The End Times! How close are we? To answer that question, we need to pay attention to the signs of the times, based on events taking place, or have taken place, or are about to take place. What are those signs? There are numerous examples of End Times signs, as shown on the slide, even the war in the Ukraine is a potential sign. No individual sign in and of itself points to the End Times, but the frequency and intensity of signs, collectively, do. 

The End Times, how will we know? By prayerfully reading the Word, staying alert, and looking for signs. 

What about the Ukraine? Is that a sign? Russia is continuing its unprovoked attacks on the Ukraine, indiscriminately bombing civilian areas including hospitals and schools, with little regard for casualties—even with children being killed. Pure Evil! Where will it lead? If, or how, will it affect America and the rest of Europe? Based on the Book of Daniel in the Bible, the Antichrist will rise out of the remnant of the onetime Roman Empire, today’s Western Europe. In and of itself, it is not a conclusive sign, but where it leads may very well be. 

Images on the slide reflect what is taking place in the Ukraine. What does it have to do with Revelation? As we study Revelation, I am looking at the world around us for signs that could point to the End Times. As evil intensities it will move us closer to the End Times and Tribulation when God’s wrath is poured out on an evil and unrepentant world. 

Putin of Russia and Xi of China reinforcing each other, even their territorial ambitions. Where will it lead? 

If Russia is successful in taking over the Ukraine, without any serious U.S. efforts to prevent it, will that be a signal to China to attempt to take over Taiwan? If so, it definitely will be a sign that we are heading head long to the threshold of the End Times in Revelation. No single event is a conclusive sign, but collective signs can and will tell the tail. Only time will tell.

Let’s look at one more sign. James Phillips is the senior research fellow for Middle Eastern affairs at the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation. He has written extensively on Middle Eastern issues and international terrorism since 1978. Reading his research, this is his latest assessment, “After being derailed in early March by Russia’s demand for protection against U.S. sanctions, the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program are set to resume soon in Vienna.” He also predicted that if the deal is approved, Iran will have a nuclear bomb capability in five years, 2027. A sign? It would seem like it, especially with radical Islam’s hatred for the West in general, and Israel and America in particular. 

As Putin gets increasingly concerned at not having conquered the Ukraine, and NATO support for the Ukraine, Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons. Some believe the possible use of chemical weapons from bio labs in the Ukraine from the days of the former Soviet Union still exists, and are another potential threat, which could lead to another worldwide pandemic similar to Covid-19. It may be there that the world crosses the threshold into the Tribulation. Then what?

Many Bible scholars believe born-again Christians will be raptured before the Tribulation, which is my opinion for several reasons. As I study Revelation, I can’t believe God will abandon His children to suffer His wrath as laid out in Revelation. Two years ago, a study of Revelation would have been the last study I would have picked for out Sunday morning Foundations class. But, as events unfold, it seems more than appropriate. We are in the Church Age, but the prophesy clock is ticking. 

What are some other signs? Unprecedented mandates/lockdowns of almost everything, including churches, piqued my interest toward a study of Revelation. Just two years ago, no one would have deemed it possible that every aspect of American life would be under government lockdown. Our Nation stood on a foundation of religious liberty, yet pastors were threatened with jail and fines. Is that a sign? I think so, even a step toward tolerationism. In Canada, churches were forcibly closed, and pastors were arrested. The same is true in other countries like Australia. It is exactly how the Antichrist will gain unlimited power over a one world government. What did Jesus say? …. 

In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us there will be wars and rumors of wars Yes, there has always been wars and rumors of war. We had WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq War and Afghanistan, none of which say, we’re there. But there are also signs associated with wars that do not just happen without cause leading up to them. The invasion of the Ukraine and China’s threat against Taiwan seem to fit right in. What Jesus is telling us is, like birth pains, wars will increase in intensity and frequency as we move closer to the final days “leading up to” the time of Tribulation. 

History isn’t just bits and pieces of unrelated events. Overall, it’s a part of God’s Providence. The spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6:12 took place yesterday, it’s taking place today, and will take place tomorrow. It began in the Garden of Eden, throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament, and continues today. The End Times and Tribulation will come. It’s just a matter of when. The Book of Revelation wouldn’t be in the Bible if God didn’t want us to read it, and even study it, which is exactly what we’re doing each Sunday morning. We are told in Rev 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” The question for each generation is “How near is it?” 

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul is clear that we, as the Church, are engaged in a spiritual battle with the forces of evil in the heavenly realms, and their allies here on earth. So what do we do about it? ….

First and foremost, we pray. And then equip ourselves for the battle as Paul continues to tell us. …  

As we pray, we put on the full armor of God as Paul, under influence of the Holy Spirit, tells us in these verses. 

But, we’re not finished. We are also to take up the shield of faith, knowing that God is our loving Father, and Satan and his cohorts will ultimately be defeated. We are told to stay alert and always keep on praying for all the saints, even those in the Ukraine, and yes, even those in Russia. And wisdom for America and the other NATO countries. 

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 37-minute message – A sign of the times and the beginning of the end. Pastor Rogers died in 2005 but his message resonates in today’s America. Click on, or copy and paste the following link into your web browser, to hear his message based on Matthew 24.

https://youtu.be/cZVGyNA9QSs 

We will pick up our theme against next week, by staying alert and looking for signs of the times. God bless each and every one reading this. Always remember, Jesus is our Lord and Savior, and He overcomes fear. 

End of Posting

(Scroll down for additional postings)

Stay tune for additional posting next Friday or Saturday

If you're reading this for the first time, the blog was started in March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 lockdown of churches. Rather than abandon adult Sunday school, I decided to post this blog each week. Topics vary. They can be accessed via the Blog Archive in the upper right-hand corner. 

How close are we? You don’t need to read this blog to find out. Just pay attention to the evening news on FOX, Newsmax or One America News (OAN). Are we beginning to see the signs of the End Times? Is Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and its fallout, such a sign? Revelation is full of signs, much of which have piqued the interest of many Christian radio and TV show hosts and guests. This blog posting isn’t intended as study of Revelation, but portions of it that seem to be especially relevant, such as the invasion of the Ukraine, which in and of itself isn’t a sign, but when we look at everything taking place in the world, including the Covid-19 pandemic, unprecedented government lockdowns, empty supermarket shelves, rising energy costs and gas prices, one can’t help but see a pattern. 

Russia is continuing its unprovoked attack on the Ukraine, savagely destroying a wide range of civilian areas, and killing civilians—even the elderly, women and children. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish. Does that have significance? I believe so, especially in him asking Israel to step into the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which we will look at. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:8, what we are seeing is only the beginning of the birth pains leading to the End Times. The key sign is an increase in intensity and frequency. 

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. It’s said that talks are taking place between Ukraine and Russia officials, yet Russian troops continue their aggression again civilian targets, even hospitals, as intense bombing of Ukraine cities continue. We can be certain that Satan is heavily involved in this degree of evil, as we are told in Ephesians 6:12. Is Putin one of the antichrists in 1 John 2:18? I can’t help but believe so. 

The seals in Revelation 6, could only be opened by the Lamb—Jesus Christ—to release God’s wrath carried out by the four horsemen of the apocalypse. As shown on the slide, the four Horsemen’s destruction ends with these martyrs calling out from under the altar, referred to as the martyrs’ prayer. The 7 trumpets of further wrath are still to come. 

Jerusalem and the Jewish homeland were destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. For well over 1,800 years there was no Israel. Since there were yet unfulfilled Old Testament prophecies, Christians believed that the Church was the new Israel, because God’s Word will never be discarded and will ultimately be fulfilled. No one for all of that time, anticipated the following event…

In 1948 everything changed. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, head of what was known as the Jewish agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on that same day. It showed the importance of America on the world stage. But, sadly, in just a year, America has relinquished its leadership position, even its prestige and influence in world events, becoming nothing more than a paper tiger in the eyes of its enemies. Which means, anything goes, with little fear of consequences. Is that significant? Absolutely!

Almost immediately after the state of Israel was proclaimed, it was attacked by the armies of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Transjordan, and Egypt (map), yet Israel prevailed and drove the invaders back. Was it their might? Absolutely not, because they lacked might. It was by the hand and providence of God. Even that there was an Israel was by the hand of God. Satan, through Hitler and others, tried to destroy all Jews via the Holocaust and other atrocities, yet it was the Holocaust that drove successful Jews, from a comfortable lifestyle in Europe, to create a new state in a barren Middle East land. 

At many times and in many places, Satan tried to destroy the Jews.   1 John 2:18 tells us there would be many antichrist in the world. We can be certain that Adolf Hitler was one of them, with satanic influence and intense hatred of the Jews as God’s Chosen people. When destroyed by Rome, the Jews were scattered across the Roman Empire and beyond. As successful merchants, lawyers, doctors and scholars, throughout Europe, without the Holocaust there would be no compelling reason for them to return to the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s promise to the Jews was not short lived or hollow. It was and is very real. 

Chapter 5 of Revelation opens with this verse (slide)… No one was worthy to open the scroll. One of the elders told John, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." The scroll was given to a Lamb “looking as if it had been slain”. We know that Lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ. The significance being, He was from the Tribe of Judah, and the Root of David. Sometimes we forget that Jesus was a Jew. No, God is not finished with the Jewish people, which He will fulfill during the Great Tribulation. 

The seven seals were fixed to the scroll. The significance of the seven seals, are outlined on the chart. Briefly ponder each one in regard to these last two years and now the attack on the Ukraine, and where it could lead. The U.S. government continues its efforts to take control of the American people, something unheard of or even imagined, just a year ago. What is its significance? It is exactly the type of situation in which the Antichrist will rise to power. 

Will God rescue His people, the Body of Christ? Many believe so. But, Christians interpret Revelation from different perspectives. If the Church is the new Israel, than the Church will go through the Tribulation. Christians following history from the 2nd to the 19th century could very well come to that conclusion, since there was no Israel. No one during that time would ever have expected that there would, against all odds, be a restored Israel. Satan tried to kill the Jews via the Holocaust and Russian pogroms, but God used it to bring the Jews home to the land He promised Abraham. Jews are even returning from China—yes China—and now the Ukraine. There will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the Tribulation, who will accept Jesus Christ as their promised Messiah, and evangelize with a passion. God isn’t finished with His Chosen People. 

End of Posting

(Scroll Down for Additional Postings)

Two years ago, Revelation was the farthest thing from my mind as a study. We all read it at some time or other, but the images were baffling and not easily understandable, and consequently we didn’t see it as relevant to living a Christian life. But times and conditions have changed rapidly and dramatically. One can’t help but wonder, where will it all lead? It also raises the question, are we beginning to see signs of the End Times? Is Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and its fallout, such a sign? Such events have peaked an End Times’ interest for many Christian radio and TV hosts, and mine too.  

Who are we as a Nation today? Does it matter? This is a very different America than it was just a couple of years ago, but certainly one that not only deserves, but captures one’s attention. The series of events beginning with the covid-19 pandemic, unprecedented government lockdowns, and now a weakening of American’s resolve on the world stage that may potentially have led to the invasion of Ukraine. When America lacks resolve, tyrants will take advantage with little concern of consequences. Does it have anything to do with Revelation? 

No one can deny that now more than ever, except for the Civil War, we are a deeply divided America—not between north and south, but between two opposing ideologies—left vs. right. These blog postings are looking for the prophetic signs noted in Revelation, that seem to be especially relevant now. Is the invasion of the Ukraine such a sign? Not in and of itself, but when one factors everything else in, one has to wonder.  

Can we ignore the warnings in Revelation, especially when we look at everything taking place: such as the Covid-19 pandemic and unprecedented government lockdowns; empty supermarket shelves; rising energy cost and gas prices. We can’t help but wonder where is it all leading. If we know the signs and pay attention, one can’t help but see a pattern that raises the question, “How close are we?”.

Prophetic signs appear in chapter 5 of Revelation, beginning with a scroll with seven seals. This is what the scroll described by John, would look like. The significance of which is worth exploring…

Opening of the seals begins in chapter 6. In studying Revelation, one can’t help but ask, are current events, signs of the End Times? Let me answer this way: As Americans, there has never been a time in our Nation’s history, that is so totally in sync with the events in the Book of Revelation. Just a couple of years ago, who would have believed it was even possible?  

The four horses in Revelation are introduced by the seals. They indicate a rapid flowing out of God’s judgements. They did not just occur randomly but systematically and sequentially. Since they are never recalled, it’s believed that these four judgements continue throughout the Tribulation period. So, what are they? Are they relevant for today?

Let’s begin with Russia’s unprovoked attack on the Ukraine, destroying civilian areas and indiscriminately killing civilians, even children, including the bombing of a children hospital and a maturity hospital. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish. Does that have significance? We will explore its relevance next week and how it plays into Revelation. So, are we in the End Times? Only God knows. 

We are told in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Which is exactly what we are doing. With those words, God is encouraging us to read Revelation. For us, the words may be more relevant that they have ever been. Don’t just read this blog; but read the Book itself. Or join us Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. in Heritage Lounge. 

I’m certain some are wondering, what does the Ukraine have to do with Revelation? In studying Revelation, not just reading it, one becomes more aware of possible signs of the End Times. Some have already declared Russia’s attack on the Ukraine, as just such a sign. In and of itself, that’s a stretch. Nevertheless, based on what Jesus told us about wars and rumors of wars in Matthew 24, there’s a lot more to it, as we’ll see with Jesus’ own words in the next two slides. 

Jesus told us that there would be wars and rumors of wars. Wars, like in the Ukraine, will happen time and again, which in and of itself, isn’t a sign of the End Times. Just as WWII was a step closer, but not a sign of the End Times. Nevertheless, it does contain a sign, with the Holocaust, which certainly fits Bible prophecy, in bringing European Jews to create a new state of Israel. Something that otherwise never would have happened. Let’s look at these verses within context on the next slide. 

Jesus didn’t tell us we shouldn’t be concerned, only that we shouldn’t be alarmed. He equates it with birth pains occurring with greater frequency and increased intensity over shorter intervals, which brings us closer to the End Times. Why would He even say it, if He did not want us to stay alert? I am not saying we are there yet. What I am saying is we are getting closer with each passing day. Maybe next year or ten years? It will depend on seeing the signs occurring as Jesus tells us in v.8. It is also the role of the Church to share the Gospel, before the End comes. 

Beside Revelation, the Bible is full of signs. Why would there even be a Book of Revelation? Is Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 any indication? Just as He tells us in v.8, there will be wars and rumors of wars, which are the beginning of birth pains. Can we equate these current events to such birth pains? I believe so. There are other warnings, as there was in “the days of Noah”, and days of deception, famines and pestilence, as we are told in the Gospel of Matthew. In other words, God is giving us a lot of signs to be aware of and even study. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is seen as the greatest ground war in Europe since WWII. How’s that for birth pains? Map shows the rising number of refugees leaving the Ukraine,. Even Ukrainian Jews have recently immigrated to Israel. God is still calling His people to the land He promised Abraham and his descendants. The men are staying behind to fight for their country. Consequently, some of their children will be left fatherless. 

There is growing concern that Russia could potentially use chemical weapons, and even tactical nuclear weapons. We know Russia has nuclear weapons, but where would those chemical weapons come from? The next slide tells us…

There are no less than 8 bio labs in the Ukraine, which if not kept in check, could potentially be used as a weapon, leading to another worldwide pandemic. Let’s pray that they stop this madness. Where is U.S. leadership? How does this tie into Revelation and the End Times? Only time will tell. Birth pains? 

Another concern raised in the media, is food shortages. Russia is a major exporter of wheat and fertilizes. Economists are predicting major food shortages and price increases due to the conditions associated with Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and all the sanctions from both sides. Yet, the White House refuses to open U.S. oil productions, which are affecting prices on almost everything. We are getting a small taste of what the Tribulation will be like. One has to wonder, why isn’t our president reacting to solve, not exacerbate, these problems? 

The significance of the seven seals on the scroll are noted on this chart, where we will pick up with next week’s posting. Before we leave, ponder each one in regard to these last two years and the attack on the Ukraine, and where it could lead. All of which we will explore further. Unprecedented government efforts to control the American people was unheard of or even imagined, just two years ago. Similar lockdowns are happening across the Western world, which is exactly the situation in which the Antichrist can and will rise to power. 

Will God rescue His people? Many believe so, and so do I. People interpret Revelation from different perspectives. If the Church is the new Israel, than the Church will go through the Tribulation. Christians who follow church history from the 2nd to the 19th century could very well come to that conclusion. No one during that time even expected that there would ever be a new Israel. Satan tried to kill the Jews via the Holocaust, but God used it to bring the Jews home to the land He promised Abraham. Jews are even returning from China and now from the Ukraine. There will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the Tribulation, who recognize Jesus Christ as their promised Messiah, and evangelize with a passion. God isn’t finished with His Chosen People. 

Let’s close with this question: If Jesus was to return tonight, would you join Him as Lord and Savior? If you can’t answer yes, be prepared for the Tribulation, because that might be what it takes for you to turn to Him. Join us Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. in Heritage Lounge for a verse-by-verse study of Revelation. 

End of Posting

Scroll down for Additional Postings

Just when we thought we saw it all, with a pandemic, inflation and rising prices, and now the uncertainty of an aggressive Russia. Are we beginning to see the signs of the End Times? Is Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and its fallout, such a sign? Revelation is full of signs. It is up to us as the church to be aware and alert; and just as importantly, to pray. 

Regardless of the circumstances, even during a war, God is in control. 

The end result is still uncertain, but most likely Russia will take over the Ukraine. What does that mean for Europe and America going forward? 

Is it a sign of the times when ¼ of the UN refuses to condemn Russia’s attack on the Ukraine? Perhaps. Nevertheless, it is very telling regarding the disposition of the ideology of the UN, all of which does fit into the Revelation scenario. 

It can be very telling going forward. Eritrea is a country in North East Africa across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia. 

Where is the Christian church in all of this? What influence will the Christian Church have as we approach the End Times, if we’re not already there. Stay tuned as we look for any signs regarding the End Times. 

The slide shows recent headlines on FOX News. In other words, we haven’t seen anything yet. Economic warfare can turn very painful for everyone, both Russia and the Free World. 

Message on the slide was released by Kremlin. If I had to look for a sign in regard to Revelation, this would be one. TEL AVIV-As fighting continues between Ukrainian & Russian troops, Israeli Prime Minister Nafatali Bennett offered to mediate between Moscow & Kyiv in a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to senior Israeli official.

Remember, Belarus is one of the UN countries that did not condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine. It was also reported that dozens of Jewish immigrants arrived in Israel from the Ukraine. The white horse in Revelation signifies a proposed peace that leads to a world dictator. If you want to know more, join us this Sunday at 9:00 in Heritage Lounge. 

Regardless of the events, we need to remain mindful that the Lord is alongside of us, no matter what the circumstances. Pray for the Ukrainians whose country is being destroyed by a tyrant and war criminal who is having tens of thousands of civilians being killed indiscriminately.  

End of Posting

Scroll down for related postings on End Times.