1) Devastating natural disasters foreshadow the coming of Christ.
In the last year, a massive tsunami devastated coastal cities from India to Indonesia. The death toll and devastation were mind-numbing. Then less than a year later, an entire American city, and much of the American Gulf Coast was taken out, or at least rendered uninhabitable for months. The damaging effects of both hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, as well as the devastation wreaked by the earthquake in Pakistan have made 2005 the most destructive year in memory. In Luke 21:10 Jesus speaks of "great earthquakes", as well as "fearful events and great signs from heaven" that will happen before His return. Prophecy experts agree that the accumulation and volume of disasters are definite warning signs. These events are seen as a foreshadowing of the overwhelming chaos that is to transpire during the tribulation, prompting many to repent before it's too late.

2) The Jewish population converges in Israel to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem.
As Israel's Jewish population increases, it is expected to become the largest in the world, surpassing that of the United States. This will be a dynamic benchmark from a biblical perspective, as the number one "super-sign" of the end times is the return of the Jewish people to their homeland from worldwide exile.
Israel has suffered a tumultuous year after withdrawing from a 38-year occupation in Gaza. The international community saw this as a positive step, but it caused unrest among Palestinians and Islamic militants, resulting in protests and air strikes. These continued tensions may make Israel ripe for a covenant with the Antichrist.
Another significant event went largely unnoticed. The ancient Sanhedrin, the official legal tribunal in Israel, convened in October 2004—the first time in 1,600 years. In its February 2005 meeting, it took up the topic of rebuilding the temple. At its June meeting, the Sanhedrin issued an official call to rebuild the temple, an act that God's Word predicts must occur before the return of the Messiah.

3) A union between Europe and Iraq could set the stage for the emergence of the Antichrist.
Over the past two decades, the Middle East has been one of the world's most fierce battlegrounds. But recent activity in Iraq could be moving it closer to a peaceful democracy. The Bible prophesies that the city of Babylon will be rebuilt as headquarters for the antichrist. Babylon lies on the Euphrates River, just 50 miles south of Baghdad.
The possibility of a peaceful Iraq may encourage relations with Europe. As these ties grow deeper, a European leader may use his influence to fashion a wider presence in Babylon. While the situation in Iraq is currently still dangerous and uncertain, two elections have already been successful. Europe may attempt to develop good relations with Iraq because of its prime location in the middle of two-thirds of the world's proven oil reserves. The coalition could lead to the further building of Europe as the new Roman Empire and the eventual emergence of the Antichrist.

4) Islamic extremists lash out with London bombings and France riots.
Extremist Islamic unrest in Europe was at the heart of the London bombing and the riots in France. Both of these events point to the dramatic religious and cultural divide between the east and west. Muslims have been using dramatic tactics to get France to bow to its demands, with much of the tension coming from the difficulty the country has had with integrating its large number of Muslim immigrants into society. Even as Europe extends its reach, it is likely to feel ill-equipped to handle increasing Muslim terror and the possibilities of an oil crisis. This could open the door to the rule of an oligarchy, as prophesied in Daniel 2 and 7. This singular governing body will vehemently work against terror. From an oligarchy, the rule of the Antichrist may not be too far behind.

5) Putin consolidates power in Russia, as the empire rebuilds.
Russia has tried to make drastic reforms, but can't escape her past. President Putin has been moving to consolidate power and neutralize potential opposition. In an apparent power-grab, Putin abolished direct election of the 89 governors of the various regions of Russia. In his annual state of the nation address in April, he mourned the fall of the Soviet Union and raised fears he is reversing democracy.
In addition, this year saw the Russian parliament voting to severely limit the independence of foreign-backed human rights organizations and think tanks in the country. These organizations will be forced to register with the Ministry of Justice, and adhere to state control. These events in Russia are exactly what we should expect to see if we are nearing the end times. If the empire rebuilds and attacks with its Islamic allies, the target will be Israel.