The return of Jesus Christ in itself, has no warning sign directly revealing this age ending event. However, the scriptures give us a brief outline of prophetic events, which lead up to need for Jesus to return. An out of control and rapidly escalating world war seem to be clearly described as the trigger for such a return, but most people including political and military experts failed to predict WW1 & WW2; thus it will come as no surprise that most will miss the beginning of WW3 as well. Likewise, no matter how astute many Christians feel they might be, the return of the Lord is going to catch many unawares. The reasons behind wars and those rising to meet the Lord, begin long before being noticed by the 'experts'... by this time it is too late.

We hear a lot about the 'stolen generation', kidnapped children, the slave trade, etc., but how many people are aware of the greatest theft of human life on the planet? The Word of God reveals spiritual crimes that secretly affect everyone without exception and promises to reveal and restore the losses. JOH 10:10 The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life (through the anointing of the Spirit), and that they might have it more abundantly (with added Godly blessing). Jesus reveals the true reason behind his time on earth. The real battle is not about individual crimes against humanity, but the universal battle for the souls, hearts and minds of every living person. He also reveals who is causing the trouble and how the problems can be overcome. Satan wants to remove you from the battle... to steal your time, efforts and abilities to build and reveal a true, spiritually based life.

The realities of life are far different than what we are taught at school, see on tv, on our expectations and may differ markedly from the rest of our family. The following observations are from Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and one of the most successful people in the world. There are spiritual principles that are similar to his observations which make it worthy of considering.

The word 'Christian' is not used all that often in the scriptures and certainly has a far different meaning than what is commonly understood by most people. There is a vast difference between believing in God and obeying God and a further difference of maintaining a lifelong servitude. Those who believe in God only, have no scriptural rank at all (however, most of these people are seen as Christians). Those who believe in God and promote his values and the role of Jesus, are disciples only (again, these are seen as practicing Christians, but this is also scripturally wrong)... because the term 'Christian' is strictly reserved for those who have been anointed having received) the Holy Spirit and are applying it to their lives, every day.

There is no way to repair the worldwide break down of social and moral values. Far too many people are prepared to enjoy short term gains, at the expense of safe disciplines. The family unit, which has always been the strength of prosperous nations is almost shattered. The push for same sex marriage, will be quickly followed up by demands for other corruptions with underage children and every other sick or twisted perversion seeking to be acceptable. There is no turning back when all these failings are 'normalised' by world leaders and the bulk of the free press. However, the real problem is much greater than this. Weak nations lead to wars and instability. Trucebreakers and liars will dominate, but God will not stand to see his creation thus perverted. He will act the same way that Noah's generation witnessed, but this time it will be much worse. In simple terms, if the nations won't take spiritual direction, then they cannot establish a lasting and cohesive lifestyle on the earth. We have had consistent warnings since Jesus Christ and the gospel messages, right through to this modern age, but none are listening. In fact, people are mocked for even daring to mention these truths.

Those who grow to be strong in the Lord, often coping with conflicts, doubts, fears and oppression: do so for a very good reason. A love of scriptural truth and a love of God’s people, gives the best opportunities to enjoy blessings, miracles and success. The pressures of life, family and friends, can work against these truths. However, those who will grow strong, remain steadfast in God’s word and its application.

God has fully equipped us to abundantly promote his word to the people of this world. What God has given us bypasses natural ability, fear and doubt. It also has the power to cut through the ignorance and hardness of unbelievers (both the speaker and the hearer). All it requires is the willingness to put God first and to step out in faith and do what God wants us to do.

The Holy Spirit is more than the working power of God... its presence is both observable and accessible.

Fellowship is essential for all Christians, because God's church depends on our involvement to overcome the limits of human weakness. True Christian fellowship, brings to reality the best possible results in our lives. Without balanced and faithful fellowship, personal growth is hindered, God's word is tarnished and many lives are lost to sin. It can seem to be easier to do things on our own… no responsibility to anyone else, no need to get involved in inconvenient duties or the failings of others, etc. Nowhere in the Gospels did Jesus ever hint that church members should be self seeking, or self justifying. In fact we are strongly reminded, that a church will never grow to its full capacity, if there is not a love for fellowship. The word 'fellowship' is translated from the Greek word, 'koinonia,' meaning... community, communion, joint participation.

In the absence of the big picture, all bible stories and parables can appear to be isolated events that relate to our ongoing needs and aspirations. We may be surprised to discover, that the bible is not a book defining our right to be happy and blessed. Rather, it is a book of history and prophecy that reveals the need to serve and obey God; should any hope of living be of value to us. The reality of living rests on two forces battling for supremacy of life values. On one side is God's word, his power and his revelations. On the other side, is ego driven delusions of superiority, where humans believe they know more than God. They defy or ignore the track record of continuous human failures, even death itself. Jesus revealed the power that would deliver people from death... the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the need to follow its directions in all matters of living and worship. Historically, we are very near the return of Jesus Christ and these notes address the scriptural record relating to this matter.