Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a women experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).

… 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; (Luke 21:25)

… 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; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

4.7 magnitude earthquake reported off coast of Ocean City, Maryland

Sara Swann. USA TODAY•January 15, 2019

SALISBURY, Md. – An earthquake was detected in the waters offshore of Ocean City on Tuesday night.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake, which had a magnitude of 4.7. The earthquake occurred approximately 136 miles off the coast of Maryland at about 6:30 p.m. EST.

Despite the far distance from shore, it is possible an earthquake of this magnitude could be felt on land. USGS showed about 30 people – most in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia – reported feeling effects from the earthquake as of about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The Earth’s crust near the eastern part of the United States is more rigid, which is why earthquakes tend to be felt from farther distances than those that occur off the West Coast, said Jana Pursley, a geophysicist for USGS.

But it is highly unlikely this earthquake caused any damage on land. By the time the seismic waves travel through the water to the coast, the shaking significantly weakened, Pursley said.

As of about 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had not reported any tsunami activity off the East Coast.

The town of Ocean City posted on Facebook about the earthquake, saying officials were aware of the situation.

“Although we have seen no effects here, our Emergency Services Department has been in contact with our State partners and will be monitoring as needed,” town officials said in the post.

The last significant earthquake reported on the Delmarva peninsula was Nov. 30, 2017. The magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck about 10 miles east-northeast of Dover, Delaware.

In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Delmarva and the East Coast. Residents throughout Delmarva and as far away from the epicenter as New York City and southern Canada reported feeling the earthquake as it reverberated through the area.