Interpreting prophecy through both ancient and modern lenses - Prophecy Interpretation
In today's world, many Christians hold strong views on end-times prophecy, but are we repeating the mistakes of the Pharisees? Just as they missed the Messiah due to rigid expectations, we too might overlook God's true plan. Explore the importance of humility, openness, and faithful living in interpreting prophecy. Let's remain vigilant and ready, trusting in God's perfect timing.
Explore how joining a local Bible-teaching church provides strength and support as we face the increasing challenges of the end times, and prepare for the return of Jesus Christ.
Why we watch for signs
As believers in Christ, we are called to be watchful and discerning, especially in the last days. The Bible provides several reasons why Christians keep a vigilant eye on signs and events that indicate the approaching return of Jesus Christ.
Signs of the times, Christian readiness, righteous living
In Matthew 16:1-4, Jesus admonishes the Pharisees and Sadducees for their failure to discern the signs of the time
This recent pandemic has created a very similar type of mindset. This mindset has permeated mankind throughout history - it is the desire to create a single human entity that can overcome anything - and in some parts of the mentality, that includes God almighty. This can be observed quite easily in the constant drone of what's best for "humankind" and "the public health" when it comes to vaccinations. The powers that be are working to create a single mindset among the people of the earth.

Short answer: No, they aren't.

I have been hearing about pastors telling their congregations not to take the vaccine because they are the Mark of the Beast. We'll delve into why they are wrong, but why are they telling people this in the first place?

This is one of many such warnings in the New Testament about being ready for Jesus' return. The days are getting confusing - "clergy" telling believers that the rapture is a Biblical myth, that (despite the Bible clearly saying otherwise), that Christians will go through the Great Tribulation and days of judgement just as the rest of the world.
Our world is upside down. Socializing anywhere but online is now frowned upon and in several places around the world, it is against local "laws" (I use the term loosely, as these are better described as dictates by local government officials) due to the Coronavirus. We are fast closing in on the first year of "two weeks to slow the spread".  These mandates have radically changed our lives.  We can have an offline discussion about whether or not the mandates are effective - I'm not going to try to make that case here, I have more important items to cover. During the current pandemic and all of the local mandates and guidelines of staying home, social distancing, or wearing a mask - we had an election that included on the ballot the race for President of the United States.  You may feel that the race was run fairly, or you may feel that the race was wrought with fraud.
Our blessed hope is in the promised return of Jesus Christ to restore order to creation and do away with sin and all of it's repugnant affects.  His return issues in eternity, where those who believe in Him and His sacrifice will spend forever with Him in paradise, the same as promised the thief that believed Him on the day He was crucified.