Recognizing the Signs of the Times

​Are we truly seeing what God wants us to see?

In a world flooded with news cycles, social movements, political tension, and rapid technological shifts, it’s easy to become overwhelmed—or worse—numb to it all. But what if Scripture has already told us what to expect? In Chapter Four of our series, Understanding the Times, we focus on “Recognizing the Signs of the Times”—a theme both ancient and urgent.

Jesus once rebuked the Pharisees for being weather-wise but spiritually blind: “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:3). That wasn’t just a callout for them—it’s a wake-up call for us. This chapter is about training our spiritual eyes to see beyond headlines and hashtags and discern how God is moving in our generation.

We begin by unpacking what “signs of the times” even means. Are they prophetic markers? Moral trends? Global conflicts? The answer lies in how Scripture teaches us to observe not just events, but the meaning behind them. Just as the sons of Issachar had “understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32), today’s believers must learn how to interpret the spiritual climate and take meaningful action.

The lesson also explores how patterns in history echo biblical prophecy. We look at examples like the rise and fall of nations, shifts in culture, the role of Israel, and the condition of the Church. But more than studying signs, this chapter invites participants to consider what those signs are calling us to do—to prepare, to pray, and to proclaim.

You’ll be challenged to reflect on where we are in God’s timeline and how to respond wisely instead of reacting fearfully. The goal isn’t to predict dates but to recognize seasons—just like Jesus told His followers in Matthew 24. This class is not about speculation; it’s about spiritual readiness.


Multiple Choice Questions to Spark Interest
1. In Matthew 16, what did Jesus criticize the Pharisees for failing to discern?
A) The time to pay taxes
B) The signs of the times
C) The end of the Sabbath
D) The Roman occupation


2. Which tribe in Israel was known for understanding the times and knowing what to do?
A) Judah
B) Benjamin
C) Issachar
D) Ephraim


3. The purpose of recognizing the signs of the times is to:
A) Build fear about the future
B) Control political systems
C) Understand God’s movement and take action
D) Predict exact dates of Christ’s return


Are you ready to see more clearly? Join us for this eye-opening class and gain the tools to interpret the times with wisdom, boldness, and biblical clarity.

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