Living Stones Series: First Published in All Around Old Bridge Publication – February 2021

If you were to ask a Bible teacher what makes the Bible unique from other religious books, he would probably point to the distinction of prophecy. Most people think biblical prophecy is all about predictions of future events, but in reality, prophecy is simply the speaking forth of God’s Word. God is outside of our time-domain and is eternal, so only He is, "…the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8) Prophecy is God’s signature authenticating what is from Him. And since He knows the future, unlike pseudo-prophets and prognosticators with horrible track records, He speaks with perfect knowledge from the end to the beginning.

In the Bible you read of many short-term predictions that were fulfilled. These verify that long-term predictions can be trusted. God revealed He was unique in knowledge of the future so that people would not trust in false words and predictions, but in Him. "…I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done…" (Isaiah 46:9-10)

We all have an innate desire to know the purpose for our existence and the outcome of all things. And as such, God determined to ensure we would know the certainty of His Word. Prophecy comprises over 25% of the Bible! He anticipated years of skeptical questioning that would attempt to undermine the truth of His gospel message. Yet careful study of Scripture provides evidence confirming Jesus as Messiah, fulfilling over 300 prophesies concerning Himself. The odds of just fulfilling 8 "by chance" are nearly impossible, let alone over 300!

Therefore, as predictions of end times events in Scripture seem to be happening today, perhaps it is time to take another look at this book called the Bible. Bible-believers are watching world events line up with Bible predictions, signifying to them the return of Jesus is nearing. Some may argue these "events" predicted of the end have been happening for decades, yet that is a sign itself: "…scoffers will come in the last days…...saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For…...all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’" (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Last month I wrote about "A Solid Hope," or a hope set firmly upon Jesus. I promised to share the "Top Ten Signs" the Bible says will indicate we are close to the the coming of the Lord.

First, the Bible predicted Jewish people, scattered all over the world for centuries, would return to the land of Israel and be reestablished as a nation. We have witnessed this once seemingly impossible prophecy come to reality. (Isaiah 11:11-12; Ezekiel 37:11-12, 14, 21-22, 25; Zechariah 10:8-10)

Second, the Bible predicted that this nation of Israel, particularly Jerusalem, would create worldwide consternation. This was dismissed for well over a millennium, but is now a daily news item. (Zechariah 12, 14)

Third, increasing tension, threats of war and worldwide hostile aggression towards Israel, would eventually see Jerusalem surrounded by armies. Keep watching! (Luke 21:24)

Fourth, natural disasters would increase so much that global changes would drastically affect the earth. Even the World Economic Forum admits disasters today are increasing in frequency and ferocity, which is just as the Bible predicted, "like birth pangs." (Matthew 28:4)

Fifth, threats from war and unrest worldwide, with more destruction than ever now possible, perhaps due to the advanced technology available only since our generation. (Mark 13:20)

Sixth, the rise of delusion, the precursor to the "Great Deception and Delusion," coming when the false messiah appears. Considering the way social engineers use technology to sway minds, many believe this is preparatory for the ultimate delusion for those who reject the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

Seventh, a growing lawlessness, brutality, family breakdown and narcissistic mentality are clear signs of the end. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Eighth, increasing persecution and hostility towards Christianity worldwide. (Matthew 10:22)

Ninth, the Bible also predicts in the end, growing numbers distorting truth within the church, including false prophets and those with unsound doctrines. We see this in Marxist Critical Race Theory, Liberation theology, legalism and even the false teaching that the church is destined to "take over the world." (1 Timothy 4:1)

Tenth, among all the major players the Bible predicts who will impact end times geo-political space, America will be conspicuously absent. Sadly, America has been in a state of decline since distancing itself from a biblical worldview in the last half century. (Ezekiel 38-39) Will a humbled America devoid of God’s grace pave the way for the emergence of a globalist world power? We still pray for America! (Revelation 13, Daniel 11)

As fewer people have a biblical mindset and are unaware of God’s truth, I exhort all to read the Bible for themselves! For any biblical questions, Bridge Bible Talk on 89.7 FM airs Monday-Friday 3-4pm. Call (888) 712-7434 to get answers for any questions!

In uncertain times those who know God’s Word will fare much better in the end! (Daniel 12)