1. Bible Study ________, 2011 Citadella

2. Study of the Last Things (Eschatology)

3. Eschatology  The study of, or teachings about… The “end”; “end times”; “last days”; “end of the world”; etc. And what is after/beyond the end?  Common belief: Although there are different interpretations of prophecy, the common beliefs weld the Church to a united belief that Christ is coming again  Purpose: Provides encouragement for people in the midst of trials and tribulations

4. Signs of the Times Matthew 24:3-14 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?”  Religious deception (Matthew 24:4,5) 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.  Political Turmoil (Matthew 24:6-7a) You will hear of wars and rumors of war, 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.  Calamity, Disasters (Matthew 24:7b) There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

5. Signs of the Times  Persecution of believers (Matthew 24:9) Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.  Apostasy (Matthew 24:10,11) 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.  Increase in wickedness (Matthew 24:12,13) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.  Widespread teaching of the gospel (Matthew 24:14) 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.

6. Sequence of Events EventReferenceComments Jesus’ first comingJohn 1:14Christ was born and lived among the people The Church AgeActs 2:1-5 1 Thes 4:13-18 The church age began at Pentecost until its rapture Birth pains (signs) Matthew 24:3-14Signs of the times leading to the end Rapture of the church 1 Thes 4:16-18Believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air Tribulation Period 7 years Daniel 12:1Reign of the anti-Christ; time of great distress The second coming of Christ Matthew 24:20-31Christ will come again to defeat his enemies The MilleniumRevelation 20:1-41,000 years of reign of Christ on earth with peace Final defeat of Satan then White Throne Judgment Revelation 20:7-10 Revelation 20:11- 13 Satan thrown into the lake of fire; judgment of unbelievers Kingdom of GodRevelation 21-22Eternal reign of God; new heaven and new earth

7. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

8. The End Is Coming!  When? Mark 13:32 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  What should we do? Mark 13:33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.