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 woman 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, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.
Atlantic hurricane forecast revised higher -U.S. agency
Reuters•August 8, 2019
NEW YORK, Aug 8 (Reuters) – U.S. weather forecasters expect “above normal” activity in the current Atlantic hurricane season, revising an earlier forecast of “near normal” activity, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Thursday.
The earlier forecast in May reflected the presence of El Nino, the climate phenomenon that warms the Pacific Ocean and tends to prevent storms from developing in the Atlantic.
Since then, El Nino has abated, making for conditions that increase the likelihood of hurricanes forming, forecasters at the NOOA’s Climate Prediction Center said in a statement issued as the hurricane season enters its peak months.
NOAA forecasters now expect 10 to 17 named storms, up from the previous estimate of 9 to 15. Of those, about half will become hurricanes. To be classified as a hurricane, a storm must carry winds of at least 74 mph (119 kph).
Two to four major storms in the June-to-November season are expected to pack Category 3 winds of 111 mph (179km) or greater.
So far this year there have been two named storms in the Atlantic. Subtropical storm Andrea dissipated shortly after forming in May. Barry made landfall in Louisiana on July 13 as a Category 1 hurricane.
Last year brought 15 named storms, including Michael, which struck the Florida Panhandle in October with winds of 110 mph, killing at least 29.
Florence made landfall in September as a relatively weak Category 1 hurricane but brought devastating flooding to North and South Carolina. At least 51 people were killed.