The Gathering Notes and Scripture
May 27, 2020The Bible describes events and conditions that would mark “the conclusion of the [current] system of things,” or “the end of the world.” (Matthew 24:3; The Bible calls this time period “the last days” and the “time of the end,” or “end times.” 2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 8: 19)
War on a large scale. —Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:4.
Famine. —Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6: 5, 6.
Great earthquakes. —Luke 21:11.
Pestilences, or epidemics of “terrible diseases.” —Luke 21:11
Increase of crime. —Matthew 24:12.
Ruining of the earth by mankind. —Revelation 11:18.
Deterioration of people’s attitudes, as shown by many who are “unthankful, disloyal, . . . not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride.” —2 Timothy 3: 1-4.
Breakdown of the family, with people who have “no natural affection” and children who are “disobedient to parents.” —2 Timothy 3: 2, 3.
Love of God growing cold in most people. —Matthew 24:12.
Noteworthy displays of religious hypocrisy. —2 Timothy 3:5.
Increased understanding of Bible prophecies, including those related to the last days. —Daniel 12:4.
Global preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. —Matthew 24:14.
Widespread apathy and even ridicule toward the evidence of the approaching end. —Matthew 24:37- 39; 2 Peter 3: 3, 4.
The simultaneous fulfillment of all these prophecies, not just a few or even most of them. —Matthew 24:33.