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Aug 31, 2014

Matthew 24:3-14

 

What We Are Witnessing . . .

 

We are watching prophecy unfold before our eyes.

  • Nations rising up against Israel; global criticism of Israel

  • A terrorist organization, Hamas, epitomizing evil as they threaten the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. 

    • Innocent people as human shields

    • Numerous broken cease-fires

    • Using contributed funds to advance their agenda to destroy Israel, not build a better Gaza.


The Bigger Story . . .

 

  • There are certain events that God has ordained that must take place prior to the return of Christ.  (vv.3-14)

    • Know the truth—because there will be those who will seek to lead you astray. (v.4)

 

    • False Christs and false religions—a religiously pluralistic culture embraces all faiths as true faith and many Messiahs. (v.4)

 

    • Wars and rumors of wars—there will continue to be an increase in violence; nation vs. nation and kingdom vs. kingdom. (v.6-7)

 

    • Famines/Earthquakes/Pestilence—as the economic crisis globally continues to grow, so will the lack of food; as earthquakes increase it will create major issues; pestilence (v.7); Luke 21:5-19

 

    • Tribulation/Death—those who follow Christ will face intense persecution, and some even death. (v.9)

 

    • Apostasy—the falling away of those who are not true followers of Christ.  (v.5,10-12)

 

    • Spiritual Awakening—the advance of the gospel will reach the ends of the earth. (v.14)

 

  • All of these events are occurring, but they will intensify before the return of Christ.  (v.8); Isaiah 26:16-19

 

 

The Next Chapter in the Story . . .

 

  • The beginning of the 70th week spoken of by Daniel, which is the final 7 years.

    • A false peace that is marked by a 7-year treaty with Israel.

      • The covenant with death (Isaiah 28:14-18; Daniel 9:27)

      • It will be broken 3 ½  years later when we see armies surrounding Israel, and the Antichrist seated in the temple.

 

The End of the Story . . .

 

The gospel tells the story that ends with us gloriously reigning with Christ because He has saved us from sin and saved us to Himself. 

 

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay everyone for what he has done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”  Revelation 22:12-13

 

“And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.  Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”  Revelation 21:5

 

Where Am I in the Story . . .?

 

Am I ready to surrender to the One who can mend what sin has unraveled in me?