I realize that some Christians don’t get very excited when it comes to sermons about the end-time events, books about tribulation timelines, or even Bible Prophecy Conferences.

However, there are biblical reasons to watch and recognize the signs of our times, and I want to share with you seven of those reasons here:

First, in Luke 21:25-28 Jesus makes mention that we ought to be aware of the signs of the times and be glad to look for His return when our redemption is near.

Second, 1 Thessalonians 4 is where the Apostle Paul gives us some details about our Lord’s return and the rapture of the church. Then he follows that in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 with an admonition to encourage one another by sharing this end-time truth in our fellowship together.

Third, in Ezekiel 33:6 and Ezekiel 3:17-18 we are introduced to the “watchman on the wall” principle that the leaders of God’s people should give a clarion call regarding the signs of the times.

Fourth, in Luke 21:36 we read our Lord’s words to “Watch ye therefore, and pray always” regarding “all these things that shall come to pass.” This is to say that we are told by Jesus Himself that we should be looking ahead to the unfolding of earth’s coming prophetic events.

Fifth, Amos 3:7 reminds us that prophecy is God’s ordained means of revealing his secrets and plans for His people.

Sixth, 2 Corinthians 2:11 states that as Christians we are not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes and plans to deceive us through end-time events.

Seventh, in 2 Peter 3:1-3 we read that we should be reminded of the prophecies given to us through the Word of God. To be reminded means that there must be a certain degree of regular exposure and repetition in communication because we are forgetful humans.

As I write this post, I am sitting in a hotel in New Orleans about to head to airport soon to pick up my daughter from her mission trip to Honduras.

My wife and I have been watching the screen of a real-time in-air flight app that shows where she is on the journey from the mission field to her home. We are watching for her return because we are so looking forward to being back with her, because we love her more than words can express.

So why would it be any different for a Christian to be longing for the Lord to return to us that we may be with Him forever?