God is your source

Let Faith Prevail- by Mike Evans
Jerusalem Prayer Team
"Do you sometimes feel that your needs exceed your supply? Do you run out of money before you run out of bills? Do you feel physically drained? Are you afraid of emotional bankruptcy? Do you feel like you are spiritually starving? Again, whatever your need, God is your Source, and His provision is perfect!

First Kings 17 shows how God brought a drought to the land of Israel to punish Ahab, the King of Israel, for his wickedness. The drought lasted for 3 ½ years, and it resulted in a great famine. Yet, despite the shortage of food and water, God took care of Elijah. He told the prophet, “And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there” (1 Kings 17:4).

God used birds to feed Elijah, and He supplied water from a small stream. If you are facing a famine in your life, take heart! God has not forgotten you! He will meet your needs, even if He has to use birds and brooks! The famine that hit Israel lasted a long time and was devastating. You may feel devastated by your circumstances today. You may have a serious shortage in your finances. You may feel pressured, worried, and upset. You may have unmet emotional needs, and as a result, you feel depressed and alone. You may be experiencing a physical setback through sickness, disease, mishap, or outright catastrophe. You can live in fear—or, you can turn your attention to the Source.

When you have calamity in your life, you can do one of two things: You can turn to God and learn from the experience, or you can give in to fear, worry, and unbelief.

If you permit fear and doubt to dominate your thinking in times of need, you will be unable to receive the provision God has for you. The dry period will escalate into a full-blown famine. You must be on guard during the dry times, or you will be overwhelmed by your own needs. When famine comes, you cannot talk yourself into abundance or bargain your way out of debt. Famine will drain you of your life, energy, hope, joy, finances, and health.

Elijah's attitude was to focus on God's goodness and mercy, making the best of his situation and learning from this experience. He refused to let fear and unbelief dominate his thoughts. Instead, he was grateful to God. When there is a famine in the land, the Holy Ghost can assist you in being able to demonstrate an attitude filled with gratitude, peace, and joy.

Elijah trusted God to meet all his needs and, as a result, goodness, mercy, signs, wonders, and miracles followed. Elijah had faith that prevailed. What about you? You can lose—or you can win. You can prevail—or you can fail. The choice is yours."

JESUS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Take the Light with You - by Mike Evans
Jerusalem Prayer Team
"Matthew describes an amazing experience that Peter, James, and John shared when they were with Jesus. They had all climbed up a high mountain, far from the pressing crowds when, suddenly, the disciples saw Jesus change physically, right before their eyes. “And [he] was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light” (Matthew 17:2). There He stood, talking with Moses and Elijah! Then, they heard a voice from heaven, which said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him,” (17:5).

Years later, Peter recalled this experience in a letter to the Church. He insisted he was not repeating mere hearsay about Jesus. No, he was certain that everything he shared was true because he saw it and heard it himself, including the transfiguration. Then, Peter makes an interesting application; he says, you have the light of Christ shining in your heart to dispel the darkness! “And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts,” (2 Peter 1:18-19).

The word “light” here actually refers to a “portable light.” In other words, you can take the light of Jesus with you anywhere you go and expect to see the darkness flee. If you want to hear God speak to you, then you must go onto the holy mount. You must get away for a while. Open the Word, and be still. Listen, and expect to hear.

Many people have Bibles, but they do not benefit from them. That is a little like having a steak dinner set before you and refusing to eat it. You can starve to death in the midst of abundance. The reason so many Christians don't experience the power of God's Word is because they haven't walked away from the crowds and distractions and asked God to release His anointing on them.

There was no darkness that day on the holy mount; there was only the light and the glory of God. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now,” (1 John 2:9). In other words, if you are living in darkness, you will stumble. "

"Living in the Anointing"

by Mike Evans Jerusalem Prayer Team

"Why does it seem like so few Christians are experiencing the anointing of God in their lives? Because, somewhere down the line, they got the idea that the anointing is a thing. They confused it with a manifestation or an emotional high. They wanted to feel the anointing rather than live it. God's anointing cannot be confined to four walls. It can't be manufactured in the pulpit, or packaged in neat little programs, or sold to the highest bidder.

It is a gift from a loving and sovereign Father. The fact is, if you are a child of God, you are anointed. Your anointing is in Jesus, and the more you relate to Him, the more it will be released in your life. You must allow God the freedom to come to you in any way He deems appropriate. You must allow Him to release His glory and beauty and power in your life. You must allow Him to be as creative as He likes to be.

He wants to manifest Himself in you and touch the nations of the world, shaking cities and changing lives. The anointing within you will break every yoke and burden. All the prophets whom God called in the Bible had the anointing. Every priest had it and so did every king. And my Bible declares Jesus is a prophet, a priest, and a king.

If you want to release the anointing, allow Jesus to “live big” in you. One day I asked God for a greater anointing. Then Jesus said something that really touched me: “You will have it if you will say what I say.” I thought, “Well, that shouldn't be too hard.” He also said, “You must hear what I hear.” Now that is a little harder. You can say what Jesus says, but you have to guard your ears to start hearing what He hears. For instance, He does not listen to judgmental spirits. He does not listen to gossip. He does not listen to trashy music, television, or movie dialogues. Jesus does not hear those things.

Then He added one more point, “If you will say what I say, and hear what I hear, then you will do what I do.” At first I thought that would be easy, especially when I was saying what Jesus says and hearing what He hears. But I have discovered that it's not so easy. In fact, sometimes it is downright hard—but it works.

Those three commands from the Lord changed my life, “Say what I say, hear what I hear—then you'll do what I do.”

JESUS THE GREAT KING

THE GREAT KING

We need first of all to consider God's covenant with David: that, of his descendants, He would raise up a wholly righteous seed (the Christ) who would sit and reign upon his throne for ever. (Literally, for the aeon of the aeons, i.e., the Millennium.) In 2Samual 7 we read of how King David wanted to build a house or Temple for God. God told him that it was not to be David who would build that Temple. However God did promise David that He would build him a house or dynasty that would last for ever. We read:

"And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."....... "And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever." 2Samuel 7v12-13 &16

David himself says:

"These be the last words of David. . . The spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was upon my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, that ruleth in the fear of God he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds; when the tender grass springeth out of the earth, through clear shining after rain. Verily my house is not so with God; yet He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for it is all my salvation, and all my desire, although He maketh it not to grow." (2 Samuel 23.1-5).

This promise was not fulfilled in David's lifetime but God does not change His word is trustworthy and sure. So we read of God's promise to Mary the mother of Jesus, who was a direct descendant of David:

"Thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him THE THRONE of HIS FATHER DAVID: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1.31-33).

The world has already had a preview of that perfect character, God has prepared to be the Great King of Israel and indeed the King of all the world. The four Gospel accounts have preserved for mankind an indelible record of his life and work at his first coming. Before he commenced his work he had thoroughly mastered the teaching of the Old Testament scriptures so that he might obey all his Father's commandments perfectly; he set an example of flawless righteousness and he taught the people without fear or favour. At the end although he knew the terrible death that awaited him, he voluntarily surrendered to crucifixion, willing to submit totally to his Fathers will. Peter sought to change the mind of Jesus, striving to deter him from going to Jerusalem and ultimately to his death. Yet Jesus rebuked Peter saying:

"Thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and He shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? How then should the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be?" (Matthew 26.53-54).

Nonetheless, Jesus looked forward in perfect faith, to that great reward which he knew that he would receive at the time appointed by his Father in heaven. Thus Paul exhorted the disciples:

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12v1-2)

When Jesus returns in power and great glory, he will be accompanied by his Father's angels, for we read Jesus said:

"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all the nations." (Matthew 25.31-32).

Thus the Angels that Jesus spoke of to Peter that he could call upon his Father for will now be with him, prepared to do his bidding. It is they whom Jesus will send to the four corners of the Earth to gather his elect to the judgement seat.
So lets go on now to examine some aspects of Jesus upon his return.

1) THE PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF JESUS

When Jesus came before, it was foretold of him by the prophet Isaiah:

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him as a tender plant and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected of men..." (Isaiah 53.1-3).

Surely Jesus was despised and rejected, crucified upon the cross, a cruel death. Yet when he returns in the full glory of the Spirit Nature that he now has, to reign as a great and glorious King, his appearance shall be greatly changed. David foresaw his changed appearance:

"My heart overfloweth with a goodly matter: I speak the things which I have made touching the King: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of men; grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O MIGHTY ONE, thy glory and thy majesty. And righteousness: and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Thine arrows are sharp; the peoples fall under thee; they are in the heart of the king's enemies. Thy throne, O God is for ever and ever: a sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom Thou lovest righteousness, and hated wickedness: therefore God thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; out of the ivory palaces stringed instruments have made thee glad" (Psalm 45.1-8).

The righteous have been promised and look forward to the time when as Isaiah records:

"Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty." (Isaiah 33.17).

Jesus was born exactly like us, he was of the same nature and prone to the same weakness, but now, raised from the dead after a life of complete obedience to his Father, he is clothed with divine nature.

"God having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets... hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things.... who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power." (Hebrews 1.1-3).

To Jesus as we read has been given all power and authority by God. Following his resurrection Jesus spoke to his disciples: " And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matt 28v18) Thus mighty in power and appearance Jesus shall rule the nations with as we read an iron rod, yet with justice and righteousness, faithfully executing God's will and purpose.

2) RE-UNITES THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL

Because of the disobedience of King Solomon, God divided the nation of Israel into two Kingdoms, but because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ his Father will reunite them in his hand, that Jesus might reign over a united Kingdom and people:

"Say unto them thus saith the Lord God: Behold I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: and I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one King shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms anymore at all." (Ezekiel 37.21-22).

The Kingdom of God though, is not confined merely to the land of Israel, but will be a world wide Kingdom, with Jesus ultimately bringing all into subjection to God. [1Corinthians 15.25]

3) RULES WITH FIRMNESS, WISDOM, JUSTICE AND MERCY.

Man now makes laws and rules as he sees fit, there is no universal concept of justice. Each country has it's own legal system with laws acceptable to some countries but unacceptable to other countries. However in the Kingdom age no longer will man devise laws as he sees fit, no longer will there be injustice, a law that benefits one section of the community at the expense of another. Jesus will rule with justice because his judgement will be on an entirely different level:

"The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord... he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked" (Isaiah 11.2-4).

The law that Jesus will rule by shall be the law of God, a law that is infallible and irresistible:

"Give THE KING thy judgements, O God and thy righteousness unto the king's son He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgement...He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear thee while the sun endureth, and so long as the moon, throughout all generations...In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace, till the moon be no more. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth ...All kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him" (Psalm72.l-ll).

We read that the law shall 'go forth from Jerusalem'. The Kings of Israel were said to sit upon the throne of the Lord God, for it is he who is the ultimate King of all. The Kings dispensed justice and ruled, yet so many times they failed to obey the Lord their God. Their rule was but a faint shadow of what was to come. But Jesus shall indeed sit upon the throne of God and rule with the full authority and power of God:

"Then the moon shall be confounded and the sun ashamed; for the Lord of Hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously." (Isaiah 24.23).

We must always remember that Jesus shall be King and rule because he alone is worthy to do so:

"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on the earth and things under the earth And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2.8-11).

He is the Son of God and it is God's good pleasure to give to him the Kingdom and as God promised to David, that Kingdom shall be an everlasting Kingdom:

"I saw in the night visions, and behold there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given unto him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples nations and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed" (Daniel 7.13-14).

Other Prophecies on this subject

Genesis 49:8-10; Psalm 2:6-9; 21:8-12;47:1-3; 50:1-3; 61:5-8; 72:12-14,17; 110:1-6; Isaiah 2:1-4; 12:6; Micah 4:6-8;5:4; Zephaniah 3:14-17; Zechariah 14:9, 14-19; Matthew 27:37; Luke 23:1-3; John 18:37; Hebrews 2:5-8.

source; posted by permission of www.biblelight.org 

Israel a sign of Christ's return

ISRAEL 

A SURE SIGN OF CHRIST'S RETURN.

What is the relevance to us in this day and age, to consider such a small nation as Israel? Why is Israel so important today?
Well firstly Israel are God's witness to mankind, both of his very existence and of his purpose with this earth. We can read in Isaiah:

"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, `You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you." Isaiah 41v8-9

And:

"You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no saviour." Isaiah 43v10-11.

Secondly, current world and particularly Middle East events, are happening according to a pattern long ago predicted in the Bible. These prophecies place Israel exactly in the political and economic position she is now in. Further these prophesies tell us that Middle East events occurring now, herald even more important events to come. Events of paramount importance, not just for Israel, but for the whole world.

To briefly summarise the history of Israel. Abraham the ancestor of the Jews, a man of great faith, was chosen by God and was the recipient of some momentous promises. The Jews however rejected God and because of their continued disobedience to God, were scattered throughout the nations of the world. The Kings of Israel in reality sat upon the throne of the Lord as we read in 1Chron 29:23 "So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David." Eventually because of the nations continued rejection of Him, God said of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel:

"Remove the diadem, and take off the crown"........"I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is and I will give it to him". Ezekiel 21v27

So Israel was no longer to be a Kingdom and we see in this prophesy three overturnings of the nation foretold. Israel was overthrown:
 

	by the Babylonians
	by the Romans,
	which suggests a third overthrow yet to come.

Yet despite all this happening to them as a punishment for their disobedience, God also promised the restoration of the nation. The prophet Jeremiah records:

"The days are coming says the Lord, when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land"......"I am with you and will save you declares the Lord, though I destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you". Jeremiah 30v3&11

Now today in partial fulfillment of prophesy we see Israel back in their land, yet it must be noted they are a state, not a kingdom! Yet the prophesy in Ezekiel speaks of a Kingdom, and one whose right it is to sit upon the throne of David over the restored Kingdom. Who has this right, to whom God will give the Kingdom? Well the angel Gabriel at the conception of Jesus spoke to Mary saying:

"He shall be great and shall be called the son of the highest and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of his father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob (Israel) forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end". Luke 1v32

So Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne of the kingdom, but is clearly not sitting upon the throne nor reigning over Israel forever. This must therefore be fulfilled at some time in the future. The scriptures record that Jesus promised his disciples that he would return. To the early Christians this promise was accepted as being literal and they expected the Kingdom of God to be set up at his return. Over the centuries this hope has faded and most Christians have lost this cornerstone of the original faith. To many the return of Jesus is a pious fairy tale, irrelevant to the modern world.
However the message is clear, Jesus will return. When Jesus ascended into heaven the two angels told the disciples:

"This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven" . Acts 1v11

The Apostles preached exactly the same message, Peter says speaking of God:

"He shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouths of all his holy prophets since the world began" . Acts 3v20

Now Jesus spoke of many signs that would herald his return. We see many of these signs happening in the world now. We will consider one sign in particular, that is the nation of Israel. 2000 yrs ago in AD 70 Israel was overthrown by the invading Roman armies, but Jesus foretold the restoration of the nation. Today in an astonishing reversal of history the state of Israel is a compelling witness to the truth of the words Jesus spoke and a sign of his immanent return. Jesus spoke a parable of a fig tree saying:

"Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves you can see for your selves and know that summer is near. Even so when you see all these things (the signs Christ spoke about) you know that the Kingdom of God is near". Luke 21v28

Now the fig tree symbolised Israel and as we know the nation is back in the land. Trees in general represent nations and in recent years we have seen many nations long absorbed into others re-emerge. Germany is reunited, the USSR split up, Serbia, Bosnia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania to name but few, now independent nations once again. God said of Israel Amos 3v2 "You only have I known of all the families of the earth ". Israel are still God's people, they are still his witnesses in the earth and God has restored Israel back in the land just as promised 2000 yrs ago. That is why the nation is important to Christians, for their restoration is proof of the immanence of Christ's return.

The Restoration of Jerusalem into Jewish hands is a further sign. Jesus said Jerusalem would be downtrodden and in non Jewish hands until the times of the Gentile nations would be at their end:

"Jerusalem will be trampled on by the gentiles until the times of the gentiles are fulfilled.".....v32...."I tell you the truth this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." Luke 21v24

We read in Daniel that the prophet spoke regarding the end of man's dominion over the earth and the setting up of the Kingdom of God. King Nebuchadnezzar the King of the Babylonian Empire had a dream about an immense statue. Daniel by the power of God interpreted the dream. He told of how the various metals that the great image was made of, represented the various Kingdoms of men that would arise in the earth. The point as far as our considerations are concerned, is that at the time of the end a stone would strike the image, toppling it and grinding it to powder. The stone would then grow to fill the whole earth. That stone represented the Kingdom of God that would supercede the Kingdoms of man and grow to fill the earth. So we see that Christ upon his return will irresistibly establish the Kingdom of God.

The Nations will resist, but in vain. They will gather against Jerusalem and as we read in Zachariah half the city will be taken. It is at this time that Christ will intervene on behalf of his people. Great and terrible will be that day:

"The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying "I have installed my king on Zion, my holy hill"... The Psalm goes on to say of Christ "You will rule them with an iron sceptre, you will dash them to pieces like pottery". Psalm 2v4&9

Joel also records:

"The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and earth shall shake" Joel 3v16 (Earth = Rulers & peoples)

We further read:

"Then shall the Lord go forth to fight against those nations as he fought in the day of battle, and his feet shall stand on the mount of olives which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west." ...."and the Lord my God shall come and all the saints with thee". Zechariah 14v3-4.

Jerusalem is an ancient city and is special in God's purpose. Of Jerusalem God says:

"I have chosen Jerusalem that my name might be there ". 2 Chron 6v6

"The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more then all the dwellings of Jacob, glorious things are spoken of thee O city of God". Psalm 87v2-3

" Beautiful for situation the joy of the whole earth is mount Zion, on the sides of the north. The city of the great King " . Psalm 48v2

So Jerusalem is to be the joy of the whole earth, not just Israel. Jesus Christ is that great King, who will sit upon the throne of David. Great and glorious will be his reign. The city that saw his humiliation and cruel death, is destined to be the seat of his throne. Isaiah prophesied:

" The Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before his ancients gloriously" Isaiah 24v

As to what the Kingdom of God will be like, please go to the page about the Kingdom age which goes into some of the conditions that will exist on earth in the Kingdom.
So this modern world, sceptical, self satisfied and self reliant is totally unprepared for the great event of Jesus Christ's return. "Where is this promise of his coming", says the sceptic and so mankind rejects the only real hope of peace.
What this world needs is strong wise government, one that is able to transcend nationalism and self interest. A government that is capable of dealing with the world wide problems of war, violence, crime, moral corruption, pollution, famine and all the other ills that beset mankind. That is what God has in store for this world, a world ruled by Jesus Christ as King dispensing God's law. The result, a world at peace, a world restored to the condition that God intended for it from the beginning.
Can you believe it? Life interrupted by divine intervention, or are you a sceptic! It is hard to believe, requiring something the Bible calls faith. Yet the evidence is remarkable and overwhelming. The truth is compelling and demands your serious and most urgent attention. The nation of Israel is a sign that cannot be ignored.
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source; posted by permission of www.biblelight.org 

JESUS RETURNS TO HIS HOUSEHOLD

We read that after the death and resurrection of Jesus he spent 40 days with his disciples, instructing and encouraging them. Following this period he departed from them and ascended into heaven. But the disciples were told clearly about the fact that he would return:

"As they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were looking steadfastly into heaven, as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? This same Jesus, which was received up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have beheld him going into heaven." Acts 1v9-11

So clearly Jesus is to return, but when? Jesus told his disciples that the days of his second coming would coincide with a period of universal unrest and trouble among the nations. He said there would be:

"upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity; men's hearts fainting for fear, and for expectation of things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21v25-27.

There are many passages in the Bible that indicate that the return of Jesus will be unexpected by the majority. He would return suddenly, quietly and unobtrusively as a "thief in the night". Of the signs relating to the return of Jesus it is not our purpose to go into detail now. Other pages cover this subject in more detail - [link ] signs. But briefly, Jesus spoke of the time immediately prior to his return as being like they were in the days of Noah and Lot. These righteous servants of God were removed before the outpouring of Divine judgements upon their wicked contemporaries. [Luke 17v26-30] When Jesus returns, his first concern will be with the calling and judgement of his household:

"For the time is come for judgement to begin at the house of God: and if it begin with at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God." 1Peter 17-18

Judgement then is to begin with the household of Jesus; those who have had opportunity in the long years since Jesus left to learn the Gospel message and obey it. In this context we recall Jesus told a parable about a noble man who left on a journey to a far country in order that he may receive a Kingdom. Before he went he entrusted his servants with a certain amount of money to use wisely in his absence. Upon his return having received the kingdom he demanded to know how they had dealt with what they had been entrusted with. So we read:

"It came to pass when he was come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded those servants, unto whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading." Luke 19v15.

John gives us encouragement to strive to be faithful servants, wisely using in the service of Jesus all that he has entrusted to us. If we do we will not be ashamed when we must give an account to him of our lives when he returns. John writes:

"Now my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." 1John 2v28

It is only right that we should expect a judgement. We read all "must stand before the judgement seat of Christ." Much has been given, much will be expected. A great price has been paid for salvation and if we scorn and reject that salvation we can only deserve condemnation.

source; posted by permission of  www.biblelight.org 
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 "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." Matthew 16;27

 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left." 
Matthew 25;31

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!"  Mark 13;35-37


 "And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3;20-21

 "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4;16


"(...)to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels  in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." 2 Thessalonians 1;7

"for our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Phillipians 3;20 

"Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrew 9;28

Signs of Jesus Return

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

We read in the Bible:

"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

Signs were given in the past which caused men and women to look for the first coming of Christ, and to believe that God would raise up a son, who would redeem men from sin and death. In the same way there are many signs given in scripture that refer to the second coming of Christ. These signs are given to confirm belief and faith in Gods word about Christ's return and the setting up of Gods Kingdom on earth. 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

One of the most important prophesies made by Jesus concerns the Jews and the city of Jerusalem. He first spoke about the city being destroyed, its people taken captive and being scattered throughout all nations. Jesus said:

"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

The restoration of the Jews to their own land was foretold by God through the prophet Ezekiel 600yrs before Christ. We read in Ezekiel 37 that he was shown a valley of dry bones "These bone" he was told "are the whole house of Israel: Behold they say our bones are dried and our hope is lost." [Ezekiel 37v11] This was the condition of Israel for many long centuries, but the prophet was shown that this situation would not continue forever. Ezekiel was told to prophesy upon the bones saying:

"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

Returning to Luke 21, we see the restoration of Israel is again mentioned in symbol when Jesus:

"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

The Middle East is the hub or geographical center of the world. Thus the emergence of Israel not only as a nation, but as a world power, has aroused the interest and indeed hostility of many nations. Chief amongst these of course are Israel's immediate neighbors the Arabs nations who dispute ownership of the land. Also involved are Britain, America and Russia who all have strategic interest in the area. Arab hostility crystallized in 1948 and Israel was invaded by the combined armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Saudi Arabia with the intent of 'inflicting a war of extermination and a momentous massacre - Azzan Paha, Secretary General Arab League [B.B.C 155/48] Although the Israeli's were heavily outnumbered and outgunned the invading forces were defeated, and the conflict ended in the signing of a general Armistice. 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

The Bible clearly reveals that God is controlling the nations and world events according to his plan. Events that will move forward to the 'war of Armageddon and the time when God will openly intervene in human affairs. In recent years there has been a growing feeling among thoughtful people that world events are indeed moving forward to a crisis point that will be of such magnitude, as to be totally beyond mans ability to control or overcome. Man is moving toward a point of no return in the damage he is doing to his environment, violence in society is rapidly on the increase, distrust and hatred between nations grows, wars increase, fired by the increase in fundamentalist movements, and the disparity between rich and poor nations increases. Only divine intervention can save humanity from destroying itself. 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

Israel will be invaded, the prophet Zechariah speaks of the city of Jerusalem saying half the city would be taken:

"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

War with all its evil consequences is another sign of the 'last days. World leaders call for peace, indeed in recent months great efforts for peace have been made in the Middle East and other area's of the world, but to no avail. Peace treaties hailed and a breakthrough now show signs of fraying, many troubles still persist, terrorism continues and talk of war is revived. Throughout the world new trouble spots constantly appear. There is no lasting peace. Why? Well, it may come as a surprise to some, but divine revelation states that this will be the case, it proclaims war is inevitable:

"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

Jesus told his disciples that in the day of his return:

"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'

Jesus also compared the conditions prevailing in the world prior to his return with the conditions in the days of Noah. Jesus said:

"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 majority of people today have no religion and no respect for Gods word. We clearly live in a time as Amos spoke of, when there is a "famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord". Amos 8v11. 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

The 'signs of the times present an unmistakable pattern of the shape of things to come. The preliminaries for Gods intervention are almost completed and Jesus is at the door, ready to take the world by surprise. Will you be ready?

WHO MAY ABIDE HIS COMING

Seeing the signs and knowing what they mean, begs the questions, can we remain unmoved by them and afford to ignore them? We can join the majority of mankind rushing down the precipice of self destruction, by foolishly closing our minds to these signs that are so clear in the world about us. To such the return of Jesus will indeed be 'like a thief in the night. 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.

 source; posted by permission of www.biblelight.org