Introduction
As we see the scroll with the seven seals it should let us know that the time has come and judgment is coming.
It seems very clear that we are living in the end times and there are significant signs that are being fulfilled right before our eyes. Looking at each one by itself may not be that revealing but looking at all of them together and it becomes very compelling.
As we enter into the 5th chapter of Revelation we see that the church has change residency and we don’t see the church again until the later part of Revelation.
So what takes place before the removal of the church and prepares the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
That is what we will look at this morning as we view “Signs that Point to Return of Christ.”
Turn with me this morning to Revelation 5:1-4 and Matthew 24:37-44 and please stand in as we honor the Word of God. Follow along with me as I read the text for “Signs that Point to Return of Christ.”
Scripture
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. Revelation 5:1-4
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:37-44
Prayer
1. The growth of knowledge would accelerate at the end of time.
A well known prophecy in Daniel pertaining to the end of time is being fulfilled as I speak. It is found in Daniel 12:4 "Knowledge shall increase and men shall run to and fro."
There has been in the past 100 year and acceleration of knowledge.
For centuries Bible scholars interpreted ‘run to and fro’ as a coming increase in travel and in the speed of travel. It was in the 17th century that Isaac Newton said, “A new mode of travel shall be invented in the last days. Knowledge will be so increased that man will be able to travel at a rate of [and then he went out on a limb] 50 miles an hour.” He was highly criticized for making such a statement. For centuries Bible scholars interpreted ‘run to and fro’ as a coming increase in travel and in the speed of travel. It was in the 17th century that Isaac Newton said, “A new mode of travel shall be invented in the last days. Knowledge will be so increased that man will be able to travel at a rate of [and then he went out on a limb] 50 miles an hour.” He was highly criticized for making such a statement.
Before the 1900’s the main mode of transportation was on the back of a horse or about 25 mph maximum.
Now mankind can travel over 25,000 mph on the way to the moon.
According to Norman Edmund, Founder of the Edmund Scientific Company, with computers and the Internet, the accessibility of information and knowledge is doubling probably every year and will double every 73 days by the year 2020.
So this prophecy in Daniel 12:4 is coming to fulfillment.
2. The near saturation of the gospel to every language tribe and people
Matthew 24:14 says; "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Mark 13:10 says; "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations."
The gospel is rapidly being preached around the world and very few places where it has not been proclaimed. We are seeing great revivals around the world with large amount of people being saved.
3. The coming financial collapse in countries around the world and in the USA will be devastating and create a demand for governmental intervention at the cost of liberties
Scriptures tell us that in the end times that there will be devastation, financial collapse, and freedom will be lost.
As we approach this time, it is imperative that we remember, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart by also."
Look at these facts: That the cashless society is nearly a done deal / that you’ve heard of more earthquakes in your lifetime than the previous 500 years put together! / 70% of all medicines known to man have been invented in YOUR lifetime / 90% of all the scientists who have ever lived...are alive today!
We used to wonder how everyone on earth could see the bodies of the 2 witnesses lying in the streets in Revelation, but everyone will see it online or on TV, replayed over and over again.
If you are old enough to get a discount at restaurants, then you’ve seen in your lifetime the divorce rate go from 1 in 8 to what it is today where divorces outnumber marriages every year
• crime rate increase by over 500% /
• birth of the church of Satan in 1969, which has been granted tax exempt status by the US government
• one-world government begin to be formed…the new world order
• one-world church…ecumenical movement
• unprecedented increases in famines, natural disasters, incurable diseases
There’s an intensity building up, an expectancy is in the air…
…but as believers, we need not run around with gloom and doom, we are to simply look up, for our redemption draweth nigh!
4. The accelerating pace of moral decline
Galatians 5:16-21 says; I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The increase of sexual immorality, the pervasive influence of the gay/lesbian movement in political and media circles), the prevalence of lying, stealing, disrespect for parents, covetousness, and hatred among the nations will accelerate the advent of God's wrath against the world as a whole.
We are seeing the collapse of civilization:
• Escape from reality and retreat into thrill seeking
• Cultural suicide and self destruction
• Disregard for morality
• Lawlessness
• Concern for self
• Disrespect of life
5. The accelerating growth of spiritualism and its pervasive teachings
Leviticus 19:31 says; Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
1 John 4:1 says; Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
We are seeing society embracing spiritualism and the occult. This can be seen in books, movies and computer games today, many of which include sorcery, witchcraft, supernatural powers and usage of pagan symbols and tools.
The public has a fascination with these subjects and Hollywood delivers.
Peace Sign on kids, youth, and adults clothing
Occult influenced shows on television and movies
6. A lukewarm church will arise
As I shared with you several weeks ago about the church at Laodicea and America today:
• Within the Southern Baptist alone membership has drop for the past five years.
• Baptisms has declined about 5% each year of the past five years, that is a decline of 20% over the past years.
• 70% of Southern Baptist churches are plateaued or declining.
• About 37% of couples living together are not married.
• According to Gallup polls less that 20% of Americans regularly attend church.
The Laodiceans were lukewarm because they trusted in materialism. It seems that in America the driving force is materialism, just like the Laodiceans.
The Laodiceans They thought they were rich and secure, Americans think that they are rich and secure.
However Jesus said they were "poor, blind, and naked." Revelation 3:17
Conclusion/Invitation
Let me remind you what Revelation 3: 22 says; He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Stop!
Look!
Listen!
Hear the Spirit!
Think through messages you have heard concerning “End Times for Today.”
These are “Signs that Point to the Return of Christ.”
Pay attention to them, because they are spelling out your future destiny.
