The world we live in today is not the world we grew up in. Evil is running rampant and too few are doing too little to stem the tide. Who of us would ever have dreamed we would see anarchy in our own countries, yet it has arisen to destroy the most freedom-loving countries in the world. While an evil axis makes preparations to destroy Israel, the Jewish state is on the verge of civil war and implosion. The modern state of Israel is the time stamp regarding God’s plan of the end.

Though some may disagree, it certainly appears we are living in what the Bible describes as the last days (or end times). Scripture is clear about what the last days will be like, so it seems fitting to spend some time examining what God’s Word has to say about the signs of the times. So, buckle up as we focus on that over the next few days.

In John 14:29, Jesus said, “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” Throughout Scripture, He has made known to us things which will come, and He has never been wrong. If we are to navigate what is coming, we must believe what He has told us.

In Matthew 24:1-4 when the disciples asked about signs of the times, Jesus told them what to look for, then said, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” Why would He say that unless He knew deception would come?

Jesus wasn’t the only one to utter that warning. Through Old and New Testament writers, God issued these warnings about deception:

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

~Ephesians 5:6

For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners
who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed.

~Jeremiah 29:8

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition
of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

~Colossians 2:8

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes
first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.

~2 Thessalonians 2:3

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He
is righteous.

~1 John 3:7

History can be broken down in many different ways, and the Old and New Testaments provide extensive history. But let’s narrow our focus to the church age, as that is the history most pertinent to us as believers when we consider the last days. Acts 2 describes the birth of the church, and Matthew 29:19-20 (the Great Commission) was given as the clear mission of the church. For some 2,000 years or so, God has entrusted us to share the Gospel and make disciples, yet that time is drawing to a close. We are now living in the last days before Jesus descends from heaven to take us to be with Him.

It is during the last days that Scripture tells us deception and delusion will grow rampant. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) Exactly what does that look like in real life today? We’re going to spend the next few days answering that question from God’s Word and applying it to what we see in the world today, but let’s clarify the statement above regarding Israel being God’s time stamp.

In the midst of the church age, the modern state of Israel was reborn. In order for the end to come, Israel MUST be back in the land. After all, it is Israel who will be attacked in the last days, it is Israel where the Antichrist will allow the rebuilding of a Jewish temple, and it is to Israel in which Jesus will return to put an end to the tribulation and cause all of Israel to be saved.

Thus, May 14, 1948 (Israel’s re-birth) is the time stamp that set the last days in motion! As years have passed, deception and delusion have grown by leaps and bounds until, today, we stare end time prophecy square in the face. But believers, prophecy is not meant to scare, but to prepare!

So, go grab your Bible and take your seat at our virtual study table and let’s study together! Look for the “Signs of the End Times” banner at the top of the page each morning and prepare to dig in! Everyone is welcome here. See you tomorrow!