Drew,
I was trying to think about your very first post over the weekend to try to understand your view better. I have also tried to catch up on this thread, but I admit I did not do careful reading. I would like to comment, but if I restate something someone else has said forgive me, because I am unable to spend much time.
My thoughts were this...
Now, if God's people are increasing...meaning that since He sent His Spirit after Christ's work on the cross, and commanded us to go unto all nations and preach the Gospel, that people are coming to belief (in word and deed) in this age in greater numbers compared to all others, then I can agree that His Kingdom is being furthered in this age, but I also believe it will taper off...or probably already has, because of counterfeits, false teaching, and vanity of man, etc. Secondly, because of God's children here, there are blessings being poured out on all, but also I think God does send judgement to try and turn hearts to Him in general, and in His church. Third, because of technology we have more advanced medicine, communications, etc., and what seems to be more comfortable, and more luxurious living, but I think this is a double-edged sword.
The Tower of Babel comes to mind for me. Even if the world is better in some ways, it's not in other ways. The natural things seem to have been abandoned...like natural foods, more natural medicines (herbs, preventitive diet), working hard, living simply free from materialsim, etc., though some are making a good living trying to market these things more. The increase of medicines, materialism, toleration of immorality, has brought on a combination of greed, new diseases, immorality without consequences, side affects of medicines that cause disorders, allergies on the rise, enviromental problems, digestive issues increasing due to absence of bacteria, immunity to antibiotics, etc., and I think a whole bunch of social problems. There are other things too...addictions to things like shopping, computer games, internet, porn, etc. I guess we can think of lots of thing that seem better in ways...like tooth decay, and people living longer, doing laundry in few hours, but while God may use such things to teach, corrrect, and even spread His Word to His children, there is still a very satanic side to all of it. For example, I can do laundry in a few hours, but how many clothes do we own, and how much is being spent on such items, does more time an energy actually go to these things even more now than before? Ist it a false sense of improvement?
Back to the Babel thought....
If the languages were confused, because of man's shared knowledge leading to apostasy back then, and this was after Noah's flood, then I think once again we see that this communication level is near again...one language that all may understand, even if it is through translations. God will use it, and is, but it will also serve the evil of man, and does, as they become more apostate...I honestly think atheism is on the rise now more than ever...though this I believe this is just a rising label for the same old unbelief. Mankind as a whole (those apart from God, and even believers walking here) is more corrupt because of our tolerance of sin, and it's deceitfulness, and apostasy not only of men, but of the church.
The Bible asks will Christ find faith on Earth when He returns? This seems to indicate that at least at the very end there will be a lack of it, as in the days of Noah when only he and his family were spared. I realize you agree with this, but I am also thinking that after Noah was Babel.
I tried to think of a Scripture that supports what you are saying, at least what I think you are saying, and Malachi last chapter comes to mind. It seems there will be a curse (given over to God completely through destruction) averted with the apperance of Elijah (Elijah-like person?) who will spark a revival that will restore for a while...turning hearts of fathers and sons toward one another again. This seems to mean that things will get worse and worse, be restored for a time, but then we know the end will definately not come because we have gotten better. I know home edcuators who believe this is happening to a degree with the teachings of Father's leading their homes, and a movement toward families in the church, and even in government...I am not sure I agree. I haven't seen Elijah yet, nor does there seem to be one in history so far. Also, homosexuality, and other alternative family structures, are on the rise due to divorce, abandoment, etc. Now, I could see how someone might think that God is putting things in place for such a time on many levels...and I think that this could be true of how God works...but I think that this is more than just prosperity, or restoration, of society and culture...like food supply, economy, disease, etc. (Which could come by God using this information age, or destroying it again)....I think it is actually a sparing, and a restoration, based on a revival of the church through this Elijah type person for the most part...like John the Baptist's message of repent, be baptised, for the Kingdom is at hand. This preparation could lead to an actual Kingdom here maybe (where men are no longer in apostasy for a season), or like a millenial reign type scenerio with Jesus ruling, but I am not positive about this issue as God has not taught me greatly in the end times area. I tend to reject a lot that it is out there, but I am unsure why right now, but at this point do not fall into any category as the Lord is still speaking to me on the subject.
The Lord bless you.
: The conquest will not be God through his people, but the conquest will be by God Himself! Actually, let me restate that; the conquest was completed when Jesus conquered death and was resurrected;thus defeating the Adversary for those who put their trust and Faith in Christ. Since Man has shown throughout Biblical history (emphesis on Biblical) it was God's Plan from the beginning to "step" in and "save the day".