The World of the End by Dr. David Jeremiah How Jesus’ Prophecy in Matthew 24 Shapes our Priorities == Chapter 1: Intro: Matt 24:3 “..the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, “Tell us, (1) when shall these things be? (2) And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and (3) of the end of the world (age)?” There is one voice to listen to: The Lord Jesus Christ. It is He who shows us not just what is happening in the world but why it’s happening—and what will happen next. In vs. 2, Jesus had made a profound prediction that could not be denied. “See ye not all these things? Verily, I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” From Wars of the Jews: “Jewish historian Josephus wrote of the temple’s destruction by Romans in A.D. 70. Just as Jesus’ prediction was exactly fulfilled we know all He predicted will be exactly fulfilled. Jesus answered His disciples in vs. 4-8 “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ;’ and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: See that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, & kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (escalating birth pains the secret of prophecy).” In Prophecy Made Plain Carl G Johnson wrote, “...The signs Jesus promised in Matt 24:4-8 are like birth pains, occurring now, increasing in frequency & pointing toward the rapture of the Church. But the mo-ment the Church is gone, those signs will become much more severe and will throw the post-rapture world of the tribulation into a state of seizures & spasms as described in book of Revelation.” This Birth Pains Principle is seen in comparing Matt 24:4-8 with the first 6 of 7 seals of Rev 6:1-17. First Seal: White Horse: Conquering Antichrist; Matt 24:4-5,11 False Christs/Prophets; Second Seal: Red Horse: War & Bloodshed; Matt 24:6-7 Wars & Rumors of Wars; Third Seal: Black Horse: Famine Matt 24:7; Fourth Seal: Pale Horse: Pestilence & Death Matt 24:7-8; Fifth Seal: Souls under the Altar: Martyrs; Sixth Seal: World trembles with natural disasters. Seventh Seal: brought forth more in-t-e-n-s-e 7 Trumpets: Rev 8:6-9:21; 11:15-19. 1st: Hail & Fire mixed with Blood 2nd: Mountain thrown into the Sea 3rd: The Star Wormwood 4th: 1/3 of the Sun, Moon & Stars struck 5th: The plague of scorpion-like locusts 6th: Release of 4 Angels to slay 1/3 of men SeventhTrumpet: brought forth more in-t-e-n-s-e 7 Bowls: 1. Ugly, painful Sores 2. Sea Turns to Blood 3. Rivers & Streams of Water Became Blood 4. Sun Scorches People with Fire 5. Darkness 6. Euphrates River Dries Up 7. Tremendous Earthquake: Armageddon Rev 16:1-21. 1 Jesus wants to Teach us about the Future in the Olivet Discourse with signs to look for & how to live. 2 Jesus wants to Transform us for the Future. John 16:1 “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.” 3 Jesus wants us to Trust Him with the Future. Rev 1:17-19 John wrote, “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, ‘Fear not; I am the First & the Last. I am He that liveth, and was dead: and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;’” We are not to fear or be overwhelmed. God wants us to face the future with confidence and hope. Phil 2:15-16 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked & perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life..” == Chapter 2: In a World of Deception, Be Honest Matt 24:4-5,11 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ;’ and shall deceive many. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” 1. Status of Deception in World of the End: Without wisdom & grace of God, we’re all vulnerable to it. 2. Source of Deception in World of the End: Satan, the Enemy of our souls, is the deceiver & father of lies 3. Strategy of Deception in World of the End: A. Satan Disputes God’s Word in Gen 3:1-5: B. Satan Denies God’s Word 3:4 C. Satan Displaces God’s Word 3:5 D. Satan Discounts God’s Good-ness 3:2 E. Satan Dramatizes God’s Restrictions. 3:2-3 F. Satan Diminishes God’s Penalty. 3:4. The Solution to Deception in the World of the End: 1. Jesus is the Truth. Seek the Truth. A loving God spoke everything into being, and the resurrected Jesus brought this loving God down to Earth, making it possible for us to know Him personally. Jn 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 2. Speak the Truth. Col 3:9 “Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man with his deeds.” 3. Show the Truth. Be honest. We must stand against things that are false & stand for things that are true. ==Chapter 3: In a World of War, Be Calm Matt 24:6-7 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: See that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...” A. Our Conflicts: 1. The Curse of War: We can’t conceive of the terror that accompanies the triumph of evil or the despair of defeat when it befalls good people. 2. The Cause of War: human heart in sin has ruptured relationship with God, then between one another. 3. The Course of War will eventually lead us to Christ. B. Our Confidence 1. Peace from God’s Promise so even with warfare in the world, there can be peace in our hearts. 2. Peace from God’s Presence Mat 1:23 “..call His name Immanuel ..being interpreted is God with us.” 3. Peace from God’s Plan: “All these things must come to pass” Stay calm; look to what He is doing. Trust the Lord Jesus with your struggles & sorrows. Trust Jesus with your service. He has work for you to do in these last days. He wants to use you more than you know. Eph 3:20 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” == Chapter 4: In a World of Disasters, Be Confident Matt 24:7 “..and there shall be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in (divers) various places.” A. Global Disasters are Unavoidable. 1. Famines: Armed conflict disrupts food systems, destroys livelihoods, displaces people, in need of food. 2. Plagues: With nutritional deprivation comes disease/plague 3. Earthquakes: sign of God’s power & Creator’s control over creation; to increase toward end of history. B. God’s Decrees are Unconditional. Act 2:25 “..for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.” 1. Confident in God’s Protection: God is our shield, fortress, hiding place, refuge, keeper & stronghold. 2. Confident in God’s Pardon: Joel 2:12-14 “..turn ye even to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping & with mourning: ..He is gracious & merciful, slow to anger, of great kindness…” 3. Confident in God’s Perspective: Such times are temporary. The outcome in God’s promise of eternal life is grounded in His return: Rev 21:3 “Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” 4. Be Confident in God’s Provision: Share God’s love with others according to their exact need. == Chapter 5: In a World of Persecution, Be Prepared Matt 24:9 “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you, and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake.” A. The Reality of Christian Persecution: Christ, disciples, martyrs, Pilgrims, Christians today 1. Tribulation-thlipsis: crushing from which there is no escape. John 16:33 “..in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 2. Martyrdom: someone who is slain for their faith. Acts 22:20 “And when the blood of the martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death..” 3. Hatred: Cruelty & vindictiveness represent a society corrupted by sin. We must take a stand. B. The Response to Christian Persecution: Be Prepared: The message: It’s Jesus. Jesus is Lord.. 1. Recount your Blessings: Matt 5:10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 2. Respond with Worship: Act 16:25 (Beaten, in prison, in stocks) “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God 3. Reevaluate your Suffering: Rom 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (to experience blessings in glory).” With peace of God we value His service more than our freedom among men. 4. Receive Reward: Personal growth, Strengthening of Character; Increased Harvest in God’s Kingdom. Don’t be anxious; God will give grace for the moment. Don’t be unawares of the dangers; God will turn them into opportunities. Neither the devil nor gates of hell will prevail against the Church of Jesus Christ. == Chapter 6: In a World of Betrayal, Be Faithful Matt 24:10 “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Jesus warned that a spirit of betrayal would engulf civilization as we move closer to the World of the End. A. The Pain of Personal Betrayal: from friends, family B, The Portraits of Betrayal: Archangel Lucifer with host of angels led in rebellion against God, our Creator; Jesus was betrayed by His disciple, Judas. C. The Prophesy of Betrayal. 1. A World of Offense: to allow spiritual failure in our lives in ways that trip up weaker believers. 2. A World of Betrayal: Paul was betrayed; he wrote 1Tim 1:19-20 “Holding faith & a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus & Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” 3. A World of Hatred: 1John 2:11 “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” Genuine followers of Christ, abiding and growing in Him are not sources of hate but objects of it. D. The Preparation for Betrayal 1. Choose your Friends Carefully: Nurture a handful of rich friendships with people sold out to God. 2. Stay Focused on your Purpose: Like Jesus, choose to live above bitterness & revenge; by pouring your life into work God has called you to do. 3. Pursue Loyalty: 1Cor 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 4. Do good to Those Who Hate You: 1Pet 3:9 “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing.. knowing that ye are called to inherit a blessing.” Rom 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” 5. Count on the Character of God: His sovereignty, His love, His faithfulness, blesses us abundantly. 6. Be Faithful to the End: Followers of Jesus are faithful and true even in a world of betrayal of the end. == Chapter 7: In a World of Lawlessness, Be Kind. Matt 24:12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax (grow) cold.” A. Life in a lawless World: Violence will increase; love will proportionally decrease: which represents collective rejection of Jesus Christ. 1.Wickedness Will Increase. Abortion is extreme immorality denying the right to life, seen as moral right. 2. Love will Grow Cold in the World of the End: loneliness, anxiety, addiction, depression, suicide B. The Way of Kindness makes a difference in a world that disconnects from God. 1. Embrace God’s Kindness & love for ourselves through Christ & our own love will not grow cold. Rom 5:5 “And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” 2. Express God’s Kindness: It’s hard for the devil to blow his cold breath over a heart percolating with God’s love for those in need. Sometimes the ones with the greatest needs are those closest to us. Lk 3:11 “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” 3. Embody God’s Kindness: to a world in need as part of your identity. Help, heal, forgive, be kind. C. Jesus Makes the Difference: In Christ we can show the world what’s missing. We can take a stand for goodness & kindness & return what’s lost, because the fire of God’s love keeps us warm and impassioned for Christ as we await His return. We make a difference in the world of the end by choosing to be kind. == Chapter 8: In a World of Bad News, Be the Good News Mat 24:14 “this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations & then shall the end (of the Church age) come.” A. The Unstoppable Message of the Gospel: To the End of the Age: Mk 13:10 “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.” The message of Jesus: crucified and resurrected announces through-out the age His coming swift return and 1000 year rule & reign of the world on earth at Jerusalem. 1. Before the Rapture: Act 1:8 “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” 2. After the Rapture: During tribulation, many people will search for bibles; the Lord will commission 144,000 Jewish evangelists Rev 7:1-4 & God provides 2 super-evangelists Rev 11. B. The Unstoppable Messengers of the Gospel: To the Ends of the Earth John 4:35-36 “..Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” Matt 16:18 “ I will build My Church: and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” 1. In Showing: Matt 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” In a constant walk with the Lord, a desire for personal holiness, a growing attitude of Christlikeness and a burden to love others and to meet their needs in Christ’s name. 1Tim 6:17-18 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they not be high-minded (haughty), nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;” 2. In Sharing: your faith, Trust God to give you the right words at the right time, leave results to Him. 1Pet 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 3. In Supporting: Our world has never needed the Lord more. God wants to use us to reach them. Col 1: 6-7 “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, ye heard in the word of truth of the Gospel & bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you & knew the grace of God in truth.” Let’s be that good news! == Chapter 9: In the World of the End, Be Determined. Matt 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” We must keep going with enthusiasm, strength of Christ within, victory in sight! A. Strength of our Stand: 2Tim 2:3 “Thou.. endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” B. Stamina of our Stand Eph 6:13 “Take unto you the whole armour of God.. having done all, to stand.” 1. Perennial Stamina 2Tim 4:7 I have fought good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. 2. Personal Stamina Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. C. Satisfaction of our Stand: Remaining steadfast will ultimately lead to the satisfaction of Deliverance 1. What this Salvation is not: We are saved from sin by grace through faith not works. 2. What this Salvation Is: 2Tim 4:18 “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” D. Start of our Stand: The determination to follow Christ starts now & takes a lifetime to develop. 1. Determine to Run your Race: Will you allow bumps of life to slow you or use them in faithfulness? Heb 12:1-2 “..Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus..” 2. Determine to React with Radiance of love and grace and goodness of Christ: Rom 12:12 “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer;” 3. Determine to Reach your Goal: Rev 2-3 our Lord Jesus chose John to deliver 7 letters to 7 churches in Asia Minor. It’s a word of encouragement & exhortation from Christ to His Church during persecution: 1. Rev 2:7 For the church at Ephesus: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life (for health and healing in blessings of New Jerusalem), which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” 2. Rev 2:11 For the church at Smyrna: “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” James 1:2 Faithful perseverance through trials will bring crown of life not the eternal second death. 3. Rev 2:17 For the church at Pergamos: “To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the hidden manna, (sustenance and life in Christ) and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name writ-ten (symbolizes acceptance and approval of God), which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” 4. Rev 2:26-28 For the church at Thyatira: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to slivers Ps 2:8-9 (authority to rule with Christ): even as I received of My Father. I will give him the morning star (My eternal presence as My kingdom comes). 5. Rev 3:5 For the church at Sardis: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment (the righteousness of Christ is accounted for Him through the redeeming blood of the Lamb): and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life (assurance of eternal security for true believers), but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” 6. Rev 3:12 For the church at Philadelphia: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God (given a place of service and honor), and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God (indicating ownership), and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God Rev 21:2: and I will write upon him My new name.” Rev 22:3-4 “..the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him. And they shall see His face; and His name shall be on their foreheads.” 7. Rev 3:21 For the church at Laodicea: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame & am set down with My Father in His throne ( to reign with Christ in His kingdom) ” May we determine to be faithful to God the Father, in Christ the Son & by guidance of the Holy Spirit into the world of the end! Rev 21:7 “He that overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be his God & he shall be My son.”