Understanding the Signs of the Times

The Lord has warned about the events of the last days: 'All things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people' (D&C 88:91). But elsewhere he has given us this comforting assurance: 'If ye are prepared ye shall not fear' (D&C 38:30). Who has not contemplated the cataclysmic events that will precede and be a part of the Savior's second coming and wondered how the prophesied conditions will play out? Are the catastrophes and calamities we hear about in the daily news the fulfillment of prophecy? What blessings to the righteous will counterbalance the judgments on the wicked? In this book, authors Donald W. Parry and Jay A. Parry take a balanced, reasoned look at the signs of the times and what the scriptures reveal about events of the last days. Drawing upon the writings of latter-day prophets, they explain, clarify, and put into context the events that have been foretold by both ancient and modern seers. Among the many compelling topics examined are the following: * The gathering of the Jews to Israel * Armageddon * The possible meaning of the moon turning to blood * The mission of the 144,000 high priests * The 'healing' of the Dead Sea * The prophesied wars, earthquakes, pestilence and other disasters * The two prophets who will become martyrs in Jerusalem * The growth of the Church that will precede the Lord's triumphant return * How we can prepare ourselves to participate and rejoice in these events Pointing out that 'if we know the signs and watch with soberness, we can have our lives, our hearts, and our families in readiness for his coming,' the authors help us read the signs of the times and give us ample reason to look forward with anticipation and rejoicing to the Second Coming, assuring us that if we faithfully prepare, we truly need not fear.