Episode Overview

Podcast: Rick Renner Podcast (Audio)
Episode: Are Shortages a Sign of the End?
Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Rick Renner
Main Theme:
This episode continues Rick Renner’s series on the signs of the end times as described by Jesus in the Gospels, focusing on whether global shortages—famines, scarcities, economic woes, pestilences, and diseases—are biblical indicators that we are approaching the end of the age. Rick delves deeply into scriptural and historical contexts, Greek terminology, and modern statistics, encouraging listeners to respond with faith, compassion, and preparedness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jesus’ Disciples and the Signs of the End (01:45)

• Rick revisits Matthew 24:3 where the disciples privately question Jesus about the sign of His coming and the end of the age.
• He explains that Jesus responded with a comprehensive list—over 20 signs—that would indicate the world’s approach to the end times. Only 19 are covered in the current series.
• The episode highlights continuity between the disciples' curiosity and believers' questions today.

Rick Renner: "They asked for one sign, but... Jesus gave them more than 20 signs. The foremost sign was worldwide deception... but then He gave them more." (05:03)

2. Focus on Famines and Shortages (07:50)

The Meaning Behind ‘Famines’ (Greek: limoi)

• Jesus’ mention of famines in Matthew 24:7 is examined:
  • The Greek word 'limoi' is plural, signifying multiple famines or widespread, recurring shortages—not just localized hunger.
  • Ancient economies, especially Rome, were dependent on grain supplies; loss of grain often triggered deep economic instability.

Rick Renner: "This word ‘famine’... is plural and describes multiple famines, a scarcity of grain, or deficits of all types—including financial deficits and shortages." (10:05)

Modern Relevance & Global Statistics

• Rick references modern statistics:
  • Over 250,000 people die annually from hunger and hunger-related causes.
  • Around 1 in 9 people globally suffer from chronic undernourishment—comparable to the combined population of Europe, California, and Texas.
  • Despite charitable efforts, hunger, malnutrition, and access to clean water are worsening.

Rick Renner: "Approximately one in nine suffer from chronic undernourishment... All these people lack the food necessary to maintain normal health." (15:29)

Christian Duty and Generosity

• Rick cites Proverbs 19:17, 21:13, and 11:24 to encourage listeners to give generously, linking care for the poor with God’s blessing and personal provision.

Rick Renner: “When you give to those that are destitute, you’re lending to the Lord, and the Lord will repay you for that.” (17:50)

3. Economic Woes and Repeated Financial Shakings (19:45)

• Expansion on ‘famines’ to mean not only physical hunger but financial deficits and shocks in world markets.
• The plural Greek form ("limoi") also foreshadows repeated cycles of global economic instability leading up to Christ’s return.

Rick Renner: "Jesus used this word to forecast... shortfalls or financial deficits in world markets... a prediction of financial instability at the very end of the age." (20:41)

4. Pestilences and Emerging Diseases (21:15)

• Jesus’ warnings about pestilences (Greek: loimoi, plural) in Luke 21:11:

  • Refers to recurring cycles of disease—not just one epidemic or one pandemic.
  • This includes both old diseases reactivating and newly emerging, previously unseen diseases.

• Rick reads from his book summarizing scientific concerns:

  • New and old diseases are spreading more due to global travel, trade, environmental changes, resistance to antibiotics, and strained health systems.
  • Many potentially epidemic diseases remain dormant but could erupt quickly.

Rick Renner: "The World Health Organization states that many potential epidemic and pandemic pestilences already exist in latent states... could be awakened at any moment." (22:59)

5. Spiritual Protection and Response (25:03)

• Drawing on Psalm 91, Rick affirms the believer’s security under God’s care—especially in times of famine and disease.
• He encourages listeners not to fear, but to "live under the shadow of the Almighty" for both physical and spiritual protection.

Rick Renner: “Living in the shadow of the Most High is the safest place for us to live. Amen.” (25:53)

6. Encouragement for Those Waiting on Victory (26:14)

• Rick addresses feelings of discouragement in the face of global troubles, referencing James 1:3-4 and 1 John 5:4.
• Encourages listeners to have patience and perseverance during tough times, likening the waiting process to a pregnancy coming to full term.

Rick Renner: “You stay in a place of faith and let your faith run full course until you finally receive the manifestation and the victory that you’re waiting for.” (27:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the urgency and scope of current famines:
  "As a whole, there are more corporately right now suffering than ever before. It is off the charts." (14:44)
• On spiritual preparedness over fear:
  "You don’t do anything to scare us, but you do prepare us." (29:25, prayer)
• On practical Christian living:
  “Financially, I want to scatter everywhere I go... if I’ll do that, God will see to it that I increase.” (18:36)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:45 – Revisiting Matthew 24 and Jesus’ signs of the end
• 07:50 – Introduction to today’s signs: famines, scarcities, economic woes, pestilences, diseases
• 10:05 – ‘Famine’ in Greek and what it means for today
• 14:44 – Global hunger statistics and Christian response
• 17:50 – Biblical encouragement to generously support those in need
• 19:45 – Economic instability and the Bible’s forecasts
• 21:15 – Pestilences: old and new diseases as signs
• 22:59 – WHO and scientific warnings on emerging disease threats
• 25:03 – Spiritual refuge and Psalm 91
• 26:14 – Encouragement: patience and victory amidst hardship

Takeaway

Rick Renner connects biblical prophecy with contemporary global issues, emphasizing that recurring shortages, famines, and pestilences are not only signs of the times but calls for Christian compassion, generosity, and steadfast faith. He reminds listeners of the importance of biblical perspective, practical action, and spiritual security in the face of growing uncertainties.

For Further Study

• Series & Study Guide: "How Close Are We to the End?"
• Book: "Signs You'll See Just Before Jesus Comes"
• Free Resource: End Times Timeline
• Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 24, Luke 21, Proverbs 19:17, 21:13, 11:24, Psalm 91, James 1:3-4, 1 John 5:4

“When you take care of others, God’s going to see to it that you’re taken care of.” – Rick Renner (18:36)

This summary gives a comprehensive view of the teaching and key moments for listeners seeking to understand the signs of the end times in light of current world events.