Today, We Are Witnessing the Signs of the End Times

"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." (Matt. 24:38 )

The bible says there will be scoffers in the End Times and the faith of many will faint. We are commanded not to be deceived. There are powers at work to get our attention away from things that are happening in the world. Things the bible predicted would happen as we neared the End Times.

"Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, 'Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?' Jesus told them, 'Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come." (Matt. 24)

There has been more turmoil in the world during the past century than ever and it's growing worse with each passing day. America stands a greater chance of being attacked by outside forces now than any other time in history.

The country's financial problems today are predicted to get worse and unemployment is expected to skyrocket. Many countries are already suffering food shortages resulting in violent rioting and America is quickly heading in the same direction.

Global warming, which has greatly affected out climate, could be the catalyst for the spread of disease. Warmer climates spawn more mosquitoes, which carry disease, infecting animals and humans alike. Floods contaminate fresh water sources. Dry heat leaves some areas vulnerable to fire. Australia has recently suffered massive fires, along with California, just to name a few. Persons leaving these areas will flow into bordering regions, consuming resources and spreading disease.

Jesus also mentioned earthquakes in different places. Earthquakes today have not only increased, they have intensified. In 2008, China suffered a massive earthquake that killed over a hundred thousand people. Recently, earthquakes and tremors have been felt periodically from California to Arkansas. As if these things weren't bad enough, the Lord went on to describe further events associated with the End Times:

"And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity... And alas for the women who are pregnant and for those who have nursing babies in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now- no, and never will be again" (Matt 24)

David Koresh and Jim Jones are only two of the many false Christs whose followers lost their lives for believing them to be the Savior. But these false prophets are only a prelude to the evil Antichrist who will show great signs and wonders which could even deceive the very elect.

Bad times have a way of bringing some people closer together, but those who are selfish and self-centered can't bear the pressure. Unfortunately, the selfish and self-centered make up most of the population today. Times are hard, money and resources are tight, the hearts of many are waxing cold and it's going to get worse.

Until about fifty years ago, cursing was not allowed on television. Husbands and wives weren't even allowed to sleep in the same bed on television. Morality and integrity was so high that a handshake back then between two men was as binding as a signed contract today. However, America was still a God-fearing nation at the time. But in 1963, it all changed when God was thrown out of the public school system.

Watch old television shows such as the Andy Griffith show, which is very true to life as far as the way life was in those times; then consider what's on television now. Look how far America has fallen since rejecting God.

Anyone who can't see that the signs Jesus warned us about are all around us today is either blind or in denial. The scoffers in Jesus' time were also blind to these things. Jesus said to them:

"You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don't know how to interpret the signs of the times!" (Matt. 24)

Luke also testified to the End Times and spoke of serious turmoil in the universe and oceanic disturbances on earth.

"And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory." (Luke 21:25)

December 21, 2012 is a hot topic these days. A number of people believe the earth will undergo serious climatic upheavals as 2012 approaches due to this planetary alignment. Sun flares are predicted to wipe out the power grid. There are some who are so frightened, they are moving to higher ground, stocking supplies and learning to live off the land without power.

Jesus has warned us, as have the apostles and the prophets, especially Daniel. "'But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.' Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, 'How long will it be until these shocking events are over?'"

"The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, 'It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.'"

"I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, 'How will all this finally end, my lord?' But he said, 'Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means.'" (Daniel 12:4)

There is simply too much information in the bible concerning the End Times to share here. Those who have been studying it right along, know that we are nearing the times Jesus, the apostles, and prophets, have all warned us about.

We can prepare by relocating, stocking food, and learning how to live off the land, but our efforts will be in vain without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. ("Seek ye the kingdom first.")

There are numerous verses of scripture which refer to idol worship. An idol is anyone or anything that takes God's place in our hearts. If we're trusting in our wealth, provisions, talents or ingenuity, we're not trusting in God.

Are you relocating? Storing supplies? Is that what God wants you to do, or did you even ask Him?

The great tribulation will be a time like never before when those who do not take the mark of the beast won't be able to buy or sell. There is much to learn and while we have the Internet, ("...seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase,") we have access to loads of information. And even if it doesn't happen in our lifetime, do our children know what to do? Do they know what the abomination of desolation is? Do they even know who GOD is?

Preparing for our physical needs is very wise, but neglecting our spiritual needs goes beyond foolishness. The physical body is temporary- the spirit is eternal. Our spirit lies dormant within us until the Spirit of God quickens it, sealing us as His very own.

The only way to receive this quickening is to believe in the only one who can save us from the trouble, which is coming upon the whole world. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." (John 14:7)

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty... I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen." (Rev. 1:8&18)

Jesus loved us so much that He gave his life for us. But we are not robots and have a will of our own. The choice is ours. The gift He offers is eternal life for our soul and it is free, but we have to accept it.

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

If you have trouble believing, yet want to believe, prayer is a form of faith. Pray to Him in your mind. "He (Jesus) knew their thoughts..." (Luke 11:16) Tell Him you want to believe. "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24) He will do the rest.

Don't put it off. "...for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him... I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, THE ALMIGHTY." (Rev. 1:7-8)