End times, there are so many different theological interpretations included in books, articles, debates, concordances spanning over thousands of years. Who's right, who's wrong?
This series of articles is not intended to dwell on doomsday prophecies, nor theological debate. It is designed to remind us what Jesus, himself, says in His own words in the Bible about the coming end of days. This article is to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ found in His Word. Even though this topic strikes both fear and curiosity at the hearts of men, Christ gives us comfort and strength in his words.
As time progresses, more people will need to know the Truth that can only be found in Jesus Christ. His Word will become most important as we walk through the coming days. To begin on this path we must first find out what Christ says about the coming end times. Know that he is our comforter, our counselor and our guide. There is no other way to Truth.
As you read the following excerpts in this article and the coming articles, picture yourself in Jesus' day. You are in the crowd at the Mount of Olives sitting on the grass or on a large rock. The sun is shining down on you and the wind gently brushes your skin. Maybe your friends or family members are sitting around you poised to listen to the most amazing Truth you have ever heard.
You have heard rumors of this man, they call Jesus, the messiah, and came to see and hear for yourself. You begin to listen to his words, your mind races with curiosity at every breath. Your flesh begins questioning the validity of the words and even the man, Jesus Himself. Ah, but your heart knows something that the rest of you wants to resist. This man speaks the Truth.
Something has brought you here, something beyond yourself, something that speaks through your heart. Its' more than just believing, it is a simple deep down knowing that you were chosen to hear these words.
Before you read, ask God for the gift of discernment. The ability to know the truth from a lie. Ask Jesus to teach you as though you were there, right this moment. And ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in applying these words to what you are experiencing in your life today.
Jesus Teaches on the Mount of Olives
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings."Do you see all these things?" he asked."I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—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 to take anything out of the house. 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 your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matthew 24:1-25. NIV
This is the first of a series of articles that will be addressing end times. This is not meant to frighten, but to inform, to guide, to help as Christians come together in unity. Feel free to share your comments.
As we go through this series, get your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the gift of Discernment and the Kingdom of Heaven will be open to you.
You can visit this Blog at:
http://www.endofdaysjesus.blogspot.com/
Article written by: A fellow Diciple of Christ
Series I, Article 1.
