Earthquakes; Sign of the times?

Jim2 · Post by **Jim2** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:12 am

Signs that we are seeing today fit in with what the Bible predicted and also with what Jesus talked about in Mathew 24. The Bible gives the analogy that during the last days we’ll see "birth pains" just like a woman who is about to give birth. We know that as a woman draws closer to giving birth her pain increases in intensity and frequency.

Jesus spoke about this:

"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." (Matthew 24:3-8 NIV) Isn’t this exactly what is happening in our world today?
The word for earthquake in the original Greek was "seismos". This isn't necessarily an earthquake, but literally a great shaking. So, technically, a volcano could do the same thing. But, if it indeed means earthquake, consider the following;

We read in Luke 21:25-26:

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."

Even if you don’t follow the news, it's not difficult to recognize strange pattern of events that are happening all over the world.

1900 to 1949 = Average 3 major earthquakes per decade
1950s = 9 killer earthquakes
1960s = 13 killer earthquakes
1970s = 56 killer earthquakes
1980s = 74 killer earthquakes
1990s = 125 killer earthquakes in this decade.
2000s = Not sure yet

Source: US Geological Survey Earthquake Report, Boulder, Colorado

Admittedly, one of the reasons for the increase in frequency is because there are more seismographs located all over the world. But, in any event, they are increasing.

Have a good one all.....Jim

AnnieFannie43 · Post by **AnnieFannie43** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 3:08 pm

There have been many signs over the years Jim and they keep getting more n more frequent don't they. That was a neat statistic though...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 5:01 pm

Jim, from a scientific point of view, there have been and are today 100's of earthquakes everyday of the year world wide and have been since the earth formed from molten rock after the big bang. That's natures way of releasing the pressures that build up in the tetonic plates and holds this planet together.

Not arguing with you only pointing out scientific fact.

Have a good day/night and I'll see ya when I see ya.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:03 am

Jim,

You are most definitely on target with your watching the rise in earthquakes as one of the signs of the times. It will only continue to increase.

The Bible passages you quoted also referenced Wars and rumors of wars. Had you also noticed that there has been one conflict or another on the earth at all times since the Civil War? The earth has not seen peace since then.

While these and other signs can be alarming to think about, I chose to see it as encouraging. We are getting closer to a time when the world will live in total peace and harmony. That is what I have to look forward to.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:48 am

Thanks Chief. David, these stats came from the US Geological Survey Earthquake Report, Boulder, Colorado. But I posted killer earthquakes, not all of them. I believe these were 7.0 magnitude or higher on the Richter. I'm aware there are hundreds per day, but most of those are low in magnitude. And you know I don't even come close to believing in the "big bang". Unless, of course, you're referring to, "And God said let there be light, and BANG, there it was".

Nice avatar, by the way. C.Lynn, I too, look forward to it. It is encouraging. Have a good day everyone, Jim

Boon · Post by **Boon** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:04 am

Morning Jim, something we better tell the new people that read our *ahem* exchanges.

Jim and I have known each other for almost 2 years now and we have had debates like this one more than once. He understands my beliefs are different from many people including himself and has done is best to convert me over the years...cept' I believe in what I believe in and that's the end of the story as he well knows.

There are times when it will look like we are mortal enemies but looks can be deceiving, actually we are friends, him on one side with me on the other. In fact we've already been through the white man vs indian war already, think that happened last fall didn't it Jim? LOL

See, we are all inhabitants of this earth and for the most part have the right to choose what/who or how we believe and somewhere in there 2 people can debate each other till the end of time, be it God's coming to earth or the universe finally collaspsing.

There ya go! Have a wonderful day over there Jim and would you mind shutting off the water...I'd like to mow my yard someday without the aide of pontoons on my mower.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 3:28 am

This is a topic that is a MAJOR cause of anxiety for me. The signs of the times is a scary thing for sombody like me who think that I wont be in heaven anyways. It is somthing that I doubt that is realaty for many ppl. SO the signs of the times is scary. My church is HUGE on signs of the times, Daniel and Revelation, and living in the end, spread the word the Lord is coming very very soon. Personally it scares the helll out of me.

SOO here is a question for u guys. HOW DO U GET PAST THE FEAR SO THAT U CAN LIVE HAPPILY IN THE END TIMES?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 3:58 am

Hey Monica, let me give you what I do when working the type of weather that I do and you know what that is.

How do I get past the fears that I may have when chasing tornados?"

One very simple way, I don't 'what if' about what's down the road and may be coming directly at me...I live in the present moment only. If something happens to me it happens, no way around it, and will probably be a mistake on my own part, not the tornado or natural weather event.

Why fear what you don't know or understand? Embrace it and go on with your every day life.

I'm sure Jim can put it into better words for you, but this is how I deal with fear of the unknown.

David

*Better put a translation into my signature before someone has a coronary.

It means in Lakota/Sioux: Taking Life Slow and Easy - White Bear

There ya go...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 6:17 pm

David, do you chase tornadoes? If so, I think that is so exciting I am facsinated with storms. I also saw that you were from SE IN. I am from IN as well. I am a newbie here. Do not know everyone yet. Jim, I totally agree with you on the end times. As far as Monica if you have your life right with God then there should be no Worries. This is one thing my anxiety can't touch. I know where my heart is with God and it is my own persnal relationship with him. Satin can try to touch it but God has given me the power to shut satin up and Christians have to beleive that.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 1:48 am

Hey everyone. Been reading through the responses. Nice disclaimer David, LOL. But I don't think I've ever tried to convert you, just stated what I believe to be the truth. Wait a minute, did we just disagree again? LOL

I'd love to be able to mow my own grass David. As you know, been very rainy here as well. Monica, I think the others explained pretty well. C.Lynn stated " While these and other signs can be alarming to think about, I chose to see it as encouraging. We are getting closer to a time when the world will live in total peace and harmony. That is what I have to look forward to". See, the key word is "chose". He/she made a conscious decision not to fret about it. He/she made up his/her mind to look at it as encouraging. I think everything in life can be a matter of perspective. When the Israelites were confronted with the Philistines, a mountain of a man named Goliath of Gath (9 ft. tall) came forward every day and challenged anyone in the Israeli forces to a fight. They were scared to death of him. But then David came forth and accepted the challenge. As we well know, David used his sling and sunk a stone in Goliath's head. The Israelites were afraid of Goliath because of his size. But David looked at it like, he's so big, how could I miss? Of course ultimately, David had faith in God. But I used this as an analogy for perspective. Jmccrrcc, welcome newbie. I liked what you said to Monica, "Monica if you have your life right with God then there should be no worries. This is one thing my anxiety can't touch. I know where my heart is with God and it is my own personal relationship with him. Satan can try to touch it but God has given me the power to shut satan up and Christians have to believe that." Well said. Hope this all helped. Also Monica, perhaps you'd like to read my post" READ THIS FOR HOPE!" We sometimes forget that God is control. We're all guilty of it. Well everyone, have an awesome day. Take it easy, Jim