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.

The Earth just had its hottest September on record

Doyle Rice, USA TODAY. USA TODAY•October 4, 2019

The Earth just had its warmest September on record, tying a mark set in 2016, according to data released Friday by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European group that measures the planet’s temperatures. 

Globally, September 2019 was roughly 1.02 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the average from 1981-2010, “making it the warmest September in our data record, although virtually on a par with 2016,” the group said in a statement. 

“Regions with the most markedly above average temperatures included the central and eastern USA, the Mongolian plateau and parts of the Arctic. Much below average temperatures were only recorded in a few regions, including southwestern Russia and parts of Antarctica,” the group said. 

The data continues Earth’s hot streak, with June being the warmest June ever, and July the warmest month in recorded history, according to AFP. August was the second hottest August since records began. This all contributed to the warmest summer on record for the Northern Hemisphere, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“The recent series of record-breaking temperatures is an alarming reminder of the long-term warming trend that can be observed on a global level,” Copernicus Director Jean-Noel Thepaut said to AFP.

“With continued greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting impact on global temperatures, records will continue to be broken in the future,” Thepaut said. 

This year’s warmth is occurring without the heat from a strong El Niño event in the tropical Pacific Ocean, according to the Capital Weather Gang. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that often boosts global temperatures by bringing more ocean heat to the surface and adding it to the atmosphere. 

A powerful El Niño occurred in 2015 and 2016, contributing to the record heat at that time, the Capital Weather Gang said. 

September climate data from both NASA and NOAA, which also track global temperatures, will be released later this month.