Lesson 260 - THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST: SIGNS OF THE TIMES (PART 4)

By Frank Eiklor and the Shalom Team

Lesson 260

Let’s Conclude

As I write this lesson, America is enjoying momentary prosperity. Meanwhile, many of the world’s economies are in shambles. Many financial experts of all political persuasions say that if the present USA and world course of uncontrolled debt continues, there will be global calamity. And the fear of nuclear and environmental destruction is spreading worldwide, as poverty, wars and disease grow like a terrible cancer.

“Peace and prosperity!” is what the masses cry for. And if Satan himself can deliver “peace and prosperity”, the world’s leaders will one day (soon?) choose him. Christ warned us in advance what signs would precede the end of time. Jesus gave specific signs that would tell His followers that His return was near. We are studying 12 of those prophetic signs of the times. This is not the hour for Christ’s followers to cower in fear, but to get our priorities straight and share the good news of salvation and a glorious future with all who will listen.

Thus far, we have looked at nine signpost that will take place prior to Christ’s return to reign. In this lesson, we will study the final three signals.

1.THE REBIRTH OF the nation of ISRAEL
2.JERUSALEM is AGAIN THE CAPITAL OF ISRAEL
3.THE mocking of biblical MORALITY
4.Massive FAMINES, VIOLENCE, WARS AND PLAGUES
5.Exponential INCREASE IN KILLER EARTHQUAKES
6.EZEKIEL’S VISION OF A LAST DAY’S INVASION OF ISRAEL
7.A THREATENED NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST
8.The CALL FOR A one-world superman
9.THE CALL FOR A REBUILT TEMPLE in Jerusalem

Signpost # 10—Intellectual brilliance and spiritual blindness

The prophet Daniel received incredible visions concerning the last days of Planet Earth. One interesting word from God is that man’s knowledge would greatly increase even while his spiritual eyesight would be reduced to near blindness. Look at what the centuries have brought. From camels to cars. From paths in the deserts to planes in the skies. From splitting logs to splitting atoms. From times with limits to technologies without limits. Yet while we are discovering new planets, we cannot uncover the secrets to true happiness and peace. Man is lost—terribly, hopelessly lost from the Creator who made him. That Creator is Jesus Christ. So man will grow intellectually smarter even while remaining spiritually stupid.

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4.

“Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7

Signpost #11—A CULT AND DEMONIC EXPLOSION

Jesus said many would come in His name and deceive the hearts of the simple, sinful and proud. Eastern mysticism and meditation is a big thing in the gullible West. And one day a “world leader” will appear on the scene with the persuasion of a god and the heart of a devil. Jesus warns His children to know the Scriptures, live in obedience to the Father’s will, and stay alert to the signs of the times.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 24:24,25.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1

Signpost #12—Harvest time and WORLD EVANGELISM

It would be easy to think that with so much evil taking place, surely Christ’s followers would be stopped in their tracks. But the opposite is true. An increase in evil and suffering makes many people hungry for life that only God can give. What often appears as the “devils time” just as often turns out to be God’s “harvest time” as great multitudes cry out for mercy and forgiveness.That brings us to the final signal in our study—that the world will be fully evangelized before Christ signals “The End.”

We have the privilege of hastening that day by obeying our Lord’s “Go ye” command to carry His gospel to all the world. Let the Holy Spirit use your life to bring His life to others. Let’s be “walking revivals” every hour, every day.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14

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