that the coming of the Lord is very near at hand.

1. Israel, God's "fig tree," is budding profusely (Matt. 24:30-34; Jeremiah 23; Psalm 102:16).

2. The other nations of the world, such as the Middle East, and elsewhere are fast being prepared for events of the "last days." These answer to "all the trees" of Luke 21:29-32. Current developments in Europe are setting the stage for the revival of the Roman Empire as prophesied in Daniel 2:40-43; 7:7,24. 

3. Christendom today is strikingly similar to the last stage of church history portrayed by Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22—lukewarm and apostasizing from the truth.

4. The "perilous times" and characteristics of the last days described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are prevalent everywhere, especially "lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God."

5. The tremendous growth of cults and the occult corresponds to the description of the latter times of 1 Timothy 4:1. 

6. The uncontrollable increase of wickedness, violence and corruption is evidence that we are living in days similar to what prevailed in Noah's day (Gen. 6:5, 11-13) and that describe the days when the Lord will return (Luke 17:26).

7. The fact that we "see" (Matt. 24:33) all of the above signs (and a multitude more) taking place simultaneously with increasing clarity right before our eyes. "Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" (Matt. 24:34).