If one looks honestly at the first three signs we may be in the period Jesus describes as “the beginning of the Birth Pangs”; clearly there has been a dramatic increase in False Messiah’s, Wars and Rumors of Wars and Division and Hatred between Nations and within Nations. We can put 3 check marks after the first 3 signs…dramatic increase and intensification!
THE FOURTH SIGN 4: THERE WILL BE FAMINES AND LUKE ADDS PESTILENCE. Matt. 24:7, Mark 13:8 and Luke 21:11. Recently news agencies reported, “20 million starving to death; inside the worst famine since WWII” in 2017. Countries include Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. These famines are the result of two main factors. The first is tied to Jesus prediction “Kingdom against Kingdom”, brutal tribal blood feuds and religious hatred resulting in war and people dislocated from their homes and land. Second, there are estimated 12 million people severely affected by drought in Eastern Africa. Despite humanity has the ability to feed every human on the planet with abundance, we cannot solve the SIN PROBLEM with programs and agencies…wars and violence is a heart issue that ONLY JESUS CAN SOLVE!
PESTILENCE: Science journals and world health organizations have repeatedly stated, “The number of disease outbreaks was increasing globally”. Outbreaks and the number of kinds of diseases have both increased significantly since 1980! In the last decade we have been constantly bombarded by media with Bird Flu’s, Ebola and most recently the Zika Virus! There are many reasons why diseases are on the increase, poverty, urbanization, global travel and other possibilities. The reality is, there are real fears of another global pandemic which we have not experienced since 1918…the dreaded Spanish Flu outbreak. It is estimated that 500 million people were infected and 20 to 50 million people died!
THE SIXTH SIGN: GREAT EARTHQUAKES IN VARIOUS PLACES.
Matt. 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:10. We live in a time in history where we document everything, especially the last 100 years. The study of Earthquakes and Volcano’s has created their own sub-groups of scientific research and there are scientific teams and equipment globally monitoring seismic activity trying to predict or at least warn people when they think a major event is going to occur...sadly it is not accurate yet. So what is scientific researcher telling us? Between 2004 and 2014, “18” major earthquakes occurred with magnitudes of 8.0 or greater rattling seduction zones around the world. That is an increase of 265% over the average rate of the previous century. The scientist on the West Coast of North America continually warn us of the “BIG ONE” coming and as they say, “it’s not a matter of if, but only when”. Once again we see the accuracy of Jesus predictions of mega quakes happening all over the globe, and I am fearful that the next few years will stun the world with devastating and destructive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Remember Jesus words, “These are the beginning of the birth pangs”, which means there are more intense signs to follow! These six signs are intended to WAKE US UP SPIRITUALLY, and ALERT US of the nearness of CHRISTS RETURN. Here are some very important questions: Are you awake and discerning of the times we are living in and preparing your life spiritually, emotionally and even physically? Are you preparing your family and friends? Or are you so in love with your career, your goals and dreams and the world systems with all its distractions and far too busy? Are you are spiritually asleep and have become indifferent to Jesus warnings?
My heart’s desire with this Blog is to awaken you, inform you and encourage you to draw near to Christ Jesus and prioritize your life around what really matters…being part of building His kingdom, living by faith and righteousness, walking in His love and peace. Being intimately connected with other Believers of like passion and mission. Becoming women and men who love God’s word and diligently study it and live by God’s standard…not the worlds! Are we sharing our faith with family, friends and even strangers as the Lord gives us opportunities? We will take nothing out of this world when we die (savings, homes, earthly treasures or cars or boats, clothes or jewelry); all that will matter is what we did for Jesus in this life by showing His love practically and winning souls by His grace. Are you AWAKE and LIVING for CHRIST DAILY by the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT? It is not about a life of perfection…that come on the other side; but one of daily surrendering to the Lordship of Christ…He is merciful when we fail and compassion when we ask Him to forgive us…what a wonderful Savior we serve!
I will conclude with this blog and wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas as I have posted this on Christmas day 2017! Next week we will continue by His grace with the further SIGNS, Part Four of the nearness of Christ Glorious Return.
From a friend, Bill W…if you have found these studies encouraging pass them on to a friend!