Slaying the Giant of Worry | How to Stop Overthinking and Trust God Daily

This summary provides an expert overview of biblical prophecy and contemporary global events, emphasizing the Bible’s role as the sole reliable guide to the future. It focuses on the signs indicating the end times are near, the imminence of the Rapture, and the believer’s necessary posture of faith, commitment, and spiritual readiness.

The Authority of Biblical Prophecy

The sources assert that the Bible is the only reliable source of information about the future, possessing an astounding record of accuracy. While many people, including psychics who briefly had their own network, attempt to tell the future, they often fail. If one seeks information about the future, the mandate is to “don’t read the futurists, read the prophets”.

The Bible contains three times more prophecies concerning the second coming of Christ than the 300 prophecies regarding His first coming. Since Almighty God fulfilled every prophecy related to His first advent, believers should be confident that He “will fulfill” the predictions concerning the future. God wants every individual to embrace the present time and find out how to live it in the Holy Spirit’s power.

Prophetic Times: Global Indicators of the End

Several major global developments confirm that we are living in the prophetic times foretold in scripture.

1. The Rebirth of Israel

The rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948 is the singular event that has “forever changed the landscape” going forward. This event, which happened almost “off the radar screen,” is critical because “in order for all of the other end-time prophecies to happen, Israel has to be at home in her own land”.

• Israel’s reemergence in her ancient homeland is considered “exhibit A” in the lineup of convincing evidences that Bible prophecies are going to be fulfilled.
• Despite being a tiny nation—just 1/19th the size of California and smaller than New Jersey—Israel confounds everyone with its military ability and commitment to survival, just as God promised. Israel is God’s special plan and God’s special place.

2. Redistribution of Wealth (Oil)

Following the refounding of Israel, many Christians wondered what would draw global attention and animosity to such a small nation. The answer is oil.

• The redistribution of wealth through oil in the Middle East has occurred in our lifetime.
• Oil acts like a “magnet” drawing all nations to that focal point for the final war that will take place on this earth. The Bible suggests God will put a “hook in the jaws of the nations,” which is believed to be this oil.

3. Realignment of Europe (The Roman Empire Revival)

Believers are urged to keep their eyes on Europe, where the realignment of nations fulfills prophecies found in the books of Daniel (chapters 2 and 9).

• Daniel’s interpretation of dreams revealed the history of the world from his time until God establishes His kingdom.
• The current reorganization of Europe—including 27 nations forming a coalition, their own constitution, and the adoption of the Euro dollar—fulfills prophecies concerning the old Roman Empire being revived in the last time.
• This European block is described as the most powerful bloc of nations in the world, equaling almost the power and dominance of the United States.
• Significance for End Times: The Bible states that the future world ruler, who will abrogate power and rule the whole world (the Antichrist), will emerge from this reunited European coalition (the revived Roman Empire). He will not come from the United States.

The Imminent Event: The Rapture

All these signs are preparing the way for an event that could happen tonight: the Rapture.

The Purpose and Timing

The Rapture is a future event described in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4. It is distinct from the second coming of Christ. The purpose of Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonian church was to comfort believers who were ignorant about the fate of their godly loved ones who had died.

The Antichrist will not be revealed until after the Rapture.

The Sequence of Events

Paul gave a “crystal-clear outline” of the sequence of the Rapture:

1. The Lord Himself Returns: Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. Only believers will hear this.
2. Resurrection of the Dead in Christ: The “dead in Christ” (those who died believing in Jesus) will rise first. Their bodies will be resurrected, reformed, and go up to meet the Lord.
3. The Catching Up: Believers “who are alive and remain” (who have not died) will then be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air”.
4. Eternal Presence: Thus, believers “shall always be with the Lord”.

This event is described by the speaker as looking for the “uppertaker,” not the undertaker.