BIBLE TOPICS

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path". Ps 119:105

Subjects

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

"And There shall be signs ... upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity ...... Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21v25-26.

The Apostle Peter wrote:

"There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts saying, Where is the promise of his coming? [Christ's] For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Peter 3v3-4

How true is this prophesy that Peter made so long ago! Today so few look for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed the vast majority, if the matter is mentioned adopt exactly the same attitude described by Peter. They scoff at the idea, and talk as if there is no evidence at all to support a belief that the return of Jesus may be very near at hand.

How wrong they are! The Bible not only tells us about the second coming of Jesus to the earth, it gives many signs that will herald his coming. Many of these signs we see happening in the world today. Signs which clearly show that his return is imminent. The Jews at the time of the birth of Jesus ignored and misunderstood the signs in their day and this present world is doing exactly the same thing prior to his second coming. These signs can be referred to as 'signs of the times and it is the purpose of this page to discus these signs and draw attention to just some of them. 

GROUNDS FOR FAITH

"Without faith it is impossible to please him. [God] for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb 11v6

However this does not mean that God expects us to have a 'blind faith as some wrongly imagine, far from it. God is well aware that human beings find it easier to believe what we see, rather than believe by faith, and accordingly helps us in many ways to overcome our natural unbelief.

Great signs and wonders were given in the past to help people to believe in God and to believe and trust his word. Many times we read that prophets were enabled by God to perform miracles or give signs to draw attention to their prophesy, to convince people of the truth of the message they spoke and to prove that they had indeed been sent by God. Thus Samuel called upon God to make it thunder and rain, Isaiah was enabled by God to cause the shadow to go back ten degrees on the sun dial and the greatest example of all lies in the many miraculous signs that Jesus himself performed to prove that he was indeed the Son of God.

These signs and miracles then were to enable people to judge whether or not the message was from God. Sometimes the message given related to a time in the future and in such cases the Lord God enabled people to believe by a sign or miracle , or by a partial fulfillment of the prophesy in their day.

By these means then people were encourages to believe in the existence of God, his overruling power and purpose with this earth. To understand and accept his determination to fulfill all that he has promised. 

THE FIRST AND SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST

The purpose of Christ's coming is to establish and reign over Gods Kingdom. His work is to overturn all the kingdoms of men, to rid the world of all its wickedness and to fill the earth with Gods glory. This world is full of human misery and despair, man just does not have the answers nor the ability to resolve the worlds problems. What this world needs is wise, strong, just government and only Jesus Christ can provide this.

Indeed the hope of all true Christians, is to look forward to that day of Christ's reign as King over all the earth. They know that indeed:

"God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained." Acts 17v31

When God decides to do something at a set time then that event comes to pass with perfect exactness. God however has not revealed an exact time of what is termed in scripture as his 'appointed day:

"That day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels...... neither the Son, but the Father." Mark 13v32

Jesus therefore instructed his followers to watch for it. To enable them to this he gave clear indications of the conditions that would herald the day of his return. We can read of one such occasion when Jesus sat on the Mt of Olives and his disciples came to him privately asking:

"when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world" Matt 24v3

We shall now then briefly consider the signs given by Jesus together with signs given in other parts of the Bible.

THE JEWISH SIGN

"They shall fall by the edge of the sword and shall be led away captive into all nations and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." Luke 21v24.

In fulfillment of this prophesy the Romans besieged and took the city in AD70. Over a million Jews lost their lives and the remainder were scattered abroad. The land of Palestine, was after the times of the Romans, occupied by a succession of invaders and conquerors. First the Arabs 637 - 1072, Seljuks 1072 - 1096, Crusaders 1099 - 1291, Marmelukes 1291 - 1517, Ottoman Turks 1517 - 1917.

Then came at last the time for Gentile dominion to recede from Gods land, as the word 'until spoken by Jesus indicates. The book of Revelation, which reveals the last message of Jesus to his followers, in language of symbol and sign, speaks of the 'drying up of 'the great river Euphrates in preparation for the final development in Gods plan. - [Rev 16v12] The Ottoman empire which had held dominion over the Middle East including Palestine for 400yrs and through whose territory the great river Euphrates flowed, was to decline and be removed. The fulfillment of this prophecy is now a matter of history. After losing its empire Turkey then lost control of Gods land in 1917, when they were driven out during the first World war and Britain set up a 'national home for the Jews

THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES

"O ye dry bones hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones. Behold I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath into you, and ye shall live." Ezekiel 37v4-6

The prophet did as he was commanded, and he saw a great transformation take place. The bones came together, they formed completed skeletons, sinews and flesh then came upon them, skin covered them, breath came into them and they lived, standing up on their feet [Ezek 37-10]. What did it all mean? We are left in no doubt as to the answer:

"Thus saith the Lord God. Behold I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen [nations] whither they be gone and will gather them on every side, and bring them to their own land." Ezekiel 37v21

Now, what does this have to do with the second coming of Christ? Well the answer is twofold. Firstly it is clearly stated, that the restoration of the Jews to their own land will be followed by the setting up of Gods Kingdom on earth:

"I will make a covenant of peace with them ...... and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle shall be with them Yea I will be their God , and they shall be my people." Ezekiel 37v26-27.

Secondly, this national restoration positively fixes the time of events spoken of in Ezekiel chapter 38 . These will be discussed later and involve direct divine intervention in human affairs.

THE FIG TREE SIGN

"spake to them a parable. Behold the fig tree, and all the trees. When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand." Luke 21v29-31.

The fig tree was, and still is today, a symbol of the nation of Israel. The prophet Joel wrote:

"A nation is come up upon my land .... He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree, he hath made it clean bare and cast it away. The branches thereof are made white." Joel 1v6-7.

The prophet Jeremiah likened the nation to good and bad figs, and at that time they were so bad God said:

"I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them." Jeremiah 24v9.

The 'evil fig state of Israel continued, but God had decreed:

"I will set mine eyes on them for good and will bring them again to this land, and I will build them and not pull them down. And I will plant them, and not pluck them up". Jeremiah 24v6

In 1917 with the removal of the Turks, the people who had previously had no home, a stateless nation, returned back to their homeland. However the continuous strife between Jew and Arab made the task of Britain as 'caretaker too difficult and the mandate for Palestine was given up on the 15th May 1948. A state of Israel was immediately proclaimed and today millions of Jews can testify to the fulfillment of Gods promise to return them back to their own land. The 'fig tree nation is 'shooting forth just as Jesus said it would. Thus the revival of Israel is a clear sign that Jesus will soon return, just as he has promised, and set up the Kingdom of God. Of this there is no doubt.

Now the revival of the Israeli 'fig tree was to coincide with the 'shooting forth of all the trees. This symbolizes well the national liberation and independence movements of this era. Recent history shows the revival of many countries to independence and the restoration of many countries long integrated with others. These activities and the general global unrest that characterizes our times, will contribute towards the inevitable world crises, in which God will intervene and bring all the world to obey his command.

INVASION FROM THE NORTH: THE ARABS AND ISRAEL

During 1950-1956 Israel suffered many war like acts from Egypt and eventually in reply the Israeli army invaded the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula on 29th Oct '56. The Egyptians were heavily defeated and but for Russian intervention the operation would have extended as far as Cairo.

The next conflict arose in June 1967 following several years of constant attack upon Israel by her neighbors. Israel crossed into Sinai and during the 'Six Day War Israel won a complete victory. At this time she also extended her frontiers as far as Jordan and Jerusalem after a period of 2,000 years once again belonged to Israel. The Arabs and Egyptians lost a whole army and its equipment in the Sinai sand dunes. All these events show the hand of God overruling events to bring about his purpose.

The Jewish occupation of Jerusalem is of great significance to Bible students. It indicates that the period of which Christ spoke of when the city would be 'trodden down of the gentiles is almost completed and will soon make way for 'the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets. [Acts 3v21]

Despite recent efforts to bring all parties involved to the negotiating table and bring a lasting settlement and peace to the region the Middle east remains a highly volatile region and a threat to world peace. This situation is one that has long been expected by students of Gods word.

A DEVELOPING INFLUENCE LEADING TO ARMAGEDDON

Russia until the 20th century had been a weak state. The revolution in 1917 changed the course and outlook of the nation and a superpower was born. Throughout the time of the Soviet Union support was given by Russia to the Arabs whilst being opposed to Israel. Jews were not allowed to emigrate to Israel and indeed many faced imprisonment and hardship. The old Soviet Union has now gone but many of the ex Soviet states particularly in the south are Moslem and fundamentally opposed to Israel.

The Bible speaks of a confederacy of nations to the north of Israel who will invade the land seeking to destroy the nation. This state of affairs was prophesied long before the birth of Christ. With so much having already been fulfilled, we can expect the rest also to come to pass in the near future.

Following the description in Ezekiel ch 37 of Israel's revival the prophet says:

"The word of the Lord came unto me saying, Son of man, set thy face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him." Ezekiel 38v1

It is thought by many Rosh, Meshech and Tubal refer to Russia and parts of the ex Soviet Union, certainly they lie to the north of Israel. Now various dictionaries and authorities identify Rosh as referring to Russia, one example is taken from Russian literature:

'In The 6th Century A.D. different tribes began to form alliances headed by the most powerful princes. It was thus that the first state associations arose among the east Slaves. The center of one of these unions was the tribe of Ros or Rus. The name of this tribe was later extended to all the eastern Slavs who began to be called Russians and the territory in which they lived, Russian land or Rus" ['USSR Russian Federation - Novosti Press Agency, Moscow p12]

The ancient maps of the world identify Meshech and Tubal as territories that still lie within Russia and the CIS.

Now with regard to Magog, we read in Genesis that the nations descending from Magog lived settled in ancient Sythia. This is roughly the territory lying between the rivers Don in Russia and the Danube in Germany.

We read of a great confederacy of nations that will come against Israel in the last days:

"You will say, "I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people--all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the centre of the land." Ezekiel 38v11-12

We get some idea of the nations contained within the confederacy from Ezekiel 38v5-6

"Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops--the many nations with you." Ezekiel 38v5-6

And

"You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army." Ezekiel 38:15

So then we see that the invader that will come from the north in relation to Israel with the intent of destroying the nation and taking the land for themselves.

These invading nations will be opposed by another group of powers styled "Sheba, Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof." Ezekiel 38v13 It is not to difficult to gain some idea of who these nations are. Tarshish refers to a trading nation. The ancient ships of Tarshish traded with India, Gibraltar, Cyprus and Britain. This and the description of Tarshish as being a merchant and maritime power point to Britain and the Commonwealth. Britain is still one of the largest trading nations of the world and the Lion has long been an emblem of this country. Britain is an 'old country, the young 'lions representing the English speaking nations. America in particular is a 'young nation grown up and long independent of the 'mother country. America also is a trading and maritime power. Sheba and Dedan lie in what is now much of Saudi Arabia so maybe we get some idea of the nations involved in these two opposing groups who will begin to commence the battle of 'Armageddon  [Revelation 16v14-16.]

Whilst we cannot be sure of exact events to take place we know a 'third world war will take place centred around Israel. We know some of the nations involved. What is certain is the outcome!

HOW GOD WILL INTERVENE

"I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city." Zechariah 14v2

All will appear to be over for Israel, the northern invader will appear invincible and no one able to help. But we know from scripture Israel will not be utterly destroyed an hitherto; as far as the nations are concerned; unknown power will intervene. God will openly intervene at last in world affairs, for the salvation of his people. Not for their sakes but with the objective of bringing to pass all he has promised to their ancestors and setting up his Kingdom on earth. Daniel tells us:

"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." Daniel 12v1

The name Michael means 'who like God and refers to Jesus who was 'like unto his father. He is the only man who can save God's people in this time of very great trouble. No one can overcome divine power or frustrate Gods will therefore opposition to Gods Son will be futile. Zechariah goes on to say:

"Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south." Zechariah 14v3-4

The invaders will be utterly defeated by the power of God as Ezekiel says:

"There shall be a great shaking in Israel..... all the men that are upon the face of the earth shall shake at my presence and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall fall to the ground. And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord God: every mans sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead with him with pestilence and with blood, I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, and overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself and sanctify myself, and they shall know that I am the Lord" Ezekiel 38v19-23.

Mans apparent strength of arms is but puny against the might of Gods armory:

"I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness," declares the LORD. "I will keep a watchful eye over the house of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations". Zechariah 12v2-4

and

"This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. On that day men will be stricken by the LORD with great panic. Each man will seize the hand of another, and they will attack each other." Zechariah 14v12.

Jewish reaction to their unexpected saviour whom their fathers 'despised and rejected is described by the prophet Zechariah:

"I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn". Zechariah 12v9-10.

The supremacy and omnipotence of God will be unquestionable in the day when Jesus returns to this earth. Not the 'gentle Jesus, but as the 'King of Glory, 'strong and mighty in battle Palm 24v7-10. In that day:

"the stone which the builders rejected [will] become the head of the corner ..... and whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him into powder." Matthew 21v42-44.

Jesus will 'grind the resisting nations into dust and in their place establish Gods Kingdom here on earth. This will certainly happen just as Daniel foretold - Daniel 2v34,35,44. The divine advice to all the nations is:

"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Psalm 2v12.

WAR AND PEACE

"Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles [nations] Prepare war, wake up the mighty me, let all the men of war draw near. Let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say I am strong." Joel 3v9-10.

Following both world wars people hoped and believed that nations would develop into a state of mutual respect for each other, that good will and diplomacy would eventually lead to an 'idealistic one world. The united nations was born and people hoped for lasting peace. The reality is that war and preparations for war, continued and will continue upon an even greater scale, bringing poverty and hardship to millions.

The United Nations Organization is incapable of solving the problem of war and strife. Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia alone attest to that fact, let alone Iraq and the Middle East. Man cannot resolve his problems, because he cannot overcome his own basic nature. Man leaves out of account the one necessary requirement for peace. 'Righteousness is the prerequisite of peace and as this is a quality neglected and scorned, it comes as no surprise to see that the history of mankind shows the exact opposite to peace and tranquility. The word of God declares:

"When thy judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord. Lord when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see, but they shall see and be ashamed for the envy at the people, yea the fire of thine enemies shall devour them." Isaiah 26v9-11.

The words of Isaiah sum the situation up well:

"There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isaiah 48v22

When Gods judgement are in the earth men will learn to live in righteousness and peace. This explains why it is that all efforts by political and religious movements fail to bring about the much needed world reformation, which so many do earnestly desire. World statesmen put their trust in diplomacy, summit conferences and ideals based upon the belief of a 'universal brotherhood of man. Peace can and will only come, at the time God has appointed. The time when he shall send his Son 'the Prince of Peace [Isa 9v6] to set up his Kingdom on earth.

Sadly the vast majority of people have turned their backs on God, and consequently upon his word the Bible. The result is that the good influence of the scriptures is virtually non existent. Truly as scripture says "The whole world lieth in wickedness" [1 John 5v19] and spiritual darkness. This situation is a sign in itself of the nearness of Christ's return.

WORLD UNREST

"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; 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." Luke 21v25-26

The Greek word here translated 'perplexity literally means 'without a passage out. This is accurately describes the situation in the world today. World leaders trying to grapple with ever growing and fearful problems, but can see no way out of the impasse.

Jesus spoke of the "sea and the waves roaring" and Isaiah wrote "The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt" Isaiah 57v20. This so accurately describes the turbulence and unrest in society today, the ever increasing violence and disregard for law and order. Many small groups fighting for their own viewpoint to be heard yet unwilling to listen to alternative views. There always has been strife and disorder in the past, but today it is an ever growing and worldwide condition. The daily world scene is one of riots, violence, religious and racial troubles, increasing crime, terrorism and war. Society worldwide has never been so turbulent.

It is when such conditions prevail that Jesus will return for he says:

"Then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21v27

'AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH'

"As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the Ark; and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24v37-39.

We read that this time was characterized by increasing Godlessness and violence in society. The description of Noah's world fitly describes ours. The flood came upon the ancient world because God would not permit that generation to perpetuate their wickedness. In the same way God has set a limit upon this generation because of mankind's increasing wickedness in his sight. This world will be terminated, not by water, but by the return of Jesus Christ and the "great day of God almighty." A day to remove once and for all the kingdoms of men and replace them with the Kingdom of God.

NEGLECT OF GODS WORD

The rejection of divine guidance and regulation by the mind of Christ, allows men and women to follow the unrestrained desires of their own without any restraint or guidance as to what is right or wrong. Men and women seek after and assert their own 'rights, often at the expense of others. Each seeks their own standard of moral right and wrong, with the resulting chaos that it brings. Even those who profess some belief in the Bible seek to adulterate Gods word by making it 'politically correct or reject parts of the Bible they consider 'old fashioned or not suitable for our day. In other words they set themselves up as judge and jury over Gods word. God will not hold man guiltless for this, but will judge them for their blasphemy.

Jesus plainly tells us:

"Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Matt 15v19.

The word is full of these things today, the unrestrained attitudes of mankind leading to so much inhumanity and grief and this decadent position is exactly as was foretold by God:

"In the last times perilous times will come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, incontinent, fierce, despises of those who are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, from such turn away." 2 Timothy 3v1-5.

How accurately these words describe the situation in society today. A not very flattering description of the depths to which men have gone by rejecting the moral guidance of the scriptures and seeking their own ways. This description explains why people are so unconcerned and blind to the fact of the return of Jesus Christ. Men have neither time nor taste for religion. Indeed to accept that they have a Creator is abhorrent to them. The Gods of modern man are the possessions and pleasures that dominate their lives. This degeneration will continue and worsen until Jesus returns and compels the world to change its ways.

AN UNMISTAKABLE PATTERN

WHO MAY ABIDE HIS COMING

Alternatively we can take note of the signs and take heed of the warning before it is to late. Jesus said:

"When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21v28

Instead of being disheartened by the state of the world we can look up and see the great need for redemption. The means of redemption has been provided by God through Jesus Christ our redeemer. We can be wise and seek sanctuary in the 'ark of Gods providing. In other words Jesus Christ. The people of Noah's day were swept away by the flood, only Noah and his family survived safe in the ark provided by God. Take refuge in Christ now, before the 'great day of God Almighty' engulfs this wicked world.

It is important that we treat this subject with respect and give it the importance it deserves for it involves matters of life and death - our life and destiny. The Bible offers hope of eternal life, not as we know it now, but life to serve God in the world as he intended it to be from the beginning. A Kingdom where Christ will reign in righteousness and peace, in a literal Kingdom to come on this earth.

The wise will reach this conclusion:

	The return of Jesus is a vital matter.
	That the warning of Gods word should not be  ignored.
	This present life gives no lasting satisfaction.
	That belief of the gospel message regarding the Kingdom of God and that baptism into the saving  name of  Jesus is vital to salvation.

It is for each one of us to individually decide if we desire to:

"abide in the day of his [Christ's] coming" the day "when he shall judge between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth not". Malachi 3v18.

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