With all the terrible news about it's not surprising that many are wondering whether the world is slipping into global chaos!

For centuries false prophets have tried to give a date for the end of the world but in complete contrast the Lord Jesus Christ gave no date but He did tell us to observe, the signs of the times. (Matthew 16:3] Here are some.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (Matthew 24:7] Today we have the greatest famines in history and some of the most destructive earthquakes ever known.

Jesus also said, "There will be great tribulation such as has not been since the beginning of the world, and unless those days were shortened no flesh will be saved." (Matthew 24:21-22] This mass slaughter of human beings is now possible through nuclear terrorism and nuclear bombs on guided missiles.

Referring to the global flood in the days of Noah, Jesus said that before the end of the world the days would be similar to the times of Noah when the earth was full of wickedness and violence. (Genesis 6:5-11 and Matthew 24:37-39]

What a picture this is of today's world! Yet many scoff at the very idea of a global flood without realising that 2000 years ago Peter foretold that this kind of scoffer would come! (2 Peter 3:3-7] The evidence for a global flood is overwhelming.

For example, a recent BBC documentary showed pictures of tropical animal remains under the sea between Britain and France. These were once joined together but were separated by the great flood. Cooling caused by the evaporation of so much water after the flood is the best explanation for the Ice Age out of about 60 theories.

Christ's first coming to earth was foretold by over 300 prophecies, so it is absolutely certain that He will come again at the end of the world as He said. Be ready!
e-mail ntftw@jewells.fsworld.co.uk Website www.thoughtfortheweek.co.uk