End-times scholar Hal Lindsey says, “I am amazed at the speed with which
events are moving today. The Bible tells us
that in the last days, the ‘signs’ of the times will appear with
ever-increasing frequency and intensity. In our modern lingo, maybe we could
describe this phenomena as the signs of the times on steroids!” What are these signs?
One of the most significant signs is that Israel has become
the center of geopolitics—and Jerusalem the most sought after real estate on
the planet. And considering Iran’s threat of nuclear attack, if Israel
strikes preemptively, it would surely destabilize the world's political
and financial institutions, necessitating world restructuring, most probably in the form of a one-world government made possible by new technology,
and setting the stage for a messiah-like person who will promise to
restore peace and order.
Of course there are other signs, most of which are too disheartening
to speak of. No wonder Jesus said, “When you see these things happening, look up!”
How else can we not let them get us down?
Toward the end of 2012, I wrote a post about the uncertainties the lie
the head in 2013. Those uncertainties included the global economy, instability
in the Middle East, and high unemployment.
Little did I know what other uncertainties lie ahead for me—chief of
which was a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer along with its attendant ensuing activities,
each with its own degree of uncertainty!
Is life less uncertain today than it was 16 months ago?
Perhaps for me, but not for the global economy, Middle East, or
the unemployed. One thing is certain though: continued uncertainty (John
16:33). Consequently, earthlings look for concrete, material things to make them feel secure, while the believer is anchored by an immaterial, but rock-solid faith and confident expectation that God purposes to make all things good for those who love and trust Him (Rom. 8:28). "Faith is the confidence of a sure and steadfast hope which anchors our soul; faith is the certainty of things we cannot see" (Heb. 11:1; 6:19, edited).
The hottest summer on record is causing even sensible people to wonder, ‘Has global warming arrived?’ A brand new book called, “Global Weirdness: Severe Storms, Deadly Heat Waves, Relentless Drought, Rising Seas and the Weather of the Future,” has advanced the debate. The dry summer of 2012 is likely to spark heated discussions in the 2012 presidential race.
Should this be a hot topic for Christians? “Aren’t we called to be stewards of God’s creation?” you ask. The short answer is ‘yes.’ But the long answer must include an eternal view. Two thousand years ago Peter warned of global warming. “The present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, in which the heavens will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works burned up. Then, a new heaven and earth” (2 Pet 3:7-10, ed.).
Peter's next words are key in answering our question. “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness? Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of the Lord” (2 Pet 3:11-12, ed.). Peter emphasizes issues of the heart before the environment. But that doesn't give us permission to abuse the earth while we're here. It's not ungodly to recycle!
In his apocalyptic vision in the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John introduces the “beast,” also called the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1). John describes him as the ruler of a vast empire, with power & authority given to him by Satan (Revelation 13:2), receiving worship from all the world (13:3-4), and ruling every tribe, people, language and nation (13:7). Combining his vision with Daniel’s (7:16-24), scholars of biblical eschatology conclude that some sort of world system will be inaugurated by the AntiChrist.
In 2011, the world’s national economies are more interdependent than any other time in history. And no place on earth will be untouched by the coming financial tsunami. Increasingly, economists are suggesting that the only solution to this crisis is the establishment of a one-world banking system and currency. And when that happens, isn’t it logical that a one-world government cannot be far behind?
Daniel and John didn’t say why people will accept the total authority of a single man in the last days. Indeed, it’s hard (especially for democratic citizens like us) to imagine how the world’s nations would subjugate themselves to a single authority. A logical conclusion is that the disasters described in Revelation 6-11 will create such a monumental global crisis that people will embrace anything and anyone who promises to give them relief. The time has arrived for God's watchmen to speak out (Ezekiel 33:6).
When economies are in a recession, the value of paper money goes down. Lately, a growing number of financial experts are cautioning us of a global financial meltdown. And the debt debacle of these last few weeks has shown us all how little it would take for the world’s money system to crash. Thus, many people are buying gold as a hedge against worthless currency. But according to James, in the end times, that will be useless. “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted...Your gold and silver are corroded” (James 5:1-2).
In spite of all of this, notice how, after condemning the rich, James counseled believers to wait patiently for the Lord’s coming. (James 5:7-8) He was not only talking to the people of his era, but to ours as well. The uncertainty of world financial markets, when added to the other signs we see, tells us that the Lord’s return for His Church may happen sooner than later.
Do you wonder if Jesus were your financial adviser, what He might say? Well, He has already spoken on the matter. "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” (Rev. 3:18). And what is the gold tested by fire Jesus speaks of? It is our faith, likened to gold that has been fully purified though patience and endurance: “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold…” (1 Peter 1:7)
