Signs of the Times

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 24:1-14Mankind has always been fascinated with knowing the future; our only reliable source of prophecy is the Word of God.In Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied His return to Earth, offering signs of the times and the beginning of the end.“And Jesus said unto them, 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” (Matthew 24:2).The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish life; no one believed it would ever be destroyed. Yet, Jesus prophesied its destruction, and it came to be.The disciples asked Jesus: “When will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3).Jesus gave them eight signs to indicate He is at the door.DeceptionOne of the marks of the last days will be a time of great deception, in which all the world will be deceived by the Antichrist.DivisionThe coming generations will see more war, terrorism, hijackings, bombings, and assassinations than ever before.DisastersJesus spoke candidly of famine, plagues, and earthquakes. The human race has brought unprecedented destruction to our physical world. It is as though Earth is heaving in pain, pregnant with judgment.DefamationReligious persecution will increase, particularly toward those who follow Jesus Christ.DesertionWhen persecution against Christians begins, many who are not true believers will desert, unable to withstand the pressure.DisinformationOur world is drenched in disinformation, spread by many false prophets who claim to speak with authority.DepravityAdrian Rogers says, “We have a generation today that no longer believes in a fixed standard of right and wrong; because of that, the moral anchor is gone, and they have gone down into a swirling sewer of depravity.”DeclarationMatthew 24:13-14 says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”The Gospel is more accessible now than ever before; knowing this, Scripture urges us to continue sharing our faith and to endure.Apply it to your lifeKnowing Jesus could return at any moment, we would be wise to trust the Word of God, follow Jesus, and regularly share the Gospel with others.