Signs Of The Times

Works like "The Remnant, Left Behind, Desecration, Assassins, and Nicolae all warn of signs that the world is coming to an end, and that the last battle between good and evil is about to be waged. As you sit in front of your television set, what signs are you watching for? Are you looking for signs that interest rates may be climbing before you purchase your next automobile, signs of global warming or of terrorist activity before you plan your next flight? For evangelical Christians like Todd Strandberg, Webmaster at "raptureready.com, being aware of end time events is of the utmost importance. That is why instead of tracking the stock market, he tracks prophecies, earthquakes, floods, plagues, crime, false prophets, and economic factors like unemployment, that adds to instability and unrest.

According to one writer, "we seem to be born with an instinct that the end is out there somewhere. We have a cultural impulse to imagine it-and keep it at bay. Just as all cultures have their creation stories, they have their visions of the end as well."

The experience of 9/11/2001, not only deepened the interest among Christians already aware of Armageddon and the Apocalypse, it broadened it to an audience that has never paid any attention to Bible prophecy, nor read the Book of Revelation. Since the terrorist attacks, people have begun asking questions about the end times and preachers say, "they are answering those questions with sermons they could not have imagined giving a year ago.

People’s interest in the end is best depicted in the number of purchases they have made for the series of books written by Tim F. LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins based on the Book of Revelation. Since the beginning of time, the book of Revelation has always held its mysteries, but for millions of people the book "Left Behind" has helped to understand the mystery.

According to one poll, "more than one-third of Americans say they are paying more attention now to how the news might relate to the end of the world. 59% say they believe the events in Revelation are going to come true, and nearly 25% think the Bible predicted the Sept. attack." A great deal of the interest among individuals is fueled by faith, fear, and imagination.

The series have sold millions of copies, with sales escalating after 9/11. In such a time of uncertainty and chaos, it is natural to look for some good purpose even in the scariest events.

Unfortunately now, according to many church officials, church attendance has now dropped to before 9/11 figures. This too, is a sign of the times. It confirms the writings of Matthew that "as it was in the days of Noe so shall it be in the coming of the Son of Man." Marriage and divorces are on the rise. Nations are at war with each other. The family unit has lost its cohesiveness; mothers against daughters, fathers against sons. The threat of terror is imminent, the time is unknown. Anyone watching the news will agree that the future of this country, the world even, is uncertain.

According to the book of Daniel 9:26, several events would occur during the gap in time between the 483 years and the final seven of Israel’s prophetic clock. Among them are the destruction of Jerusalem and difficulty and hardships being encountered by the Jews. This final period will culminate with the signing of a peace pact signaling the beginning of the Tribulation period. To simply ignore this or wish it away is unwise for the scripture declares, "He (or she) who has an ear let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Watch therefore! For He cometh at an hour that you think not." People just as the creation is real, Armageddon and the Apocalypse are real also. The Rapture will take place. As Jesus pointed out to his disciples when they so eloquently inquired of him, "When will these things be and what will be the sign of your coming?" (Matthew 24:3). One would agree that the disciples’ questions were profound, but the answer by the Savior was paramount. As he sat on that mountain slope, picture Him describing the end as if it was being played out right before them. Just as Shakespeare says, "All the world’s a stage, and we are merely players," but lets not get caught up in the drama. We must be aware of the false prophets who will come proclaiming to be the Christ, while being mindful of their abilities to alter the thinking of many individuals. The Bible warns, "They will deceive many." That, my friend, is catastrophic. We have been warned about the times and the seasons, the budding of the trees, and the places of desolation. Recall the recent earthquake here in Alabama. (Imagine that!) Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and yes even the good ole US of A. These nations are at war with each other. SARS, AIDS, Smallpox, Anthrax, are all pestilences the Creator spoke of. Famines are not just overseas; we have people starving on our native soils. People, the times as Jesus proclaimed, are going to get so tumultuous that if it were possible they would fool the very elect (those who have sold out for Him). In the book of Matthew 24:32, he warns, "Take a lesson from the fig tree, when its leaves began to sprout, you know summer is near. Likewise, he warns, when you see the events unfolding as I have described, you can be assured that my return is near. Not only very near, but people, right at the door. I could go on and on with warnings alerting you of the end. For more information the web has many sites concerning the end times. Rapture. Com, Tribulation.com and many others. Just type in what you want information concerning and I feel certain you will find what you need. The volume of information in endless. As I close please note, "Be ready is not a request, it’s a COMMAND!

By Travestine J. Wright