Your Thoughts on this article: Signs of Christ Return!!!

[TaliOrlando]

I found this on the web, what do you think about it? Be open minded, dont just not read it because it talks about the rapture. Just read it and compare it with the word of God. I will post it in several posts because its long. Check it out!!!


The Signs of His Coming

by Michael G. Mickey
http://www.rapturealert.com/signsofhiscoming.html

The signs are as follows:

The Gospel will be preached in all the world before the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth occurs at Armageddon, although exhaustive efforts are presently underway to accomplish this:
Matthew 24:14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

There will be a mixture of believers and false believers within the Church body:
Matthew 13:24-30: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

There will be scoffers:
The Bible tells us one of the key signs of the end times will be people doubting the return of Christ will ever happen.

2nd Peter 3:3-4: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Humanity will be able to cross the globe rapidly and science will be advancing:
Daniel 12:4: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Perilous times will come for mankind:
2nd Timothy 3:1: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Mankind will deny God once flooded the earth:
2nd Peter 3:5-6: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

The earth will be swimming in a sea of violence:
As it was in the days of Noah (Luke 17:26), so it shall be at the end. How was the earth in Noah's time?

Look no further than Genesis 6:11: The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

There will be warfare all over the globe:
Mark 13:8: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Mankind will have the capability to destroy all life on the planet:
Unique to our generation, this prophecy could not have been fulfilled prior to the invention of weapons of mass destruction such as the nuclear bomb. Matthew 24: 22: And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Deadly diseases will be rampant:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Famines will be common:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Earthquakes will be occurring globally:
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

There will be violent weather:
Luke 21:25- And 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;

Children will be disobedient and rebellious:
2nd Timothy 3:2: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Christians and Jews will be hated for their faith in and connection with Christ:
Luke 21:17: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

 

[TaliOrlando]

Mankind will be in a state of moral decay:
2nd Timothy 3:2-5: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Religious cults will flourish:
2nd Peter 2:1: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

There will be progress made toward a global government:
The European Union, the revived Roman Empire, is alive today and moving steadily toward the fulfillment of this prophecy as seen in Daniel 7: 23: "The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces." The Antichrist who will lead this world government (after the rapture of the Christian Church takes place) will be a leader from the European Union as seen in Daniel 9:26. He will be of the people who destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its sanctuary in AD 70, the Romans.

The world will be desperately seeking peace:
1st Thessalonians 5:3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Global means of communication will exist:

We know this because the book of Revelation teaches us the entire world will see several events. This is unique to our generation as only recently in mankind's history have these technologies been present.

Revelation 11:9: And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

In the last days, fallen angels will mingle with mankind:
I know this one is going to be controversial, but there is a scriptural basis for this, as seen in Luke 17:26: And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

A careful examination of what was going on in Noah's day seems to suggest fallen angels were somehow mingling with mankind.

Genesis 6:4: There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

If so, one of God's motives in destroying mankind at the flood may have been Satan and his fallen angels, in an attempt to save themselves from His judgment, were trying to taint the bloodline that would lead to the birth of Christ.

We find Noah was spared from destruction for three reasons as seen in Genesis 6:9. They are as follows:

1) Noah was a just man.

2) Noah was perfect in his generations (note this reference to his bloodline being pure).

3) Noah walked with God.

There is potentially more to the numerous UFO sightings and alien abduction stories in the news today than we have ever imagined!

Israel will exist as a nation in the latter days:
Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 to see this prophecy, which was fulfilled in 1948.

Israel's birth as a nation will have happened in one day:
Fulfilled on May 14, 1948 as seen in Isaiah 66:8: "Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?"

Israel will be in possession of Jerusalem (has been since 1967):

This happened as a result of the Six-Day War in 1967. The capture of Jerusalem was critical from a prophetic standpoint as the Antichrist will someday enter a rebuilt Holy Temple that will be standing in Jerusalem at the midpoint of the Tribulation Period where he will declare himself to be God. This event, referred to by most as the abomination of desolation, is documented in Daniel 9:27 and Matthew 24:15.

Israel will be surrounded on every side by enemies:
Psalms 83:4: They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

The possession of Jerusalem will be the source of international conflict:
Is this happening today or what? It's a HUGE sign to us! Zechariah 12:3: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Christians will be lukewarm in their faith:
In Christ's address to the seven churches, He says in Revelation 3:15: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Many will claim to be Christ:
Matthew 24:5: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

False Christs and false prophets will be very effective in the art of deception:
Matthew 24:24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

There will be signs in the heavens:
Luke 21:25: And 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;

 

[TaliOrlando]

Sexual immorality will abound:
Jude 1:18: How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Idolatry will be common:
Revelation 9:20: And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

Many Christians and church doctrines will depart from the faith:
1st Timothy 4:1: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Mankind's state of rebellion will be so great, the coming of Christ will catch them completely off-guard:
Luke 21:35: For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Homosexuality will be flaunted:
Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."

This is also spoken of in Luke 17:28- 30: "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

Although homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God, all sin is! I bring up this point because many Christians treat homosexuality as if it is the most unforgivable sin of all. Jesus Christ forgives all sins and we, His followers, should be reaching out to these people with love in our hearts that they might be saved! Homosexuality is not an unpardonable sin any more than any other sin is!

Many will rejoice in their unrighteousness:
2nd Thessalonians 2: 12: "That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

These people, according to 2nd Thessalonians 2:11, will be subject to believing the lie the Antichrist will present to the world in the aftermath of the Rapture of the Church, leading many of them to eternal damnation. God will allow them to be deceived, it seems, as a reward for their bold defiance of Him. What a frightening thought!

Many will begin to understand Bible prophecy and will start warning the world the return of Jesus Christ is near:
Acts 2:17-18: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Aliyah will be taking place:
What is Aliyah? Aliyah is the Hebrew word used to describe the physical return of the Jewish people, the children of Israel, to their ancient Promised Land, Zion, from abroad.

In Scripture, God promised He would bring the Jews (descendants of Abraham) back to their Promised Land from all the nations of the world where He had scattered them! It is happening even as you read these words.

Ezekiel 36:24: For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

39. There will be signs Earth's environment is in trouble:

Romans 8:21-23: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

40. Technology will exist capable of tracking the world's population and their finances:

Revelation 13:16-17: And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

41. The capability will exist for an army of 200 million soldiers to be formed:

In Revelation 9:16, John sees a specific number of soldiers/"horsemen" preparing for or entering into war: And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

Estimates of the total human population of Earth during Christ's day typically vary between 100 to 400 million people. In 2004, the CIA determined China has an estimated 208,143,352 in its population alone fit for military service. As of 2006, that number has risen to 281,240,272 men fit for military service.

42. Drug use will be rampant:

Revelation 9:21: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

The original Greek for the word 'sorceries' is pharmakeia {far-mak-i'-ah}. It means the use or the administering of drugs OR sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.

43. Evil men, seducers and deceivers will get worse and worse. (2nd Timothy 3:13)

One doesn't have to think too hard to realize this prophecy is being dramatically fulfilled in our times. Upon reading this, close your eyes for a moment and think of how many people you know (or have heard of from reputable sources) who seem to be evil to the core! Similarly, think of how many people you know who have fallen victim to frauds and scams perpetrated by seducers (deceivers/imposters). The world today seems full of both with no letup in sight. And evil men? Do I even need to state the obvious where this is concerned? They're everywhere!

44. There will be wars and rumours of war.

Matthew 24:6: And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

It seems that for every international conflict that exists at a given moment in our present time, there is potential for another to manifest itself as well. It's as though our world is about to blow apart at the seams!

45. When we begin to collectively see the signs listed above, Christ's return is near!
Luke 21:28: And when these things BEGIN to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Have you seen any of these signs in the world today?

If so, I suggest you quickly enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ if you haven't already done so! He is coming soon!

 

[BobRyan]

A lot of these are correct.

The "Angels mingling" thing is simply a misread of Gen 6.

R.C Sproul has it right on that point.

But you are missing something. Many if not most of these have been "present" for over 50 years. The "future ones" include the event when the Gospel has finally gone into all the world. There are other ticking time elements that you have missing.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[peterotto]

Hey TaliOrlando.

In
Hebrews 1:2 "in these last days has spoken to us in His Son"

When did the "last days" take place?

 

[TaliOrlando]

Hey TaliOrlando.

In
Hebrews 1:2 "in these last days has spoken to us in His Son"

When did the "last days" take place?

No clue, thats why I am asking if you could please explain in detail, I would appreciate it so I can learn. Thanks !!

 

[Amy.G]

Hey TaliOrlando.

In
Hebrews 1:2 "in these last days has spoken to us in His Son"

When did the "last days" take place?

The last days began when Jesus went to sit at the right hand of the Father.

 

[Palatka51]

You seem to have your ducks all in a row here TaliOrlando.

I would look at Gen 6 again and apply it to the fact that many Christian boys and girls are dating and marrying unbelievers at an alarming rate. Divorce is at an all time high. The product of these marriages are fatherless/motherless violent children that are becoming renown for their violent acts. Just as it was in Noah's day.

As far as angelic/demonic manipulation of human sexuality and genetics please pay attention to what Jesus said about the angels.
Mark 12:25
25For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

The above verse suggests that the angels do not engage in such activities.

 

[BobRyan]

You seem to have your ducks all in a row here TaliOrlando.

I would look at Gen 6 again and apply it to the fact that many Christian boys and girls are dating and marrying unbelievers at an alarming rate. Divorce is at an all time high. The product of these marriages are fatherless/motherless violent children that are becoming renown for their violent acts. Just as it was in Noah's day.

As far as angelic/demonic manipulation of human sexuality and genetics please pay attention to what Jesus said about the angels.
Mark 12:25
25For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

The above verse suggests that the angels do not engage in such activities.

Well said!

in Christ,

Bob

 

[Ed Edwards]

I have figured that the 'signs' of Matthew 24:4-14 are signs that the Times of the Gentiles (or Church Age, or 7-Churches Age, or Gentile Age, or Age of the Gentiles, or, etc) CONTINUES.

Here is my writing about the pervasiveness of one of the signs throughout the period AD 0033 through AD 2008:

------------------------------

Matthew 24:14 (HCSB = Christian Standard
Bible /Holman, 2003/ ):

This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed
in all the world as a testimony to all nations.
And then the end will come.

Items quoted from THE ALMANAC OF THE CHRISTIAN WORLD,
1991-1992 Edition (Tyndale, 1990), page 305+.

AD 061 - Colossians 1:6 (HCSB):
the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit
and growing all over the world, just as it has
among you since the day you heard it and recognized
God's grace in the truth.

c. AD 0140 - Hermas writes: "The Son of God ... has
been preached to the ends of the earth" (Shepherd
of Hermas).

AD 0197 - Tertullian (c160-222) ... writes ... "There
is no nation indeed which is not Christian" ...

c. AD 0205 - Clement of Alexandria (c155-215) ... writes
"The whole world, with Athens and Greece, has already
become the domain of the Word."

c. AD 0310 - Eusebius of Caesarea (c265-339) writes ...
"The doctrine of the Savious
has irradiated the whole Oikumene
(whole inhabited earth)"

AD 0378 - Jerome (c345-419) writes: "From India to Britian, all
nations resound with the death and resurrection of Christ".
estimates 1.9 million Christians to have been marytred
since AD33 (out of 120 million Christians). ...

etc.

This prophecy concerns the Full Church Age!
The word of Jesus has been spreading
to the rest of world and will continue to
do so as long as the Lord tarries.
----------------------------------


BTW, the pretribulation rapture event has no signs .

 

[BobRyan]

This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed
in all the world as a testimony to all nations.
And then the end will come.


Indeed - the 2nd coming of Christ has been "the focus" of the church ever since John 14 when Christ said "I will come again and RECEIVE you to Myself".

"This Gospel of the Kingdom" is now going out by radio-TV-satellite -- no longer "just by foot". We have global coverage - 24x7 we just need to complete the task of making sure all have the ability to "receive" it.

And yet - here "in our own backyard" I just met a family that did not know about the fall of man and the origin of evil or the details of the Birth of Christ - we all have work to do - right where we are.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[Ed Edwards]

Peterotto: //When did the "last days" take place?//

The 'Last Days' is the Church Age!

Peter declares that the Last Days begins on the day of Pentacost.

Acts 2:17 (TNIV = Today's New International Version /Zondervan, 2006):

In the 'last days', God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

IMHO the 'Last Days' ends at the un-signed pre-tribulation Rapture Event - at the Second Coming of Jesus to get His own. (the signed by the Tribulation Period post-tribulation resurrection event finishes the Second Advent of Jesus.

Another way to look at 'the last days' is the time between the First Coming of Jesus and the Second Coming of Jesus.

Both comings are composed of two parts:

First Coming of Jesus:
1. As a Baby in a manger
2. As the Resurrection: Victor over Dead, Hell, & the Grave

Second coming of Jesus:

1. Coming to get the Church Age Saints and take them to heaven
(Start of the Tribulation Period (70th week of Daniel 'day of the Lord'))

2. Coming as VIctor over the Unholy Trinity: Devil, Antichrist (Beast from the Sea), and False Prophet (Beast from the Land)
(End of the Tribulation Period (70th week of Daniel 'day of the Lord'))

 

[Ed Edwards]

A lot of these are correct.

The "Angels mingling" thing is simply a misread of Gen 6.

R.C Sproul has it right on that point.

But you are missing something. Many if not most of these have been "present" for over 50 years. The "future ones" include the event when the Gospel has finally gone into all the world. There are other ticking time elements that you have missing.

in Christ,

Bob

Amen, Brother BobRyan -- Preach it! :thumbs:

Luke 17:26-27 (TNIV = Today's NIV / Zondervan, 2006 )

[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica]26 "Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

Acts 17:27 explains FULLY what the meaning of Acts 17:26 is. 'As' is the clue that theretorical devise' is in use. This is as similie. The "days of the Son of Man" is like unto the 'days of Noah' EXACTLY like Acts 17:27 says and ONLY like Acts 17:27 says.

(I.E. forget the angels and/or demons mixing with humans)


[/FONT]

 

[BobRyan]

By Acts 17 -- you still mean Luke 7 right?

 

[Ed Edwards]

By Acts 17 -- you still mean Luke 7 right?

NO. I mean Luke 17. Sorry for the OOPS.

I said:
//[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica] Acts 17:27 explains FULLY what the meaning of Acts 17:26 is. 'As' is the clue that theretorical devise' is in use. This is as similie. The "days of the Son of Man" is like unto the 'days of Noah' EXACTLY like Acts 17:27 says and ONLY like Acts 17:27 says.//

I should have said:
//[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica] Luke 17:27 explains FULLY what the meaning of Luke 17:26 is. 'As' is the clue that theretorical devise' is in use. This is as similie. The "days of the Son of Man" is like unto the 'days of Noah' EXACTLY like Luke 17:27 says and ONLY like Luke 17:27 says.//


[/FONT]

 

[peterotto]

No clue, thats why I am asking if you could please explain in detail, I would appreciate it so I can learn. Thanks !!

The best way to learn is by doing the homework yourself. You have to start thinking for yourself.
Stop reading what others have said and do your own research. Read Hebrews chapter 1 verses 1-4. Keep on reading and re-reading until you can answer the question of when did the "Last Days" take place. Come up with your own answer by sticking to Scripture.

I'm waiting for your answer.

 

[BobRyan]

NO. I mean Luke 17. Sorry for the OOPS.

I said:
//[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica] Acts 17:27 explains FULLY what the meaning of Acts 17:26 is. 'As' is the clue that theretorical devise' is in use. This is as similie. The "days of the Son of Man" is like unto the 'days of Noah' EXACTLY like Acts 17:27 says and ONLY like Acts 17:27 says.//

I should have said:
//[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica] Luke 17:27 explains FULLY what the meaning of Luke 17:26 is. 'As' is the clue that theretorical devise' is in use. This is as similie. The "days of the Son of Man" is like unto the 'days of Noah' EXACTLY like Luke 17:27 says and ONLY like Luke 17:27 says.//


[/FONT]

In Luke 17 and Matt 24 Christ uses the example of those in Noah's day for two reasons.

1. Is it shows that "they were living a normal every day life" like Adam and Eve - "eating" and "Drinking" and "engaging in new family covenants through marriage" etc. So having "normal life suddenly end" was a big shocking surprise to them. And so - it is a big shock at the end for us as well.

2. But Genesis 6 shows us that it was not JUST "business as usual" but rather mankind and society was collapsing into an ever more violent death spiral. God did not simply "show up during picknic" for Adam and Eve and flood them -- he waited 1600 years until finally mankind had crossed it's last boundary -- it's last day of probation.

 

[BobRyan]

No clue, thats why I am asking if you could please explain in detail, I would appreciate it so I can learn. Thanks !!

Read Daniel 8 and look for the phrase "time of the end" -- it points down to a future time -- called "the time of the end" and it gives signs as to when it will be.

There is "another phrase" that is used by John in 1John 2 and 3 regarding "the last days". not the same thing.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[Crabtownboy]

There have been signs since the very early days of the Christian church. In fact, a good case can be built that Christ thought his return would not be long in coming. However, all is in God's time, and as God is outside of time it is foolish to speculate that His return will be soon in human terms. MHO.

 

[BobRyan]

A very Good case can be made from ALL NT writers that they all thought the 2nd coming would be "VERY SOON".

Paul says "WE WHO ARE ALIVE and REMAIN will be caught up together with them in the air" 1Thess 4.