Lesson 3: Actual Signs

A. WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF THE LORD’S RETURN?

1. Signs in nature, i.e., “There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes” (Matt. 24:7).

2. Signs in society. Lawlessness, violence, sexual immorality, greed, selfish pursuit, pleasure seekers, rebellion, despair (II Tim. 3:1-4).

3. Signs of Christian opposition.

a. Apostasy and heresy. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (II Tim. 3:5). “They will not endure sound doctrine . . . they shall turn away their ears from the truth” (II Tim. 4:3-4).

b. Persecution of believers. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matt. 24:9).

c. Outbreaks of demonic and occult activity. “In the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrine of devils” (I Tim. 4:1).

d. False Christ, false prophets, and cultic groups. “There shall arise false Christ, and false prophets . . . they shall deceive the very

elect” (Matt. 24:24).

e. The church not enduring sound doctrine. They will not endure sound doctrine (II Tim. 4:2-4).

f. Scoffers at the Second Coming. “There shall come in the last days, scoffers . . . saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’” (II Peter 3:3-4).

g. False security. “When they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them” (I Thess. 5:3).

h. Given over to lust. “Walking after their own lusts” (Jude 1:16).

i. Excessive riches. “Heaped up treasures in the last days” (James 5:3).

j. Family turmoil. “Disobedient to parents” (II Tim. 3:2).

k. Outward religion. “Having a form of godliness but denying the power” (II Tim. 3:5).

4. Revival of Davidic worship. “In that day, I will raise up the Tabernacle of David” (Amos 9:11, c.f. Ps. 134).

5. Worldwide evangelism. “The gospel must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:10).

6. Understanding biblical prophecy. “Daniel shut up the words, and seal the book to the end of time . . . but the wise shall understand” (Dan. 12:4, 8, 10).

7. Signs of expodentialism. Increase in knowledge. “Knowledge shall increase” (Dan. 12:4). Increase in population (Rev. 9:15-16).

Increase in travel. “Men shall run to and fro” (Dan. 12:4). Increase in violence. “Increase in lawlessness” (Matt. 24:12, Jerusalem Bible).

8. Wars and rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6-7).

9. Reunification of Europe (Dan. 2:41-44; 7:8, 24-25; 9:26), (Rev. 13:1).

10. Hostility toward Israel (Ezek. 35:1-36).

11. The far north (probably Russia) threatening Israel (Ezek. 38:1-39; 16).

12. Asian nation capable of fielding an army of 200 million (Rev. 9:15- 16; 16:12).

13. Regathering of Jews into Palestine (Isa. 11:10-12; Ezek. 37:1-12).

14. Reestablishment of the state of Israel (Zech. 12:1-6; Matt. 24:32-35).

15. Israel reclaims land (Zech. 12:2-6).

16. Resurgence of Israel’s military (Zech. 12:6).

17. Re-occupation of Jerusalem (Zech. 12:2-6).

B. WHAT SHALL I DO?

1. Study every word of prophecy. “The wise shall understand” (Dan. 12:10).

2. Be a good testimony. “And they that be wise shall shine” (Dan. 12:3).

3. Separate predictions of Israel. “The children of thy people” (Dan. 12:1). From the future of the church. “The dead in Christ shall rise first” (I Thess 4:16).

4. Win souls. “They that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever” (Dan. 12:3).

5. Love God. “But to all those who wait with love for Him to appear” (II Tim. 4:8, TEV).

6. Worship in a new way. “After this, I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David . . . that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord” (Acts 15:16-17).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.

To receive this lesson, log on to www.elmertowns.com. You will find it under Sunday School lessons. To email Dr. Towns, eltowns@liberty.edu. For more information on the class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.