Many used to 'think' that Bible prophecies were probably only 'symbolic', because in past generations people could not see any possibility of those things happening. But, sound doctrinal churches knew by faith in God's Word, that His promises and prophecies would happen just as He said. The tribulation was literal, a real time coming, with time frames, and distinct descriptions. Those things people thought impossible over the last couple thousand years, are now for the 1st time FULLY POSSIBLE and HAPPENING DURING OUR GENERATION that saw Israel's rebirth. What an awesome and exciting time to be alive!
There are alliances building between countries that are totally unexpected, that were predicted over 2000 years ago. These alliances will eventually attack Israel, which is a tiny little country. Why is it so significant? Why, out of all the countries in the world, is Israel the one that almost the whole world is against? Because it was prophesied. It was also prophecied that Jewish descendants would gather in Israel and become a nation again. That's already happened in 1948. Usually when a fig tree is used in an analogy in scripture it is referring to Israel; thus, most Bible scholars believe when it speaks of the fig tree blooming in the end times it is referring to Israel becoming a nation again, and it says when the fig tree puts forth leaves, this generation will not die until these things are fulfilled.
Here are some prophecies that have come to pass, are coming
to pass, and soon to come to pass..
Israel reborn as a nation in 1948 (Ezek. 4:3-6, Lev. 26:18)
Israel surrounded by hostile Arab countries (Psalm 83:4-8)
Jerusalem inhabited by the Jews (Luke 21:24)
Israel as a burdensome stone to the nations
Israel negotiates a peace treaty with her enemies (Daniel 9:27)
The world calling for someone to bring a Peace Plan
Doomsday weapons threaten earth (Joel 2:3)
Ecological devastation occurs (Rev. 11:18)
The Roman Empire revives as the European Union (Daniel 2:40-44)
Heresies become widespread (II Thess. 2:3)
Russia rises as a military power (Ezek. 38:1-12)
A hole in the ozone layer develops (Rev. 16:8.9)
TV communications are global (Revelation 11:9,10)
Two thousand years ago it was prophecied that two men would be killed, and the entire world would be able to see them lying there dead, and would celebrate. That hasn't happened yet; that will be during the 7 year tribulation, but see how it is possible for the entire world to see them now, but when the statement was made it was unimaginable?
Satanic and cultic activity arises (I Tim. 4:1)
The fulfillment of Rev. 13:16, 17 is possible.
At some point during the tribulation everyone will have to have some kind of mark to participate in any commerce whatsoever. 2000 years ago that would have been impossible. Now there are several different patents for technology that could be used for it, such as a subdermal chip that can be programmed to light up with different patterns when scanned, that are specifically for e-commerce. Who knows what they will use, but there are several possible scenarios developing, that would have been impossible 50 years ago, much less 2000 years. Computers are linked all over the world. There are hut-dwellers with generators in South America that don't have tvs, but they do have computers. It was proposed at a U.N. meeting recently that everyone in the world be numbered. (See The Mark)
Massive increases in wealth occur (Jas. 5:3)
GATT and World Trade Organization become possible forerunners of a world government (Rev. 13:7)
The International Criminal Court which has been ratified and goes into effect in July 2002, is a huge push forward in Bible Prophecy, as globalism comes together fast. Many in America agree that some of what the international court sees as 'crimes', especially the "crimes against humanity" is left very open, and is an area most in America don't trust, because it could at anytime include what the world sees as 'intolerant', those against the 'world views of the time'...the push to one faith, one world, one (antichrist) leader waiting in the wings, etc. In many European countries now it is illegal and punishable by jail to speak out against certain things being a sin/wrong...it is considered a crime against humanity, intolerance.
During the tribulation, Scripture shows that tons of Christians and Jews will be martryed for their faith very early on. Those left behind in the trib that become believers would be the prime ones the world would be in hot pursuit of, because at that point, they will not want ANYONE to ever again stand in their way of what they falsely think ...is the true world path to peace. Also, to have this international court come about RIGHT now, as Israel is THE center point, and HOTTEST spot in the world in news, another Biblical sign of the times. It was in the last couple years that the headlines in the news were of the largest and most important "historical and record" global meetings of most faiths/religions of the world, within months of the "historical" record meetings of global leaders to bring about globalism.
Asia possesses resources for a 200-million-man army (Rev. 9:14-16)
Dam built to allow Oriental army to cross the Euphrates River. The Euphrates River can be dried up (Rev. 16:12-v 14) and a military highway linking Asia to the Middle East is being completed (Rev. 9:14)
One of the armies that will come against Israel is a 2 million man army from the east. Was that possible 100 years ago? No. With China's one child policy, they have enough males now to make it possible. Preparations are being made for them to be able to travel en masse from China to Israel. There weren’t even 2 million people alive at the time of the prophecy.
Knowledge vastly increases (Dan. 12:4)
What is our generation been over and over called? THE INFORMATION GENERATION. Scientists say we now double our knowledge about every 1-1/2 years. Scientists say we are increasing our knowledge and technology advances at a incredible record pace.
Russian and Ethiopian Jews return to Israel (Jer. 23:7,8; Zeph. 3:10)
The Hebrew language is recovered (Zeph. 3:9)
Jerusalem is rebuilt in nine specific directions (Jer. 31:38-40)
Levites and priests train for Temple service (Ezek. 43:14,15)
Israel's rainfall increases dramatically (Joel 2:23) and the country
becomes fertile and blossoms (Isa. 27:6)
Not only has Israel been gathered back to their land, the nation is prospering economically. Israeli farmers have gone into "desolate places" and turned them into lush farm lands, and have become the major supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to Europe. Israeli scientists and engineers have developed many successful high-tech industries within Israel.
Men become more selfish, arrogant, abusive, ungrateful, fierce and treacherous (II Tim. 3:2,3)
Men going to and fro (travel)
As in the days of Noah
Wars and rumors of wars
People asking "Where is the sign of His coming?"
Earthquakes in diverse places
We're not necessarily seeing all these prophecies fulfilled now, but it's all coming together. Every day we see more plans solidifying or another piece fitting into the puzzle. Things that a few years ago we knew would occur, but didn't make sense, now are falling into place.
Although the Bible tells us not to worry about food, and that he takes care of the needs of little birds, it also says in Proverbs "A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it." Also, God doesn't drop worms down from trees into the birds' mouths; they have to go looking for them. Storing food is no guarantee; it won't do us any good if we're suffering from radiation poisoning, or if our food is destroyed or stolen. It's a good idea to be prepared if you can afford it, but don't put your faith in your preparations.
You may think this is all too negative, but is it negative and unloving to awaken a neighbor in the middle of the night if his house is on fire? Some would have us not be negative toward wolves in sheep’s clothing, who seek to devour the sheep, but would themselves instead be negative toward faithful “warners” who try to protect the flock.