Living with Expectation: Understanding the Last Days

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the perennial question of whether we are living in the end times. This question has been a topic of interest throughout the history of the church and is often reignited by world events and various teachings. We explored the biblical perspective on the end times, emphasizing that the New Testament describes the entire period from Christ's ascension to His second coming as the last days. This understanding encourages us to live with an active and expectant faith, focusing on the certainty of Christ's return rather than attempting to predict its timing.

Dr. Cornell Vena and Dr. Robert Godfrey provided insights into the nature of these last days, highlighting that the signs of the end times, such as wars, apostasy, and false prophets, have been present throughout church history. These signs are not meant to pinpoint the exact timing of Christ's return but to call us to faithfulness and readiness. The discussion also touched on the concept of the Antichrist, acknowledging the presence of many antichrists throughout history while cautioning against definitive predictions about a singular future figure.

We also discussed the importance of eschatology, the study of last things, in the life of a believer. Eschatology is not just about future events but encompasses the entire redemptive story from creation to the new heavens and new earth. It provides hope and perspective, reminding us that our ultimate home is with Christ. The conversation concluded with a focus on the Great Commission, emphasizing that the proclamation of the gospel to all nations is a significant sign of the end times and a call to action for the church.

Key Takeaways:

- Living in the Last Days: The New Testament frames the entire period from Christ's ascension to His return as the last days. This perspective encourages believers to live with active faith and anticipation, focusing on the certainty of Christ's return rather than attempting to predict its timing. [07:33]

- Signs of the End Times: While signs such as wars, apostasy, and false prophets are present throughout history, they are not meant to pinpoint the exact timing of Christ's return. Instead, they serve as reminders to remain faithful and ready for His coming. [06:32]

- Understanding the Antichrist: The concept of the Antichrist is complex, with many antichrists appearing throughout history. While there may be a future singular figure, the focus should be on recognizing the opposition to Christ and His church rather than making definitive predictions. [15:24]

- The Role of Eschatology: Eschatology is integral to the Christian faith, encompassing the entire redemptive story. It provides hope and perspective, reminding believers of their ultimate home with Christ and the promise of a renewed creation. [36:17]

- The Great Commission as an End-Time Sign: The proclamation of the gospel to all nations is a significant sign of the end times. It calls the church to action, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and discipleship in anticipation of Christ's return. [31:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to the End Times Question
- [01:17] - Guest Introductions
- [02:45] - Are These the Last Days?
- [03:21] - Understanding the Last Days
- [06:32] - Signs of the End Times
- [09:27] - Living in Expectation
- [12:22] - Eschatology Explained
- [14:04] - Signs Preceding Christ's Return
- [20:34] - The Antichrist Discussion
- [31:46] - The Great Commission
- [35:00] - Importance of Eschatology
- [37:20] - Encouragement from Revelation
- [49:32] - Understanding the Rapture
- [58:18] - Different Eschatological Views
- [01:03:29] - Reading the Book of Revelation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 1:1-2 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."
2. Matthew 24:4-14 - Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times, including wars, famines, and the proclamation of the gospel to all nations.
3. 1 John 2:18 - "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, how does the New Testament define the "last days"? ([03:21])
2. What are some of the signs of the end times mentioned in the sermon, and how are they meant to affect believers? ([06:32])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Antichrist throughout history? ([15:24])
4. What is the significance of the Great Commission in the context of the end times, as discussed in the sermon? ([31:46])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of the entire period from Christ's ascension to His return as the "last days" influence a believer's daily life and faith? ([07:33])
2. In what ways do the signs of the end times, such as wars and false prophets, serve as reminders for believers to remain faithful? ([06:32])
3. How should believers approach the concept of the Antichrist, and what caution does the sermon suggest regarding predictions about a singular future figure? ([15:24])
4. Why is eschatology considered integral to the Christian faith, and how does it provide hope and perspective for believers? ([36:17])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that we are living in the "last days." How does this perspective change the way you approach your faith and daily life? ([07:33])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready and faithful in anticipation of Christ's return. What practical steps can you take to live with this mindset? ([06:32])
3. Consider the presence of many antichrists throughout history. How can you discern and respond to opposition to Christ and His church in your own life? ([15:24])
4. Eschatology is not just about future events but encompasses the entire redemptive story. How can this understanding deepen your relationship with Christ and your hope for the future? ([36:17])
5. The Great Commission is highlighted as a significant sign of the end times. How can you actively participate in the proclamation of the gospel in your community? ([31:46])
6. How does the sermon challenge you to view current world events in light of biblical prophecy and the certainty of Christ's return? ([06:32])
7. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your life reflects an active and expectant faith, as encouraged by the sermon? ([07:33])

Devotional

Day 1: Living with Expectant Faith
The New Testament frames the entire period from Christ's ascension to His return as the last days. This perspective encourages believers to live with active faith and anticipation, focusing on the certainty of Christ's return rather than attempting to predict its timing. The understanding that we are in the last days is not meant to instill fear but to inspire a life of faithfulness and readiness. It calls for a daily commitment to live in a way that reflects the hope and assurance of Christ's promised return. This mindset shifts the focus from trying to decipher the exact moment of His coming to living a life that is pleasing to Him every day. [07:33]

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily habit of living with the expectation of Christ's return, and what changes might this bring to your priorities and actions today?


Day 2: Recognizing the Signs without Fear
While signs such as wars, apostasy, and false prophets are present throughout history, they are not meant to pinpoint the exact timing of Christ's return. Instead, they serve as reminders to remain faithful and ready for His coming. These signs are not new; they have been part of the human experience and church history. The presence of these signs should not lead to fear or speculation but to a deeper reliance on God's promises and a commitment to live out one's faith with integrity and courage. The focus should be on being prepared spiritually rather than being consumed by the signs themselves. [06:32]

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains." (Mark 13:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from the chaos of world events to a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and promises today?


Day 3: Understanding the Antichrist
The concept of the Antichrist is complex, with many antichrists appearing throughout history. While there may be a future singular figure, the focus should be on recognizing the opposition to Christ and His church rather than making definitive predictions. The presence of antichrists serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that believers face and the need for discernment and steadfastness in faith. It is crucial to remain vigilant and grounded in Scripture, recognizing that the ultimate victory belongs to Christ. This understanding calls for a balanced approach, avoiding sensationalism while being aware of the spiritual realities at play. [15:24]

"Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour." (1 John 2:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the subtle forms of opposition to Christ in your daily life?


Day 4: Embracing the Fullness of Eschatology
Eschatology is integral to the Christian faith, encompassing the entire redemptive story. It provides hope and perspective, reminding believers of their ultimate home with Christ and the promise of a renewed creation. Understanding eschatology is not just about future events but about seeing the grand narrative of God's work from creation to the new heavens and new earth. This perspective offers comfort and assurance, encouraging believers to live with purpose and hope, knowing that their future is secure in Christ. It invites a deeper engagement with Scripture and a more profound appreciation of God's redemptive plan. [36:17]

"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of God's redemptive story, and how might this shape your daily walk with Christ?


Day 5: The Great Commission as Our Mission
The proclamation of the gospel to all nations is a significant sign of the end times. It calls the church to action, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and discipleship in anticipation of Christ's return. The Great Commission is not just a task but a privilege and responsibility for every believer. It is a call to share the hope of the gospel with others, recognizing that this mission is central to God's plan for the world. Engaging in this mission requires intentionality, courage, and a heart for those who have yet to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. [31:46]

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the gospel with this week, and what steps can you take to initiate that conversation?

Quotes


I think it's very helpful uh to remind Christians that uh we should not be so much focused on what we think of as the end times as Cornell just said those uh that short period immediately preceding the visible appearance of Christ but that the New Testament wants us to think of the whole period from his Ascension to his second coming as the end times in which we should be active and expectant. [00:07:22]

The New Testament frames the entire period from Christ's ascension to His return as the last days. This perspective encourages believers to live with active faith and anticipation, focusing on the certainty of Christ's return rather than attempting to predict its timing. [00:07:33]

I think when you look at the history of the church one there are two problems that that constantly beset Christians either they become too indifferent about the second coming and assume it's so far in the distance it doesn't really matter to them or they become sort of obsessed with the second coming and spend too much time looking for signs or uh trying to find out exactly when it's going to to happen. [00:09:41]

The proclamation of the Gospel to the Nations to every tribe, tongue, and Nation as one of the signs that Christ's Second Coming is at hand and as we continue to see the gospel Advance uh to all the world to unreached people groups throughout the world uh as we see the Bible being translated into most languages throughout the world uh as we see disciples being made and the Great Commission being fulfilled this is a tremendous reason for anticipation and greater excitement as we see the gospel continuing to advance uh to the uttermost parts of the Earth. [00:31:46]

Eschatology is not just a small part of the story of redemption nor is it just a a small sort of secondary or tertiary doctrine of scripture uh eschatology is throughout scripture um it's from beginning to end um when we talk about the last things we have to go back to the first things and talk about why God created in the first place. [00:35:00]

Eschatology is integral to the Christian faith, encompassing the entire redemptive story. It provides hope and perspective, reminding believers of their ultimate home with Christ and the promise of a renewed creation. [00:36:17]

The biblical pattern that I observe is it's captured in the language of that little season at the end of The Vision in Revelation 20 of the Millennium that the opposition to Christ the suffering of the church even apostasy and the love of many growing cold it seems evident that there's a greater intensity. [00:15:24]

I think it's important uh to mention that we're speaking about eschatology as you mentioned that term earlier Dr Vena uh and for those who are not aware the word eschatology is a a word that simply means the study of last things or the study of uh end things or end times and so when we talk about eschatology we're we're not just speaking about that which is merely future but that which is upon us now in these last days in these uh end times. [00:12:22]

The Great Commission as an End-Time Sign: The proclamation of the gospel to all nations is a significant sign of the end times. It calls the church to action, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and discipleship in anticipation of Christ's return. [00:31:46]

The New Testament frames the entire period from Christ's ascension to His return as the last days. This perspective encourages believers to live with active faith and anticipation, focusing on the certainty of Christ's return rather than attempting to predict its timing. [00:07:33]

The Role of Eschatology: Eschatology is integral to the Christian faith, encompassing the entire redemptive story. It provides hope and perspective, reminding believers of their ultimate home with Christ and the promise of a renewed creation. [00:36:17]

The Great Commission as an End-Time Sign: The proclamation of the gospel to all nations is a significant sign of the end times. It calls the church to action, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and discipleship in anticipation of Christ's return. [00:31:46]

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Transcript
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