NEWS reports from around the world say millions are seriously thinking the second coming of Christ may not be too far away.

This isn't surprising in the light of current events but also because His first coming as a babe to Bethlehem took place exactly as predicted centuries before. It's also true that during His 33 years on earth, over 300 predictions concerning His life, death and resurrection were fulfilled to the letter.

In the light of these historical facts and the promise of Jesus when He said "I will come again" John 14:3 we can be absolutely certain that He will indeed return to the earth once again.

This second coming will not be confined to Bethlehem but will be a spectacular global event that will usher in the resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous and determine their eternal destiny.

So what signs are there that the second coming is near? Jesus said the final days of history would be characterised by violence just as in the days of Noah when the people perished because they ignored Noah's warnings and refused to turn from their sins and accept God's way of salvation through the Ark.

The world has always been violent but the violence before His second coming will be so exceptional that God will intervene to shorten that period to prevent the human race being wiped out.

This degree of violence has only become possible in recent years with the arrival of terrible weapons of mass destruction. It behoves us all to learn from the unbelief of the people in Noah's day and to turn from our sins and trust in Christ who is our way of salvation just like the Ark!

We will then be able to look forward eagerly to the return of Christ. For other signs read Matthew chapter 24, Luke chapter 21 and Genesis 6:11

Rev David

V Jebson