WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS- PART 1
MARK 13: 28-37
It is a great and wonderful thing,being in the presence of The Lord once again. It is a moment and a period of refreshment through the Word of God, by exhortation, correction and encouragement,as we see the day of The Lord drawing so near.
We sincerely thank God for his grace so far and,you, also being there for us. Really, we discovered that some people are longing for unadulterated word for their living and eternity. So, in as far as God provides support, we should continue to furnish you with the situation of the world today and,to interpret some of these prophetic agenda, as revealed by the word of God. The task is enormous but by His mercy, we should continue to advance.
At this point, let us pray
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
God of mercy and truth, we thank you for this hour of your revelation and impartation. Bless us with your word,and may it abide in us at all times. And may my listener always hold on to the Word when any other thing is falling apart. Thank you Lord, through Christ our Lord. Amen
Our topic today is from the words of our Master Jesus Christ in Mark chapter 13 verses 28 - 37
“Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh; even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, until all these things be accomplished. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.Watch therefore: for ye know not when the lord of the house cometh, whether at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch”
The subject is from verse 29 which is "WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS"
From the passage, Jesus tells a parable of the fig tree. When you see her tender branch and leaves, then you see that the summer is very very near. He used this parable to foretell one of the signs of His manifestation. I think we discussed extensively about the nature of this fig tree in our last episode, which is the symbol of the nation of Israel,which were scattered in many places but were restored to their original land. So, you should know that the first sign of the imminent return of the Lord,was the plans for the revival of the dry bones as prophesied by Ezekiel in chapter 37. Jesus said, when you see these things come to pass, you should know that He is at the door.
Here, the Master has given us what the lecturers call "area of concentration before an examination" or the popular language of some students which is " expo". So, the Lord has given us expo here, meaning, you should now be on the watch. He do not want you to be in dark or be destroyed at the end.
My friend, the beginning of the sign is that of the fig tree- the people of Israel becoming a nation and gathered. You should know that the beginning of this miracle was the declaration,which was issued by the British government on November 2nd, 1917 when a man by name, Lord Arthur James Balfour, the British foreign secretary then, declared that it was the intention of the British government to establish in Palestine- a national home for the Jewish people. In short, from the event of 1917, we know we are living on a borrowed time. Israel is God’s time piece. We see that in 1900, there were only 40 thousand Jews in Palestine, but by the end of World war 2, that number rose to 800 thousand.Today, there are more than 6 million Jews who had come from in all over the world. What a miracle!
So, the Jews got their independence in May 14th in the year of the Lord, 1948. It was unbelievable. Isaiah saw it in Isaiah 66 verses 7 & 8.
“Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-child. Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? shall a nation be brought forth at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children”
Can a nation be born at once? But it happened and Jesus said, ‘When you see all these things- I'm at the door’
It may interest you to know that, beginning with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 by the Roman Empire, until Adolf Hilters reign of terror in 1945, the nation of Israel ceased to be, but in 1948, the people from all over the world, returned to their homeland and the nation was reborn in fulfillment of Gods prophetic word. They gathered in different times.
In 1984, what we called Operation Moses saw the airlift of 15 thousand Jews who had already fled to refugee camps in Sudan to escape starvation. In 1991, Operation Solomon flew 20 thousand Jews to Israel from Ethiopia itself. A further airlift began in June 1999 and transported a Jewish community from North-eastern Ethiopia to Israel.
Do you think all these things were in vain? Indeed, the fig tree have gathered and Jesus said, ‘When you see it putting forth leaves, you should then be careful, how you do things in your life’
Don't you know, you are living in a borrowed hour? At least many things in the world is giving you some signals.
So, I feel the need to sound this alarm and for you to be closer to your God now, more than before or give your life to Jesus Christ if you've not done so. The first miracle you should look for is the miracle of the salvation of your soul, not prophecy about open door and windows. I believe they should come, when you have sought His kingdom and His righteousness.
You know, in our generation today we are placing the first thing to be the last and the last the first thing. What a miscalculation!
Jesus says, that " His Word must surely come to pass". So, when you see these things. Which things?-apart from the fig tree gathering?
Beloved, the signs in the world today, all point to the end of the age of grace and to the imminent arrival of the Rapture. So, you and I are in the very last moment of the opportunity, that mankind has to find salvation through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus, as Savior of the world.
Can't you see there are signs out there that flood us with warnings that the end of the age of grace is here. Do you think, things should to be like this forever and God remain quite to claim his world? No!
Every one of us has been impacted by these signs in one way or another. The essence of this message is for you to stand for Christ and kingdom in this terrible, decaying moment. Jesus is still saying, " Take heed, watch and pray: for you do not know when the time is’
"WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS"
I think it's only those who are awake and have spiritual eyes that can see. Believe me, many people both in the church and in the society are blind. But, may God show us His mercy.
May I go on, and point many things which the spirit of God lays in mind when Jesus is saying " when you see these things"
Do you know, The earth itself is groaning? Our weather is changing. It seems that every place that is not experiencing a drought,is under water from floods of biblical proportions even -even in our country, Nigeria. It's no longer news that flood and mankind is struggling to chase each other out.Dormant volcanoes all over the planet are coming back to life, as you see a major up-tick in earthquake. Tornadoes have become super-sized,and almost seem to have a mind of their own times- a mind which does not seem to like you -very much. Wildfires appear much more frequent and also seem to be much more destructive. Natural disasters have displaced 33 million of the world population today.
Do you know that scientists are hearing some strange noises which are very scary,and loud sounds which are being hard over large areas in their discovery centers,and nobody were able to explain them? The earth’s magnetic poles are moving at an accelerated rate,while sinkholes are popping up in diverse places around the world.
Do you know, that despite our many floods, water is becoming scare? One- third of the worlds population has limited access to fresh water. Most of the major rivers in the world are experiencing reduced rates of flow. Sometime ago,Egypt was ready to go to war with Ethiopia over the Nile. So, Many rivers are in contention while others rapidly drying up. Can you imagine all these things going on in our world today?
Now, just Look up in the heavens. There are many signs in heaven. Large meteors and fireballs are hitting the earth. Solar flares are unusually intense. Today, you hear of blood moons and near misses by asteroids which do occur on regular basis. Even the scientists know that our world is changing. They are also warning the world through their finding.
You should know that God told us in the first chapter of Genesis, that He put the stars, and moon in heavens as signs for us. Perhaps you should believe Him and look up once in a while.
My friend, these things are expo for you.
When you see these things!
When you see that there is a huge increase in evil acts in the world. Just as Jesus said there would be.
When you see the children of the bond woman experiencing intolerant worldwide awakening. Christians are being slaughtered like animals on weekly basis, because a certain law wants to be in place by force. Christian persecution has increased to the point that Christianity is literally threatened with extinction in many areas of the world. North Korea alone has imprisoned an estimated thousand people for being a Christian.
In the Middle East today, Christians face beatings, forced conversion and imprisonment. Even, in one of our assumed Christian nation, a pastor recently was sentenced to 60 days, plus 3 years probation, plus twelve thousand dollars for holding a Bible study in his home. Have you seen it?
I perceive more things are on the way. Jus be strong for St. Paul told Timothy that It shall be hard for one to be a Christian in the last days.
When you see all these things!
When Christian fundamentals are crumbling. One of the Christian popular figure promised redemption for any good atheist. He said, "Even if you don't believe in God but morally good, you will see yourself in heaven at last" Beloved, Is this not a heresy from the pit of hell? Many denominations are embracing gay bishops,while others vote to allow gay ministers, while some have given up the fight against it, because majority now seems to carry the day. Others are ordaining transgender for the sacred work of the ministry. The end has begun. The God of Abrahm, Isaac and Jacob is watching this generation.
When you see all these things!
When some nations have now banned the teachings of creationism and embraced the new teaching of Chrislam which I mentioned in my message "Before the flood" . Chrislam is a teaching that Christianity and Islamism are one, and that all roads lead to heaven.
When you hear some statements like, God is dead or Satan is their senior brother" So, blasphemy and mockery with holy things now abound.
The coming of The Lord will be as a thief in a night. Believers in Christ should be ready,unless they are willing to pay with their blood after the rapture.
But thank God, you are still alive hearing my voice. Which means, there is still hope for a change, hope for liberation and growth. To a sinner, hearing my voice, Jesus loves you so much but He hates sin.He came for you and cares for you. So, you should not perish if you believe in his work of redemption and salvation.
But now,
I offer you the golden opportunity for this salvation.
Are you ready to give your life to Jesus Christ now?
Please,Pray this simple but mighty prayer with me,and believe it with all your heart.
"Lord Jesus, I come to you today by faith. I'm a sinner and I can't save myself. I have heard your word and discovered that I need your mercy and forgiveness. Come into my life and be my Lord and personal savior.Forgive me all my sins. I reject self and the world,and hereby promise to worship you sincerely. Thank you Lord for saving me today. Amen
I now pray for you
Lord, I pray for my listener who had prayed this prayer now. Please accept him into your kingdom. Forgive all iniquities and transgressions and give him or her a new life to live for you. Thank You Lord for we pray in Jesus Name. Amen
My friend, thank you for the new life you have received in Christ Jesus today. Congratulation, and begin to study the word of God on daily basis and ask for deeper revelation and insight from His Spirit. If you want a place to began, You may begin with the gospel of John and also fellowship with other believers in Christ for your growth.
Thank you Lord.
