Dear Explorer,
We've talked about the confusion over the Old Testament prophecies concerning the arrival of the Messiah (Day 136). Now we are faced with a similar problem for His future return. We know a lot of the key events that will happen – but we don't know in what order they will occur and certainly not when!
I believe one key to understanding these prophecies is to start with a definition of End Times.
I believe that we are currently living in End Times. I believe that every day is bringing us closer to Jesus' return. But when do you think it began?
I believe that End Times began the day Jesus ascended into Heaven 40 days after His resurrection. (We'll get to this later). I believe it ends when Jesus returns. So, all these writers were living in End Times when they wrote these books. And they believed that Jesus would return soon because they saw these predictions begin to happen. So, we've been in End Times for almost 2000 years.
If you keep this definition of End Times as we go through this study, I believe it will help you sort out what Jesus is saying.
Re-read Matthew 24:1-2
And
Re-read Mark 13:1-2
And
Re-Read Luke 21:5-6
The disciples were admiring the temple structure. What did Jesus tell them would happen in the near future?
In 70 A.D. it happened. The Romans destroyed the temple and most of Jerusalem. They literally threw these massive stones one by one down into the Kidron Valley below (and they are still there today).
Re-Read Matthew 24:3-8
And
Re-Read Mark 13:3-8
and
Re-Read Luke 21:7-11
The disciples asked Jesus when the end would happen and what signs they should look for that it was near. Jesus doesn't give them a date, but instead began to teach them about the signs of the End Time.
What are two warnings found in these verses?
If someone predicts when Jesus will return – it is 100% false. Warning – don't believe it! Don't be deceived! There will always be wars and they are terrible, but that doesn't predict the end. Warning – don't assume the end is near because of the terribleness of war.
What are the signs that Jesus' return is near given in these verses?
Do you see any of these signs happening today?
I do!
Jesus says these are the beginnings of birth pangs. Ask any woman who has given birth and she will tell you that you can have birth pangs any time during the last 1/3 of the pregnancy as the fetus becomes heavier.
We'll continue this discussion tomorrow.
In His service, dale
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