...because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved and...God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.
Speaks of "that day" (vs.3). We are in the last days and rapidly approaching "that day".
You seem to think we are not in that last generation. I think there is abundant evidence that we are.
The Left is turning increasingly towards lies to attain their delusional ends of Global Totalitarian Government, which BTW, will happen in the Great Tribulation when most of the earth is destroyed - so these massive worldwide efforts that have already gone a long way in accomplishing global government, are also a tremendous sign we are nearing the end.
Worldwide rejection of the God of the Bible and worldwide acceptance and codification of sodomy are also another couple of signs we are nearing the end.
More circumstantial evidence we are nearing the end time
nuclear proliferation - the first time man has the power to obliterate the entire population of the world - almost all of the earth will die in the seven-year tribulation.
the breakup and increasing reviling of the family
the rise of sodomy and women's rebellion against men and their own station in life - all fertile ground for the prophesy in 1 Timothy 4:1-3: Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry - soon but not yet.
the rise of "earth first" and "animal rights" leading to more doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, commanding to abstain from meats which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth (1 Tim. 4:3).
the rise of worldwide terrorism and doctrines of total destruction and lawlessness
depopulation
a general feeling that “something’s up” including a proliferation of end-times movies and video games
“Your somewhat rambling response kind of went full circle back to saying the last generation of this age will recognize the signs of the end which was the point of my initial comment: that this article speaks of one of the many signs that we are nearing the end of the age.”
I believe recognizing the day approaching requires being cognizant of and watching for the signs of Christ’s coming. There will be many professing Christians taken off guard and unprepared.
I’ve heard some godly Bible teachers say that we do not know the day or hour but we know the seasons. But I don’t think this is the correct meaning of that passage. I think we are to be aware of the seasons as we watch for the signs of His return. When we see the specific signs, then we will know His return is imminent.
In general I agree with your assessment. But it is important to realize that the examples you cite are not absolute proof of Christ’s imminent return. There are other things that need to happen first. Consider, for example, how Christians in NAZI Germany must have felt. They could have very well expected Christ to return for them during those trying times, but He did not.
Everything you cited is a good example of indicators of the last days.They will grow worse.
Some very big indicators are the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of the daily sacrifice. Personally I believe we will see the two witnesses prior to the abomination of desolation and worldwide persecution of Jews and Christians.
Some specific notes on your examples:
“nuclear proliferation”
Watch for a false peace initiative based on disarmament and gun control. The rider on the white horse has a bow but no arrows. The second seal unleashes war, civil unrest, and violence. It is about “taking peace from the earth”. You can’t take something that isn’t there. So there will be a false peace.
“the breakup and increasing reviling of the family... the rise of sodomy and women’s rebellion against men and their own station in life”
As in the days of Noah. Sodom is also compared. Both have this in common: their perversions reached the point of humans having or seeking sexual relations with angels.
As a an aside, the Bible does not give a general command for women to submit to men. Everyone must submit to legitimate authority. Even though it may be a shame and a judgement for women to rule due to the failure of men to lead, their authority is still from God. Children must submit to their parents. Wives must submit to their OWN husbands (not to men in general). If you have a wife, mother, or daughter, make sure they do not think they are obligated in any way to do whatever some man may tell them to do. I imagine it is what you intended by your comment, but I have definitely seen teaching where this distinction was not made. But it is an extremely important one.
“lawlessness”
The Antichrist is the “lawless one”.
All good points you’ve made. Hope my earlier points did not come across as combative or argumentative. Some times Christians allow a minor disagreement to become an unnecessary point of contention.
Even if we do not agree on everything, as long as we both serve the same Savior we will eventually work through these differences and arrive at the correct answers.