I've been reading a lot of books lately on the end times and the second coming of Jesus, and it seems to me that all the signs are falling into place and He could return at any moment. Do you have an opinion about this? — M.W.

Yes, many of the events that the Bible tells us must happen before Jesus' second coming certainly seem to be taking place.

I often think, for example, of Jesus' statement that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). Never before in human history have we had the ability to reach the whole world with the message of Christ—but we do now, through radio, satellite television, the Internet, films and so forth. Other examples could be given, such as the increasing upheavals and conflicts we see on an international scale, which the Bible also predicts.

At the same time, we must never forget (as I've often said in this column) that the Bible warns us against making exact predictions, or claiming we know precisely when He will return. Jesus said, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42).

But the Bible does tell us very clearly that someday this world as we know it will come to an end, and Christ will return to establish His Kingdom of perfect justice and righteousness. Are you ready for that day? You can be, by turning to Christ and committing your life to Him. Then you will want to join with the Apostle John in praying, "Come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).