The Signs of the Times

Last week we reviewed Daniel’s prophecy concerning the coming empires through Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

We are in a short series on Biblical prophecy: we stated the three main prophecies of the second coming are 5 passages in Daniel, the Olivet Discourse in and the book of Revelation

There is so much to discuss: The Second Coming, the Rapture, The Millennium, the New City, the new heaven, the new earth.

We have time for a couple and today we are in and 25 looking at the words of Jesus when asked about the “signs of the times.”

reveals to us who was present for this meeting

Mark 13:3 NKJV

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately,

What did they ask (is the first question) and what was the answer (was the second).

I. When will these things be

a. Blueprints, technical drawings, or floor plans, are the means to creating a great work as they lay out the detail for those who will create or construct the work. Blueprints give us the picture of the finished product, but also a look a the inner workings of what a structure has hidden behind the finished walls. It gives us detail in design, a component list, and dimensions.

Empire State Building, now the 28th tallest building is 1250 feet tall. Imagine coordinating the building with the notes written in your mind not on paper. Because of a simple yet complex set of drawings, the building was completed one story a day, 86 stories high and the interior completed, open for business, just 13 1/2 months after the first beam was erected.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because the didn’t know, read, understand, comprehend, the signs of the times, or for today’s discussion, they hadn’t reviewed the blueprints before building the kingdom. Therefore they got it wrong and they missed some great detail, namely the coming of the messiah.

Matthew 16:1–3 NKJV

Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.

The church should know and understand the signs of the times and not be caught flat footed, unprepared, or without oil in their lamps. When the bridegroom comes, he comes quickly and those prepared go into the wedding feast of the lamb, and the door will be shut.

II. addresses the Seven Year Tribulation Period and then the Return of Christ

1. In 24:4-14 Jesus lists eight key signs that He likens to birth pains, or contractions: a sure sign that the end is coming

false christs 5

wars 6-7

famines 7

earthquakes 7

persecution 9-10

false prophets 11

lawlessness 12

worldwide preaching of the gospel 14

From this, judgments will increase immensely in frequency and intensity

The second page of the blueprint tells us what Daniel prophesied Matthew 24:15

What did Daniel prophesy?

Daniel 9:26 NKJV

“And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.

Daniel 9”23

III. Last week we spoke of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

sIII. Last week we spoke of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

10 toes: 10 new kings to the Roman Empire will be established in the middle east area

They will make peace with Israel, a treaty

Up from among them will arise the Antichrist

Daniel 9:27 NKJV

Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”

d. This marks the midway point of the tribulation as they invade the nations and desecrate the temple

IV. The third page of the blueprint is shortened days Verse 22

The terrors will be so great that God will abbreviate the days/time for the sake of His people.

Don’t believe their claims of finding the messiah here or there

V. Then, verse 27-30 the fourth page of the blueprint: The Second Coming of Christ

The time will be clear: verse 29

Now:

Verses 32-35

Are you a pre tribulation believer

A post tribulation believer

Or a mid tribulation believer

When will Jesus take the church out of the equation?

Last, there is an eternal clock that ticks away. No one knows its time, only the Father in heaven.

Verse 36 ff

This generation can be taken to mean, those who are alive when it begins, their generation will by no means pass until all this is fulfilled

Last Matthew 23:37-39

When Israel repents and calls on the Messiah, or when their heart longs for Him (antichrist defeats them)

Zechariah 12:10 NKJV

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

Ze

Revelation 2

Revelation 22:20 NKJV

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

False Prophets

People will fall away

Wars and rumors of wars

Heavens will be troubled

Many will claim to know the answer, don’t be fooled

Know the scripture

Feed your soul on the word of God

Pray, look, listen