The Olivet Discourse – Rapture Ready. Living Prepared For The King's Return - Matthew 24 Series

2025.09.21 Sermon Notes. THE OLIVET DISCOURSE – RAPTURE READY.

BE READY FOR THE KING’S RETURN: LIVING PREPARED FOR HIS RETURN

Matthew 24:1–51

William Akehurst, HSWC

NOTE: Today is the Memorial of Charlie Kirk which will be broadcast live and carry the message of the Gospel world-wide, for GOD’s Glory.

This is a call to the Church to Stand Firm, Be Courageous and Speak Boldly with the Message of the Cross.

Today is a Turning Point as tomorrow 9/22/2025 begins the biblical new year with repentance and returning hearts to GOD at the coronation of the KING of Kings as Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets begins.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Scriptures: Matthew 24:1-51, Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:31, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Revelation 13:11-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6, 9, 1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, Genesis 6:3, Psalms 90:10, Titus 2:13, Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 1:7, 2 Peter 3:10-14, Revelation 22:20

BIG IDEA

Jesus calls us to discern the signs of the times and live in constant readiness for His return.

INTRODUCTION

Everyone wants to know the future. Some search the stars, others look to politicians, scientists, or even fortune-tellers. Predictions flood the news, talk shows, and even pulpits. But only one voice speaks with perfect authority. That is the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 24, Jesus is seated on the Mount of Olives (which has a panoramic view of the Ancient City of Jerusalem) and from there, HE gives HIS disciples a panoramic view of history and prophecy. This is called the Olivet Discourse.

But notice this:

• His goal is not fear, but faith.

• Not panic, but perseverance.

• Not speculation, but readiness.

Jesus doesn’t want us glued to predictions; He wants us grounded in preparation.

Jesus speaks about the destruction of the Temple, the signs of the end, and His Second Coming. The disciples asked, “When will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (v. 3).

Jesus’ answer is both a warning and a comfort: Be watchful, be faithful, be ready.

1. THE SETTING: QUESTIONS ABOUT THE END (Matthew 24:1–3)

Matthew 24:1-2 Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple

1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:3 Questions about the End

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Jesus shocks His disciples: “Not one stone will be left on another.”

• HISTORY: This came true in A.D. 70 when Rome, under Titus, destroyed the Temple. It was so thoroughly dismantled that not one stone remained upon another.

• Fulfilled prophecy proves that every word of Jesus can be trusted.

• TRUTH: Temple Destroyed after JESUS’ death on the cross; No more sacrifices needed, JESUS paid it all.

The disciples ask three questions:

1. When will this happen?

2. What will be the sign of Your coming?

3. What about the end of the age?

LESSON: If His Word was fulfilled in the Temple’s destruction, His promise of return will also be fulfilled.

APPLICATION: Trust the Bible as absolutely reliable.

2. THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES (Matthew 24:4–28)

A. GENERAL SIGNS – BIRTH PAINS (vv. 4–14)

Matthew 24:4-14

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.