The Encounter Podcast with David Diga Hernandez

Episode Title: The Forgotten End Times Sign
Release Date: March 16, 2026
Host: David Diga Hernandez
Podcast: David Hernandez Ministries

Episode Overview

In this episode, David Diga Hernandez addresses the heightened global instability following recent events in the Middle East, specifically referencing Operation Epic Fury by the US and Israel. Drawing from both current events and biblical prophecy, Hernandez identifies a largely overlooked "forgotten sign" of the end times—the worldwide expansion of the Gospel. Urging listeners away from a fear-based, defeatist mindset, he re-centers the discussion on hope, victory, and the ever-advancing Kingdom of God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Current Global Events and Spiritual Climate

• Hernandez opens by recognizing the "intensification of spiritual activity" that many Christians currently sense due to world events, especially upheaval in the Middle East after Operation Epic Fury (airstrikes against Iran, killing the Ayatollah) (00:14).
• Acknowledges fear and speculation about possible escalation to World War III or "the end of the world," but pivots to the importance of discerning spiritual implications rather than succumbing to panic.

2. Biblical Framework for End Times Signs

• References Matthew 24, where Jesus outlines signs of the end times:
  • "Many will come in my name, claiming I am the Messiah... and deceive many." (02:15)
  • "You will hear of wars and threats of wars... but don't panic." (03:10)
  • Hernandez stresses: "This is key, especially for these days... This isn't a reason to fear." (03:25)
  • Reminds listeners: "God has not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, of love, and of a sound mind." (01:30)

3. The Forgotten Sign: The Gospel to All Nations

• Crucial insight: Jesus in Matthew 24:14—"And the good news about the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come." (06:55)
• Hernandez laments that discussions typically focus on fear, chaos, and catastrophe, but not on this mark of victory: worldwide Gospel proclamation.
  • "There's one sign of the end that many are missing and that the modern church seems to have forgotten altogether." (01:50)
• "The sign of the end times is revival, not defeat; victory, not retreat." (12:10)

4. Kingdom Mindset—Victory and Expansion

• Emphasizes that God's Kingdom is ever-expanding: "The kingdom of God expands in dominion. The kingdom of God expands in power. The kingdom of God expands in influence— in the culture, in our lives, in our families." (09:10)
• Pushes back against "remnant" or victim mentalities within the church—"Does that sound like victory to you?" (10:25)
  • Cites Matthew 16:18: "Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it." (11:04)
  • Supports a focus on Kingdom growth over fear of societal collapse.

5. Addressing Spiritual Trauma and Fear After COVID

• Observes, "Ever since COVID... people have been living in this spiritual trauma... many have been driven to a conspiracy theory mindset. Many have become untrusting and disconnected." (12:00)
  • Warns that a constant "waiting for the other shoe to drop" isn't biblical faith.
• Calls for a return to "the basics of biblical truth," a rejection of conspiracy and fear-based teaching, and a renewed focus on the Gospel (13:55).

6. Active Gospel Engagement as End Times Preparation

• Reminds: "The focus of the believer isn’t conspiracy... don't forget who you are in Christ. Don't forget who ultimately has the victory." (14:10)
• Re-centers the mission: "As we preach the gospel, the kingdom of God is expanding. I don't know about you, but I'm a part of a kingdom that expands." (14:40)

7. Great Commission and the Assurance of Christ's Authority

• Quotes Jesus: "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth... therefore go and make disciples of all the nations... And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (14:50–15:00)
• Affirms: It's not paranoid vigilance, but steady, hope-filled obedience to Christ's command that marks true preparation for the end times.

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• On fear versus faith:
  • “God has not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” (01:30)
• On current events and prophecy:
  • “You're going to hear often about wars and rumors of wars. This isn't a reason to fear.” (03:10)
• On the true marker of the end:
  • “For this gospel shall be preached to the ends of the earth, and then the end will come.” (07:20)
• On the kingdom's destiny:
  • “The sign of the end times is revival, not defeat; victory, not retreat.” (12:10)
  • "I know it may not look like it... but look around at what God is doing. His church is growing, expanding rapidly all around the world." (14:20)
• Final rallying call:
  • “Come back to who you are in Christ. Come back to the simplicity, the simplicity with which Jesus taught.” (14:58)

Key Timestamps

• 00:14 — Introduction to global events, Operation Epic Fury, and their spiritual implications
• 02:15–05:15 — Reading and applying Jesus’ words from Matthew 24
• 06:55–08:00 — Emphasis on the Gospel being preached as the true end-times sign
• 09:10–12:10 — Kingdom victory mindset vs. defeatist, remnant mindset
• 12:00–13:30 — Post-COVID trauma and fear; call to return to faith, not conspiracy
• 14:10–14:58 — Re-centering on the Gospel mission; the ever-expanding Kingdom

Tone & Style

• Language/Tone: Encouraging, scriptural, faith-forward, occasionally corrective.
• Approach: Seeks to ground listeners in biblical truth, away from panic and distraction, toward hope, confidence, and evangelistic action.

Summary Takeaway

David Diga Hernandez urges believers to recalibrate their focus from fear and speculation about end times toward the clear biblical sign: the worldwide preaching of the Gospel. As world events become more turbulent, he champions a victorious, expansive Kingdom mindset, reminding listeners that revival—and not defeat—marks the true signature of these last days. The task for the church, he says, is not to cower in expectation of collapse, but to rise in faith and obedience, furthering Christ's Kingdom until He returns.