Negative Trends Showing Generation Jesus Returns

The Harlot Babylon worldwide religion (Rev. 17:2-6): the Harlot Babylon will be a counterfeit “justice” movement and religion that will masquerade as an answer to injustice as it deceives the earth by feeding the poor, meeting humanitarian needs, loving peace, and championing the dignity of humanity with no moral absolutes. The Harlot religion serves as a “forerunner” to prepare the nations to worship the Antichrist.

Persecution against believers: will be unique in the generation in which the Lord returns

Falling away from the faith

The increase of lawlessness -- fullness of sin on earth

Murder: as the primary sin on earth (Rev. 6:9-11; 7:13-14; 9:21; 13:7, 10; 16:6; 17:6)

Sorceries: occult and demon worship will fill the earth (Rev. 13:3-4, 8, 12-15; 14:11)

Immorality: demon energized perversion (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:13; 17:2; 18:3; 19:2)

Theft: legislation and persecution motivated by theft

Positive Trends Indicating Jesus' Return

Gospel preached to all nations: Jesus connected the timing of His return to the preaching of the gospel to all nations. Mission organizations project from statistical data that the gospel will be heard by every people group and language on the earth for the first time by 2025.

Salvation of Israel

Bridal identity

Global prayer movement

Global prophetic worship movement

End Times outpouring of the Spirit

Unparalleled understanding of End-Time prophecy

Global youth focus in the Kingdom of God

Three Prophetic Time Frames

Scripture describes three prophetic time frames related to the last 7 years of this age (Daniel 9:27). The last 7 years is made up of 2 distinct periods each lasting 3½ years.
First time frame: beginning of birth pangs with turmoil in the nations (Mt. 24:4-8).
Second time frame: increased labor pangs with counterfeit world peace (first 3½ year period).
Third time frame is the hard labor pangs with the Great Tribulation (final 3½ year period).

Four Prophetic Signs of Generation of LORD'S Return

Sign Events – signs predicted in Scripture will alert the Church to the timing of His return.
Sign Trends – in society and creation will escalate and thus signal the final generation.
Cosmic Signs – highly unusual phenomena in the sky, this even includes weather
Personal Signs – subjective prophetic experiences (are secondary because they are fallible).

Common Lies Against Knowing the Signs of The Times

Lie #1: we cannot understand End-Time Scriptures or the signs of the times because no one can.
Refute: The Bible was written for all peoples to understand
Lie #2: some think that understanding the End-Times will minimize the work of the Kingdom.
Refute: It helps us to hasten the day
Lie #3: since we are not able to know the day or hour, we should not try to know the generation.
Refute: Jesus commanded us to know the signs of the times
Lie #4: that every generation believed they were the last one.
Refute: there were probably some in every generation that believed it - but universally that has not happened until recently
Lie #5: it will all pan out in the end.
Refute: The question is how well will it pan out for you?