I’ve heard people that go around to churches with messages that we are in the end times. They give lots of evidence from the bible that seem to show it. Usually they will use general prophecies like when Jesus said in Mark 13 that there would be “wars and rumors of wars” and “there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines”. The bible also says there will be a great increase in knowledge and that man will travel across the earth. But all these prophecies are general, they could have been used as evidence of the end times 20, 50, 100, even 200 years ago. So when people just use these prophecies to say we are in the end times and you had better repent, it comes off to me as scare tactics.
But could we really be in the end times? What specific things can we look for that are in the end times prophecies? The first major end times prophecy that will happen is the attack on Israel that is predicted in Ezekiel 38-39. In this prophecy, Russia leads an attack on Israel which will be supernaturally destroyed by God. Parts of this prophecy have already come to pass. Ch.38 verse 8 says Israel will be “gathered from many peoples” and will “dwell securely”
Israel was re-founded in 1946 and even with terrorist attacks, the country is more secure than ever before, and peace talks are on going. Also the list of countries that attack Israel does not include two ancient enemies, Egypt and Iraq, or Babylon. Egypt has signed and honored a peace treaty since 1979, but until Saddam Hussein was removed from power, Iraq would have been the first to join an attack on Israel. A democratic Iraq with friendly ties to the United States and peaceful ties to Israel could be another part of this prophecy happening. Also, Russia and Iran who have been traditional enemies, have been working together and become allies.
There are some things although that are not in place for this prophecy to happen that we can look for. One would be the King, or dictator of Russia that will lead the attack. Ezekiel 38:2 says Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him Right now, Russia is lead by an elected President not a chief prince. But President Putin has already made changes that would allow him to seize power after his second term is up this year. Already the government has taken control of national television and disbanded the election of governors making them appointed by the President. Now there is nobody in a position of authority that would oppose Putin. He is supposed to leave office this year, weather or not he does will be something to watch for.
Also Germany appears to play a major role. Since world war 2, Germany’s military had only been defensive. Only recently has Germany deployed combat troops outside the country. Look for Germany to be more active in world affairs.
Another thing to look for is a reason for these countries to attack Israel. One thing that could be a trigger would be Iran developing nuclear weapons. If Israel attacks Iran to destroy their nuclear facilities, this could bring these countries against Israel, especially if they have to use nuclear bunker busters to get to the facilities.



There may be other evidence of the end times, Joel 2:28 says;
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
Apparently there have been reports from the middle east of men having dreams and visions of Jesus. A problem Christians have in witnessing in Muslim countries is they aren’t sure if someone is truly looking for Jesus or looking to arrest them. There have been many reports of Muslims coming to a church and asking for bibles. They tell of visions and dreams of Jesus talking to them and now they believe and want to follow Him. A French paper, JOURNAL CHRETIEN reported this;
Another dramatic development is that many Muslims — including Shiites in Iran and Iraq — are seeing dreams and visions of Jesus and thus coming into churches explaining that they have already converted and now need a Bible and guidance on how to follow Jesus.
It seems that Jesus is working where it is too dangerous for others. These dreams and visions could be at least part of fulfillment of this end times prophecy.
Weather or not we are seeing end times prophecies fulfilled now, Jesus said in Matthew 24:36
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
This was concerning the rapture of the church when God will take all believers to heaven so He can judge the rest of the world. When this happens, everything in the world will be changed. it’s possible that this will be what triggers the end times prophecies. And Jesus said to be prepared, because only God knows when this will happen. Are you prepared? Only people who have put their faith in Jesus, that He died for their sins, and have asked for forgiveness will be taken to heaven. If you haven’t I urge you to do so today.

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 . Standard Bible Society: Wheaton (all verses)