84. PREPARING FOR THE END OF THE WORLDWill the world come to an end in my lifetime?
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When you leave your house for work do you lock the door? Certainly. It is a very simple preparation to prevent a thief from entering your home. People spend a lot of effort and money preparing for what they believe is highly probable. We prepare for the thief whom we have never seen nor met. But we believe whole- heartedly that he will likely visit our home someday! We pay to put bars on our windows, double locks on our doors, and make a special hiding place for our things. In some cases we even pay for security guards and electronic security systems. Why go to all this trouble? It is because our neighbors’ stories, the news, and the experience of our own lives tell us that there are thieves who want to enter our homes and that we must be ready when they come.
In this lesson we will look closely at an event more devastating and scarier than a thief, the end of the world. Unfortunately, some are not ready for it and will be taken by surprise like a man who returns from a day’s work to nd his door jarred open and his house robbed. The only difference is that they won’t have time to clean up the mess! What can you do spiritually to prepare for the end of the world? Let’s find out!
For nearly 30,000 Turks, doomsday came on August 17, 1999 at 3:02 am. In the dark of night the ground heaved, walls cracked, and panic gripped the minds of millions. Some of the residents of Izmit leaped to their death from balconies. Moments later thousands scrambled in panic looking for their children and loved ones who were buried alive.
Little did we know in 1999 that the next decade would bring a successive wave of giant disasters upon the world. It was the eve of a new millennium, and the beginning of the end of the world.
Gujarat, India became Izmit’s sister in heartache when 30,000 people died during a 7.9 earthquake on January 2001. But both trag- edies pale in significance to the disaster that struck our planet on December 2004, when a colossal 9.0 earthquake turned the ocean into a huge killing machine leaving nearly 300,000 people dead. The tsunami from the earthquake annihilated the port cities of Thai- land, Indonesia, and even struck the shores of Africa. The gates of sorrow had been left open and monsters of immense devastating power entered our age. In the following months a massive earth- quake rocked Chile killing 84,000 people. Another earthquake of similar proportion wiped out an entire city in China. Then in January 2010 the world stood shocked when one of the poorest countries of our earth suffered immense loss. In 35 seconds, 212,000 Haitians were crushed under the weight of concrete and steel leaving friends and loved ones to pick up the shattered pieces of both their country and lives. Is this the end of the world?
It’s too late to ask that question to the 140,000 who died in a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal in 2008, or the 750,000 who starved to death in Somalia in 2011. Oh, what appalling things the world has seen since 1999.
We watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell, and have been shocked by global political intrigue, local conspiracies, and deep state plots. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, toppled governments in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and rumors of an EU collapse all contribute to the truth that this world is falling apart. What does the future hold? Will the American Industrial War Complex start another war? Will China take over the world?
Some might ask, “Is this really the end of the world? Hasn’t the world always had troubles?”
Yes it has, but not on such a global and catastrophic scale! As the world’s politicians argue about how to solve the world's economic crisis, and the market’s heave and roll like a boat tossed on the sea, our earth is entering a new phase of its existence. It is called death. Yes, our planet is dying.
Overpopulation and modern industry has left our planet ghting against problems that natural ecosystems cannot solve. Scientists say if pollutants continue to pour into the ocean at the rate they are now, our oceans and all that are in them will die by 2050. Great volumes of plastic and other industrial waste are contaminating our earth’s natural systems. Deforestation is causing the earth’s deserts to increase by 50,000 square kilometers a year. In fact Turkey is losing 500 million tons of nutrient rich land a year to soil erosion.16 Increased use of pesticides has destroyed bird populations all around the world and robbed us of the beauty of migratory ocks soaring in the sky. Other chemicals introduced into food sources have caused the highest rates of cancer and birth defects that we have ever witnessed. Nutrient and mineral values of plants have decreased by 50% over the last twenty years. Temperatures are changing. Rainfall is unpredictable, creating both ooding and drought. Above and beyond all of this, the threat of nuclear disaster is still as real today as it was during the Cold War.
But is this really the end of the world? Could we be living in the last days? What did Jesus have to say about this subject? Did he give us signs to know when the end was near? Let’s find out.
One day when Jesus was leaving the temple complex in Jerusalem, his disciples were looking at the high marble walls and grand archi- tecture of the temple. They were so awe struck with the buildings that had taken nearly 40 years to build that they asked Jesus,
"Isn’t this temple magnificent?”
However, instead of agreeing with them Jesus gave them an un- expected and startling answer. Let's read his response in Matthew chapter 24 verse 2:
2 But he answered them, "You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."
To get a feel for how surprising Jesus words might have been, con- sider a man who just bought a new 150 cm, at screen, 3D plasma TV with a built in blue-ray player. The thing cost him a fortune and is as thin your little nger. It hangs on the wall like a picture. While he and his neighbor are standing there admiring this amazing technology, another neighbor, a retired geology professor, stops by to visit. Both men direct the professor’s attention to the new purchase hanging on the wall.
“What do you think?” they ask.
The professor barely glances at it and says, “Don’t think too much about it, this too will be crushed in the coming earthquake.”
As you can imagine, the two men would probably respond by saying, “Do you know something about a coming earthquake that we don’t?”
Jesus’ refusal to marvel at what the disciples found so awe inspiring left the disciples perplexed and curious to know why Jesus thought the way he did. Let's read the disciples question and Jesus' response in Matthew chapter 24 verses 3-8:
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him pri- vately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" 4 And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
Jesus was looking forward over the centuries and telling his dis- ciples what would take place after he would leave this earth and ascend to heaven. He wanted his friends to know what they could expect. His long explanation, as we will see, climaxes with his glo- rious return from heaven and the absolute end of the world. Let’s continue his description in Matthew chapter 24 verses 9-14:
9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all na- tions, and then the end will come.
Yes, as we move toward the end of the world even faith communities will fracture. False believers will show their true colors and those who have had a duel allegiance to sin will betray the faithful followers. Jesus said, “the love of many will grow cold.” Have you ever noticed how we don’t talk to our neighbors anymore? Do you leave your doors open like you did years ago? Don’t let the precious ame of God's love be extinguished from your heart. Don’t allow it to grow cold.
In the next section of Jesus' description to his disciples, he warns of things that they would see in their lifetime. Let's continue with verses 15-20:
15 "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea ee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
In 70 AD, forty years after Jesus spoke these words, Jerusalem suf- fered a long siege by Roman armies. The siege culminated in the city's total destruction in which a million Jews were killed because of their obstinate refusal to surrender to the Roman armies. Amaz- ingly the Christians of that time, when they saw the Roman army, remembered Jesus words, obeyed them, and fled to the mountains. Amazingly, not one Christian died in the slaughter of Jerusalem because they heeded Jesus’ prophecy. For a graphic description of this history, read the first chapter of the thrilling book, “The Great Controversy.”17
Jesus foretold this event, warned of it, and used it as an illustration for events that would lead up to the end of the world. Although Jesus included this section about Jerusalem, his major focus was the events that would befall the righteous people during the 1st and 2nd millennium leading up to his second coming and the end of the world. Let’s continue reading his description in Matthew chapter 24 verses 21-28:
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
Jesus made it clear that before he returns to the earth a second time, there will be many false prophets and false christs. We do not want to be deceived, so we ask ourselves,
“How can I know what is a true prophet? How can I know who the true Christ is?”
One way to know if a prophet is real or not is to compare what he says with previous prophets. God never contradicts Himself, and his prophets must bear a consistent testimony. If his/her prophecy is consistent with the words of the Old Testament prophets and Jesus, we have something worth hanging on to. If it isn't consistent, we need to run from it as if it were a mad dog, foaming from the mouth eager to bite.
And what about Jesus' warning regarding false christs? Through the centuries self-proclaimed false messiahs have come and gone. One of them right here in Turkey, Sabbatai Zevi, convinced at least a third of the European Jews that he was the messiah in 1666!
Beyond psychologically imbalanced cases like Sabbatai Zevi, or charismatic geopolitical gures, the scriptures indicate that there will be a last false messiah who will actually be Satan himself attempting to lead the world astray! How can we know who is true and who is a deceiver? The best preparation to avoid being deceived is to carefully study God’s words for yourself, which of course is exactly why you have diligently studied these lessons!
Here is an example of how to study God’s word. Did you notice in Jesus’ description of his second coming he said,
“For as the lightening comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man”?
In other words, it will be a global event, lighting up the whole sky. It will not be secret, a television event, or a media event. It will be in the sky, for the whole world to see. Secondly, did you notice Jesus said,
“Where the corpses are the vultures will gather”?
To get additional information, let’s look at this same conversation Jesus had with his disciples as recorded in the book of Luke. By comparing verses, we can learn exactly what Jesus meant. More precisely, Luke chapter 17 verses 24-37:
24 For as the lightning ashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the ood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, re and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-- 30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the eld not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left." 36 [Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.] 37 And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."
Did you notice the words “destroyed them all?” Noah and his family survived because they were inside the boat. Those outside the boat were destroyed. Likewise, Lot survived because he obeyed the angels when they told him to ee and not look back. Even so, when Jesus comes some will keep their lives and the rest will be food for the vultures, a symbol of death and destruction.
From this fact, we have a simple test to determine the difference between the real Christ to come and any lying anti-christ who will appear and deceive billions of people. If someone claims to be Jesus, the big question you can ask yourself is,
“Am I still living on this planet?”
If you are going to work, going shopping, or preparing food, and there isn’t utter mayhem all around you, then you know he can’t be Jesus. When Jesus comes again, it will be the end of life on this earth, as we know it. It will be as dramatic as Noah’s global ood and as nal as Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction by re. Jesus continues his description of the end of the world in Matthew chapter 24 verses 29-31:
29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, 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. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Jesus will come in the clouds of the air. Did you notice he would not walk on earth? Yes, the angels will gather the righteous from around the earth and they will meet him in the clouds.18 In fact you remember from a previous lesson when Jesus shared these words in John chapter 6 verse 39:
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
At that time Jesus will not only gather the righteous living from around the earth and take them to heaven, he will also raise the dead who have been quali ed by faith for eternal life.
Why does Jesus use the words, “last day?” When we were children we all experienced a “last day at school.” What a wonderful day it was when it nally arrived. Summer vacation lled with days of swimming and watermelon picnics awaited us. It was a time to be with friends and family. The earth will also have a last day and we are speeding toward it. But before that last day, just like the last days of school, there will be a time of testing.
God will not tolerate sin in His universe forever. He will destroy it just as He promised. Therefore, we can clearly see that the earth and all of its contents (including it’s people) has a “fate.” The earth’s fate is destruction. Those who cling to sin will be destroyed with the earth. Jesus compared it to the days of Noah. Do you remember reading these verses from the story of Noah in Genesis chapter 6 verses 7, 13, and 17:
7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Though the earth could not change its fate, the people on the earth could. Noah preached to the people and God provided room on the ark for all who would choose to enter. What kept people from entering the ark? Was it vanity? Were they too busy doing other things? Were they afraid of being scorned by family? Did they procrastinate? Those people had the power to save themselves if they had only listened, obeyed, and acted. The end of the world is coming. What must we do to change our fate?
Jesus said we could know the world is coming to an end if we watch for signs. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 24 verses 32 and 33:
32 "From the g tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch be- comes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
Here are the signs that tell us that the world is closing in on its fate.
Widespread Character Decay.
As in the days of Noah when the imaginations of men were violent all the time, Jesus says, “the love of many will grow cold.” Listen to this description from the book of I Timothy chapter 3 verses 1-4:
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
Increase in Homosexuality and other Sexual Perversion
We know that this was the reason God reigned re down on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The men there even attempted to rape the angels who came to visit Lot!19 Let’s read God’s words regarding the sin of homosexuality in the last days:
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.20
Increase in Knowledge
In the book of Daniel, the Bible predicted there would be a sudden burst of knowledge in the last days and that men would be able to travel rapidly around the world. The last hundred years have been like none other since the beginning of time. Listen to the prophet Daniel's closing words of in chapter 12 verse 4:
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Is there any doubt that people are on the go these days? The Internet is full of time lapsed photography and videos capturing the daily migration of humans, crowding the streets as they go to work, school, and then back home. We often forget that the car and airplane are relatively new inventions. Can you imagine what Daniel thought 2500 years ago when he saw the common scenes of our day?
Streets filled with cars and trucks. The sky filled with airplanes. The seas filled with vessels of trade and war.
The Bible also says, “knowledge will increase.” It makes no mention whether this knowledge would be good or bad. Of course, knowl- edge is useful and can be used for good. There have been scientific advances in communication, healthier living, food production, and fighting disease. Unfortunately, that same knowledge is used for war. Right now, collective human knowledge is doubling every year. As we map everything from space to the human gene code, we see that the Bible's prophecy is true and as the angel told Daniel, the
end of the world is near.
We add to this list other signs of the end that even non-religious people see as imminent signals of doom: the increase in natural di- sasters, the poisoning of our natural environment on a global scale, the changes in our weather, the introduction of new super viruses and resistant diseases, the threat of nuclear holocaust, overpopulation, and the likelihood of globally interconnected financial disaster.
Yes, the end of the world is near. And the end of all things is the return of Jesus. What happens after that? According to the prophet Isaiah God will make a new heaven and a new earth and all sin will be destroyed.21
Do we know when the climax will be? Jesus answers that himself in Matthew chapter 24 verse 36:
36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
The big question for us is will we share in the fate of the earth and millions of people who don’t care about God or His laws of love?
Jesus tells us there will be two groups of people in the last days: those who prepare for it and are ready for his coming, and those who make no preparations and are lost. Here are Jesus words in Matthew chapter 24 verses 42-51:
42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will nd so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
In describing the earth’s destruction, Jesus uses some of the strongest words in his entire ministry. He wants to tell us, “this is a life and death matter.” Beware!
On February 13, 2011 a cargo ship named the Beşiktaş crashed with its crew into the coast of Sochi during a wild, level 4 storm. The ship broke in two when it was thrust by huge waves onto the rocky shore. Out of the twelve men onboard, two were never found.
The ship crashed at about seven in the morning. Why? Two sad facts reveal that no one had to die.
Firstly, the agency Turkey Sea News, reports that while the storm raged, "all the crew were asleep." Secondly, according to the Rus- sian Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport, "The captain of the vessel had been warned in advance about the impending storm, but decided to stay on his course."
With winds up to 200 km per hour, why did they not obey the warning? And once the warning had been issued, why did everyone sleep?
Jesus gives us clear warning of an impending storm of geo-political, natural, and supernatural proportions. We see on the horizon seismic waves of earthquakes, disease, war, moral and political unrest. Is there any reason we wouldn’t want to stay awake?
Jesus invites us to change our fate by “staying awake.” It is an invitation to a different life. A very real and vibrant road that goes against the current of the world’s interest. Let us leave behind material, carnal, and selfish interests. Let us heed the warnings that have been given to us. Let’s put our trust in the Good Shepherd and partake of the Bread of Life so that we can receive the reward of eternal life, which is given to those who wait expectantly to meet Jesus in the air at his second coming.
Discussion Questions
1. What things do you see in the news which help you believe the world is coming to an end?
2. Noah preached of a coming global destruction for 120 years. Why do you think that people chose to drown instead of entering the
ark with Noah and his family?
3. Did you notice Jesus did not invite us to prepare for the end of the world, but rather to prepare for his coming? Why do you think
this is?
4. In what ways can you prepare for this moment?
17 This book also goes into in depth detail about other events relating to the second coming of Christ. It is available from Istiridye Medya and can be ordered at www.istiridyemedya.com.
18 1 Thess. 4
19 Genesis 18 and 19
20 Jude 1:7
21 Isaiah 66:22
In this lesson we will look closely at an event more devastating and scarier than a thief, the end of the world. Unfortunately, some are not ready for it and will be taken by surprise like a man who returns from a day’s work to nd his door jarred open and his house robbed. The only difference is that they won’t have time to clean up the mess! What can you do spiritually to prepare for the end of the world? Let’s find out!
For nearly 30,000 Turks, doomsday came on August 17, 1999 at 3:02 am. In the dark of night the ground heaved, walls cracked, and panic gripped the minds of millions. Some of the residents of Izmit leaped to their death from balconies. Moments later thousands scrambled in panic looking for their children and loved ones who were buried alive.
Little did we know in 1999 that the next decade would bring a successive wave of giant disasters upon the world. It was the eve of a new millennium, and the beginning of the end of the world.
Gujarat, India became Izmit’s sister in heartache when 30,000 people died during a 7.9 earthquake on January 2001. But both trag- edies pale in significance to the disaster that struck our planet on December 2004, when a colossal 9.0 earthquake turned the ocean into a huge killing machine leaving nearly 300,000 people dead. The tsunami from the earthquake annihilated the port cities of Thai- land, Indonesia, and even struck the shores of Africa. The gates of sorrow had been left open and monsters of immense devastating power entered our age. In the following months a massive earth- quake rocked Chile killing 84,000 people. Another earthquake of similar proportion wiped out an entire city in China. Then in January 2010 the world stood shocked when one of the poorest countries of our earth suffered immense loss. In 35 seconds, 212,000 Haitians were crushed under the weight of concrete and steel leaving friends and loved ones to pick up the shattered pieces of both their country and lives. Is this the end of the world?
It’s too late to ask that question to the 140,000 who died in a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal in 2008, or the 750,000 who starved to death in Somalia in 2011. Oh, what appalling things the world has seen since 1999.
We watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell, and have been shocked by global political intrigue, local conspiracies, and deep state plots. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, toppled governments in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and rumors of an EU collapse all contribute to the truth that this world is falling apart. What does the future hold? Will the American Industrial War Complex start another war? Will China take over the world?
Some might ask, “Is this really the end of the world? Hasn’t the world always had troubles?”
Yes it has, but not on such a global and catastrophic scale! As the world’s politicians argue about how to solve the world's economic crisis, and the market’s heave and roll like a boat tossed on the sea, our earth is entering a new phase of its existence. It is called death. Yes, our planet is dying.
Overpopulation and modern industry has left our planet ghting against problems that natural ecosystems cannot solve. Scientists say if pollutants continue to pour into the ocean at the rate they are now, our oceans and all that are in them will die by 2050. Great volumes of plastic and other industrial waste are contaminating our earth’s natural systems. Deforestation is causing the earth’s deserts to increase by 50,000 square kilometers a year. In fact Turkey is losing 500 million tons of nutrient rich land a year to soil erosion.16 Increased use of pesticides has destroyed bird populations all around the world and robbed us of the beauty of migratory ocks soaring in the sky. Other chemicals introduced into food sources have caused the highest rates of cancer and birth defects that we have ever witnessed. Nutrient and mineral values of plants have decreased by 50% over the last twenty years. Temperatures are changing. Rainfall is unpredictable, creating both ooding and drought. Above and beyond all of this, the threat of nuclear disaster is still as real today as it was during the Cold War.
But is this really the end of the world? Could we be living in the last days? What did Jesus have to say about this subject? Did he give us signs to know when the end was near? Let’s find out.
One day when Jesus was leaving the temple complex in Jerusalem, his disciples were looking at the high marble walls and grand archi- tecture of the temple. They were so awe struck with the buildings that had taken nearly 40 years to build that they asked Jesus,
"Isn’t this temple magnificent?”
However, instead of agreeing with them Jesus gave them an un- expected and startling answer. Let's read his response in Matthew chapter 24 verse 2:
2 But he answered them, "You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."
To get a feel for how surprising Jesus words might have been, con- sider a man who just bought a new 150 cm, at screen, 3D plasma TV with a built in blue-ray player. The thing cost him a fortune and is as thin your little nger. It hangs on the wall like a picture. While he and his neighbor are standing there admiring this amazing technology, another neighbor, a retired geology professor, stops by to visit. Both men direct the professor’s attention to the new purchase hanging on the wall.
“What do you think?” they ask.
The professor barely glances at it and says, “Don’t think too much about it, this too will be crushed in the coming earthquake.”
As you can imagine, the two men would probably respond by saying, “Do you know something about a coming earthquake that we don’t?”
Jesus’ refusal to marvel at what the disciples found so awe inspiring left the disciples perplexed and curious to know why Jesus thought the way he did. Let's read the disciples question and Jesus' response in Matthew chapter 24 verses 3-8:
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him pri- vately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" 4 And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
Jesus was looking forward over the centuries and telling his dis- ciples what would take place after he would leave this earth and ascend to heaven. He wanted his friends to know what they could expect. His long explanation, as we will see, climaxes with his glo- rious return from heaven and the absolute end of the world. Let’s continue his description in Matthew chapter 24 verses 9-14:
9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all na- tions, and then the end will come.
Yes, as we move toward the end of the world even faith communities will fracture. False believers will show their true colors and those who have had a duel allegiance to sin will betray the faithful followers. Jesus said, “the love of many will grow cold.” Have you ever noticed how we don’t talk to our neighbors anymore? Do you leave your doors open like you did years ago? Don’t let the precious ame of God's love be extinguished from your heart. Don’t allow it to grow cold.
In the next section of Jesus' description to his disciples, he warns of things that they would see in their lifetime. Let's continue with verses 15-20:
15 "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea ee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
In 70 AD, forty years after Jesus spoke these words, Jerusalem suf- fered a long siege by Roman armies. The siege culminated in the city's total destruction in which a million Jews were killed because of their obstinate refusal to surrender to the Roman armies. Amaz- ingly the Christians of that time, when they saw the Roman army, remembered Jesus words, obeyed them, and fled to the mountains. Amazingly, not one Christian died in the slaughter of Jerusalem because they heeded Jesus’ prophecy. For a graphic description of this history, read the first chapter of the thrilling book, “The Great Controversy.”17
Jesus foretold this event, warned of it, and used it as an illustration for events that would lead up to the end of the world. Although Jesus included this section about Jerusalem, his major focus was the events that would befall the righteous people during the 1st and 2nd millennium leading up to his second coming and the end of the world. Let’s continue reading his description in Matthew chapter 24 verses 21-28:
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
Jesus made it clear that before he returns to the earth a second time, there will be many false prophets and false christs. We do not want to be deceived, so we ask ourselves,
“How can I know what is a true prophet? How can I know who the true Christ is?”
One way to know if a prophet is real or not is to compare what he says with previous prophets. God never contradicts Himself, and his prophets must bear a consistent testimony. If his/her prophecy is consistent with the words of the Old Testament prophets and Jesus, we have something worth hanging on to. If it isn't consistent, we need to run from it as if it were a mad dog, foaming from the mouth eager to bite.
And what about Jesus' warning regarding false christs? Through the centuries self-proclaimed false messiahs have come and gone. One of them right here in Turkey, Sabbatai Zevi, convinced at least a third of the European Jews that he was the messiah in 1666!
Beyond psychologically imbalanced cases like Sabbatai Zevi, or charismatic geopolitical gures, the scriptures indicate that there will be a last false messiah who will actually be Satan himself attempting to lead the world astray! How can we know who is true and who is a deceiver? The best preparation to avoid being deceived is to carefully study God’s words for yourself, which of course is exactly why you have diligently studied these lessons!
Here is an example of how to study God’s word. Did you notice in Jesus’ description of his second coming he said,
“For as the lightening comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man”?
In other words, it will be a global event, lighting up the whole sky. It will not be secret, a television event, or a media event. It will be in the sky, for the whole world to see. Secondly, did you notice Jesus said,
“Where the corpses are the vultures will gather”?
To get additional information, let’s look at this same conversation Jesus had with his disciples as recorded in the book of Luke. By comparing verses, we can learn exactly what Jesus meant. More precisely, Luke chapter 17 verses 24-37:
24 For as the lightning ashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the ood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, re and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-- 30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the eld not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left." 36 [Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.] 37 And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."
Did you notice the words “destroyed them all?” Noah and his family survived because they were inside the boat. Those outside the boat were destroyed. Likewise, Lot survived because he obeyed the angels when they told him to ee and not look back. Even so, when Jesus comes some will keep their lives and the rest will be food for the vultures, a symbol of death and destruction.
From this fact, we have a simple test to determine the difference between the real Christ to come and any lying anti-christ who will appear and deceive billions of people. If someone claims to be Jesus, the big question you can ask yourself is,
“Am I still living on this planet?”
If you are going to work, going shopping, or preparing food, and there isn’t utter mayhem all around you, then you know he can’t be Jesus. When Jesus comes again, it will be the end of life on this earth, as we know it. It will be as dramatic as Noah’s global ood and as nal as Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction by re. Jesus continues his description of the end of the world in Matthew chapter 24 verses 29-31:
29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, 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. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Jesus will come in the clouds of the air. Did you notice he would not walk on earth? Yes, the angels will gather the righteous from around the earth and they will meet him in the clouds.18 In fact you remember from a previous lesson when Jesus shared these words in John chapter 6 verse 39:
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
At that time Jesus will not only gather the righteous living from around the earth and take them to heaven, he will also raise the dead who have been quali ed by faith for eternal life.
Why does Jesus use the words, “last day?” When we were children we all experienced a “last day at school.” What a wonderful day it was when it nally arrived. Summer vacation lled with days of swimming and watermelon picnics awaited us. It was a time to be with friends and family. The earth will also have a last day and we are speeding toward it. But before that last day, just like the last days of school, there will be a time of testing.
God will not tolerate sin in His universe forever. He will destroy it just as He promised. Therefore, we can clearly see that the earth and all of its contents (including it’s people) has a “fate.” The earth’s fate is destruction. Those who cling to sin will be destroyed with the earth. Jesus compared it to the days of Noah. Do you remember reading these verses from the story of Noah in Genesis chapter 6 verses 7, 13, and 17:
7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Though the earth could not change its fate, the people on the earth could. Noah preached to the people and God provided room on the ark for all who would choose to enter. What kept people from entering the ark? Was it vanity? Were they too busy doing other things? Were they afraid of being scorned by family? Did they procrastinate? Those people had the power to save themselves if they had only listened, obeyed, and acted. The end of the world is coming. What must we do to change our fate?
Jesus said we could know the world is coming to an end if we watch for signs. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 24 verses 32 and 33:
32 "From the g tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch be- comes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
Here are the signs that tell us that the world is closing in on its fate.
Widespread Character Decay.
As in the days of Noah when the imaginations of men were violent all the time, Jesus says, “the love of many will grow cold.” Listen to this description from the book of I Timothy chapter 3 verses 1-4:
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
Increase in Homosexuality and other Sexual Perversion
We know that this was the reason God reigned re down on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The men there even attempted to rape the angels who came to visit Lot!19 Let’s read God’s words regarding the sin of homosexuality in the last days:
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.20
Increase in Knowledge
In the book of Daniel, the Bible predicted there would be a sudden burst of knowledge in the last days and that men would be able to travel rapidly around the world. The last hundred years have been like none other since the beginning of time. Listen to the prophet Daniel's closing words of in chapter 12 verse 4:
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Is there any doubt that people are on the go these days? The Internet is full of time lapsed photography and videos capturing the daily migration of humans, crowding the streets as they go to work, school, and then back home. We often forget that the car and airplane are relatively new inventions. Can you imagine what Daniel thought 2500 years ago when he saw the common scenes of our day?
Streets filled with cars and trucks. The sky filled with airplanes. The seas filled with vessels of trade and war.
The Bible also says, “knowledge will increase.” It makes no mention whether this knowledge would be good or bad. Of course, knowl- edge is useful and can be used for good. There have been scientific advances in communication, healthier living, food production, and fighting disease. Unfortunately, that same knowledge is used for war. Right now, collective human knowledge is doubling every year. As we map everything from space to the human gene code, we see that the Bible's prophecy is true and as the angel told Daniel, the
end of the world is near.
We add to this list other signs of the end that even non-religious people see as imminent signals of doom: the increase in natural di- sasters, the poisoning of our natural environment on a global scale, the changes in our weather, the introduction of new super viruses and resistant diseases, the threat of nuclear holocaust, overpopulation, and the likelihood of globally interconnected financial disaster.
Yes, the end of the world is near. And the end of all things is the return of Jesus. What happens after that? According to the prophet Isaiah God will make a new heaven and a new earth and all sin will be destroyed.21
Do we know when the climax will be? Jesus answers that himself in Matthew chapter 24 verse 36:
36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
The big question for us is will we share in the fate of the earth and millions of people who don’t care about God or His laws of love?
Jesus tells us there will be two groups of people in the last days: those who prepare for it and are ready for his coming, and those who make no preparations and are lost. Here are Jesus words in Matthew chapter 24 verses 42-51:
42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. 45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will nd so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
In describing the earth’s destruction, Jesus uses some of the strongest words in his entire ministry. He wants to tell us, “this is a life and death matter.” Beware!
On February 13, 2011 a cargo ship named the Beşiktaş crashed with its crew into the coast of Sochi during a wild, level 4 storm. The ship broke in two when it was thrust by huge waves onto the rocky shore. Out of the twelve men onboard, two were never found.
The ship crashed at about seven in the morning. Why? Two sad facts reveal that no one had to die.
Firstly, the agency Turkey Sea News, reports that while the storm raged, "all the crew were asleep." Secondly, according to the Rus- sian Federal Agency for Marine and River Transport, "The captain of the vessel had been warned in advance about the impending storm, but decided to stay on his course."
With winds up to 200 km per hour, why did they not obey the warning? And once the warning had been issued, why did everyone sleep?
Jesus gives us clear warning of an impending storm of geo-political, natural, and supernatural proportions. We see on the horizon seismic waves of earthquakes, disease, war, moral and political unrest. Is there any reason we wouldn’t want to stay awake?
Jesus invites us to change our fate by “staying awake.” It is an invitation to a different life. A very real and vibrant road that goes against the current of the world’s interest. Let us leave behind material, carnal, and selfish interests. Let us heed the warnings that have been given to us. Let’s put our trust in the Good Shepherd and partake of the Bread of Life so that we can receive the reward of eternal life, which is given to those who wait expectantly to meet Jesus in the air at his second coming.
Discussion Questions
1. What things do you see in the news which help you believe the world is coming to an end?
2. Noah preached of a coming global destruction for 120 years. Why do you think that people chose to drown instead of entering the
ark with Noah and his family?
3. Did you notice Jesus did not invite us to prepare for the end of the world, but rather to prepare for his coming? Why do you think
this is?
4. In what ways can you prepare for this moment?
17 This book also goes into in depth detail about other events relating to the second coming of Christ. It is available from Istiridye Medya and can be ordered at www.istiridyemedya.com.
18 1 Thess. 4
19 Genesis 18 and 19
20 Jude 1:7
21 Isaiah 66:22