Signs of Christ's Return and Prophetic Timeline
Summary
In Matthew 24, Jesus' disciples inquired about the signs of His return and the timeline of events. Jesus provided them with principles to live by, emphasizing that while the exact time of His return is unknown, there are signs to watch for. This concept of imminency suggests that His return could happen at any moment, much like the rumblings behind a curtain before a play begins. Jesus mentioned wars and rumors of wars as signs, and while these have always existed, their global scale today suggests significant rumblings. We cannot definitively say these events indicate His immediate return, but they may signal either His imminent return or a divine reset of global operations.
Ezekiel 38 and 39 describe a ruler named Gog from the land of Magog, identified as Russia, who will lead an invasion involving multiple nations. This aligns with current global tensions, particularly around oil, which connects nations like China, India, and the Middle East. These events illustrate how the world might look when Jesus returns, as we witness a world in conflict and the potential for global shutdowns, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prophetic timeline begins with the rapture of the church, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4, where believers are caught up with Christ. This precedes a period of tribulation, marked by chaos and the rise of the Antichrist, who will deceive the world with promises of peace. This seven-year tribulation, detailed in Daniel and Matthew 24, culminates in the battle of Armageddon, where God will judge the world for rejecting Him.
Following this, Christ will return to earth, establishing His millennial reign, a 1,000-year period of peace and righteousness. Believers will rule with Him, and the earth will be restored to its intended glory. At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released briefly, leading to a final rebellion, which God will swiftly crush. The white throne judgment will then occur, determining the eternal fate of non-believers. Ultimately, a new heaven and earth will be established, where believers will experience eternal bliss with God.
Key Takeaways:
- The concept of imminency teaches us to live with an awareness that Christ's return could happen at any moment. This awareness should inspire us to live faithfully and expectantly, recognizing the signs of the times without succumbing to fear or speculation. [03:10]
- The global conflicts and tensions we witness today, particularly around resources like oil, serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nations and the potential for prophetic events to unfold. These events challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for redemption. [06:00]
- The rapture of the church signifies a pivotal moment in the prophetic timeline, where believers are united with Christ. This event underscores the importance of living a life of faith and readiness, as it marks the beginning of a period of tribulation and judgment. [07:14]
- The millennial reign of Christ represents the fulfillment of God's promise for a restored and righteous world. It is a time when believers will reign with Christ, experiencing the earth as it was meant to be, free from sin and rebellion. [12:00]
- The final judgment and the establishment of a new heaven and earth highlight the eternal consequences of our choices. This reality calls us to examine our relationship with Christ and to embrace the gift of eternal life He offers, ensuring our place in His eternal kingdom. [15:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:15] - Signs of Christ's Return
[03:10] - The Concept of Imminency
[04:19] - Global Rumblings and Divine Reset
[05:04] - Ezekiel's Prophecy and Russia
[06:00] - Oil and Global Interconnection
[07:14] - The Rapture of the Church
[08:19] - Rise of the Antichrist
[09:35] - The Day of the Lord
[10:03] - The Great Tribulation
[11:17] - Second Coming of Christ
[12:00] - Millennial Reign of Christ
[13:31] - Final Rebellion and Judgment
[15:16] - New Heaven and New Earth
[15:42] - Call to Accept Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 24:3-14
2. Ezekiel 38-39
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the signs Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24 that indicate His return? How do these signs relate to the concept of imminency? [03:22]
2. According to Ezekiel 38 and 39, who is Gog, and what role does this figure play in the prophetic timeline? [04:35]
3. In 1 Thessalonians 4, what is described as the sequence of events during the rapture? How does this event fit into the larger prophetic timeline? [07:14]
4. How does the sermon describe the global conflicts and tensions we see today, particularly around resources like oil, in relation to biblical prophecy? [06:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of imminency in Matthew 24 influence the way believers are encouraged to live their lives? What does it mean to live expectantly? [03:10]
2. In what ways do the global tensions described in Ezekiel 38-39 challenge believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for redemption? [05:16]
3. How does the rapture, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4, underscore the importance of living a life of faith and readiness? What implications does this have for believers today? [07:14]
4. What does the millennial reign of Christ represent in terms of God's promise for a restored and righteous world? How does this future hope impact believers' current lives? [12:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the concept of imminency. How can you cultivate a lifestyle that is both expectant of Christ's return and grounded in daily faithfulness? [03:10]
2. Considering the current global conflicts and tensions, how can you actively trust in God's sovereignty in your personal life and community? [06:00]
3. The rapture signifies a pivotal moment in the prophetic timeline. How can you ensure that you are living a life of readiness and faith? What changes might you need to make? [07:14]
4. The sermon mentions the interconnectedness of nations and resources like oil. How can you, as a believer, engage with global issues in a way that reflects your faith and trust in God's plan? [06:00]
5. The millennial reign of Christ is a time of peace and righteousness. How can you work towards creating peace and righteousness in your immediate environment today? [12:00]
6. Reflect on the final judgment and the establishment of a new heaven and earth. How does this reality influence your relationship with Christ and your daily choices? [15:31]
7. The sermon calls for a personal acceptance of Christ. If you haven't already, what steps can you take to explore this decision further? If you have, how can you deepen your relationship with Him? [15:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Imminent Expectation
The concept of imminency in the return of Christ teaches believers to live with a constant awareness that His return could happen at any moment. This awareness is not meant to instill fear or lead to endless speculation about the exact timing, but rather to inspire a life of faithfulness and readiness. Jesus emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of the times, such as wars and global tensions, as reminders of the unfolding divine plan. Believers are called to live expectantly, focusing on their relationship with Christ and the mission He has given them, rather than being consumed by fear or anxiety about the future. [03:10]
"For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily habit of living expectantly for Christ's return without succumbing to fear or speculation?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereignty Amidst Global Tensions
The global conflicts and tensions we witness today, particularly around resources like oil, serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nations and the potential for prophetic events to unfold. These events challenge believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for redemption. While the world may seem chaotic and uncertain, Christians are called to place their confidence in God's control over history and His promise to bring about His purposes. This trust enables believers to navigate the complexities of the world with peace and assurance, knowing that God is working all things for His glory. [06:00]
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty when faced with news of global conflicts and uncertainties?
Day 3: The Significance of the Rapture
The rapture of the church signifies a pivotal moment in the prophetic timeline, where believers are united with Christ. This event underscores the importance of living a life of faith and readiness, as it marks the beginning of a period of tribulation and judgment. The anticipation of being caught up with Christ should motivate believers to live in a manner that reflects their identity in Him, prioritizing spiritual growth and the sharing of the gospel. The rapture serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance that believers have in Christ, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith. [07:14]
"Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:17, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of the rapture influence your daily decisions and priorities as a follower of Christ?
Day 4: Experiencing the Fulfillment of God's Promise
The millennial reign of Christ represents the fulfillment of God's promise for a restored and righteous world. It is a time when believers will reign with Christ, experiencing the earth as it was meant to be, free from sin and rebellion. This future hope encourages believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain. The anticipation of reigning with Christ should inspire a life of holiness and service, as believers prepare for the coming kingdom where righteousness and peace will prevail. [12:00]
"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'" (Revelation 5:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's kingdom work today, in anticipation of reigning with Christ in the future?
Day 5: Embracing the Eternal Consequences of Our Choices
The final judgment and the establishment of a new heaven and earth highlight the eternal consequences of our choices. This reality calls believers to examine their relationship with Christ and to embrace the gift of eternal life He offers, ensuring their place in His eternal kingdom. The promise of a new creation where believers will experience eternal bliss with God serves as a powerful motivation to live a life that honors Him. It challenges believers to prioritize their spiritual journey and to share the hope of the gospel with others, inviting them to partake in the eternal joy that awaits. [15:31]
"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: How can you intentionally share the hope of the new heaven and earth with someone in your life who may not yet know Christ?
Quotes
in matthew chapter 24 the disciples asked jesus what are the signs of your return how do we measure a timeline having gone to heaven when you will come back and jesus gives them guidance he gives them key principles he makes it known that the specific time god is not telling us but what god will give us are clues to look forward to so that we know how to live in light of his coming even though we can't pinpoint the day or the hour that that event will specifically occur [00:02:01]
the biblical concept of any time is called the imminency that means at any moment it could occur at any time and i think it is clear there's a lot of rumbling behind the curtain jesus made it known that the signs of his coming would be wars and rumors of wars well we've always had wars we've always had discussions about wars but since jesus is coming will affect the whole world the bigger the rumors get and the broader the wars are the greater the sound behind the curtains [00:03:08]
we cannot definitively say that the wars we are dealing with right now are telling us jesus is coming back in the near term what we can say is either jesus is coming back in the near term given what we're seeing or god is doing a divine reset and using the chaos to reset the operation of the globe one of those two things are happening so god is at work either way [00:03:54]
the bible makes it clear that there will be this invasion that will take place that will bring nations together in conflict with one another that will wind up in the middle east and that will bring about the circumstances that will lead to the lord's return well i think it's clear that russia is in play the bible talks about nations from the east china india the middle east saudi arabia and there is something that brings all these things together including europe and including the united states oil [00:04:51]
everybody's talking about oil right well that is the one gem that is connecting everybody because it is the lifeline of existence in today's world so it shouldn't shock us in fact even if jesus is not coming back tomorrow one thing ought to be clear what we're going through now should be a direct indication of how things can be when jesus comes back because we're getting a good illustration of a world in conflict right now [00:05:57]
the prophetic timeline well it starts off with the rapture of the church first thessalonians chapter 4. this is when jesus comes back to take all who have placed faith in him to be with him this is not him coming to earth it's him coming to the air and we're getting caught up that is raptured the dead in christ will rise get their glorified bodies those who've already died it says we'll come back with him which means when you die you're on in the grave you are with him because you're coming back with him according to first thessalonians chapter 4 [00:07:06]
the reason we believe that the rapture takes place before this special time of tribulation is because it is a time of wrath and first thessalonians 1 10 says that believers have not been appointed unto wrath the worldwide conditions of chaos will set the stage for the rise of a personality we see now how one personality can influence the whole world for bad well this personality is called the antichrist second thessalonians chapter 2 and he will come seeking to bring peace to a chaotic world and he will be believed [00:08:13]
this is the battle when god according to ezekiel 38 will entice the nations to come together and even to turn on one another as they come to attack israel because god is getting ready to lower the boom in judgment on god rejecting mankind in the battle of gog and magog leading to the battle of armageddon when god will judge the world in its rejection of him that end of that battle of armageddon comes about because of the second coming of christ to earth [00:10:42]
this leads into a 1000 year party that party is called the millennial reign of christ the 1000 years repeated over and over again in the book of revelation chapter 20. when the golden era of mankind will finally occur that's the era that was predicted when god created adam that men would rule god just couldn't find a man worthy to rule so he had to become a man so that a man could rule but it would be a perfect man because it would be the incarnate god himself in the second person of the trinity jesus christ [00:11:52]
he will set up shop in jerusalem and based on our rewards we will be ruling with him at different levels with different uh occupational responsibilities as the new jerusalem comes down from heaven the capital city sitting over the physical city and jesus christ will rule the earth with an odd of ryan a rod of iron because satan will have been incarcerated and no rebellion against the rule of god through the person of christ will be allowed this is where the lion will lay down with the lamb this is where the viper won't bite a child [00:12:33]
the white throne judgment as opposed to the judgment seat of christ which judges christians for reward the white throne judges judges non-christians for the degree of judgment that they will experience due to their rebellion and rejection it is a evaluation of works the judgment seat of christ works for reward the white throne judgment level of judgment like alcatraz and sam and the san francisco bay there was minimum security medium security and maximum security [00:14:07]
and once that white drone judgment is over the sun will hand the kingdom over to the father and we will go into eternity and when we go into eternity when we go into eternity a new heaven a new earth and we will be experiencing eternal bliss with god forever [00:15:10]
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