THE MAIN SIGNS OF THE END TIMES
Dear friends, I had the opportunity to minister the Word at Gospel Light Church and to visit the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“As He (Jesus) sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the world?” Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:3-4)
How many fables are preached today, supposedly in the name of God? It was not in vain that Christ pointed out the main sign of the end times — deception. It is revealed in many areas. I will mention the most widespread ones:
1. Ecumenism
At first glance, the idea seems good. It suggests not only the unification of various Christian denominations but also of other religions. It sounds as if this will lead to ultimate peace among nations. But notice: it is not religion itself that causes conflicts, but the sinful nature of people, which shows itself through lust, greed, the love of power and money.
Some may think that once religions are united, criticism and disagreements will finally disappear. Let’s imagine, for a moment, unity among Christian denominations alone. Didn’t Jesus pray for our unity? He surely did. But even so, Christ never compromised with the Pharisees and Sadducees for the sake of unity at the expense of truth, glossing over disagreements. And those were the mainstream denominations of His time.
Jesus prayed for unity in truth, not for unity’s sake. Light has nothing in common with darkness. Moreover, the Lord even called those spiritual leaders hypocrites and children of the devil, because their lives were filled with lies.
2. Generation Gap
Today, there is a growing tendency to laugh at what once was. Under the influence of modern trends, old moral principles are being ridiculed—even in churches. While the past is criticized, the present reveals worse fruits: respect for elders, obedience to parents, strong marriages, patience, compassion, and love have all but faded.
On top of that, those who try to maintain a godly lifestyle are often shamed as “legalists.” Of course, we should not dwell on the past, because that alone changes nothing in the present. As Ecclesiastes 7:10 reminds us: “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.”
Nevertheless, the Lord gives us this good counsel through the prophet Jeremiah: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.’” (Jeremiah 6:16).
Alas, the response of many is found in the very next line of the verse: “But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Speaking of the coming of John the Baptist, the Lord described his ministry in these words: “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:6).
From this Scripture, we clearly see that God hates generation gaps. Moreover, if such gaps appear, He warns of bringing a curse. The true Holy Spirit unites—He does not divide or destroy this connection. That’s why I don’t understand how anyone can speak of starting a “youth church.” This is the spirit of the Antichrist.
3. LGBT Propaganda
God created male and female. When questions arise about this, it’s important to point out something clear. The most obvious differences between men and women are found in the bones of the skull and pelvis.
The male skull is generally larger, with more pronounced supraorbital arches and a wider lower jaw. In women, the skull is smaller, the forehead lower and narrower, and the bridge of the nose less concave compared to men.
As for the pelvis, the male pelvis is narrower and longer, forming more of a cone shape, while the chest is wider. In women, it’s the opposite: the pelvis is wider, and the chest narrower.
So, no matter how a person identifies during their lifetime, when only the bones remain, analysis will always reveal whether that person was created male or female.
4. Calvinism
In other words, this is the understanding of salvation as: “Once saved, always saved.”
But for us, the most important words are the words of Jesus Christ. And He says:
“Therefore if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life lame or maimed than having two hands or two feet to be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than having two eyes to be thrown into the fire of hell.” (Matthew 18:8–9)
Notice how the Lord makes a direct connection between sin—which must be defeated—and eternal fire, the fire of hell, which reveals the fate of the sinner enslaved by his lusts.
In this light, the teaching of Paul can be rightly understood. He taught in full agreement with the very Christ whom he had once persecuted but later served. Peter himself realized that Paul’s writings could be misunderstood, and he warned us:
“Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul has also written to you according to the wisdom given to him. As in all his letters, he writes about these things, in which some things are hard to understand, which the unlearned and unstable distort, as they do also the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15–16)
Therefore, let no one deceive us with a teaching that contradicts this truth.
5. Occultism
It is being promoted everywhere—starting with school reading books in libraries, movies, cartoons, shows about people with supernatural powers, horoscopes, and even creeping into churches. This may surprise some, but sadly, it has become a plague in modern Christianity.
Paul writes: “Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith and pay attention to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
He also warns us: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than the one we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)
Can you imagine what the Apostle Paul is saying here? Basically, if even an angel from heaven were to contradict the Scriptures, that angel must be accursed. That’s serious!
In other words, no matter what kind of “spiritual experience” someone claims to have, the ultimate authority is always the written Word of God.
6. Sexualization
You don’t have to look far. Just scroll through social media, where even “followers of Christ” post photos with tongues sticking out, kissing poses, provocative clothing, and more. Such behavior shows they know neither the Spirit of God nor His holiness. And instead of being ashamed for failing to shine light in this world, they try to shame those who teach modesty and chastity.
Both Paul and Peter address outward appearance, making it clear that it’s really a matter of the heart. And yes—this may sound “legalistic,” but listen to their words:
“In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing, but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.“ (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
”Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing. But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
But let’s be clear—this applies not only to sisters, but also to brothers. So why does Scripture speak more often about women in this regard? Simply because men are generally more prone to lust through what they see. And this is no secret to anyone.
7. Political Influence
During the Roman Empire, there was a very patriotic group in Israel called the Zealots. They, like most of the Israelites, were expecting a military-political leader who would come and deliver them from Roman rule. I can imagine their disappointment when Christ said: ”… Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21).
No doubt, Jesus disappointed them as the Messiah. This was not how they imagined Him. They wanted their own Messiah, not the One who says, “I am Who I am.” The true Messiah came to conquer our hearts.
Leave your endless historical and political disputes. Do not put your hope in earthly things or in the flesh. Man will never be able to create a utopia on earth. Stop biting and devouring one another with this (Galatians 5:15). It’s painful to watch and grievous to the Holy Spirit!
It is better to pray for the authorities and provide practical help, showing genuine love for your neighbor. But those who are too carried away with politics will become easy prey for the Antichrist, who will come to rule the world for a while.
Friends, given all these points, we have encouragement and comfort: ”Therefore repent and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the One who previously was preached to you, Jesus Christ,“ (Acts 3:19-20).
The times of refreshing will come from the presence or visitation of the Lord. In the original language, the word “refreshing” means “a recovery of breath; reviving with fresh air.” This is our personal revival or awakening. Let us seek the Lord through the revelation of the Holy Spirit—the Word of God. The Bible says, “… Your word revives me.” (Psalm 119:50).
Therefore, if you want to experience your personal spiritual revival, study the Scriptures diligently. Jesus also says: ”He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father. And I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” (John 14:21).
Here is the secret of knowing Christ—when He reveals Himself through His true indwelling with His Spirit. Then you will hear His voice and will not confuse it with any other voice.
May the Lord protect us from all deception.
Max Volkov in Christ
