Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Many persons who once scoffed at those end times events predicted in the scripture are now rethinking their perspectives, because try as we might it seems as if the inevitable is gradually placing a choke-hold on the entire globe, regardless of whether persons will believe or not, for the fulfillment of prophecy is not dependent on whether folks believe.
From the disturbed weather patterns which cause a change in the frequency and severity of storms, to the rapid increase of crime across the land and then to the utter intransigence of the political landscape, all of these problems, converging at the same time, tell us that the coming of Christ is nearer than when we first believed.
Added to the mix, we have the ongoing emerging strains of the virus, which will continue to mutate, and cause additional headaches on a personal and national level. And while it is important for us not to immerse ourselves in the negative news of the day, it is also important for us to be cognizant of what is taking place.
The reason for this is that the Bible tells us when we see these things coming to pass, we should look up, knowing that our redemption draws near. In other words, the increase of irresolvable problems across the earth, are actually heralds of the morning, for it is a fact that the darkest hour of the night comes just before dawn. Let’s read:
Isaiah 21:11 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night.
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
Luke 21: Luke 21: 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
One of the important pointers to remember, as we consider the topic: When Shall These Things Be, is that America is the focal point of the fulfillment of end-time events. It’s not China, nor Russia, nor is it any Muslim country or even Israel; it’s America that will be the last super power upon the earth, prior to the second coming of Christ. Let’s read:
Revelation 13: 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Even though the entire world will be engulfed, yet, it is the land of the free, and the home of the brave that will take center stage, and as such, the adverse developments taking place here are to be studied closely. In other words, the place is here and the time is now.
Another pointer that is given in scripture is that of the increase in frequency and severity, as far as the events foretold will be occurring.
Just as a woman in labor pain groans, because of the increasing labor pains and severe contractions just before she is delivered of her child, just so the earth would be experiencing contractions, cramps, and pains, prior to the end of all things. Let’s read:
1st Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Thus, just as the Bible has predicted, many of those signs given by Jesus and the prophets are now being fulfilled in real time, and some reporters unwittingly make reference to that which is written in the Bible.
But, together with the increase of earth’s problems are the mitigation efforts God has put in place for everyone who believes. Jesus does not predict bad news without providing a way of escape for all who will believe and obey His word.
The flood came, but the ark was provided. Sodom was destroyed, but a way of escape out of the city was provided. Similarly, as we consider events of
the last days, we would observe from the scripture that provision and protection will be granted to any, and every person on the planet who would choose to believe the written and The Living word of God.
God knows the end from the beginning, and He has forewarned us in His word of the very things we are now seeing taking place across America and indeed, the entire world. Therefore, the following facts are just a snapshot of what is currently underway, and it will spiral out of control with the passage of time.
Again, the adverse situations outlined below will be juxtaposed with passages of scripture, containing predictions and mitigation, where applicable so we all could see clearly that God has not left us without any hope, but instead has provided a way of escape for all those who will believe. Let’s read:
[1] Water is disappearing in the West – and not just during the summer. By Hannah Gard, CNN. The West’s historic drought has many impacts, including water shortages, more severe wildfire seasons and unprecedented heat waves, to name a few.
Snow runoff is a critical fresh water source around the world; around a sixth of Earth’s population uses runoff for drinking, farming, power and other uses, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A snow drought in the West appeared early last winter, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. The paltry snow-pack, paired with well-below normal rainfall and extreme heat, is at the core of the region’s water-supply concerns.
On Thursday, the US Drought Monitor reported 93%
of the West is in drought, the most expansive drought in that region in modern records. Michael Dettinger, a hydrologist for the US Geological Survey, said this year’s snow-melt runoff was bad on several fronts.
The first was the snow drought itself. By April 1, winter precipitation was just 50% of normal, and the snow that did fall contained 40% less water than it normally does. The second problem was that the air in California has been so dry, the runoff evaporated before it reached the reservoirs.
Isaiah 33: 15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
[2] Cattle are competing against grasshoppers for food in the West's historic drought.
The bugs are winning. By Rachel Ramirez, CNN Updated 10:43 AM ET, Fri July 2, 2021.
Grasshoppers, which thrive in hot, dry weather, have been defoliating trees and competing with cattle for food, and the bugs are winning. Ranchers are selling cattle "due to poor forage conditions and a lack of feed," according to the latest US drought monitor.
Agriculture officials plan to aerially spray more than 2.6 million acres of Montana grasslands with insecticides in an attempt to kill grasshopper populations. That's an area larger than both the state of Delaware and Rhode Island combined.
"The problem with insecticide treatments is that it could actually worsen grasshopper outbreaks in the future by harming natural enemies or grasshopper competitors which, under natural conditions, serve to limit pest grasshoppers," Selvaggio said.
"Climate change may bring us more grasshoppers in the future in increased frequency, duration or severity," she said.
Joel 1:17 The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.
18 How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
19 O Lord, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.
[3] Unprecedented heat, hundreds dead and a town destroyed. Climate change is frying the Northern Hemisphere. By Angela Dewan, CNN Updated 3:58 AM ET, Sun July 4, 2021
The tiny town of Lytton has come to hold a grim record. On Tuesday, it experienced Canada's highest-ever temperature, in an unprecedented heat wave that has over a week killed hundreds of people and triggered more than 240 wildfires across British Columbia, most of which are still burning.
Lytton hit 49.6 degrees Celsius (121.3 degrees Fahrenheit), astounding for the town of just 250 people nestled in the mountains, where June maximum temperatures are usually around 25 degrees.
This past week, however, its nights have been hotter than its days usually are, in a region where air conditioning is rare and homes are designed to retain heat. Scientists have warned for decades that climate change will make heat waves more frequent and more intense.
That is a reality now playing out in Canada, but also in many other parts of the northern hemisphere that are increasingly becoming uninhabitable.
Roads melted this week in America's northwest, and residents in New York City were told not to use high-energy appliances, like washers and dryers — and painfully, even their air conditioners — for the sake of the power grid. In Russia, Moscow reported its highest-ever June temperature of 34.8/95 degrees on June 23, and Siberian farmers are scrambling to save their crops from dying in an ongoing heat wave.
And in Iraq, authorities announced a public holiday across several provinces for Thursday, including the capital Baghdad, because it was simply too hot to work or study, after temperatures surpassed 50c/ 122 F degrees and its electricity system collapsed.
"So we've seen these unprecedented temperatures — records being broken not just by a few degrees, being absolutely smashed," Bentley said.
Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense.
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
Psalms 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.
[4] Biden's Fourth of July celebrations clouded by a gnawing concern over the Delta variant of Covid-19.
By Kevin Liptak and Kaitlan Collins, CNN.
Even as a crowded South Lawn represented scenes of celebration across the country, concerns about the continuing spread of the virus remain strong inside the administration. In private meetings, Biden has questioned advisers about the broader impact the highly contagious variant could have on the US, according to people present.
In a sign that the pandemic is far from over, officials also said the administration plans to extend the public health emergency declaration for the pandemic .... and foreign travel to countries where the Delta variant is resurgent, including the United Kingdom, is still on hold as officials hope to avoid new cases coming in to the US.
Global Covid-19 death toll surpasses 4 million. By Deidre McPhillips and Nectar Gan, CNN Updated 11:49 PM ET, Wed July 7, 2021.
More than 4 million people around the world have died of Covid-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. In total, three countries account for more than a third of all global deaths. The United States, which has the highest number of fatalities at 606,000, accounts for 15% of the global total, followed by Brazil and India.
The Delta variant, a more transmissible and possibly more dangerous strain of Corona-virus, is also contributing to an increase in cases in some countries and regions. In the US, the Delta variant now makes up more than half of all new infections, according to estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
[5] At least 150 people fatally shot in more than 400 shootings over the Fourth of July weekend. By Emma Tucker, Omar Jimenez and Kristina Sgueglia, CNN
At least 150 people were killed by gun violence in more than 400 shootings across the country during the 4th of July weekend as major cities nationwide confront a surge in violent crime, according to data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive.
The data, which includes the number of shooting incidents and gun violence victims nationally over a 72-hour period from Friday through Sunday, is still evolving and will be updated.
2nd Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good.
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
You will notice that for every distress, perplexity or danger, the Bible gives us promises of God to lean on. One thing it does not do is to suggest the use of man-made efforts, such as doomsday bunkers, and hoarding as mitigation strategies. But it does enjoin faith and obedience as the only way to survive.
And we can go on, and on, and on, but it will do us no good to be overwhelmed with prophecies that predict doom, if there’s no way of escape. This leads us to that cryptic statement that we have repeated ever so often on this forum. Here it is:
One day soon, in the not too distant future, all those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior will be mighty glad they did so.
The reason for this statement is that the Christian’s refuge is not to be found in man-made solutions, or in hoarding precious goods and groceries. Our hope is to be centered in Christ, who desires that through believing and loving obedience, we may come to an intelligent understanding of His character, and thus be found in a relationship with Him.
It is not the will of God that any individual should perish, or suffer through the terrors of the last days, for He has made ample provision in Christ so that if any person desires to be saved, they can make their move now, before there’s a rush for the door.
The time will come when there would be a famine in the land, a famine for the unadulterated word of God and many people shall run to and fro searching for answers, but the truth will become a very scarce commodity. Thus, the following steps can and should be taken urgently, by all who earnestly desire the knowledge of God, as it is in Jesus.
[1] If you have been procrastinating and putting off your soul’s salvation for another day, do not delay any longer. No one is promised tomorrow, and your window of opportunity that is opened today can be closed with very short notice, as took place in the collapsed towers on Miami beach. Let’s read:
Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
15 While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
[2] If persons have been sitting on the fence, in the valley of decision, it is now high time to make your move. In the spiritual realm there is no such thing as middle ground, for everyone is either in God’s camp or in the domain of devils. Therefore God’s call goes out: who is on The Lord’s side, let him or her take a firm, definite stand for Jesus Christ, by believing and obeying His word. Let’s read:
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
[3] If persons have already accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, and for some reason may be thinking of giving up or turning back, think no more, because your ticket and seat to glory will be taken by those who will be coming in at the eleventh hour, if you turn your back on Christ.
This represents the most earnest exhortation for every baptized member of God’s family to stay the course with Jesus, until faith and reality converge. Disappointments, and discouragements must never be allowed to quench our faith, and thus, The Lord says to us, hang in there for just awhile. Let’s read:
Hebrews 10: 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 10: 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries.
Thus, in lieu of the perilous times in which we live, it behooves us to live soberly, and righteously in this generation, not digging ourselves deeper into those systems of earth, but looking forward to that great day when Christ will make all things new.
We therefore end with two passages of scripture which should help us to keep our eyes on Jesus, so that we would not become distracted, and dismayed as we consider when shall these things be. 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.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
God bless!