The most essential event in human history for sinners’ redemption. Yes, the birth of Jesus Christ was equally important, because the Son of God became fully man, while remaining fully God, without which redemption would not have been possible.

The tradition of the Easter egg is said to go back to the 13th century where eggs were an ancient symbol of life. The custom can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, and from there it spread into Eastern Europe and Siberia through the Orthodox Churches, and later across Europe through the Catholic and Protestant Churches.

The Easter bunny is a pre-Christian tradition for celebrating spring and new life, and over time was embraced by Christians as part of the Easter celebration. 

This sums up the entire Easter message. Jesus was brutally scourged and crucified in the most horrible way with nails driven through His hands and feet. He died on that cross and His body was laid in a tomb. On the third day He rose from the dead. All of which paid the price for our sins, which otherwise would not have been possible. Easter is the celebration of eternal life for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. For those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of their sins, it’s not too late. 

Stepping back to last Sunday. The first Palm Sunday occurred on the Jewish Passover feast celebration. The Jews were eagerly awaiting the Messiah who they believed would rule as king and drive out the Romans. Because of His miraculous works, and signs, many viewed Jesus as the promised Messiah and jubilantly proclaimed Him as their long-awaited king and Savior—but that day was yet to come following the future Tribulation. 

We see the account of that Palm Sunday in Matt 21:7-9 -- 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" A similar scene of jubilation will occur at Jesus second coming, by those Jews who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

The author of Hebrews sums up the reason for Jusus suffering and death, being the author and perfecter of our faith, which rest on the fact of his crucifixion and resurrection without which salvation would not be possible. We cannot earn it by anything we can or would do. It is a gift of God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone

Picking up from last week, with the same question, what exactly are the “signs” of the End Times? The Book of Revelation reveals how evil will become increasingly prevalent. We can conclude that the “signs” as such, involve a heightened increase of evil, and a corresponding move farther away from God. Just since March 2020, America has gone through dramatic changes, both within our Nation, and how the world views America. But are they signs of the End Times? We will try to answer that. 

As we are told in Psalm 31, we are to be of good courage, no matter what the circumstance may be, placing our hope in the Lord. Not only how dire times may become, we are to retain our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior. 

This chart provides an overview of the End Times. As noted, we are in the Church Age. The Tribulation period is 7 years based on the Book of Daniel. The first 3 ½ years are the beginning of sorrows. The second 3 ½ years brings the Great Tribulation—the highlight of man’s evil and God’s wrath. Then the return and reign of Christ. 

How do we recognize signs of the End Times? Let’s begin with this picture of a Ukraine city literally destroyed by the Russian military. As Jesus’ warned there would be wars and rumors of wars. The following slides are not random events, but sequential ones, each building on the prior one. 

WWII in Europe ended on May 8, 1945, with the surrender of Nazi Germany, and the world celebrated peace. Or so it seemed. We can look at WWII as the stepchild of WWI, giving rise to Adolf Hitler as shown on the next two slide. 

Here’s a quick reminder on what we looked at a few weeks ago. Germany’s loss during WWI resulted in crushing war reparations, coupled with the 1929 Great Depression, both of which left Germany in total turmoil, resulting in run away inflation and a devalued currency. So much so that a wheelbarrow of currency (as shown) was insufficient to buy even the basics. Some Bible scholars believe world conditions as well as Bible chronology, indicate that the last days began in 1914, the year World War I began. I think we can refer to it as the first domino in the sequence. 

The conditions following WWI gave rise to the events that led to the rise of Adolf Hitler, which then led to WWII. Again, history isn’t a bunch of unconnected dots or random events. Events build on each other, as we will see. Some would refer to this as the second domino in the sequence. Satan’s influence on mankind can be seen in many of the evil actions that mark the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5 shown on next slide).

If the last days began with WWI, as professed by some scholars, then these verses apply to our time, and so then, do the posting of signs on this blog as I recognize them. When Paul tells Timothy to have noting to do with them, he means don’t blend or intermingle with their culture. But share the Gospel at every opportunity. 

In v.5, the Apostle Paul describes the conditions of the End Times. Something the daily news will keep us well aware of. The American culture is changing. Many people in large cities are now fearful of walking their streets, even during the day. Subway crime in NYC is up 70% since last year. Are they signs? I believe so. Far too many churches have turned to a different gospel that is no gospel as all.

What are some of the lessons from history. It is only by the grace of God that America entered WWII. If it had not, Europe would be under Nazi occupation today. Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, a new tyranny immediately emerged under Soviet aggression that swept across much of Europe, as shown on the map. American resolve, and maintaining troops in Europe, provided a deterrent that kept the Soviet Union from spreading even further. One reason the Soviets defeated the Nazis in the East is because of America military aid, and pressure in the West by America forces, leading to the total defeat of Nazi Germany. I’ll call this the third domino in the sequence. 

After decades of Cold War pressure, on November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall dividing the City of Berlin came down, serving as a pivotal event in world history, one that led to the fall of Soviet imposed Communism across much of Europe.

Even more significant, the Soviet Union was officially dissolved two years later on December 25, 1991, effectively ending the 40-year-long Cold War with the United States. When the Soviet Union dissolved, its 15 Communist-Party-controlled republics gained independence (including the Ukraine). Leaving the United States as the world’s last remaining superpower, retaining that position until now. As we have seen, “signs” are interconnected and build one on the other. 

The collapse of the USSR in 1991, left its largest component, Russia, unable to wield anything like the global clout that the Soviet Union had for decades. It’s collapse was the concluding drama of the Cold War—including the collapse of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and the end of the four-decade East-West cold-war. Some have argued that President Ronald Reagan’s strong stand against communism was a deciding factor. Today’s America, within the last year and a half. is seen as having relinquished its leadership role on the world stage, and with it, its deterrence against the rise of tyranny as we see in the Ukraine. We are now seeing signs of wars and rumors of other wars, with even China’s potential invasion of Taiwan. Perhaps this is the fourth domino? 

This map shows Russia today, and those regions that have declared their independence following the breakup of the USSR in 1991. As shown the Ukraine is part of that group. We will pick up on the significance of the war in the Ukraine and how it can overflow and draw in NATO and the United States. How significant is it? We will look at three different common views regarding the End Time. 

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In the first century, Christians anticipated that the End Times in Revelation was just around the corner, and here we are in the 21st century, with the same anticipations and expectations. Three well known, respected pastors, who also appear on TV, have focused on that theme. Why? Because the End Times will be revealed by signs, and they believe we are beginning to see such signs. Two years ago, I never would have given Revelation a second thought as a study, and here we are studying it, verse-by-verse, each Sunday morning at CPC—it just seemed like the right time.

Search the web and you would be amazed at how many topics there are that focus on Revelation and the End Times, all of which raises the question: Is the end really beginning? Some will answer with a simple, “Yes!” Others with a “No way!” So, let me elaborate a little. I believe the signs are beginning to appear. But we don't know how long before God’s wrath begins to pour out. We don’t know, nor will we know. Let’s turn to the Gospel of Mark to explore that question further. 

The apostles asked Jesus about His return. His response is noted in Mark 13:26-27. Note that He sends His angels to gather His elect, which is exactly what happens during the Rapture. And it’s the first thing He tells them, but there’s more. 

He also uses a fig tree as an example, to tell us that there will be signs. And that those signs will indicate that the time is near, and even right at the door.

These verses are the most significant, that the generation who witnesses those signs will not pass away until all those things happen. Some will say, He isn’t really talking about the End Times. If not the End Times, then what? Some see it as a warning to the Jews in Jerusalem, in that it will be destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Hmmm? 

The difficulty in placing it with the Jews of His day, is when we refer back to v.26-27, which certainly didn’t happen at that time. I have to conclude that this group of verses refers to the future End Times. 

When we think of the End Times, we generally think of the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible. Many have read it once, with the imagery being too difficult to understand and its message to bewildering to comprehend. Think of it this way: Like reading any book, the last chapter puts the finishing touches on the entire book or novel, and often fills in any questions one may still have regarding the entire book. Revelation isn’t just the last book in the Bible, it is the last chapter in God’s Word, and marks the culmination of human history. It lays out the final chapters of good vs. evil, with good rewarded by a merciful and loving God, and evil vanquished into the lake of fire (Rev. 20), by a just and holy God. 

Revelation opens the door to eternity with the message of a new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1)—which was the first topic on my blog, posted in March 2020 and still there. It begins with the question: “Who are we? Where are we going?” You may find it interesting. You can navigate to that date any time via the Blog Archive located in the upper righthand corner. 

The Book of Revelation looks ahead to the final chapter of human history. It certainly was difficult to understand by the first century Christians because most of the signs had not yet occurred, and it is equally difficult to understand now for similar reasons. It can make a difference in how we see God’s Word, and in how we see the world. I believe it can help us understand portions of the Bible with a whole new level of insight. Why? Because it overlays the history of man back to Genesis. As the world drifts further and further away from God, like birth pains, those “signs” will increase in frequency and intensity. The Tribulation may not occur in our generation, but the world is moving in that direction, and how we react to it can make a difference. 

The Book of Revelation is Jesus’ revelation to the Apostle John. If you believe in the Rapture, we won’t be here when it hits full blast as laid out in Revelation. Nor will all the signs be hidden before the Rapture. They will start to unfold for a reason, so that the Church can warn of its coming, and share the Gospel of saving grace. In today’s rapidly changing world, I see it as a motivation and a call to action for God’s Church and people. 

What other signs did Jesus disclose? In Mark 13 and Matthew 24, Jesus isn’t just warning the Jews at that time, but also the church down through history, to be aware, that there will be signs. He tells us what those signs are, such as famines, wars and rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6; Mark 13:7). Jesus calls them the beginning of birth pains. Are we beginning to see such signs? Or is it something we can ignore as just too far into the future to be of concern? Everyone will have to make up their own mind, but I can't help but pay attention, which is the reason for this blog topic. 

The opening chapters of Revelation were written to the 7 churches in Roman Asia (modern day Turkey). Some believe it was intended for those churches—and I’m sure it was. Some believe it’s intended for all churches down through history—and I’m sure it is. 

The churches of John’s time suffered under Nero’s persecution. But it doesn’t stop there. I believe Revelation is a message for each generation and every church. Do you recognize your church in any of those descriptions? Most likely, we never asked. Perhaps we should as a basis for growth. But that’s a future posting. The sad part is, those churches no longer exist, as the entire region is now Islamic. Is that a message for today’s Church? Should it be? 

How do we understand Revelation when it’s loaded with imagery? Many have attempted to understand those images. Some have done a better job than others—I’ve read enough to know. The following slides will help explain. 

If you were to assemble a puzzle, this is what it would look like at first. The box cover shows what the finished puzzle would look like, but it will take time to find and fit all the pieces. When early Christians read Revelation, they were limited since all the pieces weren't yet available, nor did they have a box cover to look at. Some saw it in regard to the Roman Empire and Nero’s persecution; and later, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. I believe Revelation was written for them and their time, and for us and our time. It highlights the consequences of sin, and as such, can turn people back to God, in every generation. 

Most find Revelation too difficult to understand and just set it aside. But when we’re almost there, it may begin to unfold sufficiently to recognize the signs as they begin to come together, like a partially completed puzzle. I tend to believe the signs will be revealed with increasing clarity, leading up to the Rapture, and clearly as spelled out, if there isn’t a Rapture.

At the threshold of the Tribulation, just about all the pieces will be assembled and readily recognized. I believe there will be a sufficient increase in signs before the Rapture, and I believe we are starting to see that increase, not to scare, but as a call for the Church and individual Christians, to assess their priorities. To be the Church as God intended and calls us to be. 

Do current events point to the signs? Yes and No. Only time will tell, but they are not only worth considering, but important to understand where the world is heading, even without the Tribulation occurring soon. The signs are shaping the world around us, for us and our loved ones. Isn’t that a good enough reason to pay attention to the signs?

Many Christians tend to ignore the world around them, thinking it doesn’t concern them, because our real home is heaven. Even if the Tribulation is for some future generation, the signs also signify a changing world—one that our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will inherit. How we view the signs of the times, and vote, will help change the world for better—or for worse. If we ignore it, Satan's people will gladly determine its future, and are beginning to do so. 

We will pick up on this theme next week. Are we beginning to see signs? What are those signs and how do they fit the End Times prophecies in Revelation? 

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Many of us have seen a number of wars in our lifetime. Going further back, WWI and the 1929 Great Depression laid the groundwork that gave rise to Adolf Hitler. WWII’s Holocaust survivors, having few options, returned to their ancient homeland, with Israel being reestablished in 1948, something that would not otherwise have happened or have even been possible if Nazi Germany had not been defeated, but only possible with America’s industrial and military might. Consequently, America emerged as the leader of the free world.

All Christians believe there will be an End Times, we just don’t know when. Some believe we are living in them now. Others believe they are too far off to even concern ourselves with. Since God put Revelation in the Bible, we should be aware of what constitutes the End Times and even ask, what are the signs of its coming? The question I would ask is, how many have read the Book of Revelation as a starting place to form an opinion? 

How can we tell? The Book of Revelation is in the Bible for a reason, and especially relevant for that generation. How can we tell if or when the End times are approaching, and what can we, should we, do about it? How would we even know if we don’t remain alert for potential signs of the End Times? The intent of these postings, is not for fear, but for awareness. 

What about America? Where does America fit into the End Times? In reading the End Times’ prophesies, one becomes aware of the apparent lack of presence of America. The span of time stretching from March 2020 into 2022, we have seen a very different America emerge, far different from the one we grew up in, or the one that won WWII, which, for me, is very much both a sign and a wake-up call.

No single event will or can tell us that the End Times are about to arrive. But, like a master chess game laid out by God, each event serves as a piece and a move toward the end game as prophesied in the Book of Revelation and the Book of Daniel. We can’t assume that the Book of Revelation will never happen in our lifetime, nor should we assume that it will. But what we can do is stay alert as events unfold. All of which will bring us that much closer to the Rapture. 

As Christians should we fear the End times? Not all Christians believe in the Rapture (image on slide). If the Rapture wasn’t true, it would mean that Christians go though the Great Tribulation. Oh my! After a lot of research and study, I do believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture, and as such, I have no anxiety regarding the End Times, only to share it as best I can—the reason for posting this topic. See Adrian Rogers message at the end of this blog-post for a biblical explanation of the Rapture. 

At some point, leading up to the End Times, will get down to the End Game with the rise of the Antichrist, Revelation chapter 13. When is that point? We don’t know, but we can stay aware of the signs as they unfold. What is the role of the Church as we approach the End Times? Its principal role is to share the Gospel. What exactly are the signs pointing to the End Times? The following slides are indications of a world that continues to drift farther away from God, on a path toward the End Times and the Tribulation. How fast and how far is TBD.

God put the Book of Revelation in the Bible for a reason. Not to scare us but to awaken us as the Church—the Body of Christ. Christians aren’t individual pebbles on the beach, but part of the Body of Christ, each with a spiritual gift, and with that gift comes a particular responsibility; something we should pray about.

During and after WWII, America emerged as a superpower, stepping up as leader and defender of the free world, even helping to rebuild Europe and a defeated Germany. Not only was America instrumental in defeating Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, it also stood in opposition to the spread of Soviet Communism, and America’s resolve resulting in the demise of what was once the Soviet Union (USSR) that had spanned Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. Without a strong and determined America, this would be a very different world. Have we lost that resolve?

History is not a bunch of random events. Each event lays the groundwork for future events, with both its benefits and/or its consequences going back through history. The same is true of today’s events. Some are the building blocks of the End Times presented in Revelation. Some will draw the world closer to God or push it further away into a time of darkness. 

We see the same truth in the Old Testament, including Isaiah 43 and 53. God is indeed our strength and our protector. As Christians we can’t believe we should always be in a happy place. We need to see the world as it is and ask, what is our role in God’s kingdom work? He didn’t save us to put us on a shelf. We are in the world, not to be part of the world, but as the Body of Christ, living by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. 

Certain prophecies in the Book of Daniel are intertwined with the Book of Revelation. It clearly tells us that God is in control during all times and seasons. And the wisdom and knowledge for His people to deal with those times comes directly from Him. Daniel faced the lions but never lost his faith or hope in God and God’s protective hand. Nor should we. 

There are no surprises to God regarding the End Times and rise of the Antichrist. As we are told in Daniel, we are to thank and praise God in all circumstances, even if we were at the threshold of the End Times—something we do not know nor will we know until He reveals it at just the right time to this generation or the next, or the next after them. 

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), as such, is no more, but Vladimir Putin has taken steps to reclaim portions that had declared their independence after the breakup of the USSR. What about America as a deterrent?  Since 2020, America has changed dramatically from the inside, losing its standing on the world stage, and no longer looked to as leader of the free world. Many believe it is the reason Russia invaded the Ukraine, with little to no fear of reprisal. And even a pending invasion of Taiwan by China. Jesus told us there would be wars and rumors of wars, yet in Mark 13:6-7 Jesus also tells us, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”  He also tells us that they will be the beginning of birth pains—as with birth pains, they will increase in intensity and frequency paving the way to the End Times. 

There’s a lot more happening besides the invasion of the Ukraine by Russian troops. Where it will lead is still TBD—for better or for worse? 

The United States has sufficient oil and natural gas reserves to provide Europe for 100 years, but has not taken steps to do so, which leaves Russia with a source of income from European buyers, to continue its aggression. 

The Biden Administration’s “Green New Deal” cut off all such supplies, even for our own use, leading to rapidly rising energy costs and gasoline prices. Where will it lead for both Europe and the United States? It can’t be good if government policies don’t change. 

What can we learn from history? The impact of post WWI Germany, included war reparations and at the same time, struggles with the 1929 Great Depression, leading to rapidly rising inflation, all of which opened the door for a strong leader to emerge in Germany, who proposed solutions that would lead them out of their downtrodden times, thus giving rise, as previously stated, to Adolf Hitler. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Will a One World Leader emerge who will offer global solutions for Covid, war in the Ukraine, run away inflation, and potential threat of a Communist China invasion of Taiwan? No single event will lead to the End Times, but a series of collective events could very well pave the way. 

All of which takes us here in our hunt for signs. Covid-19 was the turning point for the United States and most of the developed world. The economic impact from mandated government shutdowns, rapidly increasing government debt, gave us a corresponding rise in inflation with a current rate of 7.9%.

How important is inflation in regard to cost of living? Chart reflects buying power from 1910 to 2020. Based on a one-to-one comparison, what would have cost a $1.00 in 1910 would now cost $23.26. Let’s put it another way: if something cost $100.00 in 1910 it would now cost $2,326.00. Another statistic noted the cost of a $1.00 item in 1910 would be $29.86 today. Nevertheless, inflation increases the cost of living, while reducing earnings and savings, especially for those living on a fixed income such as social security.  

Covid-19 government mandates/lockdowns changed everything, with long-lasting consequences on everyday life in America and across much of the world. Looking back on history, there have been other pandemics, but none of which incurred forced government closures of almost everything including churches. Many medical professionals even saw it as not only government overstepping its authority, but lacking in scientific necessity. The affects of which have transformed American schools at all levels with a rise in teenage depression and suicides. We can only wonder, where will it lead?

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Churches that didn’t comply with the mandated-shutdown, faced fines and even the threat of jail. In Canada, some pastors who did not comply were arrested. Did this make us stronger in the faith, or further weaken the church? How many still have not returned to church? The End Times isn’t just about America. One Canadian pastor was arrested at his home after holding a series of underground services at outdoor locations in violation of provincial COVID-19 health restrictions.

Is this the new state of being in America and the Western world, noted on the slide? Be afraid, be very afraid. With the use of technology, Christian were able to participate in worship services that were streamed to their home computers; enabling people to worship collectively, but not together as the Body of Christ. 

This is Daniel’s prophetic timeline in regard to the End Times. So where does the United States of America fit in the scenario? We will explore that further next week. But, don’t leave just yet. 

Adrian Rogers 32-minute message: In the Twinkling of an Eye, speaks about the Rapture. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU3xrYZNE30 

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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.