Signs of the Times: Living in End Times Readiness
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to the second week of our series, "Answers." Today, we tackle a question that has been on many minds: Are we living in the end times? With global pandemics, social unrest, economic instability, and the rise of AI, it's natural to wonder if these are signs of the end times. We turn to Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks about the signs of His return. The goal is not to instill fear but to build faith and confidence in God's Word.
Jesus is coming again, and many prophecies are rapidly being fulfilled. We see global persecution of Christians, moral decay, and ideologies that challenge biblical truths. How do we stand firm in such times? We must be equipped with the Word of God. Jesus warned of rampant deception, false messiahs, and teachers. Deception means hiding the truth, and today, many suppress the truth of God.
Another significant sign is the regathering of Jewish people to Israel, a prophecy that has been unfolding since the late 19th century. This regathering is a once-in-history event, fulfilling prophecies from Isaiah and Zechariah. The modern state of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and a sign of the end times.
The third sign is a global revival. The gospel is being preached worldwide at unprecedented rates. In 1900, there were 10,000 unreached people groups; today, that number has drastically reduced. This aligns with Matthew 24:14, which states that the gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes.
So, what happens next? The rapture of the church, where believers will be caught up to meet the Lord. This event will usher in a period of judgment, but until then, the church is called to restrain evil and preach righteousness. We must stand firm on the truth, be filled with the Spirit, stay connected with other believers, and share Jesus with a hurting world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Rampant Deception: Jesus warned that before His return, there would be rampant deception. This includes false messiahs and teachers, as well as ideologies that hide the truth of God. Deception is the act of hiding the truth, and today, many suppress the truth of who God is and what it means to have a relationship with Him. We must be vigilant and grounded in the Word to discern truth from deception. [40:14]
2. Regathering of Jewish People: The regathering of Jewish people to Israel is a significant sign of the end times. This prophecy, which began in the late 19th century, is a once-in-history event. The modern state of Israel and the return of Jews to their homeland fulfill biblical prophecies and signify that we are living in the end times. [42:58]
3. Global Revival: One of the greatest signs of the end times is the global spread of the gospel. The number of unreached people groups has drastically reduced, and the gospel is being preached worldwide at unprecedented rates. This aligns with Matthew 24:14, which states that the gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. [58:03]
4. The Rapture of the Church: The next significant event on God's prophetic timeline is the rapture of the church. This event will see believers caught up to meet the Lord, ushering in a period of judgment. Until then, the church is called to restrain evil and preach righteousness, standing as a beacon of light in a dark world. [01:02:01]
5. Living in Readiness: We must live in readiness for the Lord's return, standing firm on the truth, being filled with the Spirit, staying connected with other believers, and sharing Jesus with a hurting world. This is not a time for fear but for faith and boldness, knowing that we are called to be light in the darkness. [01:08:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:07] - Are We Living in the End Times?
[35:00] - Jesus is Coming Again
[37:07] - Signs of the Times
[39:35] - Rampant Deception
[42:58] - Regathering of Jewish People
[58:03] - Global Revival
[01:02:01] - The Rapture of the Church
[01:08:08] - Living in Readiness
[01:15:00] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:3-14, 36-37 - "Now as he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?' And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 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.' ... 'But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.'"
2. Isaiah 11:11 - "In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean."
3. Matthew 24:14 - "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the signs Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24 that indicate the end times? ([37:07])
2. According to the sermon, what does the term "deception" mean, and how is it relevant to the end times? ([40:14])
3. What historical event does Isaiah 11:11 refer to, and how is it significant in the context of the end times? ([42:58])
4. How has the number of unreached people groups changed from 1900 to today, according to the sermon? ([58:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus warn about deception in the end times, and how can believers guard against it? ([40:14])
2. How does the regathering of Jewish people to Israel fulfill biblical prophecy, and why is this significant for Christians today? ([42:58])
3. What does the global spread of the gospel indicate about the timeline of the end times, according to Matthew 24:14? ([58:03])
4. How does the concept of the rapture provide hope and urgency for believers in their daily lives? ([01:02:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus warned about rampant deception in the end times. How can you stay vigilant and grounded in the Word to discern truth from deception in your daily life? ([40:14])
2. The regathering of Jewish people to Israel is a significant sign of the end times. How does this historical event strengthen your faith in God's promises and prophecies? ([42:58])
3. The global spread of the gospel is a sign of the end times. What specific actions can you take to support global missions or share the gospel in your community? ([58:03])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of living in readiness for the Lord's return. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared and living a life that reflects your faith? ([01:08:08])
5. How can you balance planning for the future (e.g., education, career, family) with living in readiness for the Lord's return? ([36:39])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of staying connected with other believers. How can you strengthen your relationships within your church community to support and encourage one another in these times? ([01:12:02])
7. Reflect on the call to share Jesus with a hurting world. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What steps will you take this week to share the love of Christ with them? ([01:13:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Standing Firm Against Deception
In Matthew 24, Jesus warned that before His return, there would be rampant deception, including false messiahs and teachers, as well as ideologies that hide the truth of God. Deception is the act of hiding the truth, and today, many suppress the truth of who God is and what it means to have a relationship with Him. We must be vigilant and grounded in the Word to discern truth from deception. This means immersing ourselves in Scripture, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and being part of a community of believers who can help us stay accountable and discerning.
In our current world, deception can come in many forms, from media and cultural narratives to personal relationships and even within the church. It is crucial to have a solid foundation in God's Word to navigate these challenges. By doing so, we can stand firm in our faith, recognizing and rejecting false teachings and ideologies that contradict biblical truths. Let us commit to being vigilant and discerning, always seeking the truth that is found in Jesus Christ. [40:14]
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (ESV): "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more vigilant against deception? How can you deepen your understanding of God's Word to better discern truth from falsehood?
Day 2: Witnessing the Regathering of Israel
The regathering of Jewish people to Israel is a significant sign of the end times. This prophecy, which began in the late 19th century, is a once-in-history event. The modern state of Israel and the return of Jews to their homeland fulfill biblical prophecies and signify that we are living in the end times. This event is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises, no matter how long it takes.
The regathering of Israel is not just a historical event but a spiritual marker that reminds us of God's sovereignty and His plan for humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is in control and that His promises are true. As we witness these events unfold, we are encouraged to trust in God's timing and His plan for our lives. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on God's faithfulness and renew our commitment to Him. [42:58]
Isaiah 11:12 (ESV): "He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth."
Reflection: How does witnessing the fulfillment of biblical prophecies like the regathering of Israel strengthen your faith in God's promises? What promises of God are you holding onto in your own life?
Day 3: Embracing the Global Revival
One of the greatest signs of the end times is the global spread of the gospel. The number of unreached people groups has drastically reduced, and the gospel is being preached worldwide at unprecedented rates. This aligns with Matthew 24:14, which states that the gospel will be preached to all nations before the end comes. This global revival is a powerful testament to the work of the Holy Spirit and the urgency of the Great Commission.
As believers, we are called to be part of this global revival by sharing the gospel with those around us and supporting missionary efforts worldwide. This is a time of great opportunity and responsibility. We must be proactive in our evangelism, using every available means to reach the lost. Let us be encouraged by the progress being made and commit to playing our part in this great mission. [58:03]
Habakkuk 2:14 (ESV): "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the global spread of the gospel? What steps can you take today to share the message of Jesus with someone in your life?
Day 4: Anticipating the Rapture of the Church
The next significant event on God's prophetic timeline is the rapture of the church. This event will see believers caught up to meet the Lord, ushering in a period of judgment. Until then, the church is called to restrain evil and preach righteousness, standing as a beacon of light in a dark world. This anticipation of the rapture should motivate us to live holy and purposeful lives, always ready for the Lord's return.
Living in anticipation of the rapture means being diligent in our spiritual walk, staying connected with other believers, and actively sharing our faith. It is a call to be vigilant and prepared, knowing that our time on earth is temporary and that our ultimate home is with the Lord. Let us use this time wisely, making the most of every opportunity to serve God and advance His kingdom. [01:02:01]
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 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."
Reflection: Are you living in a way that reflects readiness for the Lord's return? What changes can you make in your daily life to be more prepared for the rapture?
Day 5: Living in Readiness and Boldness
We must live in readiness for the Lord's return, standing firm on the truth, being filled with the Spirit, staying connected with other believers, and sharing Jesus with a hurting world. This is not a time for fear but for faith and boldness, knowing that we are called to be light in the darkness. Living in readiness means being proactive in our spiritual growth and intentional in our relationships and ministry.
In these times, it is essential to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. We must also prioritize fellowship with other believers, as this provides support, accountability, and encouragement. Finally, we must be bold in our witness, sharing the hope and love of Jesus with those who are lost and hurting. Let us embrace this call to live in readiness and boldness, trusting that God will use us for His glory. [01:08:08]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: How can you live more intentionally in readiness for the Lord's return? What steps can you take to be more bold in your faith and witness to others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The end times should not be scary to people. In other words, the goal of end times teaching is not to put fear in our hearts, it's to put faith and confidence in our hearts. Matter of fact, if you feel unsettled, my goal as your pastor is to equip you with the word of God to do just that. To put confidence in your heart and faith in your heart. Here's what we do know. Jesus is coming again. How many of y'all excited about that? We know that." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We should be ready for the Lord to come back today, amen? But we should plan like it may be 100 years. So I wanna qualify that for all of our young people. Because people will email, ask questions, say, Pastor, what about this? Should I plan? Absolutely, you should plan for the future. But you should be ready." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Biblical Christianity is diametrically opposed. It's not what we do. It's what Christ has done for us. Any religion that espouses what you must do to be right with God is a false religion. There's false Christs. There's false religions. There's deception about biology, life, basic things about life. Jesus said, Before the coming, before the return of Christ, there'll be global deception." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The greatest power in the earth today is not military power, political power, or financial power. It's the power of Almighty God. And guess the cool thing about it is as Christians we can walk through chapter 24 verse 49. And now I will send the Holy Spirit just as my Father promised but stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with what? Come on everybody say it. Fills you with what? Power. God wants to fill you with power." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, I've had the privilege of being with people literally when they've said their last words before they pass from this life to the next. Sometimes the last things that people say before, where you've heard a grandma or a grandfather and they're gathering all their loved ones around and Jesus, when he was on the Mount of Olives, literally the last thing that he said on the earth to the disciples, Acts chapter one, verse eight, but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I wanna do something today. I wanna talk to you about what I would consider signs of the times. The reality is is that I believe, and you're gonna see today, that the majority of what I would consider what I would call end time prophecies, things in the Bible that were spoken about that needed to be fulfilled before the return of Christ, are rapidly being fulfilled. You can see globally the persecution of Christians. Again, as an American, we hear stories outside of the United States and yet inside the United States. The persecution of preaching the word of God. Do we believe the word of God? Are we gonna continue to preach it? Absolutely, at Church of the King we are." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first deportation, watch this, 609 B.C., Babylon comes in. Remember Nebuchadnezzar? Babylon comes in. Babylon comes in and takes the Jewish people. Remember Daniel? Remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Y'all remember that? And where do they go? They go to Babylon. How long are they there for? God's people, they're there for 70 years. In 539 B.C., watch this, they're released from Cyrus, the Persian king, watch this, and they come all the way back, the first regathering of the Jewish people. They were scattered, everyone say scattered, and now they're regathered. They were scattered and they were regathered. The first scattering and the first regathering." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only thing that is restraining a complete cultural implosion is the people of God, the church of Jesus Christ. Now, why do you say that, Pastor? I say that because you can begin to see your assignment. You begin to see God's call upon your life. This is all happening. So, three signs that we're entering into season. Rampant deception, regathering of Jews, revival globally. What's the next thing that happens? The rapture of the church. Prior to that, there is an intense restraining of evil. That's why we've got to preach righteousness. That's why we've got to define what is life? What is death? What is a man? What is a woman? What is a marriage? We've got to be able to proclaim what God says. Why? Because we're restraining evil in the earth." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Stand firm on the truth. The world is falling into chaos. The enemy wants us to look at all the wars, the rumors of wars, the uncertainties of life, the fear. And yet the Bible is clear, we should be people of faith. We don't fear the way the world does. We actually stand upon the word. The only thing that is not shifting right now is the word. This is, this is the only thing, let me tell you something. Let me tell you, let me tell you what part of the end-time deception is. I want everybody to look at here. Look right here. Part of the end-time deception is our confidence in God. Our culture believes that feelings are the truth. You are what you feel. No, you are what God's word says." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Stay connected with others. You know one of the things that so discourages me as a pastor, my heart gets hurt is when I see Christians that get disconnected. They get disappointed in life. Listen to me closely. Manage disappointment well. Because if you don't deal with disappointment it will move to unforgiveness and bitterness and you'll get cut off from the body of Christ. The Bible says in the last days another characteristic is the love of many will grow cold. You get disappointed. You get mad at God. You get mad at people. Life's not fair. Things happen in life. But how you manage your heart and part of the understanding of how to do that is stay connected to the body of Christ." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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