“And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.” Matt 24:14
“The end” = Christ’s return.
I’ve heard plenty of people say that the whole world has already been reached by the media, but that’s nowhere near the case, despite phenomenal success in the last 100 years.
Today about 3 billion out of 7.2 billion people have not heard the gospel and in effect could not even if they wanted too. That’s 42% of people living today.
There are signs like wars, earthquakes, famines, etc., but this one sign can in no way be checked off. Of course, we cannot “jump start” Christ’s return by being more evangelistic. Still – let’s pray and then dedicate ourselves to checking it off.
6 thoughts on “Just look at the news – isn’t it the end times?”
Is it possible that “throughout the world” is a rhetorical device? I think of Colossians 1:6 “…All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing…” Yanked from its context, but interesting that Paul seemed to think it was getting close (or even that it had already happened).
Of course, whether it means 100% have heard/rejected (or most, or whatever)… our response should be spread the gospel and live lives worthy of the calling, ready for the Lord.
Sam, hi!
“Throughout the world” is hyperbolic in Col 1:6, and I would say that 1 Thess 1:8 is too – “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.”
However, “to all nations” seems more specific to me in Matt 24:14, that it is “the whole inhabited world”. Jesus isn’t saying that many, many people will hear the gospel, but is challenging the disciples toward universal evangelism, if they love his coming.
But no, it would not mean that 100% have heard the gospel.
I see an aweful lot of people talking about worldly events right now connecting to end times prophecy and all I can say from it is ‘well since you’ve been wrong for the last 100+ years this time you’re sure you’ve got it right eh?”
Theres a blog on tumblr called Simplyheavenlyfood that has scared christians off with her constant postings of “weekly bible prophecy updates” because new christians are probably intimidated by it all. I think our time as christians should focus on getting Gods words out, not telling everyone to prepare to suffer and face Armageddon. Yes we should be ready, but I don’t think what’s going on today has is quite there as of yet.
Hi Jon, and thanks for sharing.
I do agree, Jon. And when we have this sort of apocalyptic mindset, it’s so much easier for us to, for example, hate Muslims as an end-times threat, instead of doing what we should be doing, reaching them with the gospel.
Open Our Eyes, Lord! 
Is it possible that “throughout the world” is a rhetorical device? I think of Colossians 1:6 “…All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing…” Yanked from its context, but interesting that Paul seemed to think it was getting close (or even that it had already happened).
Of course, whether it means 100% have heard/rejected (or most, or whatever)… our response should be spread the gospel and live lives worthy of the calling, ready for the Lord.
Sam, hi!
“Throughout the world” is hyperbolic in Col 1:6, and I would say that 1 Thess 1:8 is too – “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.”
However, “to all nations” seems more specific to me in Matt 24:14, that it is “the whole inhabited world”. Jesus isn’t saying that many, many people will hear the gospel, but is challenging the disciples toward universal evangelism, if they love his coming.
But no, it would not mean that 100% have heard the gospel.
I see an aweful lot of people talking about worldly events right now connecting to end times prophecy and all I can say from it is ‘well since you’ve been wrong for the last 100+ years this time you’re sure you’ve got it right eh?”
Theres a blog on tumblr called Simplyheavenlyfood that has scared christians off with her constant postings of “weekly bible prophecy updates” because new christians are probably intimidated by it all. I think our time as christians should focus on getting Gods words out, not telling everyone to prepare to suffer and face Armageddon. Yes we should be ready, but I don’t think what’s going on today has is quite there as of yet.
Hi Jon, and thanks for sharing.
I do agree, Jon. And when we have this sort of apocalyptic mindset, it’s so much easier for us to, for example, hate Muslims as an end-times threat, instead of doing what we should be doing, reaching them with the gospel.
Many blessings, Gary
love it. Cel Sent from iCloud