END-TIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Pt. IV)

END-TIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Pt. IV)

THE HOLY SPIRIT is proclaiming the urgent message that JESUS CHRIST will return soon. Today, we will address numerous generalized signs that are now apparent in these end-times. Among these signs are unprecedented moral decay (both within society and the institutional church), earthquakes, widespread wars, chaotic weather conditions, rebellion in the youth culture, love of pleasure, heightened materialism, environmental damage, epidemic drug use and escalating emphasis on the occult.

First of all, our age is witnessing a proliferation of ‘PRACTICAL ATHEISTS.’ These are persons who profess faith in God, but live as if there is no God. This tragic state of affairs was foreseen by Christ and the apostles. Jesus described them as unwatchful servants who thought their lord’s arrival would be delayed and therefore participated in ungodly activities. (Matthew 24:48-51) The Apostle Paul characterized it as “a falling away” from the faith. (II Thessalonians 2:3) In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle provides more detail:

II Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. 

We have become focused on all that is MATERIALISTIC, i.e. we are “lovers of pleasure” more than lovers of God. The sin of IDOLATRY, which is typically ascribed to ancient times only, is all-pervasive today, both within and without the institutional church. Idolatry is simply the propensity to assign a higher value to people, possessions, or ideas than we ascribe to Almighty God. (Romans 1:18-25) Of course, the modern day church does not worship Baal, but we have created a plethora of ‘Sub-Baals’ within our ecclesiastical framework, including people, titles, positions or situations that we absolutely adore and completely covet. In the USA, many churches continue to exalt an image of Jesus Christ (and thereby a form of Christianity) that is largely materialistic, humanistic, and fundamentally flawed since it is devoid of "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3) 

We so easily embrace NATIONALISM and PATRIOTISM, which have become demigods as well. More often than not, these twin emotions lead into international divisions and conflicts. Contrary to the commonly held beliefs of many, Jesus Christ does not uphold any of our misconstrued ideas on either nationalism or warfare. While I do love our nation dearly, I must speak boldly and prophetically: There will be no American flags draped or displayed in Heaven!

SELF-LOVE is the order of the day. Bookstores are flooded with volumes on self-reliance, self-esteem and self-gratification, otherwise known as SELFISHNESS.

EPIDEMIC DRUG USE is growing by leaps and bounds. (Revelation 9:21). In this particular scripture, the Greek word for sorceries is “pharmakeia,” which also refers to the use of mind-altering drugs. Both the use of illegal drugs and the dispensing of mind-altering drugs have risen sharply. And, we are rapidly moving forward to legalize drugs that have been considered illegal for generations.

BLASPHEMY is also a definitive sign of the end-times, as well as the profane spirit of rebellion that is so prevalent within our youth and in many marital unions as well. (II Timothy 3:2) Our televisions have become veritable cesspools of sin and shame. Commercials objectify and disrespect womanhood. In truth, the majority of them would have been censored just decades ago. PORNOGRAPHY is all-pervasive, whether on the Internet, cable TV, or in printed media. ADULTERY is idealized on the silver screen and the ‘boob-tube’ as well. We are satanically manipulated in such subtle ways that we find ourselves unwittingly sympathizing with murderers, blasphemers, cheaters and fornicators, e.g. “Scandal.” Most (if not all) of this generation’s TV shows and entertainment specials must contain their obligatory nod to HOMOSEXUALITY. Our collective consciences are becoming “seared with a hot iron” of media immorality. (I Timothy 4:2) Jesus prophesied that this tragic day would come, and it is surely here. (Luke 17:28-30)

THE ENTIRE CREATION IS NOW GROANING at this state of moral decay and anxiously awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19-23) GLOBAL EARTHQUAKES are increasing in number, intensity and location. (Isaiah 24:20 – Luke 21:11) Also, this generation has done more to ravage the ENVIRONMENT than any previous generation. (Revelation 11:18) Additionally, CHAOTIC WEATHER CONDITIONS were prophesied by Jesus Christ. (Luke 21:25-26) Who can deny the major weather and climate changes that we are witnessing on a global scale? WARFARE is present everywhere. According to Project Ploughshares, there are now 26 active armed conflicts worldwide. Media outlets only pay attention to a few, those which center on our national or ethnic interests. There can be no doubt – God’s creation is groaning! 

Emphasis on THE OCCULT is manifested via escalating interest in magic, tattoos, psychics, yoga, channeling and witchcraft. And our tendency to adopt PLURALISM and POLITICAL CORRECTNESS is leading us away from reverencing the true and living GOD. Case in Point: My alma mater, Yale University, founded in 1703 as a seminary for Christian ministers, now includes the non-Christian symbols of Taoism, Jainism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Zoroastrianism, Shintoism, Buddhism and Islam on the Chaplain Office website; and, Wiccan practices are honored as well. Wow! 

An hour of unprecedented APOSTASY is now upon us. “The Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (I Timothy 4:1) It is time for THE CHURCH to awaken from our spiritual coma and to fully embrace our mission for these end-times. “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1, NKJV)

Tomorrow, we arrive at the heart of this series, commencing detailed discussion on THE TRIBULATION PERIOD, focusing on the GLOBAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM, the ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT, the ONE WORLD CHURCH and THE UNHOLY TRINITY, which consists of Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Sisters and brothers, stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series progresses, and be continually blessed!