Signs for 2010 – Pt. 3: “Signs in the Nations”

What do we have to know about Prophecy to understand the signs of the end-times; the signs of Christ’s return, the significance of what happening in the news today?  We are hoping to answer these questions in this series.

Why do we have to know it? First, to encourage those of you who are not sure of your readiness for Jesus’ return to get right with God in this day of Salvation.  Second, to encourage believers to become “watchmen” on the wall of history & prophecy. Jesus delays His return for one reason: LOST SOULS!

What must we do with this knowledge? Prepare to meet our God, and prepare others, and then influence our society to order our ways according to God’s Word, while there is time.

We have looked at the signs Jesus predicted before His return. Then we looked at the signs in Nature that would be present and increasing just before His rapture of the Church, and the beginning the Great Tribulation.

In this message, I want to look at one of the most fascinating aspects of the Prophetic signs of the last days,  “Sign in the Nations”

Luke 21:7-10 “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them. “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.” Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. (25)“There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world;”

While it would be impossible to cover all the Nations mentioned in Biblical prophecy, I want to focus on Nations that I believe are emerging as the key signs in the end-times.

1. Africa – We are seeing Africa beginning to emerge as an ally of China and a supplier of, not only gold’s growing value, but also oil. The Prosperity Gospel, duping many believers with false teaching and false hope, unfortunately heavily impacts the spiritual awakening in Africa that is driving the Muslims north.

2. Japan is pushing for East Asia Union modeled on the European Union, building on the present 10 nation Association. The members would be Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Burma, Brunei, Cambodia and Laos. By the way, the absence of India is interesting.

3. European Union picked its first full-time president, Belgium’s Prime Minister, Herman Van Rompuy.  Tony Blair was favored, but lost the election. Believed by many to be the “Revived Roman Empire”, keep your eyes on Europe & the powerful Euro. Isn’t it interesting that, while Europe is moving away from Socialism, America is moving toward it!

4. Turkey – Watch their rapid Islamization, and their emergence as a leader of the region (remember the Ottoman Empire) I quote:” The Islamic World is incapable of uniting voluntarily. It is, however, capable of being dominated by a Muslim power. Throughout history, Turkey has been the Muslim power most often able to create that Muslim empire”

5. Middle East – Be alert to what’s happening in Yemen, the new hotbed of terrorism, Two things to watch in Iran; the continued development of nuclear weapons, and the quiet rebuilding of Babylon.  The present U.S. Administration is reportedly buying 125 acres of land to build a new embassy in the “Future Babylon Project”, fifty miles south of Bagdad.

6. The Vatican – The Pope recently called for a “world political authority” to manage the global economy, “with authority to endure compliance with its decisions from all parties.”  Is this the coming “one world” government?

7. China – China is calling for a new world currency to replace the dollar as the world standard, while her economy surges forward.  China just overtook Germany as the world’s biggest exporter.  Could it be that China’s growth and power portend the prophecy of Rev. 9:13-16 - “Then the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, one saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind. The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.” Rev. 16:12- The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.”

A recent report told of China considering setting up military bases in the Middle East over the next decade.

8. Russia – Russia’s revival is a direct result of the leadership of Vladimir Putin, who is still in control.  The Russian government has again taken control of mass media organs, and human rights activist are being murdered.

Russia plays a major role in Last Days prophecy, and many believe will be involved in what is shaping up to be WW III, that could occur before Armageddon. Look at Ezekiel 38:1-3, 7 “And the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. (7) “Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them.”

9. Israel – Called the “super-sign” by scholars of Bible prophecy, always remember that Israel if God’s “timepiece” in the prophetic scenario. Jesus made it clear that she plays the major role in the End-times countdown:

Luke 21:26 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. “Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city; because these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled. “Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Can Israel allow Iran to continue the development of nuclear weapons? Will the Jews allow another Holocaust? Will Israel surrender its determination to defend itself against a hostile Arad and Muslim world to appease our present Administration?  These and other questions will probably be answered in 2010.

Jesus made it clear, that in the Last Days, just before his return to rapture His Church, and usher in the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:29-36), that according to Luke 21:26 -“There will be signs on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world;”

My hearts cry is that we will be alert and prepared for what is “coming upon the world” & become “watchmen” to alert others!

Jesus said, (Matt. 24:33-36 – MES)  “So it is with you: When you see all these things, you’ll know he’s at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for all of you. This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out. “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.”

Listen, you can speculate about the signs, but don’t speculate about your salvation.  Get right with God and others, and get ready for Christ’s return. Watch for the signs in 2010.