Summary

The article discusses the necessity of Jesus’ return to Earth, emphasizing biblical prophecies and teachings that outline the end times. It highlights the gathering of nations for judgment as foretold in the book of Joel, where God will confront those who oppose Him. The text also addresses the signs of the end, including famine, wars, and an increase in knowledge, as indicated in both the Old and New Testaments. The author asserts that the return of Jesus is not only a promise from God but also a fulfillment of scriptural accuracy, providing hope and assurance to believers.

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See the full transcript and listen to this prophetic sermon here:

1322 Jun 24, 1973.

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In this sermon, the following questions will be answered.

Study Guide

Outline 1

1. Introduction

– Importance of the topic

– Overview of biblical prophecies

2. Biblical Prophecies of Judgment

– Reference to Joel 3

– Gathering of nations for judgment

3. Signs of the End Times

– Famine, wars, and pestilence

– Increase in knowledge and technology

4. The Promise of Jesus’ Return

– Scriptural basis for the return

– Historical accuracy of the Bible

5. Conclusion

– Summary of reasons for Jesus’ return

– Encouragement for believers

Outline 2

1. Introduction

– Overview of the series on Jesus’ return.

– The Bible as a record of creation and end times.

2. Signs of the End Times

– Increase in knowledge (Daniel 12:4).

– Global conflicts and natural disasters (Matthew 24:7).

3. Reasons for Jesus’ Return

– God’s Person

– The promise of God.

– Statements made by Jesus.

– The guarantee of the Holy Spirit.

– God’s Program

– The program for the church.

– The program for nations.

4. Conclusion

– Assurance of Jesus’ return based on biblical accuracy.

Study Questions

The gathering of nations in Joel 3 signifies a time of divine judgment and confrontation between God and the nations that oppose Him. In this context, it represents God’s intention to hold the nations accountable for their actions, particularly in relation to Israel and their rebellion against Him. The passage indicates that these nations will be assembled in the “valley of decision” for judgment, where God will execute His justice. This gathering is seen as a precursor to the final events of the end times, where God’s sovereignty and authority will be established, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ to judge the nations and restore righteousness.

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The signs of famine and pestilence relate to the teachings of Jesus about the end times as indicators of the increasing turmoil and suffering that will characterize the world leading up to His return. In Matthew 24:7, Jesus explicitly mentions that “nation shall rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom,” and that there will be “famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” These signs are meant to alert believers to the reality of the challenges and tribulations that will occur as history approaches its climax.

The presence of famine and pestilence serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the need for divine intervention. They highlight the urgency for repentance and the importance of remaining faithful amidst adversity. The article emphasizes that these signs are not just random occurrences but fulfillments of biblical prophecy that point to the imminent return of Jesus, reinforcing the belief that His return is necessary to bring about justice and restoration in a world plagued by such suffering.

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The article argues for the reliability of the Bible in predicting future events through several key points:

1. Historical Accuracy: The article emphasizes that the Bible has a perfect track record of accuracy in its historical accounts. It suggests that because the Bible has consistently proven to be correct in its past predictions and narratives, it can be trusted for its future prophecies as well.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecies: The text highlights specific prophecies, such as those found in the book of Joel regarding the gathering of nations for judgment. The fulfillment of these prophecies serves as evidence of the Bible’s reliability and divine inspiration.

3. Consistency of Message: The article points out that the Bible provides a coherent and consistent message about the end times, with multiple scriptures across both the Old and New Testaments aligning in their predictions. This consistency reinforces the idea that the Bible is divinely inspired and trustworthy.

4. Signs of the End Times: The article discusses various signs, such as famine, pestilence, and an increase in knowledge, which are presented as indicators of the approaching end times. The presence of these signs in contemporary society is framed as a validation of biblical predictions.

5. Divine Authority: The article asserts that the Bible is the standard of the Christian faith, and its teachings are rooted in the authority of God. This divine authority lends credibility to its predictions about future events, including the return of Jesus Christ.

Overall, the article presents a strong case for the Bible’s reliability by highlighting its historical accuracy, the fulfillment of prophecies, the consistency of its message, and its divine authority.

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The promise of Jesus’ return has several significant implications for Christians today:

1. Hope and Assurance: The promise of Jesus’ return provides Christians with hope and assurance in the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties. It serves as a reminder that God is in control and that there is a future fulfillment of His promises, which encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

2. Motivation for Holy Living: The expectation of Jesus’ return encourages Christians to live in a manner that reflects their faith. As mentioned in 1 John 3:2-3, the hope of seeing Jesus and being transformed into His likeness motivates believers to purify themselves and live righteously.

3. Urgency in Evangelism: The belief in the imminent return of Christ instills a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel. Christians are motivated to reach out to others, knowing that time is limited and that many may not yet know the truth of Jesus’ salvation.

4. Perseverance in Trials: The promise of Jesus’ return offers comfort and strength during difficult times. Christians can endure suffering and persecution with the assurance that their struggles are temporary and that ultimate justice and restoration will come with Christ’s return.

5. Focus on Eternal Perspective: The promise encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly concerns. It reminds Christians that their true citizenship is in heaven and that they should prioritize their relationship with God and the advancement of His kingdom.

6. Unity and Encouragement within the Church: The anticipation of Jesus’ return fosters unity and encouragement among believers. It serves as a common hope that brings Christians together, motivating them to support one another in their spiritual journeys.

Overall, the promise of Jesus’ return shapes the way Christians live, think, and interact with the world, providing a framework for understanding their purpose and mission in life.

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According to Daniel 12:4, the increase in knowledge is presented as a significant sign of the end times. The verse states that “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased,” indicating a period characterized by rapid advancements in understanding and information dissemination. The implications of this increase in knowledge are profound, suggesting that humanity will experience unprecedented access to information, which could lead to both opportunities and challenges. The article elaborates on this by citing statistics about scientific advancements and the explosion of published materials, asserting that such growth in knowledge is indicative of the approaching end times. This surge in knowledge may also correlate with moral and ethical dilemmas, as humanity grapples with the consequences of its newfound capabilities, thus framing a complex relationship between technological progress and spiritual accountability as the world nears its prophesied conclusion.

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This article uses data from the 1970s regarding an increase in knowledge. Here is an update on the increase in knowledge based on today’s latest data.

The increase in knowledge since the 1970s has accelerated dramatically, reflecting advancements across various fields such as technology, science, and information dissemination. Here are some key updates on the current state of knowledge:

1. Information Growth: The amount of data created and consumed globally has exploded. As of 2023, it is estimated that humanity generates over 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. This is a staggering increase compared to the 1970s, where information was primarily shared through print media.

2. Scientific Publications: The number of scientific papers published annually has surged. In 2021 alone, more than 2.5 million articles were published in peer-reviewed journals, a significant rise from the hundreds of thousands in the 1970s.

3. Technological Advancements: Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing are reshaping industries and knowledge acquisition. For instance, AI can now analyze vast datasets far quicker than human researchers, leading to new discoveries at an unprecedented pace.

4. Access to Information: The internet has transformed how knowledge is accessed and shared. With platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and numerous online courses, individuals can learn about almost any subject from anywhere in the world.

5. Knowledge Doubling Time: Estimates suggest that human knowledge is now doubling approximately every 12 months, compared to the previous estimate of every five years in the 1970s. This rapid acceleration is largely due to technological advancements and the internet’s role in facilitating information exchange.

6. Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Today’s knowledge is increasingly interdisciplinary, with fields like bioinformatics combining biology and computer science to drive innovations in medicine and genetics.

In summary, the increase in knowledge since the 1970s reflects not only a quantitative growth in data but also a qualitative shift in how knowledge is created, shared, and utilized across various domains. This rapid expansion aligns with biblical prophecies regarding the end times as described in Daniel 12:4, suggesting that we are indeed living in a time marked by significant advancements in human understanding.

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The promises made by God in the Old Testament significantly support the belief in Jesus’ return through several key aspects:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecies: The Old Testament contains over 333 prophecies concerning the Messiah, many of which detail His first coming and the events surrounding it. The fact that Jesus fulfilled approximately 109 of these prophecies during His first coming reinforces the expectation that the remaining prophecies, which pertain to His return, will also be fulfilled. This creates a theological basis for believing that God, who does not lie, will keep His promises regarding the second coming of Christ.

2. God’s Character: The nature of God as truthful and faithful is central to this belief. Since God has promised a Messiah who would return to fulfill specific roles and tasks, failing to do so would contradict His character. The article emphasizes that if God were to break these promises, it would undermine His credibility and the trustworthiness of Scripture.

3. Historical Context: The Old Testament provides a historical framework that includes God’s interactions with humanity and His covenantal promises. These covenants often include assurances of restoration and redemption, culminating in the expectation of a Messiah who will establish God’s kingdom on Earth. This historical continuity supports the belief in Jesus’ return as a fulfillment of God’s overarching plan for humanity.

4. Judgment and Restoration: Many Old Testament prophecies focus on themes of judgment against nations and the eventual restoration of Israel. These themes are seen as integral to understanding Jesus’ return, where He is expected to judge the ungodly and restore righteousness on Earth. This eschatological vision is rooted in prophetic literature such as Joel and Isaiah, which articulate God’s intentions for both judgment and redemption at the end times.

5. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The New Testament writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, echo these Old Testament promises about Jesus’ return, reinforcing the belief that this event is part of God’s divine plan. The continuity between the Old and New Testaments regarding prophecies about Christ’s return further solidifies this belief within Christian theology.

In summary, the promises made by God in the Old Testament provide a foundational basis for believing in Jesus’ return by highlighting prophetic fulfillment, affirming God’s character, establishing historical context, emphasizing themes of judgment and restoration, and maintaining continuity through New Testament writings.

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Jesus’ statements about His return significantly influence Christian eschatology in several ways:

1. Authority of His Promises: Jesus explicitly promised His return in various passages, such as John 14:3, where He states, “I will come again and receive you unto Myself.” This assurance establishes a foundational belief in eschatology that shapes how Christians understand the end times and the hope of eternal life.

2. Definition of the End Times: In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus provides detailed descriptions of the signs leading up to His return, including wars, famines, and natural disasters. These teachings help frame the timeline and events that Christians anticipate as part of eschatological doctrine, guiding their understanding of current events in light of biblical prophecy.

3. Encouragement for Believers: Jesus’ statements serve to encourage believers to remain faithful and vigilant. For instance, in Luke 21:28, He instructs His followers to “look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” This call to alertness fosters a sense of hope and purpose among Christians as they navigate challenges in the world.

4. Judgment and Accountability: Jesus emphasized that His return would involve judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), where He separates the righteous from the unrighteous. This aspect of His return reinforces the moral framework within Christian eschatology, urging believers to live according to God’s commandments in anticipation of this eventual reckoning.

5. The Role of the Church: Jesus’ teachings about His return also highlight the role of the Church in God’s plan. Passages like Matthew 16:18, where He states that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” affirm that the Church has a significant purpose until His return. This shapes ecclesiology and motivates evangelism and discipleship as part of preparing for His coming.

6. Connection with Old Testament Prophecies: Jesus’ statements about His return are often seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah’s role in establishing God’s kingdom. This continuity between the Testaments enriches Christian eschatology by providing a comprehensive narrative that links past promises with future hope.

In summary, Jesus’ declarations about His return not only affirm key tenets of Christian faith but also shape theological understanding, moral imperatives, and the mission of the Church within eschatological frameworks.

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The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in affirming the promise of Jesus’ return, influencing Christian eschatology in several significant ways:

1. Inspiration of Scripture: The Holy Spirit is the divine author of the Scriptures, guiding the writers of both the Old and New Testaments to record God’s promises about Jesus’ return. This inspiration ensures that the teachings regarding His second coming are not merely human ideas but are grounded in divine revelation. As stated in the article, the credibility of the New Testament writers—such as Paul, James, John, and Peter—rests on their inspiration by the Holy Spirit, who consistently affirms the promise of Christ’s return throughout their writings[1].

2. Testimony and Assurance: The Holy Spirit serves as a witness to believers, providing assurance of Jesus’ promises. In John 14:26, Jesus mentions that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind His followers of all He has said, including His promise to return. This ongoing testimony encourages believers to hold onto their faith and hope in Christ’s return, reinforcing their understanding of eschatological events.

3. Empowerment for Living: The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live in anticipation of Jesus’ return. By providing spiritual gifts and guidance, the Holy Spirit equips believers to engage in ministry and evangelism, fulfilling the Great Commission while awaiting Christ’s second coming. This active participation in God’s mission reflects an understanding that Jesus will return to gather His Church.

4. Conviction of Righteousness and Judgment: The Holy Spirit convicts individuals regarding righteousness and impending judgment (John 16:8). This conviction serves as a reminder that Jesus will return to judge both the living and the dead, motivating believers to live righteously and share the Gospel with others.

5. Unity within the Body of Christ: The Holy Spirit fosters unity among believers, emphasizing that they are part of one body awaiting Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). This unity is essential for encouraging one another as they anticipate His coming, as highlighted in passages that discuss being watchful and ready for His arrival.

In summary, the Holy Spirit’s role is integral to affirming Jesus’ promise of return through scriptural inspiration, personal assurance to believers, empowerment for righteous living, conviction regarding judgment, and fostering unity within the Church. These elements collectively shape Christian eschatology by reinforcing hope and readiness for Christ’s second coming.

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The article relates current global issues to biblical prophecies regarding the end times by highlighting specific signs and events that align with scriptural predictions. Here are the key connections made:

1. Increase in Knowledge: The article references Daniel 12:4, which predicts that “knowledge shall be increased” as a sign of the end times. It discusses the exponential growth of knowledge and technology in recent decades, illustrating how advancements in science and information reflect this biblical prophecy. The author points to statistics about the number of scientific publications and technological innovations, suggesting that such rapid development aligns with the prophetic timeline.

2. Wars and Conflicts: Citing Matthew 24:7, the article notes that Jesus foretold of nations rising against nations, indicating ongoing global conflicts as a sign of the end times. The author connects this to contemporary issues, emphasizing the prevalence of wars and civil unrest around the world, which mirrors Jesus’ predictions about escalating violence and turmoil before His return.

3. Natural Disasters: The article mentions an increase in earthquakes and other natural disasters as another fulfillment of biblical prophecy. By referencing current geological data showing a rise in seismic activity, it argues that these events are consistent with Jesus’ warnings about the end times, reinforcing the belief that we are approaching a significant eschatological moment.

4. Famine and Pestilence: The author discusses concerns about global famine and pestilence, citing historical predictions from figures like Paul Ehrlich regarding food shortages due to overpopulation. This aligns with Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24 about famines occurring in various places as signs of the end times. The article suggests that current food insecurity and health crises are manifestations of these prophetic warnings.

5. Moral Decay and Societal Issues: Implicitly, the article addresses moral decay and societal challenges as part of the broader context of end-time prophecies. The increasing prevalence of ethical dilemmas, injustice, and a general decline in moral standards are seen as indicators that humanity is straying from divine principles, aligning with biblical predictions about societal conditions leading up to Christ’s return.

In summary, the article draws parallels between contemporary global issues—such as technological advancements, wars, natural disasters, famine, and moral decline—and biblical prophecies concerning the end times. This connection serves to affirm the belief that these signs indicate the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

Personal Notes

I do not subscribe to the belief that the signs mentioned in Matthew are directed at the Church. I believe Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians and conveyed to the Church what to look for. What he said and what Jesus said are very much different. As we hear in the sermon, Jesus paints a very bleak and depressing picture on earth prior to His return. I believe that will be true, but that will begin after the 7 year Tribulation begins; those Matthew 24 signs will start appearing then. Prior to that we have this statement by Paul to the Church on what to look for. 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

Some key words here are “like a thief in the night,” and “peace and safety,” and “destruction will come upon them suddenly.” This is not a slow falling apart of the world around us like we see today. This does not describe a gradual increase in chaos like the signs Jesus gives Israel. This contrast should be remembered and noted. Consider too, how “wars and rumors of wars” can be a “sign.” 

Matthew 24:6-8 “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

How can the “hearing of wars and rumors of wars” be a sign if those things are common and everyday occurrences like they are today? Think of it like this: If we had earthquakes every day and it was common to have an earthquakes every day, then how can earthquakes ever be given as a sign? So, if there was a prolonged period of peace and safety, hearing of wars and rumors of wars indeed become a sign. 

To see all the lessons in this series click on the 1973 Prophecy tag below.