Like the first signs of spring, I can be a sweet-smelling aroma to a world that is dark. What do others see? Am I reflecting Christ like a blooming flower?

End Times

Matthew 24:1,2,3

Matthew 24:12,13,14

The apostles ask three questions:

  • When will the destruction of the temple happen (the end of the age or the world as they knew it)?
  • What are the signs that Jesus will return?
  • How will we know when it's the end of the world and eternity begins?

1 Thessalonians 4:13,14,15,16,17 Many were looking forward to the return of Jesus. There’s an urgency. All need to live ready.

Matthew 24:23

Matthew 24:6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21 22,23,24,25 Jesus said there will be signs of the end of the apostolic age. The grand temple built by Herod would be torn down. This prophesy came true 40 years later. Many of these things physically happened within the next century when the temple was destroyed.

How do I know if a prophet or a prophesy is false? If it doesn’t happen, it’s probably not true. Don’t believe everything you read! Is the prophet intending to deceive or do they just have an opinion that isn’t correct?

Matthew 24:26,27 The second coming is an important prophesy that will not be given to only one person. Everyone will know; there’s no hidden truth or special knowledge. Like lightening, it will be clear to everyone.

God hates a false balance, which withholds part of the truth or changes it slightly. If I am just impressed by the person delivering the prophesy, I am not using the Spirit to discern.

Jesus is coming back for His Kingdom. God is a God of love - he will be fair and everyone can know how to be ready for His return.

Matthew 24:29,30 The tribes of the earth mourn if they don’t want to be separated from their sin or material things.

Matthew 24:31 Preachers and teachers carry the Gospel to gather all. False prophets are interested in becoming lifted up and important.

Matthew 24:40,41,42,43,44

Matthew 24:36

Humans have free will. The flesh is designed for material and selfish interests. Our flesh is naturally at war with Divine nature. This leads to committing sin and the Kingdom of Darkness.

Am I in the Kingdom of Light? I am human subject to temptation and can still have victory.