Concerning the signs of the Lord’s coming, the Bible says: There will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. The fig tree branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves. (This signifies the restoration of Israel and, in a deeper spiritual sense, the rebuilding of the true kingdom of Israel by the Holy Spirit. It also refers to the restoration of the truth, testimony and faith of the pristine church). Pentecostal grace will be widespread (the Holy Spirit will be poured out on all believers who will be built up a spiritual house). False prophets (false preachers who oppose the precious blood, the truth, or the Holy Spirit) will rise up and deceive many. Many believers will be offended and turn away from the faith. The love of many will grow cold, and many will fall away. There will be false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies (distorted truths), even denying the Lord who bought them. Some will give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Scoffers will come and say, “Where is the promise of His coming?”
Lawlessness will abound. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Believers who really love the Lord will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and they will be hated by all nations. But the gospel will be preached in the whole world, and then the end will come. There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. People will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, planting, and building… These signs are being fulfilled in this generation whose wickedness, adultery and perversity have reached new heights. As these things continue to happen, we know that the Lord’s coming is near. Behold, the Lord of judgment is at the door! One more step and He will come in!
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