"Time of the Signs: Zero Hour"

Is it just us, or have you noticed a quickening in the news cycle, too? Wash, rinse, repeat...one crisis after another with each one seemingly worse than the last.

In his classic commentary on The Book of Revelation, What The World Is Coming To, the late Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel states:

"The world is moving toward its zero hour. We're in the final countdown...The "birth-pains" have begun." (Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:8).

Doom & gloom? You betcha--if the birth-pains (or doom & gloom) were the only message.

"The Book of Revelation delves into grave details using remarkable symbols of judgment," proclaims S. Douglas Woodward of Faith-Happens. "Each broken seal discloses a new horror; each trumpet portends a new calamity; each vial grows increasingly more horrible."

"If we dwell on these images of doom, no doubt we too would become gloomy," cautions Woodward. "Nevertheless, the Bible consistently offers a starkly contrasted message: the greatest day for those who believe in Christ, comes on the worst day for those that don't."

In other words, the doom & gloom has a purpose. For the unbeliever, these "birth-pains" are a warning: seek God while He may be found; receive the redemption His Son suffered and died to purchase for you before it's too late.

For the believer and student of Bible prophecy, these same birth-pains are an amazing, faith-building, fear-of-God producing, awe-inspiring wonder to watch as events unfold exactly as God said they would in His word.

Remember, the purpose of Bible prophecy is not to predict the future, but to authenticate the message.

And what is the main message of the Bible?

Hope! God is the creator of everything. He has a plan and a purpose to redeem not only those of us who believe that Jesus died in our place and rose again as our Savior, but His entire creation as well.

"Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children...It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead..." 1Peter 1:3-6

Eventually, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where everything (including us) must be born again. But first, like any birth--there are birth pains.

A wise man once said: "Night is coming...a darkness that will cover this globe in suffering and sorrow such as we have never known. But we must not sit and wring our hands about the state of the world. God has provided a way to escape the coming night. Now is the time to tell everyone about the hope of a brand new world waiting for us." -- David Jeremiah, author

"So I pray that God who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Prophecy Alert: Don't miss Amir Tsarfati's Breaking News

News:

• The Washington Free Beacon: N.Korea revealed plans for EMP attacks for the first time this week in its official Communist Party newspaper, Rodsng Sinmum, after Tuesday's nuclear bomb test.
• Miami Herald: Hurricane Irma: strongest hurricane ever recorded; meanwhile, last week's Hurricane Harvey claimed 70 lives.
• Reuters: Wildfires sweep across U.S. West with huge fires raging in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and California burning more than 1.4 million acres; military called upon for help.

"Endtimes? How We Know 4 Sure"

Why is it so difficult to pinpoint exactly where we are on God's Timeline?

Because the signs He gave us to watch for (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) were not clearly defined.

The disciples asked Jesus what will be the sign of His coming and of the end of the age? He answered by telling them to watch out for:

1. deception
2. wars/rumors of wars
3. famines
4. pestilences
5. earthquakes

That would be fine and dandy if those things had never happened before, but let's face it, there have always been:

1. deception
2. wars/rumors of wars
3. famines
4. pestilences
5. earthquakes

So what's different now?

Israel, of course.

The signs mentioned above were meaningless until the Jews were back in the land. It's important to remember that for almost 2000 years, Israel did not exist, and yet hundreds of prophecies regarding the end of the age refer to Israel, Jerusalem and the Temple. If Israel didn't exist, we couldn't possibly be near the end of the age.

Jesus said those signs were only the beginning. They would increase in both frequency and intensity--just like labor pains in a pregnant woman. But in Luke 21: 28 He says, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." In other words, the believer won't be here to see the hard labor, though it's probable we'll see the beginning of the birth pains. Jesus put it this way: "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When it's branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near--at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, buy My words will by no means pass away." (Matthew 24:32)

B ready 4 anything!

click for "The History of Israel's Wars with Pastor Jack Hibbs and Amir Tsarfati" video

A wise man once said: "Sometime in the future there will be a seven-year period climaxed by the visible return of Jesus Christ. Without the re-birth of Israel on May 14, 1948, this seven-year period couldn't begin." -- Hal Lindsey, author

News:

• The Jerusalem Post: Iran's flag on Israel's border: "We Are Coming"; threat written in Hebrew and Arabic
• DEBKAfile: Tehran marks ballistic missile target area with large Star of David; "clear evidence of Iran's continued intention to harm the State of Israel," says Israeli Ambassador to U.N.
• Associated Press: Kremlin sees U.S. urging regime change in Russia; fear feeds rising tensions between the two countries.
• The Jerusalem Post: Israel to Russia: "Your tensions with U.S. might endanger our border."