And when Lord Jesus Christ comes, we want to be ready.
There are signs everywhere, events aligning in a way I haven't seen before in my years of study.
I'm not talking about specific dates because you know what scripture says about that.
But I am talking about seasons, patterns that God himself established so we could recognize when we're approaching something big. I'm going to show you what l'm seeing. Look, when l open the news every morning, when I see what's happening in the world, I remember Jesus's words on the Mount of Olives.
The disciples asked him something very direct in Matthew 24:3.
Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? Notice they didn't ask if he was going to return.
They asked when and what signs there would be. Jesus didn't scold them for asking. On the contrary, he gave them a very detailed answer that covers all of Matthew chapter 24. But before getting into the specific signs, I want you to understand something fundamental. We have been living in the last days for 2,000 years. Acts 2 verse17 tells us that in the last days, God would pour out his spirit. That began at Pentecost. Every generation of Christians has lived expecting the Lord's return. And that's right. That's what we're supposed to do.
But there's something different about our time. Something that makes my hair stand on end when I analyze it carefully. Throughout the history of the church, there have been wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines. Jesus said these things had to happen, but that the end wouldn't be immediately. They're like birth pains, he said. And here's the key. Birth pains intensify until the moment of birth. What we're seeing now aren't just the signs that have always existed. It's the intensification of those signs, the frequency, the magnitude. It's as if God's prophetic clock is accelerating.
When I look at earthquake statistics over the last 50 years, ( click here) I see a clear pattern of increase, not just in number, but in intensity. The Turkey and Syria earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people. The earthquakes in Japan that continue shaking the region. The seismic movements affecting places that were previously stable. Wars are also changing. They're no longer isolated regional conflicts. Their conflicts involving the great world powers which have the potential to escalate to something much bigger. The situation in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, conflicts threatening to involve the United States, China, Russia. But there's something more subtle happening, something you might notice if you pay attention. The speed with which events develop now is incomparable to any previous era in history. A crisis can begin in one part of the world and within hours be affecting the entire planet. A 100 years ago, a war in Europe took months to seriously affect America. Now, a conflict anywhere in the world can collapse global markets in minutes. A pandemic can paralyze all humanity in weeks. An economic crisis can spread across the entire planet before anyone can react adequately. This acceleration of events is no coincidence. It's part of the pattern Jesus described when he spoke of birth pains. As the moment of birth approaches, the pains become more frequent and more intense. Daniel 12:4 says something very interesting. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall increase. Notice that description. Many shall run to and fro. That perfectly describes our era of mass travel, globalization, constant movement of people across the planet, and knowledge shall increase. Human knowledge has doubled several times just in recent decades. But there's another sign that powerfully catches my attention, one that Jesus specifically mentioned and that we're seeing develop before our eyes in a way no previous generation could witness. The sign I'm referring to is Israel. And when I say Israel, I'm not just talking about another country in the Middle East. I'm talking about the most precise prophetic clock God gave us to understand what moment in history we're living in. Jesus himself gave us this key in Luke 21 verse 24. And they will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Notice that phrase, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Jesus was talking about a specific period when Jerusalem would be under Gentile control, non-Jews.
That period began in the year 70 after Christ when the Roman general Titus destroyed Jerusalem and dispersed the Jews throughout the world. For almost 1900 years, the Jews lived scattered among the nations exactly as Jesus had prophesied. Jerusalem was under Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Ottoman, British control, never under Jewish control. But then something happened that shook the prophetic world. In 1948, after almost two millennia of dispersion, Israel became a nation again. In 1967, in the Six-Days war, Jerusalem was again under Jewish control for the first time since the year 70. Do you realize the prophetic magnitude of this? A nation that had ceased to exist for 1900 years.
A people that had been scattered throughout the world suddenly returns to their ancestral land and recovers their sacred capital. This has no precedent in human history. Nations that disappear, disappear forever. Empires that fall don't rise after two millennia. But Israel did. Jesus gave us another prophetic key related to this in Matthew 24:32. Now learn this parable from the fig tree. When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Many biblical scholars identify the fig tree with Israel. Throughout alI scripture, the fig tree is used as a symbol of the Jewish nation. When Jesus cursed the barren fig tree in Mark 11, many interpret it as a prophetic judgment on Israel for rejecting the Messiah. But here in Matthew 24, Jesus speaks of the fig tree becoming green again, of its branches becoming tender and sprouting leaves. If the fig tree represents Israel, then the greening of the fig tree represents the restoration of Israel as a nation. And that's exactly what we've witnessed. Israel not only returned as a nation, but has flourished in extraordinary ways. A desert that had been desolate for centuries now blooms with advanced agriculture. An arid land now produces fruits and vegetables that are exported throughout the world. But there's something deeper here. Jesus said that when we see this, when we see the fig tree becoming green, we would know that summer is near. In the prophetic context, summer represents the time of harvest, the time of the end.
Then Jesus added something that should make us reflect deeply. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Matthew 24:34. What generation? The generation that sees the greening of the fig tree. The generation that sees Israel restored as a nation, that generation will not pass until all the prophecies related to Christ's second coming are fulfilled. A biblical generation is generally calculated between 40 and 80 years. Israel became a nation in 1948. If we calculate 80 years from that date, we reach 2028. If we calculate from 1967 when Jerusalem was recovered, we reach. l'm not establishing dates because scripture prohibits that. But I am observing patterns. I'm recognizing seasons as Jesus commanded us to do. There's another element of the prophetic clock that has me completely amazed. Throughout all human history, from Abraham to today, God has worked with specific periods of time that repeat constantly in scripture. The number 40 appears again and again. 40 days of rain in the flood, 40 years of Israel in the desert, 40 days of Moses on the mountain, 40 days of Jesus in the desert, 40 days between the resurrection and the ascension. The number 70 is also prophetically significant. 70 years of Israel. And here's what keeps me awake at night. From the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70 until 1948 were 1,878 years. From 1948 until now, 77 years have passed, very close to the 80 years of a complete biblical generation. But there's more. Daniel 9: verses 24- 27 speaks of 70 weeks determined for Daniel's people and his holy city. Many biblical interpreters see these 70 weeks as 70 weeks of years, that is 490 years. The first 69 weeks were fulfilled exactly from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem last 7 years, seems
to be separated from the first 69 by an indeterminate period. Many scholars
believe we're living in that intermediate period between the 69th and 70th week and that the final 70th week will begin when the fullness of the Gentiles that Paul speaks of in Romans 11:25 is fulfilled.
( Romans 11:25 discusses a mystery regarding Israel's partial hardening until the full number of Gentiles comes to faith. This verse emphasizes the importance of humility among believers, reminding them that salvation is a gift from God, not based on human merit.
Overview of Romans 11:25
Romans 11:25 addresses a significant aspect of God's plan regarding Israel and the Gentiles. The verse emphasizes a mystery that Paul wants the believers to understand to prevent pride and misunderstanding.
Key Concepts
• Mystery of God's Plan: Paul refers to a divine mystery concerning Israel's current state and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's salvation plan.
• Partial Hardening of Israel: The verse states that part of Israel has experienced a hardening, meaning not all Jews have accepted the Gospel.
• Fulfillment of the Gentiles: This hardening will continue until the "fullness of the Gentiles" comes in, indicating a specific time when God's plan for Gentile inclusion is complete.
Implications for Believers
• Unity and Humility: Paul warns Gentile believers against feeling superior to Jews, reminding them that salvation is a gift from God, not based on human merit.
• Hope for Israel: The verse suggests that there is still hope for the Jewish people, as they may be restored once the fullness of the Gentiles is achieved.
This passage highlights the interconnectedness of God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing humility and unity among believers. )
All this might sound very complicated, but the reality is simple. God has a prophetic clock that has been functioning with mathematical precision for thousands of years. The events we're seeing are not coincidental. They're part of a divine plan that is unfolding exactly as it was prophesied. And here's what excites and overwhelms me at the same time. If these calculations are close to being correct, if we really are in the final hours of God's prophetic clock, then we are the most privileged generation in all human history. We are the ones who will see the final fulfillment of all biblical promises. But let me tell you something that has me completely intrigued. Jesus didn't just speak of political and social signs. He also spoke of signs in the sky that would accompany the last days. In Luke 21: 25, Jesus said, "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars, and on the earth distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring.
( Luke 21:25 describes signs in the sun, moon, and stars, along with distress among nations and the roaring of the sea, indicating significant cosmic disturbances and fear among people before the coming of the Son of Man. This passage emphasizes the need for vigilance and readiness for divine intervention.
Overview of Luke 21:25
Luke 21:25 describes significant cosmic signs and global distress that will occur before the return of Jesus. This verse emphasizes the turmoil that will affect both the heavens and the earth.
Key Elements of the Verse
• Cosmic Signs: The verse mentions signs in the sun, moon, and stars, indicating celestial disturbances.
• Global Distress: It highlights the confusion and fear among nations due to the "roaring" of the sea and waves, symbolizing chaos and upheaval.
Contextual Significance
• Prophetic Nature: These signs are often interpreted as indicators of divine intervention or judgment, similar to prophecies found in the Old Testament.
• Call to Vigilance: The passage serves as a reminder for believers to be watchful and prepared for the coming of the Son of Man, encouraging them to maintain faith amid turmoil.
Related Themes
• Fear and Anxiety: The verse suggests that people will experience fear and anxiety over what is to come, reflecting a universal human response to uncertainty.
• Hope of Redemption: Despite the distress, the following verses encourage believers to "stand up and raise your heads," signaling that their redemption is near.
This passage is part of a broader discourse where Jesus discusses the signs of the end times and the importance of being spiritually alert.)
For most of human history, it was difficult to imagine how celestial signs could be observed by all humanity simultaneously. But now, with modern technology, any astronomical event can be transmitted instantly to the entire world. In recent years, we've seen extraordinary celestial phenomena. The blood moons that coincided with Jewish feasts, the solar eclipses that crossed significant territories, the planetary conjunctions that hadn't been seen in centuries. Some interpreters point to specific events like September 23rd, 2017 when there was an astronomical alignment that some related to Revelation 12. (Click here for details) The constellation Virgo, the sun, the moon, and several planets aligned in a way that seemed to coincide with the biblical description of the woman clothed with the sun with the moon under her feet. Now, let me be clear here. l'm not saying these astronomical alignments are automatically divine signs. The danger of interpreting every celestial phenomenon as a prophetic sign is real. But we also can't ignore that Jesus specifically said there would be signs in the sky. What does catch my attention is the frequency with which these events are occurring and the way they seem to coincide with significant events in Israel and in the world. But celestial signs are only part of the picture.
Jesus also spoke of signs on earth that would be equally evident and on the earth distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring. This description of global confusion of anguish among nations of problems that seem to come from all directions perfectly describes our current world.
Nations are confused about how to handle mass immigration, climate change, pandemics, economic crises, regional conflicts that threaten to become global. There's a sense that problems are too big and complex for traditional human solutions. Jesus also mentions something very specific in Matthew 24:7. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. The word translated as pestilences is the Greek word λοιμοί, (loimoí) which means plagues or epidemics. During recent years, we've seen not only COVID 19, but also outbreaks of monkey pox, bird flu, and other diseases that threaten to become global pandemics. Famines are also increasing.
Paradoxically, in an era of technological abundance, more people are going hungry than ever before in history. The war in Ukraine has disrupted the global grain supply.
Climate change is affecting agricultural production. Regional conflicts are creating massive humanitarian crises. And earthquakes are increasing both in frequency and intensity. Not only that, but they're occurring in places where historically they weren't common. But there's another sign Jesus mentioned that seems particularly relevant to our time. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24: 12)
Look around you. Political polarization has reached levels not seen since the Civil War in many countries. Families are divided by ideological differences. Neighbours become enemies over political disagreements. The ability to have civil conversations about controversial topics seems to be disappearing. on social media which should connect people. We see more hate, more division, more cruelty than genuine love. Compassion is being replaced by cancellation. Forgiveness is being replaced by revenge. Patience is being replaced by instant anger. This description of Jesus about love growing cold isn't just a general moral observation. It's a specific sign of the last days. But perhaps the most significant sign Jesus mentioned is one that many Christians aren't paying enough attention to. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations.** And then the end will come. Matthew 24:14. For the first time in human history, we have the technology to reach every person on the planet with the gospel message. internet, satellite radio, global television, mobile phones, instant translation apps. All this makes possible what never before had been possible. Missionary organizations report that the gospel is being preached in places that had been closed for centuries.
[There are an estimated 430,000 full-time Christian missionaries currently serving worldwide. This number has decreased significantly from over 1.1 million missionaries in 2001.
Current Number of Christian Missionaries
Total Missionaries
• Estimated Total: Approximately 430,000 missionaries are currently serving full-time on the mission field.
Historical Context
• Decline: This number has decreased significantly from about 1,135,000 missionaries in 2001.
Breakdown by Denomination
• Evangelical Missionaries: The number of evangelical missionaries is much lower, with estimates around 59,292 serving internationally.
Missionary Service Duration
• Service Length: Nearly 50% of missionaries serve for five years or less.
Global Need
•Unreached People Groups: There is a significant need for more missionaries, with estimates suggesting that one missionary is needed for every 50,000 unreached individuals.
This highlights both the current missionary presence and the ongoing need for outreach in various regions around the world.]
Countries that prohibited Christianity now have underground churches growing exponentially. The gospel is spreading through Africa, Asia, and Latin America at unprecedented speeds. But here's what has me really excited and concerned at the same time. All these signs aren't occurring in isolation. They're converging. It's as if we were musicians in a giant orchestra and all sections were reaching the climax of the symphony at the same time.
I want to delve deeper into this question of the generation of the fig tree because I believe it's key to understanding the prophetic moment we're living in. When Jesus spoke of the parable of the fig tree in Mark 13 verses 28 and 29, he said, "Now learn this parable from the fig tree. When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also when you see these things happening know that it is near at the doors.
The key here is understanding what the fig tree represents in the biblical context. Throughout all scripture, Israel is repeatedly compared to a fig tree. In Jeremiah 24, God shows the prophet two baskets of figs. The good figs represent the Jews who would be taken captive to Babylon but then restored. The bad figs represent those who would be completely destroyed. In Hosea 9:10, God says, "I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the first fruits on the fig tree in its first season." In Joel 1:7, Israel's destruction is described as, "He has laid waste my vine and ruined my fig tree. He has stripped it bare and thrown it away. Its branches are made white. When Jesus cursed the barren fig tree in Mark 11, he was giving a prophetic lesson about Israel. The fig tree had leaves but no fruit. Just as Israel had the appearance of religiosity but didn't produce the spiritual fruit God expected. But in Matthew 24, Jesus speaks of the fig tree becoming green again, of its branches becoming tender and sprouting new leaves. If the fig tree represents Israel, then this greening represents the national restoration of Israel. And that's exactly what we've witnessed since 1948. Israel not only returned as a nation after almost 2,000 years of dispersion, but has flourished in extraordinary ways. The desert has literally bloomed. Israel now exports fruits and vegetables to Europe. They've developed irrigation technology being used around the world. They've converted arid lands into productive gardens. But the flourishing isn't just agricultural. It's technological, scientific, economic, and military. Israel has become a world power in technological innovations. Tel Aviv is considered one of the most important startup centers in the world after Silicon Valley. From a military perspective, Israel has gone from being a vulnerable nation surrounded by enemies to being one of the most advanced military forces in the world. Its Iron Dome anti-missile defense system is considered one of the most effective that exists. From a spiritual perspective, there's also a flourishing. The number of Messianic Jews, Jews who believe in Jesus as the Messiah, has grown exponentially in recent decades. Organizations like Jews for Jesus report unprecedented interest among Jews in investigating Jesus's claims. But there's something deeper here I want you to understand. When Jesus said, "This generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place." He was talking specifically about the generation that would see the greening of the fig tree. A biblical generation is typically considered between 40 and 80 years. If Israel became a nation in 1948, then 80 years would bring us to 2028.
If we count from 1967 when Jerusalem was recovered, 80 years would bring us to year 2028.
I'm not establishing specific dates. Jesus was very clear that we wouldn't know the day and time of the end.
**
Population & Christianity Stats
Beyond obeying Jesus command to go and make disciples, analyzing population and religion statistics can help us better understand the need for missionaries. Since we last updated this post in 2024, the world’s population has grown over 100 million people, but many of the stats about Christianity and faith remain unchanged.
8.2 billions
World Population (as of February 2025)
What’s the world’s current population?
There are over 8.2 billion people in the world today, according to the Worldometer.( Click here for real time numbers)
Top 10 Most Populous Countries:
1. India: 1.4+ billion
2. China: 1.4+ billion
3. USA: 346+ million
4. Indonesia: 284+ million
5. Pakistan: 253+ million
6. Nigeria: 235+ million
7. Brazil: 212+ million
8. Bangladesh: 174+ million
9. Russia: 144+ million
10. Ethiopia: 134+ million
Data collected on February 3, 2024.
31% of the world’s population identify as Christian.
How many Christians are there?
Based on a study by Pew Research (here) , 31% of the world’s population identify as Christian (which includes Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and other denominations).
Top World Religions:
• 31% – Christian: 50% are Catholic, 37% Protestant, 12% Orthodox, and 1% other.
• 23% – Muslim: 87-90% are Sunnis, 10-13% Shia.
• 16% – None: includes atheists, agnostics and people who do not identify with any particular religion.
• 15% – Hindu
• 7% – Buddhist
• 6% – Folk Religions: faiths that are closely associated with a particular group of people, ethnicity or tribe.
• 1% – Other: Baha’i faith, Taoism, Jainism, Shintoism, Sikhism, Tenrikyo, Wicca, Zoroastrianism, etc.
• 0.2% – Jew
42% of the world’s population have never heard of Jesus.
How many people have heard the gospel?
It’s estimated that 3.4 billion people have never heard the gospel of Jesus. That’s nearly half (42.4%) of the world’s population. This includes those living in areas with little to no access to the Bible, churches, or Christian resources.
In Matthew 28, Jesus commands his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. We believe it is our calling to partner with missionaries who dedicate their lives to reaching these unreached people groups and sharing the love and gospel of Jesus with them.
[The Spirit and the bride say, come !
The Spirit and the bride say, Come! Let the one who hears say, Come! And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. ~ Part of what it means to be devoted to Christ is proclaiming the gospel and inviting others to join the household of faith. The Bride's role in Revelation 22:17 ...]
97%
of unreached people are in the 10/40 Window (details and maps here)
Where are the most unreached people?
The majority of unreached people live in the 10/40 Window. This region, spanning from North Africa to East Asia, is home to the largest concentration of people who have never had the opportunity to hear about Jesus.
It’s estimated 96.6% of those who have never heard the gospel live in this region. One of our main focuses is reaching these unreached people groups through our partnerships with missionaries working in this area. Currently, we have missionaries in Kosovo and Pakistan, sharing the gospel and planting churches.
20% of the world’s population do not have the bible translated in their native language.
How many people don’t have bibles?
One in five people on earth do not have a bible in their own language. There is an estimated 1.5 billion people who have little to no access to God’s word in a language they can understand.
7.3k people groups are unreached in the world.
Which countries are missionaries needed?
Christian missionaries are needed everywhere–including your home community.
But in terms of those who haven’t had the opportunity to hear the gospel, there’s an estimated 7,290 unreached people groups in the world, meaning there are no indigenous Christians living within the community.
Over 6,000 of these unreached people groups are located inside the 10/40 Window.
These are the most unreached populations in 2025:
•India – 1,352,947,000
•Pakistan – 236,972,000
•Indonesia – 193,937,000
•Bangladesh – 172,173,000
•China – 140,553,000
•Japan – 120,652,000
•Iran – 88,612,000
•Turkey – 85,014,000
•Nigeria – 68,296,000
•Thailand – 61,585,000
There are many ways to support missionaries serving in the field.
You can pray, give financially, go on a short-term mission trip, or volunteer your time and skills to help with various projects and needs.
How you can help?
O N L Y A H O L Y GOD
Who else com - mands all the
hosts of Hea-ven?
Who else could make ev'ry
king bow down?
Who else could whis - per and
dark ness trem - ble?
On - ly a ho - ly God.
Come and be - hold Him,
the One and the On - ly.
Cry out! Sing Ho - ly!
For- ev - er a Ho - ly God.
Come and wor-ship the Ho - ly God.
What o - ther beau - ty
de - mands such prais - es
What o - ther splen - dor
out - shines the sun?
What o - ther maj - es - ty
rules with jus - tice?
On - ly a ho - ly God.
Come and be - hold Him,
the One and the On - ly.
Cry out! Sing Ho - ly!
For - ev - er a Ho - ly God.
Come and wor - ship the Ho - ly God.
What oth - er glo - rу
con - sumes like fi - re?
What oth - er pow-er can
raise the dead?
What oth - er name re - mains
un - de - feat - ed?
On - ly a holy God.
Come and be- hold Him,
the One and the On - ly.
Cry out! Sing Ho - ly!
For - ev - er a Ho - ly God.
Come and wor - ship the Ho - ly God.
Who else could res - cue me
from my fail - ing?
Who else would of - fer His
on - Iy Son?
Who else in - vites me to
call Him Fath-er
On - ly a ho - ly God.
Come and be - hold Him,
the One and the On - ly.
Cry out! Sing Ho - ly!
For - ev - er a Ho - ly God.
Come and wor-ship the Ho - ly God.
Come and be - hold Him,
the One and the On - ly.
Cry out! Sing Ho - ly!
For- ev - er a Ho - ly God.
Come and wor-ship the Ho - ly God.
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