Do you ever wonder what in the world is going on, literally? A worldwide pandemic, wars and threats of wars, attempts to unite the world, and a big increase in crime are some of the things turning our world upside down.

Now and then we hear a prediction of when Christ will return that doesn’t end up coming to pass. Matthew 24:36 informs us that Jesus, while sitting on the Mount of Olives, said this of His return: “But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father.”

Although we don’t know exactly when Christ will return, in Matthew 24:32-35 Jesus used a fig tree to illustrate knowing when His return is near. He stated that when a fig tree’s twigs become tender and leaves begin to appear, it’s a sign that summer is near. Then He explained that, when you see that the things that the Bible prophesied will happen just before Christ’s return are coming to pass, you will know His coming is near.

A talented writer and artist by the name of Todd Hampson has written a book called The Non-Prophet’s Guide to the End Times * that was published in 2018. It’s written in a very engaging way, with colorful illustrations galore. It clearly explains the scholarly end-times terminology that not everyone is familiar with and uses plain language that anyone can understand.

This book is also infused with some humorous cartoons. For instance, a cartoon character depicting the “non-prophet” says, “Behold! The Jewish people will once again be gathered to their own nation.” A nearby cartoon character responds, “Already happened, Dude. 1948.After WWII.”

Of course there is always a little room for debate in regard to fulfillment of end times prophecies. For instance, although 1948 was the beginning of the regathering of Israel, there are still some Jews scattered around the world. I think it’s possible that God will not consider the regathering complete until more Jews have been prompted to return to their homeland. Despite the fact that having some debatable details in regard to fulfillment is unavoidable, I believe this book gives an excellent overall understanding of end times prophecies.

The book is divided into four parts. Part 1 is called “The Definition, Nature, and Importance of Bible Prophecy.” Part 2 is called “The Key Building Blocks of Bible Prophecy.” Part 3 is called “Important Sections and Categories.” Part 4 is called “So Where Are We Now?”

This book concludes with the most important issue. It explains the way to find safety, even in the end times, by finding eternal life through Christ and aligning with God’s ways.

Matthew 24:44 records Jesus’ admonition to His followers: “So you must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” Reading this 224-page book should help to remind readers that we need to be ready for Jesus’ return. I believe it would be appropriate for anyone age 13 and up. It certainly seems to have the ability to appeal to the younger generation.

Todd Hampson didn’t forget about the children. In 2022 he completed a similar book that he called The Non-Prophets’ Guide to Prophecy for Young People. * Like the other version, it’s packed with colorful illustrations and includes some cartoons.

You will notice that the description on bottom of the cover is “What every kid needs to know about the end times . . . without being afraid.” The “without being afraid” part is important for everyone, but especially for children. As in the version for older readers, it explains how to find joy in the midst of hard times by finding a relationship with God through faith in Christ.

This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12. Possibly some 8-year-olds would need a little help. The author does a thorough job of defining what prophecy is (not to be confused with predictions) and gives examples. Of course, this version for the young doesn’t go into as much detail as the version for older readers. It is 76 pages.

(You may want to research other books by Todd Hampson.)

*also available in ebook format 

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademarks Office by Biblica, Inc. TM