As humans navigate the complexities of the world today, it is natural to ponder the significance of these times in light of biblical prophecy. The coming of the end times has captivated the minds and hearts of believers for centuries.
While there are varying interpretations and viewpoints on this subject, it is essential to delve into the Scriptures to gain insights and seek a deeper understanding of what the Bible reveals about this remarkable period.
By examining the signs, events and teachings found in the Scriptures, Bishop Alan DiDio hopes to inspire reflection, discussion and ultimately a renewed sense of urgency and faith in the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here are seven prophetic insights into the End Times:
The Signs of the End Times: The accumulation and tight succession of significant events signal the approaching end. Jesus compared it to birth pangs, emphasizing their increasing frequency and intensity. These signs correlate with the nation of Israel’s restoration, such as the birth of Israel in 1948 and the recognition of Jerusalem as its capital (Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-31).
“It’s not just these things that are a sign of the end,” explains DiDio, “it is the swarm of these things. It is the accumulation of these things…not only that they’re happening, but they begin to happen in tight succession with one another, in correlation with what we see happening with the nation of Israel.”
Unity and the Great Commission: Despite differing views and interpretations, believers are called to unify and focus on the Great Commission. In the face of greater threats and enemies, it is crucial to prioritize unity in the body of Christ, setting aside minor differences to reach out to those who need salvation (John 17:20-23; Matt. 28:19-20).
“Everybody loves talking about unity in the body…until we actually start doing it,” says DiDio. “Then everybody gets upset. Because how could you have that person, and how could you interview that person? Well…God is calling us to unify. Are you paying attention to what happened the last three years? We have bigger threats and bigger enemies than someone who thinks differently about deliverance, or about their eschatology, or about prosperity, or about faith. We’ve got bigger fish to fry right now.”
The Importance of Eschatology: Eschatology, the study of the end times, holds significance in understanding God’s plan. While it may be a topic of debate, it remains essential to discuss and engage in conversations about the end times, as it awakens people to the urgency of being ready for Jesus’ return (1 Thess. 4:16-18; Titus 2:13).
“Eschatology is such an important doctrine,” says DiDio. “And I feel like nobody agrees with me…we’ve got to be willing to have a conversation [about differing views] once again. Otherwise, all these camps and streams get more and more extreme because there is no counterbalance. There’s no one to challenge us any longer. …In our ministry, we are called to wake people up to the times that we’re living in, and to make sure they’re ready for Jesus’ return.”
Evangelistic Opportunities: The awareness of living in the last days presents an evangelistic opportunity. As people recognize the signs and sense the urgency, discussions surrounding end times issues can capture their attention. By addressing these topics and sharing God’s love, grace and forgiveness, we can lead individuals to repentance and salvation (2 Tim. 4:2; Rom. 10:14-15).
“There is an evangelistic opportunity out there, because there are people who know we are living in the last days,” DiDio says. “They know they’re not right with the Lord. So, if we’ll begin to talk about end times issues, they’re going to per up and pay attention. Then we talk about the love of God and the grace of Jesus Christ and His power to forgive sin if we just repent of those sins and come to Him and make Him the Lord of our life.”
Natural Disasters and Unexplained Phenomena: The increase in natural disasters and unexplained phenomena should not be ignored. While some events can be explained by advancements in technology and increased reporting, there are occurrences that defy human understanding.
“We can measure these things now…but we’ve had this instability for a very, very long time. In the last few decades, there has been a rapid increase in these kinds of things. And it’s not just these things that are a sign of the end, it is the swarm of these things. It is the accumulation of these things,” explains DiDio.
Non-Human Origins and Spiritual Deception: Reports of encounters with non-human entities are prevalent. These encounters often involve messages promoting unity of religions and governments, asserting that we are all gods and downplaying the uniqueness of Jesus. Such encounters can lead to extreme negative effects like depression, insanity and spiritual confusion. These encounters align with biblical warnings about spiritual deception in the last days (Matt. 24:24; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:9-10).
“It’s interesting, the phrase ‘non-human origin,’ not extraterrestrial, not outer space, simply non-human, which I appreciate, because I think it’s a far more biblical description of what we’re looking at,” says DiDio.
“A lot of UFO reports, UAP reports, are hoaxes. Even more of them are advanced military technology…but the question is: is there are portion of them that are of non-human origin? I think this is really important, because I think this plays into the anti-Christ narrative in the last days,” he adds.
Discernment and Faith: In the face of uncertain phenomena and spiritual deception, believers are called to exercise discernment and trust in God’s Word. By remaining anchored in biblical truth, cultivating spiritual discernment and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can navigate through the complexities of the end times and avoid falling into deception (1 John 4:1; Eph. 6:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
“This is a time to engage, because there is a greater One on the inside of you…there’s greater innovation on the inside of you. There’s greater anointing on the inside of you. Greater power, greater authority on the inside of you. …If you want to avoid the deceptions of these last days…pay attention to signs and wonders, because the Antichrist will come with lying signs and wonders,” warns DiDio. {eoa}
James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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