Series: When Does It End? [#3]
MORE SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Matthew 24:9-14
Introduction:
As we discussed last week, there are many opinions on when verses 4-14 will happen. Some believe that all of these things will happen before the Tribulation. Others believe that verses 4-8 will happen before the Tribulation and then verses 9-14 will be during the 1st half of the Tribulation. Regardless of the timing, we will continue to look at signs of the times.
Matthew 24:9 (NIV)
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Jesus tells them to expect…
1. Persecution.
Jesus tells them that Christians will be hated and persecuted because they follow Him. Many will die for being followers of Christ. You can also see that the forming of a 1 world religion is beginning. People of all other faiths will hate anyone who is a Christian.
Matthew 24:10-12 (NIV)
10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
Jesus tells them to expect…
2. Lies.
There will be many who claim to be Christians who will walk away from the faith. They will also betray all of those Christians who they know. There will be many false preachers and teachers. There will be many who follow those false preachers and teachers. It will be a time where most people will have no love for anyone except themselves.
The concerning part of all of this is that this is going on already. Google has been working with China and helping them to identify where underground Churches are. My guess is that some of those employees that are participating claim to be Christians. This sort of thing will happen at a greater level.
Matthew 24:13-14 (NIV)
13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Jesus tells them to expect…
3. Victory.
Christians are commanded to stand firm until the end. Verse 14 reminds us of the importance of evangelism. I have heard this said many times through the years; but often I forget about this verse. The Gospel will be preached all over the world; and then the end will come. There are still places in this world that have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ; but that number is shrinking quickly. Once the Gospel has hit each part of the World, the end will come.
Conclusion:
As I said last week, “Pray and be ready”.
