“Will the World End in 2012?”

I. The Mayan Civilization. A.An ancient culture, but not _______. primitive

B.Examples of advanced Mayan culture. 1. In mathematics. 2. In astronomy. 3. In monitoring time.

C.The Mayan calendar ends on ___________________. December 21, 2012

II. What Does the Bible Say? A. Key Bible passage: Matthew 24:36.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Matthew 24:36.

B. Jesus gives us signs indicating when the end of the world is near.

C. How will the world end? 1.Not by some _____________: natural disaster Genesis 9:12-17.

“And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh;

And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will look upon it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.’

God said to Noah, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.’” Genesis 9:12-17

2.With the ______________ _____________: second coming of Jesus Matthew 24:30.

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30

III. Why Hasn’t God Told Us? A.Reveals God’s love for us: John 14:1-3.

“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3

1.Our life here on earth is not what God intended for us. 2.Focus on ______, not ______. what when

B. God knows our human nature. 1. April To help avoid discouragement. 3. Cherish the present.

Conclusion. A.How close are we to Jesus’ return? B. Be ready now!