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What question did the disciples ask Jesus concerning the end of the world?
"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Matthew 24:3
Here are some of the signs Jesus said would occur at the end of the world:
War And Bloodshed
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumors 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:...
Natural Disasters And Calamities
...and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows...
Religious Persecution
...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...
False Prophets and Teachers, Immorality and Divorce
...And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold". Matthew 24:6-12
Additional signs of the "end times": Economic Woes
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered... ye have heaped treasure together for the last days". James 5:1-3
A Selfish and Proud Generation at the End...
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away". 2.Timothy 3:1-5
Two prophetic writings are to be given special attention at the time of the end:
"But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. (Then) many shall run to and fro and search anxiously (through the Book), and knowledge (of God's purposes as revealed by His prophets) shall be increased and become great". (Amplified Bible) Daniel 12:4
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.... Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.. Revelation 1:1,3
Note: Two prophetic writings are widely recognized as apocalyptic (that is having to do with the end of time); the book of Daniel in the Old Testament and the book of Revelation in the New Testament.
What did Jesus say about Daniel's prophecy and events at the end of time?
"When ye (Christ's followers at the end) therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains.... For then shall be great tribulation... Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect". Matthew 24:15,16,21,23,24
What special message found in the book of Revelation will be preached to the whole world just before Christ returns?
"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters". Revelation 14:6,7
What events will mark the climax of earth's final crisis?
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory". Luke 21:25-27
What should God's redeemed do when all these signs come to pass?
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh". Luke 21:28
What final admonition did Jesus offer His followers?
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man". Luke 21:34,36
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