THE END OF THE AGE - The disciples were asking about the time when Jesus would return to end humanity’s age of destruction and begin the rule of the Kingdom of God over the earth. The signs Jesus gave include religious deception, wars and rumors of wars, famines, disease epidemics and much more. To be truly ready for Christ’s return, we must be sure we are living as He lived and doing what is pleasing to Him - Jesus’ disciples asked Him for signs of “the end of the world.” Jesus didn’t give a date, but He did give prophetic signs we should watch to be ready. There are many ideas about when the world will end, and even about what the end of the world and the end times mean. For many, it’s a joke. But it’s not just kooks and religious people talking about the end of the world. Scientists and politicians throw around the phrase as well. The prestigious Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists annually updates its Doomsday Clock. Human survival and the world as we know it are truly under threat. Many passionate and even desperate people are warning and trying to reverse whichever of the dangers to our existence seems most real to them. But there is little agreement and precious little action. The dangers grow worse, and most people do their best to put them out of their minds. But is there a source that can give definitive answers about what is going to happen and when? Is there a real solution to prevent human extinction?

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The End Of The Age

When Will the World End?

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The disciples were asking about the time when Jesus would return to end humanity’s age of destruction and begin the rule of the Kingdom of God over the earth. The signs Jesus gave include religious deception, wars and rumors of wars, famines, disease epidemics and much more. To be truly ready for Christ’s return, we must be sure we are living as He lived and doing what is pleasing to Him

by Mike Bennett

Jesus’ disciples asked Him for signs of “the end of the world.”

Jesus didn’t give a date, but He did give prophetic signs we should watch to be ready. Is the end of the world near now?

When Will the World End?

There are many ideas about when the world will end, and even about what the end of the world and the end times mean.

For many, it’s a joke. Cartoonists draw a strange man wearing a sandwich board sign proclaiming “The End Is Nigh” to the unheeding crowds on a big city street.

But it’s not just kooks and religious people talking about the end of the world.

Scientists and politicians throw around the phrase as well.

Headlines discuss “Here’s How Stephen Hawking Predicted the World Will End” and “How Will the World End? Experts Reveal Nine Most Likely Ways Humans Will Be Wiped Out.”

The prestigious Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists annually updates its Doomsday Clock.

As I write, it is set at 2 minutes till midnight, the closest it has ever been throughout the atomic age.

Existential threats and the end of the world

Human survival and the world as we know it are truly under threat.

Many passionate and even desperate people are warning and trying to reverse whichever of the dangers to our existence seems most real to them.

But there is little agreement and precious little action. The dangers grow worse, and most people do their best to put them out of their minds.

But is there a source that can give definitive answers about what is going to happen and when? Is there a real solution to prevent human extinction?

Why not consider the source that most likely gave us the term end of the world and see what it says?

Where the term end of the world came from

Before there was a scientific or political interest in the end of the world, there was a religious one, based on the wording of the most influential English translation of the Bible.

The venerable King James Version of 1611 uses the expression end of the world seven times.

Four of these are in the book of Matthew, referring to the prophetic end times.

(In Psalm 19:4 and Isaiah 62:11, “end of the world” instead has the connotation “to all parts of the world.”)

In the Bible, what does “end of the world” mean? And when did Jesus say it would come?

The disciples asked Jesus about the end of the world

Jesus had warned His disciples that the most magnificent structure of their nation and religion was going to be totally destroyed (Matthew 24:2).

They were understandably concerned and wanted to know when this would take place.

They connected His prediction of the destruction of the temple with other predictions that He would come again at the end time. So, they approached Him.

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (verse 3, King James Version unless otherwise noted).

End of the world means end of the age

If you check other, more modern translations, including the New King James Version, you will see that most of them translate the last phrase as “end of the age.”

The Greek word used here is aion, which here means an age — specifically, the time of man’s misrule that will end when Jesus Christ returns.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says this about aion: “‘An age, a period of time,’ marked in the NT usage by spiritual or moral characteristics, is sometimes translated ‘world;’ the RV marg. always has ‘age.’ … The phrase ‘the end of the world’ should be rendered ‘the end of the age,’ in most places.”

The disciples were asking about the time when Jesus would return to end humanity’s age of destruction and begin the rule of the Kingdom of God over the earth.

What are the signs of the end of the world?

In Matthew 24 Jesus gave many signs that would lead up to His return, including His promise that the good news about God’s Kingdom would be shared around this world — a world steeped in bad news.

Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (verse 14).

The good news is that, though Jesus will come back during a time of unparalleled “great tribulation” when humanity is at the brink of self-annihilation, He will return and save humanity (verses 21-22).

The signs Jesus gave include religious deception, wars and rumors of wars, famines, disease epidemics and much more.

We can examine all of Jesus’ prophetic signs and know we are very close to the end, but Jesus said we won’t know the day or the hour (verse 36).

What does Jesus want us to do until the end of the world?

So, what did Jesus tell us to do? At the end of Luke’s account of the same Olivet Prophecy, Jesus warned:

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man [Jesus Christ]” (Luke 21:34-36, NKJV).

Jesus compared the end times with the days of Noah, when most people ignored Noah’s warnings and were completely unprepared for the Flood.

Parable of the tares and the end of the world

The King James Version also quotes Jesus using the phrase end of the world twice and end of this world once in His parable of the wheat and the tares (weeds).

This parable was about how God sows His truth in this world and prepares people for His Kingdom, while Satan sows lies that produce people who pretend to follow God but follow Satan instead.

“The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels” (Matthew 13:39; see also 40 and 49).

To be truly ready for Christ’s return, we must be sure we are living as He lived and doing what is pleasing to Him.

This can also serve as a sober warning to Christians to not fool themselves into thinking they are okay just because they attend church or consider themselves Christians. Satan is the master of deception.

Here again, in this parable of the tares, “world” is translated “age” in the New King James Version and other modern versions.

From other passages that give more specifics about God’s times of judgment, it seems these passages are talking about judgment that will occur sometime after Jesus’ return.

Jesus Christ’s words of reassurance about the end of the world

In what has come to be known as the great commission, Jesus gave His followers a job to do before His return, and He gave us encouragement as well.

Jesus said to go and teach all nations, baptizing them and “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).

This mission trains His Church to do His work and to learn to care for the people He is calling now.

Jesus promised to be with us in this effort to the end. He will never abandon us. His help—and His Kingdom — are sure.

World without end?

It is interesting to consider that, even though the King James Version talks about the end of the world, it also talks about “world without end”:

“But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end” (Isaiah 45:17).

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21).

In both passages, the New King James Version translates “world without end” as “forever and ever.”

God’s plan is not just about an end. The end of this evil age will actually mark the beginning of something much better.

The Kingdom of God is a joyous, peaceful and ever-increasing kingdom that will have no end.

You need to understand and prepare for this wonderful world of the future.

Are the events in Revelation going to happen in the future? How can we know?

Mike Bennett is editorial content manager for the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, in the Dallas, Texas, area. He coordinates the Life, Hope & Truth website, Discern magazine and the Life, Hope & Truth Weekly Newsletter. He is also part of the Personal Correspondence team of ministers who answer questions sent to Life, Hope & Truth.

https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/end-times/when-will-the-world-end/

BE VIGILANT - Prepare but don’t Fear - The scripture plainly says no one knows the day or the hour when the rapture happens and there’s lots meant to happen prior which are signs of His coming. What we are witnessing are events mentioned in Matthew 23 and 24, “There will be wars and rumors of wars.” There will be famines. This is evolving with the weather issues (including hurricanes) which are being promoted as Global Warming or climate change. There will be pestilence. This could come out of disasters like earthquakes and storms which will leave behind diseases but also engineered plagues may well be released to depopulate. There will be earthquakes in diverse places. NZ has experienced its’ fair share recently and in diverse places like Kaikoura. The earthquakes we have witnessed worldwide are of higher magnitude with more frequency. When it comes to earthquakes and weather, there is possibly a human element involved in many of these disasters. Place yourself in the right position of any imminent crisis.

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Be Vigilant

Prepare but don’t Fear!

By Chris C

A Minute To Midnite

The rapture will not happen on the 23rd but we should always be prepared.

The scripture plainly says no one knows the day or the hour and there’s lots meant to happen prior which are signs of His coming.

What we are witnessing are events mentioned in Matthew 23 and 24, “There will be wars and rumors of wars.”

North Korea and conflict with USA. This I believe is a rumor and a total smokescreen (distraction) to what’s really going on with the financial instability of the world.

Out of this more money will be provided through money printing in order to protect nations from conflict but really will be utilised to kick the financial can down the road a little further to the inevitable collapse.

There will be famines. This is evolving with the weather issues (including hurricanes) which are being promoted as Global Warming or climate change.

This is a big fat lie to distract even those in the church from the likes of scriptures in Matthew 24.

There will be pestilence. This could come out of disasters like earthquakes and storms which will leave behind diseases but also engineered plagues may well be released to depopulate.

There will be earthquakes in diverse places. NZ has experienced its’ fair share recently and in diverse places like Kaikoura.

The earthquakes we have witnessed worldwide are of higher magnitude with more frequency.

When it comes to earthquakes and weather, there is possibly a human element involved in many of these disasters through the likes of HAARP and cloud seeding with chemicals.

Look up the hurricane that was due to hit NY on 9/11 which suddenly dissipated and the outcome was controlled demolition of the Twin Towers.

This I believe was used to disguise or distract people from what was about to occur and the imminent hurricane was forgotten thereafter.

When God said in His Word in the OT (1 Kings) as He approached the mountain where Elijah stood, that there was a great wind and then an earthquake but God was in neither.

I believe these scriptures reveal that it’s possible to have outside influence to create such events.

This is a mini synopsis of what I believe is happening, be also alert to a re-set in the economies of the world.

There will be a day when a type of forgiveness of debt will occur and currencies will be revalued against the balance sheet of the nation they are priced in. e.g.

A country’s assets over liabilities, the more assets the better valuation.

This will most likely come about because of the sinking value of the petrodollar.

A replacement to the dollar will likely have a gold component to it, bringing back some accountability to the financial system but mostly it will be virtual (digital) based containing a basket of currencies and possibly crypto. 

This re-set will more than likely evolve after a meltdown in the global economy to bring calm.

In the meantime, we need to be vigilant, watch what’s happening to the US dollar, look at a 12-month chart.

Place yourself in the right position of any imminent crisis.

Make sure you have the right insurance in place and don’t trust anything that’s not in your hands.

We need to prepare, not fear!!

Bless you all,

Chris.

A Minute To Midnite is brings you news, interviews, survival tips, and insights into the world as we watch Biblical Prophecy unfold in the 21st century. We believe in encouraging people to prepare for the End Time events that are ahead – as we watch the signs unfold before us! We who run this site, are bible believing Christians who believe in being proactive in waking people up, spreading the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and warning people of the evils of The New World Order to those who will listen.

We also strongly desire to see a return to an “Acts Chapter II” type of Christianity.

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47

https://aminutetomidnite.com/gold-silver/be-vigilant-prepare-but-dont-fear/

WORRIED ABOUT ANOTHER WAR - Some days it seems the threats about military attacks and violence are only getting worse, with no end in sight. With all the civil unrest going on, is another war inevitable? Whether you’re angry, anxiously bracing for what’s next or just sick of all the fighting, remember this: Jesus Christ has already won the battle between good and evil. He overcame the evil in the world when He died for the sins of humanity, giving us inner peace when we put our faith in Him. There’s always going to be wickedness because of the sin inside us, yet we don’t have to be afraid. When Jesus Christ is in our lives, He is always with us. Whether it’s persecution and suffering or death and devastation — no matter how much bad news you may hear, He has the final say. Yes, the world is broken. Yes, we have destruction, violence and endless battles. But you can have peace through it all — a lasting peace stronger than any fear or anxiety that comes your way.

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I’m Worried About Another War

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

You’ve seen the headlines about military attacks and spiraling political conflict. It can all be scary and unnerving.

Some days it seems the threats and violence are only getting worse, with no end in sight.

With all the civil unrest going on, is another war inevitable?

Whether you’re angry, anxiously bracing for what’s next or just sick of all the fighting, remember this:

Jesus Christ has already won the battle between good and evil.

“In the world, you will have tribulation,” He tells us in the Bible. “But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

He overcame the evil in the world when He died for the sins of humanity, giving us inner peace when we put our faith in Him.

There’s always going to be wickedness because of the sin inside us, yet we don’t have to be afraid.

When Jesus Christ is in our lives, He is always with us.

Whether it’s persecution and suffering or death and devastation — no matter how much bad news you may hear, He has the final say.

Yes, the world is broken.

Yes, we have destruction, violence and endless battles.

But you can have peace through it all — a lasting peace stronger than any fear or anxiety that comes your way.

Why not trust the One who knows everything, even the things we can’t understand?

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Continuing the lifelong work of Billy Graham, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association exists to support and extend the evangelistic calling and ministry of Franklin Graham by proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all we can by every effective means available to us and by equipping the church and others to do the same.

https://billygraham.org/story/im-worried-about-another-war/

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Extinction Level Events That Could End Life On Earth

CLICK HERE . . . to view complete playlist . . . 

https://puricare.blogspot.com/2020/01/extinction-level-events-that-could-end.html

THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY IS AT STAKE! - no one would survive - Humankind continues to find more ways to obliterate every man, woman and child off the face of the earth. Biblical prophecy describes in detail the time of great distress, or tribulation, that will envelope the earth. Wars, disasters, famines and disease epidemics will decimate the population. It's not hard to see how mankind's choice has affected our world. The good news is that, before we can destroy ourselves, the story will change. Jesus’ disciples knew even then that the world was getting worse and worse, and would finally reach a point where these and other evils would crescendo to a final climax. Jesus told them He would return to begin a new age of peace. Jesus Christ identified the time of His return as a time when human extinction was possible. But He promised He wouldn’t let that happen! Jesus Christ will literally return to this earth. That’s the biggest news story in history, especially since if He did not come, humanity would destroy itself.

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The Fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

“No one would survive”

Beyond Today Magazine

It's not hard to see how mankind's choice has affected our world.

The good news is that, before we can destroy ourselves, the story will change.

Consider this description of our time that comes from a perspective beyond the human sphere:

“In the last days perilous times will come: for men 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” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

The apostle Paul, thousands of years in advance, nailed this list of many of the causes of humanity’s ills.

God’s Spirit showed clearly the things we are doing that are making our world more dangerous by the minute.

“No one would survive”

Jesus’ disciples knew even then that the world was getting worse and worse, and would finally reach a point where these and other evils would crescendo to a final climax.

Jesus told them He would return to begin a new age of peace.

So, they asked Him, “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3, New International Version).

Jesus’ answer was breathtaking in its scope, but one phrase caught their ears. “For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world till now — and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22, NIV, emphasis added).

The future of humanity is at stake!

Jesus Christ identified the time of His return as a time when human extinction was possible. But He promised He wouldn’t let that happen!

The good news is that, before we can destroy ourselves, the story will change.

His feet will stand…

Jesus Christ will literally return to this earth — to the highly contested piece of real estate we know as Jerusalem!

In the same way the disciples saw Christ ascend into the clouds after His resurrection, He will return through the clouds to this earth, but this time with power and great glory (Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:30).

That’s the biggest news story in history, especially since if He did not come, humanity would destroy itself.

Humankind continues to find more ways to obliterate every man, woman and child off the face of the earth.

Biblical prophecy describes in detail the time of great distress, or tribulation, that will envelope the earth.

Wars, disasters, famines and disease epidemics will decimate the population.

Finally, when the nations of the world gather for battle at a place called Armageddon (Revelation 16:14, Revelation 16:16), Christ will swiftly intervene before it is too late.

Sadly, the nations will not recognize or welcome their Savior, but will fight Him.

“Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east” (Zechariah 14:3-4).

The battle will be over swiftly, ending the painful age of human misrule.

Finally, a new day will dawn — a day fresh with the promise of peace and fulfillment, of joy and purpose, of happiness and accomplishment.

The nightmares of history will fade, and the dreams of mankind will begin to come to life.

The time after Christ’s return will be wonderful beyond imagination!

No wonder Christians have always prayed, “Your Kingdom come!”

At the end of the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ tells us, “Surely I am coming quickly.”

And we fervently respond with the apostle John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

Preaching the Gospel, Preparing a People

https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/christs-reign-on-earth-what-it-will-be-like/the-fruit-of-the-tree-of-the

WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS - Millions of people across the globe are asking whether the increasing chaos and disasters plaguing the world today are the very signs that Jesus predicted. There are a number of signs that will fall into place marking what He called the beginning of sorrows or the beginning of birth pains just prior to His Second Coming

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Wars and Rumors of Wars

The Source Of Wars

    “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars…”

These words were part of the response Jesus gave His disciples when they asked about “the signs of His return and the end of the age.”

This passage in Matthew 24:4-7 takes place on the Mount of Olives where Jesus cautioned His devoted followers of specific things to come.

Jesus showed them that there are a number of signs that will fall into place marking the launch of what He called the beginning of sorrows or the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8).

Jesus’ description of the world’s deteriorated condition just prior to His Second Coming has been fodder for dozens of books and conspiracy or science fiction movies.

Millions of people across the globe are asking whether the increasing chaos and disasters plaguing the world today are the very signs that Jesus predicted.

Poor understanding and wacky liberties taken in books or the movies have aided in trivializing, scoffing, and apathy concerning Jesus’ forewarning.

What’s New About Wars?
Wars and Rumors of Wars have always been. So why should today’s events be of concern?

Headlines in various news sources lists dozens of world regions and countries where there are present day conflicts, wars, and threats of attacks going on.

Among those listed are Libya, Yemen, Israel/Gaza Strip, Nigeria, Mexico, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, Dagestan, Iraq, Philippines, and Egypt. 

We cannot leave out the rumors of war by way of nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea. Nor can we leave out other escalating and violent uprisings such as the “Arab Spring” or the 2011 “Occupy” protest in Greece, England, France, Italy, and within the United States. 

True, wars and rumors of wars are not new, but the degree of intensity and frequencies of outbreaks across much of the world at the same time is at a precarious high.

When these events are put together with other named “signs of the end times,” they are worth paying close attention to.

We can actually see the Bible’s prophecies playing out in the principal news stories in headlines every day. 

When Jesus spoke about these signs being as birth pains, He was comparing the increased intensity to literal physical child birth.

The closer the time of delivery comes about, the closer together and the more severe the pains are.

In this sense the earth will experience the delivery pains in much the same way as the arrival of Christ gets closer.

There is to be a strong increase in wars, false prophets, famines, earthquakes, and pestilences.

Besides the obvious increase of wars and rumors of wars, we can already see the rest of these things escalating around the globe as well.

·   Starvation and dangerous food shortages are prevalent in many nations

·   Strange date-setting or false prophets are prevalent

·   An alarming increase of false teachers leading the church astray from God and His Word

·   Earthquakes with resulting tsunamis and other catastrophic natural disasters have greatly increased breaking centuries old records

The Final War
Wars and rumors of wars are a prelude to one final war according to Scripture.

There will be an ultimate, horrific finale of nations and kingdoms warring against God that will happen in a place called Armageddon.

This will be the final battle of God vs. Satan, and good versus evil. 

Jesus states that the signs listed in Matthew 24:3-4 should not alarm us. These are signs the end is nearing but not yet upon us.

In addition, this chapter pronounces severe persecution and lawlessness, followed by the “abomination of desolation.”

These events will precede Armageddon and the Second coming of the Messiah. 

Regardless of wars and rumors of wars, we need to equip ourselves to be ready to give an answer to others for the hope that lies only in knowing Christ Jesus.

No doubt the signs He gives in these verses will be very frightening to most people. However, having the knowledge that God is sovereign, omnipotent, and omniscient offers our only comfort and hope.

In the darkest of days ahead for this world you can have peace and assurance that God is in control. And if you are faithful to Him, you will reap His protection and promise of entering His Kingdom. 

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:20-22).

https://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/wars-and-rumors-of-wars.htm