Jesus' disciples asked him for the sign of His return marking the end of the age (1). Jesus answered them by giving certain religious, political and natural signs leading up to the End of Times. Besides this, Jesus said the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached to every nation.

Religious Signs (2)
Church history is full of stories about false messiahs and prophets. The Church today has its fill of them. The spirit of deception will cause many Christians to fall away (3). Deception comes in subtle ways. The Bible teaches us not to love the ways or be part of the world, even though we must live in it. The spirit of this world can often pollute a believer's faith. The ruler of the world is none other than Satan himself and the spirit in which he moves is called secularism. Christians blinded by love of money, comfort and fame become compromised saints. False prophets and messiahs easily prey upon their weaknesses.

Political Upheavals (4)
The recent economic crisis in East Asia saw a change in the governments of the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea and Japan. It also brought social unrest and political instability. Countries are losing their sovereignty to outside forces. Those who resist the change in the world economy suffer major attacks from the elite money moguls until they conform to the One World economy plan. Eventually, a group of ten regional world powers will emerge to control the New World Order under the Anti-Christ.

Natural Disasters and Diseases (5)
The 1990s has been described as a 'decade of disasters'. Over 100 earthquakes were recorded almost daily (a). Deadly diseases appeared out of thin air (b). Natural phenomena wreaked havoc, turning weather patterns upside-down (c). This, coupled with war, caused famines (d). Genocide is the worst since World War Two (e). Entire continents have been torn apart, resulting in civil wars (f).

The Gospel Preached to Every Nation (6)
The previous three categories indicate that Jesus' return is imminent, but the end of the era is not yet at hand (7). The preaching of the Gospel to every nation is the last sign. Today, the Gospel has gone to every nation and is being preached in almost every language. Christianity is the fastest growing faith in the world. It is estimated 80,000 souls are saved per day.

This era is drawing to a close. The new millennium proves to be an exciting time for the Church despite troubled waters ahead. These things must come to pass before Jesus' return. Are you ready?

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