Luke 21:23-33; James 5:8
Never in any period of human history has the stage been set so perfectly for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The cultists, the Tabloid’s self-styled pagan, and self proclaimed psychics join in a prophetic frenzy about Armageddon, the end of the world and the extinction of the human race.
If you watch current trends you cannot help but be convinced that we are in the last days. The frenzied interest in Eastern religions – extrasensory perception – astrology – witchcraft – Satanism. 1 Tim 4:1
In two years Western Europe will be unified. Antichrist.
Consider the moral chaos in the world which is destroying the fabric of our society. “World lies in the lap of the wicked one”, 1 John 5:19.
In epidemic proportions drug addiction, chemical and alcohol, crime, poverty, illegitimacy, illiteracy, unrest, abortion, euthanasia, are sweeping the world with devastating results.
Rev 9 tells us of the sins that will rampage our society just before the Lord comes. Idolatry – murder – immorality – sorceries – give the meaning: Pharmacy; self- money – pleasure
These are some of the secular signs that remind us that the Lord’s coming is near. 2 Thess 1:7, 9 Quote.
Let us now consider some of the signs in physical. Luke 21:9-11
There will be wars and rumors of wars as nations rise against nation. When you see great earthquakes in different places. Famines … pestilences … Aids … cancer. “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matt 24:8.
Let us now look at some of the natural signs.
Luke 21:29-33
The parable of the fig tree, and all the trees.
When they bud and blossom you know that summer is near.
The spiritual lesson from this is that when you see the Jewish nation and third world nations gaining their independence … in other words budding and blossoming… know that My coming is near. Explain new developing countries. British Empire.
When did Israel begin to bud and blossom?
In 1948 Israel was born. Describe. See v. 31 and 32
They recaptured Jerusalem in 1967. “This generation”.
Most Biblical scholars agree that a biblical generation is around 40 years. Psalm 95:10.
You don’t need to be a mathematical genius to figure out that there is not much time left before the Lord comes.
Jesus “promised” that the generation that witnessed the return of the Jews to Jerusalem will not pass away until He returns to the earth to “set up his kingdom.”
Note the strength of this promise, “Heaven and earth will pass away” but My words will not pass away.” v. 33. “The coming of the Lord draws near.” Are you ready?
Seven years before this great event, there will occur the greatest phenomenon the world has ever seen.
Millions of people, including children, will go to heaven without dying. The reason … Christ returned for His own. Rapture. Quote 1 Cor 15:51-52. “Behold I show you a mystery.” Suddenly… silently… secretly. In a moment, etc. 1/50 of sec,
No signs here … just sounds. Shout … Voice … Trumpet.
Dead raised … living changed … loved ones united together shall rise to meet the Lord in the air.
Dad – Mom – little Anne. Communal graves in Thailand. Rise higher than any man made missile.
Are you ready for His coming?
Two in a bed … two working together
Family experience. Describe. Own experience.
The coming of the Lord draweth nigh, therefore be ye also ready.”
Notes on the Coming of the Lord.
Jerusalem says that the Lord is coming. Luke 21:24
The Lord said that Jerusalem would be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Israel now controls all of the city except a small portion known as the Temple Mount. Militarily it would be easy for Israel to occupy it.
The rise of nationalism tells us that the Coming is near. Luke 21:29.
“Look at the fig tree (Israel) and all the trees (other nations). When they bud we know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Millennium)
In 1940 there were 58 members of the United Nations. By July 1993 there were 184. The nations are budding.
The Europe Economic Community is another sign. The Revived Roman Empire.
The Apostasy of Christendom is another sign. Luke 18:7,8; 2 Thess 2:2; 1 Tim 4:1, 2; 2 Tim 3:1-13.
The rise of false messiah’s … Matt 24:5, 23-24.
David Karesh … Jim Jones … Rev. Moon claims to be the new messiah.
Paul Henri-Spook, one of the organizers of the Common Market, said, “Send us such a man and be he God or devil, we will follow him.”
The increase of persecution against Christians. Luke 21:11.
It is estimated that 160,000 Christians have been martyred this past year. More Christians have died for their faith during the 20th century than in all the previous centuries combined.
In contrast to all of this there have been more Jews saved in the past 19 years than in the last 1900 years.
Is God calling out those who will be part of the 144,000 who will be witnesses to Christ during the Tribulation period. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
2 Peter 3:10
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are in it, shall be burned up.”
The Bible warns us against date setting. However, Jesus taught us that “we would know when this return was near, even at the door” … though we would not know the day nor the hour. Matt 24:33-36.