The Prophetic Times Report

David Jeremiah’s Guide to Living in the Last Days

Are Australia’s Fires a Sign of the Last Days?

Earthquakes are shaking, fires are raging, hurricanes are obliterating, tornadoes are spinning—humanitarian organizations today are often hard pressed to provide food to countries and cities affected by the destruction of natural disasters and their aftermath.

This is the evening news, but it also sounds like Matthew 24, the passage in which our Lord predicted the future of world history and the end of the age. I believe the signs in Mathew 24:4-14 actually represent a description of the first half of the Tribulation period. But these crises are not going to appear suddenly when the Rapture comes. They’re going to increasingly characterize these Last Days leading up to the Rapture of the Church, as they reverberate backward through time.

Fallacious spirituality, socialist philosophy, atheistic activists, and other similar ideas represent a growing trend toward false hope—a rise of false Christs. Meanwhile, wars, famine and pestilence, persecution of Christians, lawlessness, and the weakening of Christian influence are increasing as a lukewarm Church limps its way through our modern culture. But this picture does have one bright spot—more people are preaching the Gospel in more places to more people than ever before in history! Our Lord doesn’t want anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). So we are His witnesses. These are exciting days! Israel is back in her rightful land, the signposts are speeding by, and the angel is warming his lips on the trumpet. As these things come to pass, the Kingdom of Christ is drawing nearer.

We can almost hear the countdown. We’re living in prophetic times and seeing prophecy fulfilled before our eyes. It’s time to look up, for our redemption draws near!

Meme: We're living in prophetic times and seeing prophecy fulfilled before our eyes.

Growing Tensions in Iran Signal the End Is Near

As wars and dissension among groups of people begin to escalate, we know it is a sign of Christ’s return. The book of Revelation tells us that the Tribulation period is filled with war—ceaseless, unending, terrible war—that will escalate until the entire world is involved. Fifty percent of all research scientists are involved in arms development. Despite all the arms limitations treaties, there is at least one military weapon and 4,000 pounds of explosives for every many, woman, and child on earth. The Bible says that as we move toward the End Times, there will be constant talks of conflicts, border skirmishes, race wars, and national battles.

Today, as you read this, millions of people in the world are going hungry, even though God has blessed us with a fruitful, abundant planet. As we get closer to the End Times, there will be more and more famine. There will also be earthquakes, something that science has said will happen. Christ also spoke of pestilence: the spread of new diseases. Our world is experiencing a spate of tragic new diseases that we are unable to control.

Many people are going to claim to be the Messiah and claim to have the answers for a troubled world. Jesus says to “take heed”—literally, to keep our eyes open so we are not fooled. In the End Times, people will be crying desperately for leaders to deliver them, and they will seek mystics and religious leaders who claim to have deeper knowledge.

Just before Jesus returns, there will be an explosion of antagonism toward God’s people. Christians will be persecuted. I think we are already seeing it. The media holds most fringe groups in high regard, but it seems to attack conservative Christians every chance it gets. Many are going to pay a high price for living out their faith in our world.

Meme: There is at least one military weapon and 4,000 pounds of explosives for every man, woman, and child on earth.

Should Rising Threats in Russia and Around the World Worry Us?

Since the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, a volley of sanctions, labels, posturing, and warning shots between the two countries has ensued. Rogue regimes in North Korea and China are expanding their military power at an alarming rate. Vladimir Putin is systematically dismantling democratic institutions in the Russian government.

As world conditions worsen, Jesus said we shouldn’t hang our heads in hopelessness or shake our heads in confusion. Instead, we should lift up our heads expectantly, for our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28). After Paul told the Thessalonians about the sudden return of Christ in the air for His people, he said, “Comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Proverbs 12:25 states: “Anxiety in the heart of a man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Obviously there are times when medication is absolutely called for, but meditation is often better. When we visualize our Lord’s return, we’re treating our souls to a “good word.”

Jesus told His worried disciples on His last night with them, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions. … I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:1-3).

Studying the signs of the times isn’t just for “Second Coming scholars.” It’s for every single Christian who loves His appearing. It’s comprehensible and it’s compelling and it will change your life. It is a practical subject with tangible benefits, and those who study it are happier, holier, healthier people. We can rightly consider it the greatest self-improvement course we can take, and the benefits are eternal.

During these challenging days, find out what the Bible has to say about the prophetic times, and learn to pray: Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Meme: Find out what the Bible has to say about the prophetic times, and learn to pray: "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

Christ’s Return: How Soon Is Soon?

Though we do not know the day or hour of Christ’s appearing for His Church, we do know something very important: It could be today! Why do I say that? Because nothing remains on God’s prophetic calendar except the unfolding of End-Time events, beginning with the Rapture of the Church. Theologians call it the doctrine of imminence—the return of Christ is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment.

If “perhaps today” is the watchword for our generation, what do we need to know? There are three areas of our faith that are impacted by biblical prophecy: trusting God’s plans instead of man’s, living victoriously for Christ in the face of mounting obstacles, and reaching out to those who are living without hope in Christ.

Because this hope is central to the life of every Christian and must never be allowed to fade from our awareness, I hope you will meditate for just a moment on that truth. Today, if you belong to Jesus Christ, you could be caught up to meet Him in the air and be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

As long as modern churches have been holding revival meetings, the imminent return of Christ has reminded Christians to concern themselves with the work of preaching the Gospel—all in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ.

Jesus chided the religious leaders of His day for failing to understand “the signs of the times”—what God was doing in their midst (Matthew 16:3). It is imperative that we base our hope and knowledge of the future on God’s inerrant timetable in Scripture.

The two most important events in human history are the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. Rightfully, we invest great effort in understanding His First Advent. But we must give no less attention to the Second Coming and its eternal ramifications—especially since this world-changing event could happen at any time.

A Surge of Prophetic Activism

Feeling unsure about the future? Overwhelmed by bad news? Life can be like a puzzle until you take the pieces out of the box, arrange them according to God’s prophetic timeline, and step back and take a fresh look. When you do that, the things most people worry about become pieces which complete the picture God has painted of the End Times. Instead of a puzzle, life becomes a panorama of God’s truth and hope!

Studying prophecy unlocks the puzzle for living today and offers:

Hope for the future!

God’s people can look forward to a “happily ever after” ending. Prophecy assures us Christ will come to rule and reign forever.

Confidence in the present!

When we don’t fear tomorrow, we can have confidence today. Knowing God’s prophetic story helps us face each day.

Holiness in living!

The sure knowledge of Christ’s appearing motivates us to keep ourselves pure. We will give Him an account for our words and actions, perhaps even today!

Reasons to share the Good News!

Our world is full of reasons to despair. Many people are overwhelmed by the chaotic events happening all around them, but prophecy offers good news to those who are battling discouragement.

Edification! Exhortation! Encouragement!

The apostle Paul said that God gave prophets to the Church to build us up (edification), set us straight (exhortation), and keep us going (encouragement) (1 Corinthians 14:3). Our world needs these three benefits more than anything.

Will you join us in becoming activists in these last, tremulous days of history?

Because we have the puzzle box top and know where all the pieces fit, it’s time to pick up our banners and signs and “take to the streets” with the Good News of God’s prophetic Word.

For deeper study of Revelation and prophecy, visit Dr. Jeremiah's Prophecy Academy where you will find a panorama of prophetic materials to enhance your understanding of God's Plan for the end of the world.