Signs of the Times
Read: Matt 24:1-54, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-37
In what way will the second coming of Christ be like the flood that covered the Earth in Noah's time?
It will be totally unexpected, right up until the day it happened.
How will the Son of Man appear when he returns?
We will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. Just as lightning is visible in the east and the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Does anybody know the day or the hour that he will return?
No. Not even Christ himself knows, but only the Father.
Will there be any warning signs that he is soon to return?
There will be wars, famines and earthquakes. The Church will be persecuted. Many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other. False prophets will appear. The love of most will grow cold.
According to 2Tim 3:1-9, what will men be like in the last days?
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying it's power.
What does the fig tree symbolize?
Israel
What do the twigs and the leaves symbolize?
?The reappearance of the nation of Israel.
In what year was the nation of Israel reformed after disappearing for almost 2000 years?
1948. However, the reunification of Israel did not occur until 1967.
What does it mean by "this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened"?
?People who saw the nation of Israel reformed will see the Lord at his coming.
Could that refer to this generation?
Quite likely.
Will it be easy to be a Christian in these times?
No.
What is the abomination that causes desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel?
I don't know. Maybe nuclear weapons.
What is the state of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
The Temple was destroyed and a number of Mosques were built on the Temple mount and have existed there for many centuries up until the present day.
Are there any wars or famines in the world today?
Yes.
Have there been any earthquakes?
Yes.
Is Jerusalem surrounded by armies?
Yes.
How do we know whether somebody is a false prophet or a true prophet?
Some will claim to be Christ. Others will say that Christ has returned and lead you astray.
If somebody says "look, here is the Christ" what should you do?
Do not believe it.
How will you be able to recognize the true Christ when he returns?
Everybody will be able to see him coming on the clouds.
If Jesus came back now, would you be ready?
Yes.
Would he say to you "well done, good and faithful servant"?
I hope so.
What should we do when we are betrayed or persecuted?
Stand firm, don't give up.
How would you feel if all men hated you?
I don't know.
What would you do if you were arrested or brought to trial?
I don't know.
Would you be willing to stand firm in the face of death?
I hope I would.
What event will signify the beginning of the Great Tribulation according to the prophet Daniel?
Daily sacrifices and offerings in the temple will be abolished.
Should we be surprised when these things start to happen?
No.
How can we best prepare ourselves for these things?
Keep watch and pray.
What should be our attitude?
Watchfully expectant, patiently enduring.
What should we pray?
That God will spare us from the hour of trial.
Will you be spared from the Great Tribulation?
I hope so.
Will you be able to stand before the Son of Man when he comes?
Only those who have been saved and made righteous by faith in Christ will be able to stand. I want to be among the first fruits or the great multitude who are raise to be with Christ in the air at the rapture or the harvest respectively and are judged by Christ at his judgment seat for the things done while in the body.
