Christmas Eve | Chosen Series

Signs of the Times

Jesus emphasized observing the “signs of the times” (Matthew 16:3) to understand the nearness of His return. Here are some current developments that align with biblical prophecy.

The Beginning of Birth Pains

• Global pandemics mirror pestilences.

• Escalating natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires) align with creation “groaning” (Romans 8:22).

• Increasing wars and rumors of wars.

Rise of Globalism

• Moves toward one-world governance, economic systems, and digital currencies align with Revelation’s depiction of global unity under the Antichrist (Revelation 13:16-18).

Moral Decay and Apostasy

• Widespread rejection of biblical truth and moral decline align with Paul’s warning of the “perilous times” of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Israel as a Nation

• Israel’s reestablishment in 1948 and ongoing global focus on Jerusalem fulfill key end-time prophecies (Zechariah 12:2-3; Ezekiel 37).

Key Prophecies and Where We Stand

Daniel’s Prophecies

• Daniel’s Vision of World Empires (Daniel 2, 7, 8): Successive empires (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome) lead to the final phase: a divided kingdom with ten toes or horns. This could represent a coalition of nations (Revelation 17:12-13). Many believe we are in the “feet of iron and clay,” the fragmented stage before the rise of the final Antichrist kingdom.

• The 70 Weeks Prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27):  The “69 weeks” (483 years) concluded with the crucifixion of Jesus. The final “week” (7 years) represents the Tribulation period, which has not yet occurred.  The Church Age, in which we now live, is an interlude between the 69th and 70th weeks.

Ezekiel’s Prophecies

• The Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37): The vision of the dry bones coming to life is often interpreted as the regathering of Israel, which began with its establishment as a nation in 1948—a major marker in end-time prophecy.

• Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39): A coalition of nations (including Russia, Iran, and others) will come against Israel. While this has not yet occurred, current geopolitics suggest alignments forming that could fulfill this prophecy.

Revelation’s Prophecies

• Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls (Revelation 6-16): The judgments described here have not yet occurred. However, the conditions for these events—economic instability, global conflict, and widespread deception—are becoming increasingly apparent.

• The Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-18): Technological advances (e.g., digital currencies, surveillance systems) suggest we are moving toward a system capable of implementing such control.

Where Are We?

Based on these indicators, we appear to be in the “beginning of the end” or the “last days” leading up to the Tribulation period. This phase is characterized by:

• Global Convergence: Political, economic, and spiritual alignments are forming to pave the way for the Antichrist.

• Preparation for Judgment: The Church Age may be nearing its conclusion, with the Rapture potentially imminent (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

• Awaiting Key Events:
  • The Rapture (though its timing is debated: pre-, mid-, or post-Tribulation).
  • The rise of the Antichrist and confirmation of a covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27).

How Should We Respond?

• Stay Spiritually Alert: Jesus warned to “watch and pray” (Mark 13:33).

• Preach the Gospel: The Great Commission remains urgent as time grows short (Matthew 28:18-20).

• Live Holy Lives: Peter urges believers to live in holiness, awaiting the Lord’s return (2 Peter 3:11-12).

• Trust God’s Sovereignty: Though the world grows darker, God’s plan remains in control (John 1:9).

• Fear Not:Faith in Jesus secures our salvation, and our destiny is to be with Him forever

⁹ For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 ESV