How a Disciple Watches – THE CULMINATION

As Christ’s disciples, we want to know what’s ahead for mankind.

(Mark 13:14-31) "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' standing where it does not belong — let the reader understand — then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now — and never to be equaled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has shortened them. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect — if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

The word “second” never appears in Scripture:

· In Revelation 1:4, 8 & 4:8 it’s erchomenos – “to come”

· In Matthew 24:3 it’s parousia – “the presence”

· In Revelation 1:1 it’s apokalupsis – “the unveiling”

· In Titus 2:13 it’s epiphany – “the appearance”

1. The TRUTH of It

A. Some signs of the Rapture:

1) Increasing deceptions and persecutions of Christ’s disciples (Mark 13:5-13).

2) The presence of Jews in the world today.

(30) “I tell you the truth, this generation [race] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”

3) The reestablishment of the nation of Israel (Psalm 105:8-11).

4) The gospel is close to being preached all over the earth.

(Mt 24:14) “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

5) Knowledge is increasing exponentially.

(Daniel 12:4) Many will go here and there to increase knowledge”

6) Wickedness is increasing exponentially.

(Matthew 24:12) “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

2. The TERROR of It

A. Jesus is warning those first century Jews of the coming terror when Rome will descend on Jerusalem.

B. Jesus is warning those who remain behind after the rapture of the coming terror of The Great Tribulation.

(19-20) Those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now - and never to be equaled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive.”

(Revelation 5 – 19 “The Great Tribulation”)

C. Some signs of the Second Coming:

1) After the rapture, Jews will migrate from all over the world to Israel (Ezek. 20:33-38; 22:17-22).

2) The temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Math 24:15; Acts 15:13-18).

3) The Antichrist will make a covenant with the Jewish nation (Daniel 9:27).

4) After 3 ½ years, he will break that covenant with the Jews (Daniel 9:27).

5) He will present himself to be worshiped in the temple (“abomination that causes desolation” – Mark 13:14; Math 24:15; Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11)

6) After seven years of terror, the awesome Battle of Armageddon will be fought (Rev 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, Isaiah 16, Ezra, Daniel, Joel, Zechariah.)

3. The TRIUMPH of It

(24-25) “In those days, following that distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’”

A. The darkest hour is just before dawn.

(26) “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”

B. What a day that will be!

(27) “And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”

(31) “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”