Today the sun is shining and the temperatures are below normal with a low of 28 degrees at 7 a.m. this morning. It seems that March and April have traded places this year. All is all though; it is a wonderful day with a coolness that would be appreciated come July or August.
I have been following the political issues in the Middle East, perhaps as you have been. Our Navy ships are now sailing into the area around Iran; this is being done in order to support our interests concerning Iran. Russia on the other hand, is sending more troops into the same area through neighboring Georgia to Armenia, that borders Iran. In counteracting the United States moves, Russia is in turn is rattling their sabers saying that if Iran is attacked, they will respond in kind toward any aggressors, including the U.S. China as well, has recently been asked by the people of Pakistan to establish a naval base within its borders.
Not only is Russia moving troops into Armenia, they also have a naval base in nearby Syria and are supporting the existing government there. Syria now is in a state of civil war with hundreds and thousands of citizens being killed each day in their struggle for control of the government. This unrest is now spreading rapidly to other Middle Eastern countries as well. It seems that all of the Middle East is becoming a powder keg waiting to explode. Where will all this end?
Are we heading in Revelation? As Christians, we are told in the Bible that we will not know of the hour of Jesus’ return and the end times events leading to his arrival, only God will know. As Christians though, we are informed that we must be aware of the signs of the times and be prepared. Jesus tells us through the story of the 10 virgins waiting for the groom to arrive, that we must be prepared for these events to come as written in Matthew 25:3. Paul admonishes us, as well, to be prepared for the end times as recorded in 1 Thes. 5. As Christians, we need to be in prayer as well as reading God’s word, and not to be fearful of the these things, because God has a plan for each of us.
The following areas listed are signs of the end times in the Bible.
1. Godlessness in the Last Days II Tim. 3:3-5,7
2. Falling away from the faith. I Tim. 4:1-3
3. 200,000,000 man army in the East. Rev. 9:16
4. Redevelopment of the Roman Empire. Dan. 2:32-33 / Dan. 2:40-43
5. Rebuilding the Temple Rev. 11:2/Dan. 9:27/Dan. 9/26
6. Increase of Knowledge and Travel. Dan. 12:4
7. Return of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Zeph. 3:10
8. The rise of Russia. Ezekiel 38:2,4,8
9. Return of Russian Jews to Israel. Jer. 23:7-8
10. Mark of the Beast. Rev. 13:16-17
11. Instant communication globally. Rev. 11:3,7-10
These are just but a few of the signs of the coming age. Still, we do not know when these times will arrive, but again, we are admonished to be aware of the signs of these things happening. Read God’s word concerning the end times and be diligent in reading the latest news of what is happening around the world, and finally pray, pray for understanding in what God would have you do.
Do I believe that these things are happening now? It is hard to say, but if it is not during our age, then I believe we are in the birth pains stage. I also trust that when these things occur, they will take place very quickly, as do most events happening today.
Again, I would encourage you to study God’s word while at the same time, pray and ask for his understanding.
