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. 

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. 

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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.