Matthew 24:4-14
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Consider the following:
- The crumbling of the Eastern Bloc of Europe and the Communist Empire.
- The unprecedented vote by the Soviet communist party to relinquish its absolute hold on power for the first time since it seized power 70 years ago.
- The opening of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of a divided Germany.
- Events transpiring in the Middle East.
- The failing ecosystem of Planet Earth.
- Changing weather patterns worldwide.
- The breathtaking pace of technological advancements.
- The collapse of ethical and moral values.
- The weakening influence of our churches and their leaders.
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! - Isaiah 5:20-21
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1
General ’signs’ Jesus said would be visible prior to His return.
- Deliberate deception by men of God’s Word
- Rise of false Christs
- Increase in wars and rumors of wars
- Famines, Pestilence & Earthquakes
- Discrimination and hatred against Christians
- Backsliding, turning from the faith, betrayal
- Hatred of Christian against Christian
- False Prophets and “New Age” leaders
- Lawlessness abounding
- Love and concern for others grows cold
- Gospel preached worldwide
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. -Revelation 3:10-11
