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Why The Return Of

Jesus Christ May Be Near
 

Part 4

Prophetic Signs In Nature Increasing
 

Birth Pangs of the Messiah Increasing

 

By

R.A. Coombes

Author of
“America, The Babylon: Vols 1 & 2”
and Publisher of
The Alpha-Omega Report
aoreport.com

 

In case you hadn’t noticed the news headlines lately, natural disasters have dominated the news, though in America – if you watch the major cable news channels you might miss the disaster news because CNN, FOX and MSNBC seem to have a 24/7 fixation for only covering the U.S. Presidential campaigns. Their political coverage is nauseating in its depth and breadth at times.

Yet, despite the penchant of the major TV cable news networks for political coverage – these networks have relented and covered two major disasters in the past 10 days. I refer to the cyclone-ravaged, Asian nation of Myanmar where perhaps 100,000 people have died and also to the massive earthquake (7.9 Magnitude) which struck China on May 12, 2008.

Other lesser disasters have also broken through the glut of political coverage, but to a lesser extent such as tornadoes and storms ravaging portions of the United States and brief snippets about twin volcanoes rumbling in Chile.

These disasters are but the latest in a growing quantity of quality of disasters that is not so recent. In fact, looking backwards in retrospect, disasters are growing in frequency and intensity.

You may wonder what I mean by “disasters” and wonder what this has to do with Biblical Prophecy.

First of all, in regards to the disaster aspects. I am referring to the following natural disaster types of events.

Disaster Types:

Earthquakes & Volcanic activity

Oceanic Storms – (Hurricanes, Typhoons, Cyclones)

Tornadoes and Severe Land Storms

Tsunamis – (usually but not always related to earthquakes)

Droughts/Famines

Pestilence

Disease/Epidemics

Solar Storms

Earth’s Magnetic Field Disturbances

All of these different types of disasters are part of Biblical Prophecy. For the most part, these different types of natural disasters are increasing in both quantity and quality or ‘intensity” and it seems especially in the past four to 7 years and even more so it would seem in the past twelve months. The trends are certainly moving ‘upwards’ in most of these categories.

Now, you may wish to take exception to such a characterization on either the Biblical side of my assertion or on the actual events themselves. So, let’s examine both sides of the assertion.

First of all, we’ll focus on the Biblical Prophetic aspects.

While there are scattered references throughout the Old Testament dealing with prophetic details of the “Day of the Lord” and the Tribulation era events, for the sake of brevity and ease of understanding, I’ll primarily refer to the Olivet Discourse given by the Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples shortly before his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection. This will keep things simple and to the point of this article – an acceleration of events.

Among the signs in nature which Jesus spoke of are:

Earthquakes,

Famines

Pestilences

See Matt. 24: 7

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”

These are against the backdrop of one other key prophetic event, which Jesus foretold – The restoration of Israel as a nation. He indicated that Israel would be removed from the land in the near future. The Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed and afterwards, for a period of time, the Jews would be homeless and scattered throughout the world. At a later point in time, the Jews would be restored to their land and to Jerusalem. That restoration would then kick off a re-start of the prophetic time-clock as given by the Prophet Daniel hundreds of years previously while the Jews were sitting as captives in Babylon in the fifth century B.C. Daniel was not alone in such predictions. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and various minor prophets had also indicated such a dislocation and restoration.

Jesus’ reference to the restoration of Israel was made in the context of a parabolic metaphor where Israel was likened unto a fig tree.

Matthew 24:32-35

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

"So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

"Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

Similarly in Mark 13: 28- 31

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

"So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

"Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."

Luke 21: 29-33

"And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

"When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

"So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

"Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."

Now, Israel was restored as a nation on May 15, 1948, but Israel did not regain overall control of Jerusalem until June of 1967 during the 6-Day War. It has now been 60 years since Israel’s rebirth and nearly 41 years as of the writing of this article (May, 2008) since Israel re-asserted sovereignty over Jerusalem.

Since those two key events surrounding Israel’s re-birth, natural disasters as mentioned at the start of this article have dramatically increased in both quantity and in quality/intensity. We’re referring to not only the pestilence, earthquakes, but also general geological activity, weather events as well as astronomical activity related to the sun.

The prophets also spoke of other natural events including storms such as tornadoes or “whirlwinds.” 

Hosea 4: 19; and 8:1, 7; and Nahum1:3 give some correlation of this phenomenon. There are other vague references in Proverbs and the Psalms as well as by Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Another aspect is the term “great tribulation” which is perhaps a catch-all term for any devastating events whether they are natural or man-made.

Matt: 24:21

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

In addition to these scriptural passages, the Revelation to John about future events also seems to describe a planet turned topsy-turvy or seemingly upside down or what some would describe as a “polar shift.”

Isaiah 24: 1-2 gives a hint that perhaps a pole shift is being described.

“Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

“And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.”

Note the tie-in with ‘usury’ or loans made with interest. Such business practices were/are forbidden by God.

Later in the chapter in verse 18 we read:

“And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.”

In verses 20-22 we read

“The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.

“And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.”

Verse 25 adds:

“Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.”

We also see this same event correlated in Revelation 6: 12-17

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

“And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

“And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

“For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

Now that we have outlined some of the key prophetic scriptures concerning natural disasters predicted to come – let’s look at the current trending situations within the natural disaster event types.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency and magnitude for the past century with a marked increase in the past 50 to 60 years.

This trend includes volcanic activity which is normally preceded by swarms of earthquakes.

When looking at both volcanoes and earthquakes together, we find that the number, frequency and magnitude of natural disasters from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to severe storms increased dramatically since 1960.

What I find interesting to note is that the government and also scientists try to hide this information from the public. They do so in part by focusing on the 'averages' instead of on the major and potentially catastrophic events. In other words, they use statistical averages, which are skewed by the large swarms of minor events, to conceal the upward trend of major volcanic events, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc., which have been rising for the past 45 years. We can only surmise that their reason for fudging the numbers - to obscure the increasing dynamism and instability of the planet - is to avoid alarming the general public.

Another aspect of this cover-up is a recent decree by the Bush Administration which has put a gag-order out to scientists who either work for the government directly or receive government research funds. This means most of the academic world of science as related to climatology and geology has been muzzled.  See the link below for verification of this fact.

Federal climate, weather and marine scientists will be subject to new restrictions as to what they can say to the media or in public, according to agency documents released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Under rules posted last week, these federal scientists must obtain agency pre-approval to speak or write, whether on or off-duty, concerning any scientific topic deemed “of official interest.”

On March 29, 2007, the Commerce Department posted a new administrative order governing “Public Communications.” This new order covers the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Commerce’s new order will become effective in 45 days and would repeal a more liberal “open science” policy adopted by NOAA on February 14, 2006.

Although couched in rhetoric about the need for “broad and open dissemination of research results [and] open exchange of scientific ideas,” the new order forbids agency scientists from communicating any relevant information, even if prepared and delivered on their own time as private citizens, which has not been approved by the official chain-of-command:

    * * Any “fundamental research communication” must “before the communication occurs” be submitted to and approved by the designated “head of the operating unit.” While the directive states that approval may not be withheld “based on policy, budget, or management implications of the research,” it does not define these terms and limits any appeal to within Commerce;

    * * National Weather Service employees are allowed only “as part of their routine responsibilities to communicate information about the weather to the public”; and

    * * Scientists must give the Commerce Department at least two weeks “advance notice” of any written, oral or audiovisual presentation prepared on their own time if it “is a matter of official interest to the Department because it relates to Department programs, policies or operations.”

“This ridiculous gag order ignores the First Amendment and disrespects the world-renowned professionals who work within Commerce agencies,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “Under this policy, National Weather Service scientists can only give out name, rank, serial number and the temperature.”

The agency rejected a more open policy adopted last year by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The new policy also was rushed to print despite an ongoing Commerce Office of Inspector General review of communication policies that was undertaken at congressional request.

While claiming to provide clarity, the new Commerce order gives conflicting directives, on one hand telling scientists that if unsure whether a conclusion has been officially approved “then the researcher must make clear that he or she is representing his or her individual conclusion.” Yet, another part of the order states non-official communications “may not take place or be prepared during working hours.” This conflict means that every scientist who answers an unexpected question at a conference puts his or her career at risk by giving an honest answer. See the link below:

http://standeyo.com/NEWS/07_Earth_Changes/070406.scientists.restrained.html

Now let’s look at some quake statistics

There were only 2119 earthquakes recorded in the entire 19th century.

A U.S.G.S report shows that in just 1970 there were 4,139 earthquakes. In one year, 1970 we had more than double the quantity of earthquakes from the previous century of 100 years.

On another aspect consider the earthquake intensity or size of magnitude factor. Some of the largest earthquakes on record have occurred since 1977. This trend is underscored by the increasing quantity not only large scale volcanoes but also of tornadoes, severe land storms, plus hurricanes and typhoons.

 

DATES
FROM & TO                 PERIOD          NO. EARTHQUAKES (Mag. > 6.99)
  ---------------------------         -----------             ------------------------------
1863 to 1900 incl            38 yrs                  12
1901 to 1938 incl            38 yrs                  53

1939 to 1976incl             38 yrs                  71                 

1977 to 2008 incl            38 yrs                129 (to 5/12/08)

Another way of looking at the “earthquake intensity trends.”

1986-1996

Between 1986 and 1996, including a period of 11 years, there were "just" 15 earthquakes listed by USGS of magnitude 7.0 or greater. This is not markedly different (albeit a slight decrease) from previous (similar periods) of 20th century, where an average of about 18 might be expected.

1997-2007

But between 1997 and 2007, including a period of only 11 years, there were 99 earthquakes with magnitude 7.0 or greater. This number is 6 times greater than the previous period - and it stands head and shoulders above any other time period of the 20th Century.

The trends in nature here, particularly from 1997 support the wider realization the prophecies concerning “The Day of the Lord” and the era just prior are now revealing an alarming increase in earthquake activity. This activity foretold in writing and is a is a pre-requisite signal for the birth-pangs of the Messiah, the Rapture, the Tribulation era and of course for The Second Advent of Jesus Christ. Now, keep in mind these statistics do not indicate an actual date but it gives us an idea of the “closeness” of the rest of the prophesied events written in the scriptures.

Volcanoes
             
As we write this article more than 3 dozen volcanoes are at the moment categorized as being “active” in either eruption, pre-eruption, or post-eruption. We write this also as rescuers in China race to victims of a 7.9 magnitude quake in China on 5-12-8 and recovery efforts in Myanmar attempt to stem a cyclone death toll thought to be at least at 100,000 and some estimate perhaps 500,000 have or will have died from that storm or the after-effects.

Thomas Crowley, of Duke University in Durham, N.C., told a press conference organized by the AGU that volcanic activity actually tends to lower global temperatures. Why? This is because high-altitude aerosols reflect sunlight away from the surface. Yet, Crowley also noted, that "beginning in 1980 there was a change in the frequency of eruptions." They have markedly increased since 1980. This conforms to the global earthquake pattern as well, not to mention tornadoes, severe weather and hurricane-related activities.

In regards to the shocking number of active volcanoes, see the following link to an online map showing actively erupting volcanoes around the globe. (note it also shows other natural disaster events too including storms and or storm recovery.)

 

Tornadoes

We're about 500 tornados above the historical average (360) or more than double the average with the total through 5/11 standing at 905. The prior 2 years were also well above average but only by about 50%.

This year, thru 5/11 905 tornadoes have developed. The national, historical average is 360 for this time of the year. In fact, the annual number of tornadoes in America for the entire year is 1,270 according to NOAA. LINK HERE. 

The overall historic trends for tornadic weather development is on an upward spiral with this year’s 2008 activity simply "going thru the roof."

Hurricanes/Cyclones/Typhoons

Overall oceanic storms, such as hurricanes, typhoons and or cyclones - whatever you wish to call them - are also trending upwards on a global basis. The overall trend statistics is dramatically upward on a global basis as underscored most recently with the 'cyclone' that ripped the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar.

Wikipedia’s online report on oceanic storms such as Cyclones/Typhoons and Hurricanes does note the following: (See point # 11 “Long-term trends”)

“there is some evidence that the intensity of hurricanes is increasing. Kerry Emanuel stated, "Records of hurricane activity worldwide show an upswing of both the maximum wind speed in and the duration of hurricanes. The energy released by the average hurricane (again considering all hurricanes worldwide) seems to have increased by around 70% in the past 30 years or so, corresponding to about a 15% increase in the maximum wind speed and a 60% increase in storm lifetime."[120]”

It should be noted that the Wikipedia article initially notes that Atlantic hurricanes alone do not indicate by themselves such an upward trend. There is in fact an ongoing debate about Atlantic hurricane trends and what they mean. Wikipedia does however note the following:

“Atlantic storms are becoming more destructive financially, since five of the ten most expensive storms in United States history have occurred since 1990. This can be attributed to the increased intensity and duration of hurricanes striking North America,[120] and to a greater degree, the number of people living in susceptible coastal areas, following increased development in the region since the last surge in Atlantic hurricane activity in the 1960s.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone

Earth’s Magnetic Field Wobbling

As we have noted earlier the Revelation 6: 13-14 passage suggests the concept of planet Earth experiencing a magnetic pole reversal.

“And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

“And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

There are indications now that the Earth’s magnetic field is wobbling dramatically. Some scientists, using computer models are predicting a planetary pole reversal within the next few years, perhaps around 2012.

Computer Models predict Magnetic pole reversal in Earth and Sun can bring end to human civilization in 2012 – evidence of extra-terrestrial help in our survival
According to some computer scientists working together with a group geophysicists and astrophysicists, Earth and Sun both will go through a process of Magnetic Pole Reversal in 2012. This last happened millions of years back when the Dinosaurs disappeared. A private research and analysis company in Hyderabad is predicting a major upheaval in 2012.

Magnetic Pole reversal is a process when North Pole and South Pole reverse positions. When this happens, at some point of time Earth's magnetic field reaches zero Gauss which simply means, Earth at that point of time has zero magnetism. When this coincides with a eleven year cycle of Sun's Polar reversal, a major problem arises.

In the modern human history, such happenings are not recorded. Only Computer Models can predict the outcome. NASA recently has brought the public fear down by saying the Polar reversal will make Earth's Magnetism weak and erratic but not zero.

According to the Hyderabad Computer Model, the polar reversal of Earth and Sun can cause the following serious problems other than electronic malfunction, migrating birds losing sense of direction and so on:

- the immune system of all animals including the humans will weaken substantially

- the earth's crust will experience increasing volcanoes, tectonic movements, earthquakes and landslides

- Earth's Magnetosphere will weaken and Cosmic Radiation from Sun will increase many folds making radiation hazards like cancer and so on inevitable

- Large Asteroids will be drawn towards the Earth

- the Earth's gravitational field will experience a change though no one knows how it will change

 

If you add up all these possible devastating scenarios, you can easily see that in simple words, Earth may become not suitable for human civilization by 2012 and those who live on or near earth's crust.

The organisms living deep in the Earth well below the crust will survive. Without any intervention in this natural process, millions of years later we will see some other form of intelligent or large life forms are dominating the earth on its crust.
A large number of Extra-terrestrial UFO sightings in recent days, according to many UFO researchers in the world is connected to saving the human civilization form extinction. It is possible in absence of our knowledge they are trying to provide a counter measure that can save the human civilization.

As it happened during the time of Tsunami, it is possible that we will be perplexed and stare at the unthinkable happening and wiping us out.

If this model is true, the only way for us to survive will be to take our civilization well below the Earth's crust or move to another planet. It may have happened to Mars millions of years back.
 

 

Here’s a BBC article on Pole Shifting:

"It is not just the plot for a far-fetched science-fiction disaster movie. Something unexplained really is happening to the Earth's magnetic field.

"In recent years, the field has been behaving in ways not previously seen in the admittedly short time it has been monitored.

"Some researchers think it may presage a geomagnetic reversal when the north and south magnetic poles flip.

"Scientists admit there are things going on way beneath our feet that they do not understand, and which could have profound consequences for life on the surface."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2889127.stm

 
Scientists really do not know the time frame for a polar shift in terms of how long it takes for the reversal. Scientists think it transpires over hundreds or thousands of years to make a complete “flip” or reversal. Yet these scientists cannot prove it other than using computational mathematical theorems but these may or may not be valid. They admit it is based upon conjecture. As we noted earlier, one group of scientists think its about to transpire and think it might happen quickly – as in hours, days or weeks?

IF – and that is a BIG IF – but IF the Revelation 6: 13-14 passage is describing a pole shift, then it seems likely that the textual passage is describing an event that takes place in a matter of minutes, hours or days.

What we do know, though for now, is that the Earth’s magnetic field is definitely weakening and wobbling erratically.

 

Honey Bees Dying

We just recently posted to the Weekly News Round Up for the week ending May 11, 2008 an article describing the rapid decline of America’s bee population for the second year in a row. The bee hive census in the U.S. has dropped by 36% in the past 12 months. Last year, saw a 32% decline. These means that bee hive population is now at 43% of the total just two years earlier, or a drop of more than half that of 2006.

Bees are a critical segment for the pollination and production of many crops, particularly fruit crops. Without Bee pollination, many plants, particularly fruit crops, as well as flowers could become extinct. LINK HERE.

 

Pestilences – or Diseases

Matthew 24: 7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Pestilences in the context of this passage suggests diseases that rage out of control – or to use another English word – diseases that become “epidemic” in character.

We have seen various diseases in recent years fitting this category to a greater or lesser extent although only one seems to have reached a global scale, - AIDS or HIV. The AIDS disease has been reported by various agencies including the UN’s World Health Organization as being at “epidemic” levels in Africa, but of course it has spread extensively around the entire planet.

There is an ongoing concern for other diseases that might become epidemic in character. Such diseases include “bird flu,” the “Nile Virus,” and of course other diseases with prior epidemic history such as “bubonic plague,” “malaria,” “anthrax,” and of course other variant forms of the “flu” such as the “Spanish Flu,” the “Hong-Kong Flu.” One might also classify other diseases to this category such as – the mumps, measles, and chicken pox or cow pox. Another type of disease that could develop in epidemic proportions would be radiation poisoning from nuclear war.

There are also some exotic diseases that might fit into the prophetic scenario such as the new form of “flesh-eating” diseases which have manifested primarily in Africa.

We’ve not seen much in the way of epidemics, due in part to advances in modern medicine, particularly in the field of antibiotics. However, since the development of antibiotics near the end of World War 2, an overuse of such drugs has led to tremendous resistance new antibiotic-resistance diseases being developed.

So while we have seen regional epidemic outbreaks occur in recent years, we’ve not yet really experienced global epidemics, though medical experts believe it is just a matter of time before some disease breaks through to trigger a global epidemic. Bird flu is thought to be one likely candidate for such an event.

Don’t forget also, there are biological weapons that have been developed by the USA, Russia, China and stockpiled by Arab nations, especially Syria and Iran. There has been speculation that various Islamic terrorist groups like Al Qaeda may also be in possession of or developing biological weapons delivered by a terrorist attack.

It is possible that on a moment’s notice, with the outbreak of a war – the use of biological weapons during a war could spark global epidemics.

Famine/Drought

When the Biblical prophecies mention famine, as in Matt. 24: 7 – it is most likely that famines will be brought about, at least in part by drought.

We are seeing many prime agricultural areas experiencing drought. Perhaps the most dramatic and well-known is the drought-ravaged nation of Australia.

The “land down under” has been a tremendous producer of grain products, such as wheat and rice as well as livestock. Australia has been experiencing drought now  Australia experienced a severe drought in 2003 but bounced back the next two years. In 2006, another drought developed and drought conditions have remained ever since.

Australia’s drought has contributed to skyrocketing prices for various grains such as wheat and especially rice which in the spring of 2008 has triggered market panic for rice. The situation for rice is now so dire that shortages have developed and many producing nations have stopped exporting their excess capacities leaving importing nations short of supply. These shortages portend the real possibility of famine in parts of Asia and Africa.

Australia is not the only area experiencing drought. Portions of the United States is dealing with drought conditions. This includes portions of western Oklahoma, western Kansas, western Nebraska, western South Dakota, much of North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and eastern Colorado. Also, a major drought continues in part of the southeastern United States, such as portions of Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas and segments of Florida.

Segments of Europe, Asia and Africa are also experiencing ongoing drought conditions. For reference on the global drought situation, see the LINK HERE.

As we enter into the northern hemisphere’s growing season, we find food prices skyrocketing on short supplies of wheat, rice, corn, soybeans and as a result problems with supplies of cattle, hogs, and poultry. Shortages of rice have developed worldwide, even in some sections of the United States. Wheat and wheat flour have reportedly seen spot shortages in the USA and of course elsewhere around the world. Cooking oil has even felt shortages on the United States’ eastern coastal areas such as in supermarkets around New York City, though these have been minimal and perhaps for the moment, just temporary. Yet, these seem to be harbingers of things to come.

Regardless of supply issues, prices are indeed skyrocketing around the world, including even in the United States.

It should also be noted that food shortages could well be aggravated by the high costs of transportation – due to skyrocketing costs of diesel fuel for trucks and gasoline for cars. If fuel supplies become short in supply due to wars in oil-producing regions, food supplies may be harder to get to market and as a result food shortages could develop from transportation problems as much or more so than even drought conditions.

Of course, war itself is another reason why famine might develop in some areas as transportation of foods may be restricted or made impossible to certain war-torn areas.

Solar Storm Activity

Another prophetic element for fulfillment concerns solar storm events on the sun. Solar storms affect not only Earth’s magnetic poles but can also impact on orbiting satellites and even electrical power grids when a solar flare sends a magnetic storm hurtling towards Earth.

The sun itself goes through an 11-year solar cycle and for a period of a year or two, the sun convulses with massive storms on its surface which often times trigger solar flares which can impact earth.

The solar cycle is now entering a new cycle for maximum solar storms.
The solar cycle trends have pointed to a worsening of frequency and intensity of solar storms for the past 100 years but especially in the last two solar cycles covering 22+ years. Scientists fear this next solar maximum storm period – due to begin in 2009 and lasting through 2012 may well reach historic levels never even dreamed of before. The last solar max period was lengthier and even in the lesser or quieter periods, the Sun triggered solar events that went off the scale and required new scales to be developed far beyond anything solar scientists had ever dreamed.

There have been reports from some scientists who speculate that a portion of the back side of the sun has experienced tremendous damage from events that transpired back in the 1960s.

The expectations by solar scientists for dramatic solar developments in the next 4 years are high.

The prophetic passages dealing with the sun include not only the Olivet Discourse passages but also Revelation 6:12

“I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, “

Revelation 8:12

“The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.”

Revelation 9:2;

“When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss.”

Revelation 16:8-9

“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire.

“They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.”

Another aspect of solar storm activity is that often times this activity triggers severe weather on Earth and there is even speculation that it may impact on earthquake and or volcanic activity also. Hence the Revelation 16 8-9 passage indicates the sun created a heat-wave on at least portions of the Earth.

So, when we look at all of these various prophetic issues and elements from scripture pertaining to natural events and activities and then we note what is going on in the world around us today what can we conclude?

We are seeing a dramatic upsurge in both quantity and intensity in the following subject areas:

UPSURGE IN ACTIVITIES:

Earthquakes and Volcanoes = dramatic increases in both frequency and intensity – with a recent 7.9 magnitude quake in China to underscore this point and at least three dozen active volcanoes.

Tornadoes and Severe Land Storms – There is a dramatic surge in tornadoes both in frequency and intensity since 1948. This is especially true in the past 10+ years and even more so in 2008 when events seem to spirally upwards and out of sight.

Hurricanes/Typhoons/Cyclones – Oceanic Storms -  While Atlantic storm trends are open for debate in regards to trends, the UN notes that on a global basis, such storms are indeed on a dramatic upswing in the most recent years. The global trends point to both greater frequency and intensity worldwide.

Drought conditions in key food producing regions are now acute particularly in Australia, portions of the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.  This is a trend that has been steadily progressing since 1948 as global weather patterns shift and change.

Bee Populations Are Dying – While we noted the especially critical plunge in honey bee populations in the United States this is also happening around the world although in so dramatic a fashion as in the North American region. It foreshadows the potential for lower food crop production in the future.

Solar Storms – With solar activity in recent years exceeding scientists wildest expectations the next four years, based upon recent activity are expected to see repeated massive activity and perhaps again raising the scales of magnitude beyond the newest all-time records.

Earth’s Magnetic Field and Pole Reversals -  Scientists know so little about this – that it is hard to understand what may really happen. All we know for sure is that the magnetic fields have been wobbling and the situation has grown even more erratic and the magnetic fields continue to weaken.

Pestilences – Epidemics.  This is the one prophetic element that has been rather quiet, but the potential exists for a sudden and dramatic surge in epidemics from a variety of variety of ailments, either occurring naturally or due to war. An epidemic could develop and become global in just a few days time.

 

The Trends in Conclusion:

Aside from this last category, the trends of the past 60 years suggest we are in early fulfillment stages now, or one might say these elements are frantically pointing to imminent fulfillment and the fulfillment of other events including the Rapture of the Church and the beginning of the Tribulation period.

If we combine these Signs and their trends with our previous chapter dealing with geo-political and technological developments, we should recognize, that Christ’s Return must be nearer rather than farther away. It is hard to believe that His Return might be delayed by another 50 or 60 years, although this would still be theoretically possible.

It seems that, at the most, His Return might be delayed for another twenty years, but even this seems unlikely, but certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

Still, the bulk of the indicators suggest His Return for the Church, i.e. The Rapture – IF, indeed it is a pre-Tribulation event, is indeed imminent and could happen at any moment. Now having said that, there are some who think His Return for the Church, i.e. “The Rapture” can only come on one of the Jewish feast days. Of those who subscribe to such theories, most consider Rosh Hashanah to be the Jewish feast for the Rapture. A few others however consider an alternate theory of Pentecost. I personally refuse to limit God’s sovereignty to such holidays. I personally hold to the idea that HE could return for the rescue of genuine believers 24/7 on any of 365 days in a year.

I’ve now presented the basic case for the Signs indicating the nearness of His Return. In the next section, we’ll look at the overall prophetic picture in a timeline structure and then move to the section dealing with what we’re supposed to do with this information and how we are to deal with these prophecies.

 

Index of Article Segments

Part 1 – Introduction – LINK 

Part 2 –THE TRIGGER SIGNS - 2 Events Started The Ticking Time Clock - LINK

Part 3 – Signs in the Geo-Political World Now Developing - LINK

Part 4 – Signs in Nature Now Developing - LIINK

Part 5 – An Overview of a Key Biblical Prophecies Awaiting Fulfillment - LINK

Part 6 – Why Believers Need To Know & Follow Prophetic Developments - LINK

FREE E-Book Download is available, too.  The Gift of Salvation – How to Have Eternal Life – LINK HERE.

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