Tell us ?

THE WORLD SIGNS

1. An increase of sin and lawlessness and conditions similar to the days of Noah and Lot –- 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Luke 17:26-30; Genesis 6:11.

Are not these signs evident in a very marked degree today? Do not these world signs proclaim the nearness of our Lord’s return?

2. THE CHURCH SIGNS

1. The increase of apostasy –- 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1;
   2 Timothy 4:3-4.
2. Hypocrisy and much empty profession –- 2 Timothy 3:5.
3. Lukewarmness in the Church –- Matthew 24:12; Revelation 3:14-20.
4. Many who scoff at the Truth –- 2 Peter 3:3-4.
5. False prophets and a great increase in false religions and demonism (the occult) –- Matthew 24:11; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10; 2 Peter 2:1-2.
6. Much persecution of the faithful ones –- Matthew 24:9-10; Mark 13:9-13.
7. Worldwide evangelism –- Mark 13:10.

Do you not agree that these signs are evident in a very marked degree today? Do not these churchsigns proclaim the nearness of our Lord’s return?

3. THE JEWISH SIGNS

Please read Luke 21:29-33. In this scripture our Lord compares the Jewish nation to a fig tree, and He tells us that when the fig tree begins to bud and bear fruit we may be sure that His coming again is near at hand.

The budding of the fig tree is taking place today.

• Over the past 30 years, the Jews have been returning to Israel in fulfilment of many prophecies –- Isaiah 11:11-12; Ezekiel 36:24; 37:21; Jeremiah 23:3-8; 32:37-41; Amos 9:14-15; Luke 21:24. “Jews from all parts of the world have been regathering in the land of Israel. Week by week, month by month, by ship and plane, great throngs of the sons and daughters of Abraham have been arriving at the ports of Israel.”
• There are wonderful industrial, agricultural and cultural developments in Israel, in fulfilment of prophecy -– Isaiah 35:1-10; Jeremiah 30:18-22; 31:7-14; Zechariah 14:9-11; Hosea 3:4-5.

This is a truly significant Jewish sign that proclaims the nearness of our Lord’s return.

As you study and meditate upon the above scripture portions, is it not clear that we are living at the end of the present age and that we are justified in believing that “the Lord’s coming is near”? (James 5:8). This truth is at the same time most glorious and most solemn. It is glorious for all who know Him and who are trusting Him as their Lord and Saviour, but it is terribly solemn for those who do not know Him, who have never turned to Him in repentance and faith. Please conclude this study by looking up Isaiah 55:6-7.