Signs of the Times and Bible Prophecy

Did you know that almost 30% of the Bible is prophetic in nature? More so, did you know that many of these prophecies have yet to be fulfilled? A lot of churches give only basic lip service to the prophecies of the Bible; I believe that they are doing their congregation a disservice. Most of the prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled deal with the End Times, the coming rise of the Antichrist and the Judgments of God. One thing I want to make clear, this is in no way an attempt to put a date on the End Times. Scripture clearly points out to us to NOT try.

Of the day and hour no one knows, no not even the angels in heaven, but My Father only. It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

So, know that, anyone who tries to put an exact date on the End Times and the Return of Christ is wrong. BUT, the Lord did say that we could know the general time of His coming if we are aware of events and are mindful of the signs. Again, I want to make clear that in no way am I saying that the Rapture and the Second Coming will occur in our generation, but I do believe the time is growing near and COULD occur.

There are two periods that Jesus taught about the end of times. During the first period we will experience the "birth pangs" , , and which are setting the stage, so to speak of things to come. The second period will be the actual "signs" of the end. Here are the "birth pangs" (again, NOT signs of the end):

Israel becomes a country again. In 1948 Israel became a nation again for the first time in 1500 years. In 1967 after the 6-Day War, Israel regained control of Jerusalem. Many people will claim to be the Christ (the Messiah) since 1900 alone there have been over 1100 public figures claiming to be Christ.
Among them Sun, Myung Moon, Maharaj Ji and countless others. People will be deceived by these fakers.
Wars and Rumors of wars, revolutions.
Since World War II there have been over 170 limited scope conflicts.
Famines, earthquakes, pestilences.

Billions of people go to bed hungry each night. Just view the happenings in Africa. The number of earthquakes has increased in both numbers and intensity within the last 30 years. From 1960 to 1979 there were over 64 earthquakes measuring over 6.0 on the richer scale. From 1980 to present there have been over 200. Compared to even the early 1900s when there was only 8 in a 30-year period.

Nations and kingdoms at war.

It seems that on any given day somewhere in the world there is an ongoing-armed conflict.

Believers in Christ persecuted and killed.
The persecution of Christians has been ongoing throughout history. Of late the numbers of Christians persecuted and martyred has increased. Look at the "cleansing" in Indonesia and the Sudan. Believers will witness of Jesus to kings and governors. Believers will be hated due to loyalty to Christ. Many will turn away from the faith and betray others. With the advent of Humanism and Occult Religions many have rejected the Word of God.

Betrayals by parents, brothers, relatives, friends.
False prophets will deceive many people.
Increase in wickedness, causing love to grow cold.
To me this points out the increased availability of pornography and violence in the popular media and movies. What impact may this have on the psyche of anyone?
Fearful events and signs from heaven. Keeping in mind the writers were from the 1st century consider the advent of Supersonic Transports and Space travel to include landing on the moon and how those writers might view those events.
The rise of the Revived Roman Empire (European Union)
An increase in knowledge.
The increase in technology has enhanced the availability of resources. High-speed computers and the Internet provide accessibility to endless information.
Increased global mobility.
We are a mobile society. Planes, trains and automobiles allow us to move distances in days and even hours that years ago would have taken months or may not have been possible.

This brings us to the actual "signs" (Please note that these are not in any specific order):
Jerusalem surrounded by armies and Russia and her allies attack Israel
Jesus will appear in the sky, the trumpet will sound.
Angels will gather God's elect.
Believers will be snatched away and those who are not ready will be left behind.

It is obvious that the invasion by Russia and the Rapture are the two primary end times events. What is not obvious is which occurs first, and an argument can be made both ways. What follows these first two events are "stage-setting" events leading to and then finally the Tribulation. The <7 Mystery Years> discusses these in a bit more detail.
The rise of the Antichrist,
The two witnesses,
The 144,000 Jewish evangelists.
The 7 Seal Judgments.
The 7 Trumpet Judgments,
The desecration of the Temple. <2 Thes 2:4>
The Mark of the Beast.
The 7 Vial (or Bowl) Judgments.
The Second Coming of Christ.