End Times - Positive Spiritual Sign Trends in the Church

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Positive Spiritual Sign Trends in the Church

When studying the signs of the times, it is important to acknowledge that in the past few decades there have been poorly timed applications of various signs related to current events. Some past studies have been sloppy, imprecise, and lacking credible connections to Scripture, yet we should acknowledge the courage with which these bold voices served their generation by exploring a topic so often ignored by the Body of Christ. We must learn from past errors and pursue understanding of the signs of the times in a manner that is scripturally precise.

Signs of the Times – what current events suggests we are living in the last days?

I. THREE CATEGORIES OF SIGNS

Three main categories of the signs of the times—sign events, sign trends, and cosmic signs.

1. Sign events: These are actual events predicted in Scripture that alert us to the timing of Jesus’ return. They include political, spiritual, economic, and religious events,such as the rebirth of the state of Israel, the future 10-nation confederation, the abomination of desolation, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, etc. Sign events are the most faith-building.

2. Sign trends: Both positive and negative sign trends signal the generation of Jesus’ return. Examples of positive trends are the gospel being preached in all nations, the global prayer movement, and the Church walking in power, purity, and unity, and standing with Israel even in persecution. Negative trends include an increase of escalating violence, famines, and persecution of the saints, and the falling away. Trends are not as overt or faith-building as sign events, because the way they occur is not as clearly defined as a dramatic event.

3. Cosmic signs: There will be dramatic signs in the heavens that will cause many to fear.

11“There will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (Lk. 21:11)

II. END-TIME REVIVAL

We stand at a critical juncture in world history. The Holy Spirit is visiting His people as the darkness increases. The light is getting brighter as the darkness becomes darker. Thus, God will release the greatest revival in the Church in the midst of the greatest time of escalating darkness.

2Behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. (Isa. 60:2)

The greatest outpouring of the Spirit in history will be released before Jesus’ return. The Spirit is raising up a glorious Church that will walk in truth, power, purity, and maturity as seen in the New Testament Church ( Rev. 7:9; 12:11; 15:2).

27…He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:27)

17“It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh… 20before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.” (Acts 2:17-20)

7“For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” (Rev. 19:7)

Jesus is building His Church that will totally prevail over the power of darkness
(Mt. 16:18).

18“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
(Mt. 16:18)

Premise: Most of the positive and negative trends that will come in fullness at the time of Jesus’ return are occurring now and will continue to increase until He comes.

III. POSITIVE SIGN TRENDS IN THE END-TIME CHURCH

A. Gospel preached to all nations: Jesus connected the timing of His return to the preaching of the gospel to all nations—there are 12,000 people groups..

Leading mission leaders predict that the gospel will be preached to every people group by 2045. The Bible has been translated into 2,000+ languages (used by 98% of the world’s population). The greatest harvest in history is occurring right now.

14“This gospel…will be preached…to all the nations[ethnos] and then the end will come.” (Mt. 24:14)

9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (Rev. 7:9)

13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Rev. 7: 13 – 14)

6 I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. (Rev. 14:6)

AFRICA TRAINING BIBLE SCHOOL (ATBS):

ATBS has penetrated into the Hadzabe tribe, an indigenous ethnic group in north-central Tanzania.

The Hadza's way of life is highly conservative. Huts have been built in this style for as long as records have been kept. As descendants of Tanzania's aboriginal hunter-gatherer population, they have probably occupied their current territory for thousands of years.

In the Chunya Africa Training Bible School Center (ATBS) Apostle David is training the untrained pastors from the Sukuma tribe. The Sukuma are a Bantu ethnic group inhabiting the southeastern African Great Lakes region. The Sukuma are the largest ethnic group in Tanzania, with an estimated 5.5 million members or 16 percent of the country's total population.

ATBS Idumbi village are focused on the Safwa tribe. Many Safwa villages have little or no effective evangelical witness. It is estimated that as many as 80 percent of the Safwa people are devout followers of African traditional religion or no religion at all.

Tukuyu ATBS has penetrated the Barabaig tribe, a nomadic tribe of the Datooga people. This tribe is an un reached tribes according to Joshua projects and the ATBS Tukuya Center is very vital in the area. The Barabaig resistant to cultural change, including belief in Christianity, maintaining a strong adherence to traditional animist beliefs and practices.

B. Unity: Jesus prayed for the Church to walk in oneness leading to global witness of the gospel with a greater release of God’s glory. The Father is determined to have the Church function in unity across cities and nations. We can do so much more together than we can do separately. Different parts of the body are to honor other parts of the body and embrace those with a different calling, focus and style.

22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one…23and that the world may know that You have sent Me.”
(Jn. 17:22-23)

C. Outpouring of the Spirit: The Lord promised to pour out His Spirit on all believers (Acts 2:17-21). The increase of the number of believers with “charismatic” theology and experience has grown from one million (1920) to 60 million (1970) to over 600 million today. The spirit of prophecy will increase in the Church (Joel 2:28-29).

17 “It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…before the…day of the LORD.” (Acts 2:17-20)

D. Bridal paradigm of the kingdom: Revelation 22:17 prophesies an aspect of how the Church will function—in unity with the Spirit, saying and doing what He is saying and doing as He speaks to believers about their identity as Jesus’ Bride and intercedes through them for Jesus to “come” in power. For the first time the Spirit is universally emphasizing the Church’s identity as Jesus’ Bride.

17The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” (Rev. 22:17)

E. Turn the hearts of the fathers: Malachi prophesied of the Lord raising up many who would turn their hearts to children (adoption, pro-life movements, sex trafficking, etc.). This will result in the largest orphan outreach in history. The Justice Movement hand in hand with the Prayer Movement.

6“And he [Elijah] will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.” (Mal. 4:6)

F. Increased understanding of God’s end-time plans: The Lord will raise up “people of understanding,” who will make known to “many” the unique events and trends prophesied in Scripture related to His end-time plans. “Many” will be hungry for answers from God’s Word about His end-time plans. We see tokens of the significant increase of hunger to understand God’s end-time plan in the fact that over 75 million books have been sold in the Left Behind series (Tim LaHaye, first published 1995), and over 30 million copies of The Late Great Planet Earth (Hal Lindsay, first published 1970). The Lord will raise up forerunner messengers who will “understand” what the Bible says He is doing ( Rev. 11:3-6; 13:18; 17:9).

33“And those of the people who understand shall instruct many.” (Dan. 11:33)

20“The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly.”
(Jer. 23:20)

IV. SIGN EVENTS AND TRENDS RELATED TO ISRAEL

A. RESETTLEMENT OF ISRAEL:

Amos’ prophecy linked the timing of the rebuilding of David’s tabernacle to one generation— when Israel would be planted in her land in a way that she would never be pulled up from it (v. 15). The Lord has planted Israel in their land three times—in Joshua’s generation (about 1400 BC), in Zerubbabel’s generation (538 BC), and in May 1948 (the only time they will not be uprooted).

11“I will raise up the tabernacle of David…12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom[Islam] and all the Gentiles[nations]…14 I will bring back the captives of My people Israel… 15I will plant them in their land[1948], and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land.” (Amos 9:11-15)

Israel was restored to her land in May 1948—it is the only generation in which this prophecy could be fulfilled. It signaled the beginning of a unique time in history when the spirit of the tabernacle of David would be released—connected to the harvest of the remnant of Edom (Islamic nations).

The Jews were scattered to the nations in AD 70. Now, 2,000 years later, they are back home.

8“In the latter years you [Antichrist] will come into the land of those [Israel]…gathered from many people [nations] on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate.” (Ezek. 38:8)

6“In that day…Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.” (Zech. 12:6) b

B. RETURN OF ONE PURE LANGUAGE, HEBREW

"For then I will return to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." (Zephaniah 3:9 )

Prior to the restoration of Israel in 1948, Hebrew was a dead language. Now Hebrew is spoken throughout Israel. No nation in history has ever maintained it’s national language without a homeland for more than one generation. For Israel to re-establish an ancient language after 2,000 years is unprecedented in history.

C. REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE, RESTORATION OF TEMPLE WORSHIP AND ANIMAL SACRIFICES IN JERUSALEM

The rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, with sacrifices according to the OT law, is to be a sign (Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2; Dan. 9:26-27; 11:31; 12:11). The temple was destroyed in AD 70. Orthodox Jews are leading a new, strong movement to rebuild the temple.

For several end time prophecies to be fulfilled, the temple will have to be rebuilt.
There are many groups already working on preparations for the new temple. The blueprints have been printed.

The weaving of the sacred Ephod garment for the uniform of the High Priest has been completed. The Temple Institute has also completed the complicated task of joining the ephod to the remembrance stones, and affixing the breastplate.

Two beautiful marble cornerstones weighing 6 tons have been made from the same stone as that used in the Second Temple. In accordance with Scripture they have been prepared without the use of iron implements

A solid gold Menora has been created at the estimated cost of US $3,000,000 for the new third Temple.

A red heifer will be required to be used in the process of purification described in the book of Numbers. In May 1997 the first Red Heifer was born in 2000 years.

"This is the statute of the law which the Lord has commanded, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel that they bring you an unblemished red heifer in which is no defect and on which a yoke has never been placed.“ (Numbers 19:2-7 )

The only thing standing in the way of the construction of the new temple is Islam's third holiest site, the Dome of the Rock and government support for such an undertaking.

Some possible scenarios for the rebuilding of the temple are as follows:

1. The persuasion and performing of miracles by the Antichrist and False Prophet convinces the Islamic world to approve the rebuilding of the 3rd temple during the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation.

2. The United Nations will negotiate the rebuilding of the temple following the Psalms 83 war Israel against the Islamic forces. The supernatural destruction of the Islamic forces will cause an outpouring of Christian worship and zeal amongst the Jewish people who will reconstruct the temple.

3. It is determined that the site of the first two temples is actually south of the Dome of the Rock, and the court of the gentiles (Dome of the Rock) will be left out of the 3rd temple.

"Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the Holy city for forty-two months." (Revelation 11:2)

Some archeologists believe that the temple mount is actually 340 feet south of the Dome of the Rock site, putting the Dome of the Rock within the Court of the Gentiles. This may be the court outside the temple that is left out in Rev 11:2

4. The Pope’s legal claim to the Holy lands and the Temple Mount resulting in a peace treaty being signed by Israel to allow them to rebuild the temple. In 2014 Pope Francis met on the Temple Mount with a radical Islam Imam and a Jewish Rabbi

27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. (Daniel 9: 27)

5. A potential ‘end time’ earthquake that could destroy the Dome.
19 In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. (Ezekiel 38: 19)

D. SALVATION OF ISRAEL:

Messianic Jewish congregations are seeing more Jewish people in Israel come to Jesus than at any time since the first century. There are 120+ Messianic congregations in Israel, totaling more than 12,000 believers. This is an increase of over 500% in the last 10 years.

19“Repent therefore and be converted [Jewish people]…20that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you [Jewish people] before, 21whom heaven must receive [retain] until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by…His prophets.” (Acts 3:19-21)

Two conflicting trends:
a. Love for Israel in the Church
b. Anti-Semitism in the nations

Gentile believers will one day provoke Israel to jealousy to know Jesus.

11…to provoke them [Israel] to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.
(Rom. 11:11)

This implies love for Israel from the Body of Christ, which is increasing rapidly. The Lord desires the Church to stand with Israel in her trouble, as Corrie ten Boom’s family supported Jewish people in the Netherlands during World War II.

God called the Church to stand with Israel This includes the Church singing with gladness and boldly proclaiming the message of God’s purposes for Israel so that all the nations hear it clearly

7Thus says the Lord: “Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord save…the remnant of Israel!’” (Jer. 31:7)

V. SIGN TRENDS RELATED TO THE NATIONS

A. Global government: A Middle East/European superstate (revived Roman Empire) will emerge,with a 10-nation confederation under the Antichrist (Dan. 2:41-42; 7:7, 20, 24;Rev. 12:3; 13:1; 17:3, 7, 12-13, 16). The most challenging issues facing the nations are international in nature, including the global war on terror and the global financial crisis. The tension in the financial crisis is that we have global financial markets without global rule of law. The crisis will create an atmosphere in which “global governance” will be a more attractive option for finding solutions.

B. Globalization: Financial institutions, commerce, communication, and geopolitics are shifting from being nation based to a globally unified expression (Rev. 17-18). There will be one-world political cooperation, technology, economics, etc. Government, commerce, and religions will pool resources.

C. Knowledge and travel: Daniel prophesied a great increase of knowledge (communication) and travel (transportation) as many “run to and fro.” It is estimated that global tourism will generate $5 trillion annually by 2020.Currently, the total knowledge possessed by humans doubles annually.

4“Seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro [unprecedented travel], and knowledge shall increase[information age].” (Dan. 12:4)

Knowledge of biological science is doubling every six months. More than 80% of all the scientists who have ever lived are alive today.

"But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; … and knowledge will increase.“ (Daniel 12:4)

The collective sum of all knowledge is doubling every four years. Knowledge of biological science is doubling every six months.

In the past 100 years there has been a literal explosion in the increase of knowledge…

1900 - Less than a century ago man used horses to travel from place to place.

2000 - This century has seen the invention of automobiles, electricity, air travel and computers

1900 - Less than a century ago man took to the air.

2000 - Today the world's fastest airplane is the Lockheed SR-71,the “Blackbird” which reached a speed of 2,193.2 miles (3,529.6 km) per hour.

Alexander Graham Bell changed the world in 1876 when he invented the telephone, connecting people across thousands of miles. Over the next 100 years, amazing advances would be made to Mr. Bell's creation.

D. Internet technology has allowed knowledge to greatly increase. The ability of the Antichrist’s government to enforce the mark of the Beast system worldwide (Rev. 13:16-18) implies the existence of modern technology, a cashless society, and a one-world economic system.

16He causes all…to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast. (Rev. 13:16-17)

VI. PRAYER AND WORSHIP MOVEMENT

Psalms 96 and 98 prophesy a time when singing will arise to the Lord from all the earth.

1Sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth…9Worship the Lord…tremble before Him, all the earth…13For He is coming to judge the earth.
(Ps. 96:1-13)

May God establish 24/7 prayer with worship in every tribe and tongue on earth before Jesus returns! This may happen in several places across a city or region (not just in one building), with many ministries working together.

The Spirit is calling the Church to work together to offer intercession flowing from prophetic worship (music) and intimacy with God to fulfill the Great Commission (to win the lost, revive the Church, and impact society). It is prayer for the harvest, with music, and from intimacy with God.

Before Jesus returns, the Spirit will raise up the greatest prayer movement in history. There are many indicators of this in the Scriptures ((Ps. 96:1-3; 10-13; Ps. 122:6; Isa. 19:20-22; 24:14-16; 27: 13; 42:10-15; 51:11; 52:8; 62:6-7; Zeph. 2:1-3; Zech. 12:10; Mt. 21:13a; Rev. 5:8; 8:3-5).

7“Shall God not avenge [bring justice to] His own elect who cry out day and night to Him…?
8When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith [agreement]on the earth?” (Lk.18:7-8)

In 1984, the number of 24/7 houses of prayer in the world was fewer than 25. Today there are more 10,000, and most of the growth has occurred in the last 10 years.

The International House of Prayer (IHOP):

The International House of Prayer is an evangelical missions organization that is committed to praying for the release of the fullness of God’s power and purpose, as we actively win the lost, heal the sick, feed the poor, make disciples, and impact every sphere of society—family, education, government, economy, arts, media, religion, etc. Our vision is to work in relationship with the wider Body of Christ to engage in the Great Commission, as we seek to walk out the two great commandments to love God and people.

The Lord has called IHOP to be a community of believers committed to God, each other, and to establishing and maintaining a 24/7 house of prayer in Kansas City—a perpetual solemn assembly gathering corporately to fast and pray in the spirit of the tabernacle of David.

IHOP is committed to prayer, fasting, the Great Commission, and to living as forerunners, spiritually preparing for the unique dynamics of the end times. The work of our ministry includes equipping and sending out missionaries as dedicated intercessors and evangelists who work to see revival within the Church and a harvest among those searching for God.

Call2All hosted a congress in Orlando (Jan. 2008),and 170 CEOs of most of the top missions organizations made a commitment to start 70,000 new houses of prayer by 2020. In the Hong Kong Congress (June 2009) 3,000 leaders committed to start 400,000 houses of prayer by 2020.In Call2All congresses, leadershave committed to start over 500,000 houses of prayer.

The Lord desires to be worshiped on earth as He is in heaven (Mt. 6:10). In Revelation 4-5, John describes the worship order established after God’s heart. It reveals how He wants to be worshiped. The heavenly order of worship is continual, musical, and God-centered (Rev. 4:8; 14:2).

Isaiah prophesied 24/7 prayer ministries that would continue until Jesus returns . Only one generation will see the fulfillment of God’s promise to “set” intercessors in place worldwide, who cry out until Jerusalem becomes a praise in the earth—which will happen when Jesus returns.

6I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace [be silent] day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, 7and give Him no rest till He…makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth [at Jesus’ return]. (Isa. 62:6-7)

10Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you coastlands…11Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar [Saudi Arabia] inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela [Jordan] sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains…13The LORD shall go forth[Jesus’ return] like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war…He shall prevail against His enemies.”
(Isa. 42:10-13)

Five challenging areas will engage in the worship movement.
1. Go down to the sea: includes the nearly 12,000 inhabited islands of the earth
2. Coastlands: includes the major population and resource centers on the coastlands
3. Wilderness: includes the small cities/villages in the wilderness and desert regions
4. Villages of Kedar and Sela: Muslim villages in Jordan (Sela) and Saudi Arabia (Kedar)
5. Mountain tops: a difficult place to assemble people for worship and prayer

The Great End-Time Conflict: Two Global Worship Movements
The great conflict at the end-of-the-age will be between two Houses of Prayer or between two global worship movements.

The Holy Spirit is raising up the most powerful prayer and worship movement in history .

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Rev. 22:17)

It will be the Church’s “first line of defense” against the Antichrist’s worship movement and his persecutions.

Satan will raise up a worship (and prayer) movement in which he and the Antichrist will be worshipped and obeyed by several billion people

It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast… (Rev. 13:12a)

This worship movement will cause the people in the kingdom of darkness to have a deep heart connect with Satan. This will be the most power, passionate and dangerous time in world history.

All who dwell on the earth will worship him (Antichrist), whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev. 13:8)

The worship that Satan wanted from Jesus is what he demands from the whole earth.

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast… (Rev. 13: 8a)

Satan offered Jesus the political authority over all the kingdoms of the earth if He would worship him.

The devil…showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."
(Matt. 4:8-9)

The Antichrist, the False Prophet and their followers will be fully committed to this false worship movement.

Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the End-Time Church will be even more committed to the true worship movement.

The Antichrist will demand to be worshipped before an idol as King Nebuchadnezzar did in the Old Testament.

Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was (90 feet) and its width (9 feet)

Then a herald cried aloud, "…You shall… worship the gold image whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into…fiery furnace." (Dan. 3:1-6)

Are we living in the last days?

We must be like the son’s of Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. (1 Chronicles 12:32)

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