The signs of Jesus’ second coming are not restricted to the gospels, Daniel and Revelation, but are to be found in many other books of the Bible. Thus, as we study line upon line, observing the signs given to us in the Bible, a fuller picture of where we are in the stream of time emerges, putting us squarely in the crosshairs of the last days. One sign given is that the gospel will be preached in all the world, before the end comes.
Another is that there will be very much worldwide unrest among the nations, as disagreements would escalate, and resolutions fail of bringing peace, and reconciliation. The fact that people are becoming more divisive, and we are now finding it increasingly difficult to get along with folks of other persuasions is another sign that the end is drawing near.
There are also signs now taking place in the spiritual realm, because, with the demise of Protestantism, and the uncovering of unthinkable sexual crimes by members of the clergy, people are becoming more disoriented towards anything called Christian, and the watered-down brand of Christianity that stalks the land unrebuked is adding to a toxic mix that is scheduled to morph into a clone between all of the conflicting elements, which will produce the mark of the beast.
But an even stranger phenomena is also emerging contemporaneously, for it seems as if many of us as Christians are not really eager for Jesus to come so soon; instead, many seem to prefer a delay to enjoy the pleasures, and luxuries of earth for a season. It is for this reason why many Christians are fighting for temporal benefits. Others may want to vacation first, or to get married first, or to live it up to some degree before Christ returns.
Whatever may be the reason, many seem prone to burying their heads in the sand, while the signs and pointers given in the Bible pass by unnoticed. Thus, for the sake of reminding us of where we are, it is necessary for us to take a look at some of the signs, with the hope that we will be awakened as it were, out of slumber. Let’s read:
Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.
Several phrases in the previous passage should raise our eyebrows, for instance when is “High time”? or when will “The day be at hand”? These questions find their corresponding answers in the 2nd book of Timothy, in which Paul delineates some of the signs that would be symptomatic of the last days of earth just prior to the 2nd coming of Christ.
These signs may have occurred to a lesser extent in ages past, but in the last days preceding the second coming of Jesus, there will be a major proliferation, much multiplication and a significant, concentrated convergence of those specific signs given in the 2nd book of Timothy. Therefore, we solemnly declare to you that the time is “now”. In other words, to put it bluntly, we are now living in the last days of earth’s history, plain and simple.
The following therefore is a short list of some of the signs given in the Bible, which unmistakably point to the soon return of Christ. As we read, we will put a few excerpts of some of the current headlines next to the predictions given, so that we may draw right conclusions. Let’s read:
Sign [1]: 2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
We are living in an age of great peril, where safety seems to be an illusive dream, where politicians are being threatened with bombs, where hate crimes are spiking, and where intolerance for certain types of religion are on the rise. Churches used to be safe havens from the vile and violent; but now, many of them have, or are considering having armed guards to fend off potential massacres. Universities, and schools are no longer off-limits for carnage either.
In the scripture we are told that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but spiritual. Therefore, if we find ourselves having to exchange the sword of The Spirit for carnal weapons then we may all be certain that “Perilous times” have come. Worshipers have been gunned down during services several times in the last few years, and months.
And instead of congregations being concerned with conversion, safety concerns are taking precedence more and more, with some preachers now carrying loaded guns in their waist to church. Think about it for a moment; a preacher goes up to preach, and he gently rests his Bible and his pistol on the pulpit. It must be the last days Paul, and the prophets were referring to.
The latest mass shooting in the state of California is just another example of those perilous times Paul is referring to. According to the national statistics, the massacre was the 307th over a 311/day span, which averaging about one mass shooting every day, puts our nation in the midst of an epidemic of violence.
At no time previously in American history, could it ever have been said that a massacre will take place almost every day. This isn’t normal! And yet, many Christians, and secular folk are still prone to burying their heads in the sand, as if this is normal. It isn’t! But Paul does not stop there, for he goes on to list a host of other signs which would be indicative of the last days. Let’s read:
Sign [2]: 2nd Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud.
No one reading this sign can reasonably doubt that the end is near, for almost on a daily basis, we are seeing with our own two eyes, and hearing with our own two ears, proud boasting of accomplishments, as if the glory belonged to mortals. A craving for the accolades and praises of men, together with all “Me first” philosophies, and their derivatives, tell us that evil spirits have taken up residence in high and low places.
It was lucifer who first suffered with an “I” problem, and those who follow in his train will cherish his me first philosophies. While in heaven, he coveted the praise and adoration which belonged to The Most-High, and in those who follow his lead, there would often be manifest an insatiable desire for praise and applause. This feeds both the ego, and pride of the one who is thus exercised, bringing the character of devils and mortals into closer alignment. Let’s read:
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most-High.
1st Samuel 18:7 And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom?
9 And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
Like lucifer, Saul clamored for adoration and praise, and he was deeply offended when it was bestowed upon another. Thus, he lost sight of the true source of his strength and as he continued to indulge in the craving for praise, his mind, and character morphed into the person, whose footsteps he was following in. That’s why the following statement about Saul is written in the Bible. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed
from Saul, and an evil spirit troubled him.
15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit troubles thee.
Sign [3]: 2nd Timothy 3:2 For men would be blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.
In no other age of the world was disobedience to parents more striking, than in our day, the last days. Disrespect and disregard of parental authority is the new norm, with children, not only usurping the role of parents, but becoming quite violent, if, and when the parents cross their paths. Such phenomena is pretty recent and is being fueled by the laws which virtually tie the hands of parents and teachers.
Parents, and teachers are now in danger of being reported to the authorities if disciplinary action is taken towards an erring child. Therefore, our own chickens are now coming home to roost, and the seeds of rebellion we have sown are now being harvested. Because of this, the following report is symptomatic of the last days, the times just prior to the 2nd coming of Christ. Let’s read:
(CNN) 11/05/2018. An 11-year-old boy shot and killed his grandmother before turning the gun on himself Saturday. The Litchfield Park man told detectives that he and his 65-year-old wife "asked their grandson to clean his room and pick up after himself throughout the day, as he was being stubborn about it."
The couple then sat down on their living room couch to watch television, the grandfather told investigators. "While doing so, the grandson came up behind them and shot the grandmother in the back of the head, with a handgun.
Sign [4]: 2nd Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection…
The sacred institution of marriage is under attack by secular forces, and the sanctity of the institution is being dragged in the dust. With the legalizing of gay marriages, the conscience of the nation, which is its judiciary have opened the floodgates for every, and any variation of marriage to thrive. Thus, speaking in defense of biblical God-ordained marriage is now construed as being hate speech.
And because the gay trend is going viral, smooth-talking preachers loathe to say anything, lest their coffers and popularity take a hit. The sins of Sodom, and Gomorrah are being replicated, vindicated, and multiplied and at an alarming rate, just as the Bible declared they would be in the last days just prior to Jesus’ 2nd coming. Therefore, we solemnly declare to you that the time being referenced is here and now. Let’s read:
(CNN) 11/07/2018 In one of election night's many firsts, Colorado elected Jared Polis, who will be the country's first openly gay governor. Not only is Polis open about his sexuality, he has a long-term partner named Marlon Reis. The realization that there wouldn't just be a barrier-breaking gay man in the governor's mansion, but a gay couple, was not lost on Polis' supporters.
They went nuts when Polis introduced Reis as the state's "first, first man" during his victory speech. "I want to thank ... my personal support network -- first and foremost, of course, my amazing partner, and the first 'first man' in the history of Colorado, Marlon Reis," Polis said to a cheering crowd.
Sign [5]: 2nd Timothy 3:4 Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.
In no other age of the world has entertainment, and sports become a mainstay of society, as it is today. Many billions are spent on various games, players are paid millions to play ball, and “happy hour” has replaced the evening sacrifice. Often, when church service schedules conflict with the major games, the former is sacrificed for the latter. Thus, the things of eternal value have been made subservient to those mundane pleasures and interests, that are endemic of the last days.
Sign [6]: 2nd Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
This sign is particularly disturbing, for there used to be a time when the phrase “The Truth” carried the connotation of something to do with the gospels or the Bible. But when folks speak of the truth today, it is most often within a political context, having not a single reference to Christ or His word. Thus, satan has succeeded to a very great extent, in turning the phrase on its head, to mean anything other than God’s word. Let’s read:
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Psalms 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
Some may be wondering why we are focusing so intently on the predictions pertaining to the last days; why not dwell in the positive, of a brighter tomorrow, here in the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Why not rather discuss I.R.As, and investments so that we can retire in prosperity, and ease, complete with vacations, poodles, yachts and golf?
Why? Because the coming of Christ draws near, and what transpired at His first coming, will be repeated at His second coming, in the attitudes and in actions manifested by the clergy and people alike. When it was time for the first coming of Jesus, the religious leaders, as well as the people, were not expecting Him, nor would they even stoop to investigate the tidings of the men from the east.
Spiritual pride prevented them from checking out thoroughly the report of the wise men, and social biases closed the door to an investigation of the news, for in their minds, those supposed pagans from the east should not even dare to believe that they knew more than the learned expositors of the scriptures, and so they dismissed the report as a form of fanaticism. Let’s read:
Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
In Herod’s mind, these tidings portended something very sinister, and his premonitions suggested to him that a deeply laid plot to overthrow his government was being orchestrated by both priests and people. Recently, we had our elections here in Florida, and a recount for senator and governor will most likely be underway shortly. But, if after the dust has settled, Andrew Gillum, or Ron DeSantis was to emerge as the winner, we would have had the assurance of a duly elected leader.
But the wise men are not asking about someone who is subject to normal electoral processes, they are asking for someone who is born King, meaning that His station is without question inevitable. And if so, it follows that an impending overthrow of his, (Herod’s government), must be imminent. This does not bode well with Herod at all, and he immediately begins to frantically dig down deeper. Let’s read:
Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
[Desire of ages pp 61>62] The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem. Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival. His only security was the favor of Rome. But this new Prince had a higher claim. He was born to the kingdom.
Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of the Messiah's birth. This inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the request of strangers, stung the pride of the Jewish teachers.
The indifference with which they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous tyrant. He thought them trying to conceal their knowledge of the matter. With an authority they dared not disregard, he commanded them to make close search, and to declare the birthplace of their expected King.
“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, “And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in nowise least among the princes of Judah. For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Which shall be shepherd of My people.”
Herod now invited the magi to a private interview. A tempest of wrath and fear was raging in his heart, but he preserved a calm exterior, and received the strangers courteously. He inquired at what time the star had appeared, and professed to hail with joy the intimation of the birth of Christ. He bade his visitors, “Search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.”
So saying, he dismissed them to go on their way to Bethlehem. The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels’ visit to the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated it as unworthy of their notice.
Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen.
It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles. They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these things were so. And they led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as a fanatical excitement.
Some people may be prone to dismiss the study this afternoon as not worthy of notice. And others may prefer to hide behind the scripture which says “No man knows the day nor the hour”. Yet others may be tempted to believe that because we have heard for so many years that Jesus is coming, that it would occur in the distant future.
Thus, in addressing these questions and concerns, we must remember that of the times referred to as “The last days”, the Bible is very specific about the scenes which will transpire.
Even though the day, nor the hour is revealed, yet the times at which Christ’s coming will occur will be littered with the signs and pointers, declaring to the believing mind that His coming is near, even at the doors. Therefore, in closing, we are reminded of this sacred truth by Jesus Himself, as He cautions the last generation against lethargy and indolence, as it pertains to His soon return. Let’s read:
Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
God Bless!