Signs of the Times (Earthquakes and wars...)
We know how to watch for signs of the seasons. For example when the dark clouds are forming in the sky we know it is going to rain soon.
Meteorological Services send out weather forecasts from time to time to alert people to take precautions so as to minimize loss of lives and damage.
During the recent cyclone Katrina in the US, the relevant authorities gave warnings days in advance to the residents in its path for a total evacuation. But many people ignored the warning and clung to their dogs and cats and other possessions and did not budge. You know what happened. Many lives were lost. Yet, the people blamed the government and rescue workers for not coming to their aid fast enough to save their lives.
However, this prompts me to write the following about the early warning signs Jesus gave to people of all generations. These prophecies (forewarnings) were of greatest importance as they were given to save us from the impending peril in hell, the Lake of Fire, which will come upon all those who reject Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Lord of their lives.
All the following verses are taken from Matthew Chapter 24, of the Holy Bible, unless otherwise stated.
In verse 3, the disciples asked Jesus,
".. Will there be any sign ahead of time to signal your return and the end of the world?" Replying, Jesus said, "Don't let anyone mislead you,"
He added that the following events are going to happen like "birth pangs", i.e. these events will happen with increasing frequency and in greater magnitude, until He finally comes back again.
(Jesus is also referred to as Jesus Christ, Son of God, Lord, Redeemer, etc., in the Holy Bible.)
Every prophecy (fore-telling future events) which originates from infinite God must always come true no matter how long it takes, because God knows all things past, present and future and it involves divine power to fulfill them. Therefore they are trustworthy.
Fortune telling originates from finite man whose knowledge is limited. Thus its fulfillment depends on chance circumstances and does not involve divine power nor can be trusted.
