How can we recognize the signs of Jesus' return in today's world? Opening Verse “So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door.” (Matthew 24:33) The Fig Tree Lesson: Discern the Season • Jesus places responsibility on His followers to “see” and “know.” • As leaves signal summer, prophetic signs signal His return—observable, literal indicators rather than vague impressions. Global Birth Pains Jesus Highlighted (Matthew 24:4-8) • False messiahs & widespread deception • Wars and rumors of wars • Nation rising against nation, kingdom against kingdom • Famines, pestilences, earthquakes in various places These events intensify like labor contractions—closer together and more severe as the end approaches. Spiritual Climate Indicators • Widespread apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3) • “Lovers of self… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) • Mockers asking, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:3-4) • Explosive global proclamation of the gospel (Matthew 24:14)—technology now pushes Scripture to the ends of the earth. The Nation of Israel as a Prophetic Timepiece • Re-establishment in 1948 (Isaiah 66:8) • Control of Jerusalem regained in 1967 (Luke 21:24) • Ongoing international focus on Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:2-3) Israel’s modern history lines up precisely with end-time prophecy, confirming we are in the closing chapters. Technological and Cultural Acceleration • Knowledge exploding (Daniel 12:4) • Global commerce & tracking systems poised for a future “mark” economy (Revelation 13:16-17) • Instant worldwide communication enabling the whole earth to witness events (Revelation 11:9-10) • Moral relativism and lawlessness intensifying (Matthew 24:12) Living Alert and Ready • “But you, brothers, are not in darkness… so that this day should overtake you like a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4) • Stay awake—spiritually vigilant, discerning news through a biblical lens. • Keep lamps filled with oil (Matthew 25:1-13): maintain vibrant faith and obedience. • Encourage one another “and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) Maranatha Mindset • Hope: “When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28) • Purity: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself.” (1 John 3:3) • Urgency: Work while it is day—share the gospel, disciple others, steward time and resources wisely. Watching the signs through the lens of Matthew 24:33 keeps hearts expectant, grounded, and ready for the shout and trumpet blast that will usher in the return of our King. |
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