Signs of the end times
Matt.24:1-14
By Ysrael De la Cruz
As Christians we must know what we believe and why we believe it since we live in a world where there are so many different ideas and beliefs many of which are not in accordance with God’s word. The Bible must be what defines our beliefs; in other words, whatever we choose to believe must be grounded on the Bible and not on our feelings or preconceived notions. We must let the Bible dictate our beliefs and convictions otherwise we may be believing something that is unbiblical.
One of the most misunderstood topics, which have created much debate among Christians and evangelicals is the study of the end times. (Eschatology: the study of the end times). While people may be debating the rapture, the time of the tribulation (Is the church going through the tribulation or not?), the return of Jesus and so forth. One thing they all agree on is that Jesus one day will come back as the Lord of lords and King of kings.
Revelation ends with Jesus living among his people in a perfect world. Rev.21-22

As we wait for his return, what are we supposed to do? What should we look for as we wait for Jesus’ return?
The apostles asked Jesus similar questions. Jesus had promised them that he will return one day to take them with him.
Matthew 24 gives us signs of the end times or end of the age. Luke 21 and Mark 13 also give us their account on what Jesus spoke about that day.
Matthew 24:1-14
Jesus was leaving the temple and his disciples admired or marveled the temple structures. Jesus predicted what would happen to the temple and the structures around it.
(v.2) There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.
Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem which took place in 70AD.
The disciples asked Jesus two questions:
When will these things be? What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?
The first thing Jesus told them was to watch out that they are not led astray or deceived.
1)The rise of fall messiahs
2)You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but don’t be alarmed
-Nations will rise against nations and kingdom against kingdom.v.6
3)-Famines and earthquakes in various places. v.7
These are just the beginning of the birth pains.

4) Persecution of God’s people (v.9)
-persecuted and killed because of Jesus. The apostles were persecuted and killed because of Jesus and many more have been and are being persecuted and hated because of Christ.
-Hatred towards God’s people (we see and feel this today)
5)-The apostasy of many (v.10) Many will abandon the faith (fall away) betray one another and hate each other.
6)-Many false prophets will deceive many. (v.11)
7)-An increase in lawlessness (wickedness) (v.12) This will cause the love of many to grow cold.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Jesus is calling his people to endure all these things.
8)-The gospel will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come. V14

Based on the signs Jesus gave, we are living in the end times. What shall we do as we wait for the end?
-Don’t let anyone deceive you with dates and appearances of Mesiahs in the world. The only way for you to keep yourself from being led astray is to remain steadfast on God’s word.
-Don’t be alarmed when you hear about wars in our times. These things have been taking place ever since Jesus spoke about the end times.

-Remain in Jesus and his word; don’t fall away; don’t renounce your faith because of the wickedness we see in the world.
-Jesus calls us to persevere and stay awake (v.42) and be ready for we do not know when he will return. V.44
Jesus calls his people to remain faithful to him and his kingdom purposes. (46) Blessed is that servant whom his master fill find so doing when he comes.

The signs are evident and frequent in our time. Jesus will come again. May he find you faithful to his cause. Remember, don’t be alarmed, don’t let anyone deceive you. But stay awake and ready for that glorious day.