as the time draws near. When the last person on earth has heard the gospel, Jesus will return.  But the time leading up to His return will be a horrifying time of suffering for those who do not believe—many will not survive.  Pray fervently for revival of the church—it’s not programs or outreaches that will change the hearts of unbelievers, it’s repentance in the church.  When God’s people are living according to His Word, His light will shine in this very dark world.