Sunday Morning, February 28, 2010,

Yesterday, the country of Chile was hit with an 8.8 earthquake. Last month, Haiti was hit with an earthquake. Washington DC and the surrounding area was hit with the largest snowstorm in recent history. It was said that last year was the hottest year in recorded history.

Are all these events signs of Christ second coming? Some people think so... and refer to Matthew 24 as evidence. This morning, the saints discussed in great detail the prophecies found in Matthew Chapter 24.

If you were asked what your first, middle and last name is, how would you answer? Would provide your last name first? Or, your first name last? Or, your middle name either last or first?

No. If you are like everyone else you would answer this question by providing your first name, first. Your middle name next. And your last name after your middle name.

This same scenario is exactly what happened in Matthew, Chapter 24. After hearing from Jesus that the Jewish Temple and its magnificent buildings would some day be completely destroyed such that not even one stone would be left on top of another stone, the troubled disciples asked Jesus three questions:

1.   When will the temple be destroyed?

2.   What shall be the sign of thy coming?

3.   What shall be the sign of the end of the world?  

Jesus answered all three questions in the same sequential order in which the questions were asked. 

In response to the first question, Jesus foretold in versus 4-28 exactly what would happen in 70 AD when Titus and his Roman army would encompass Jerusalem and eventually destroy the entire city. But since the Christians were given this very prophecy, they were all able to safely escape and, although thousands and thousands of Jews died of either starvation or by the Roman sword, not one Christian was killed as a result.  

With all the natural disasters that are occurring all around us and the many wars that we are experiencing today, many have thought that these signs are evidence of His soon coming, but in reality these signs are not connected neither to His coming nor to the end of the world. In fact, there have always been earthquakes, wars, pestilences, famine, etc… and there will no doubt always be these things. However, understanding the prophecy surrounding these events, along with other prophetic evidence in the Old Testament, the Christians in Jerusalem were able to safely escape sure death and destruction in 70 AD. 

In response to the second question, Jesus foretold of His powerful coming on the Day of Pentecost in the form of the Holy Spirit to indwell the hearts of true believers. This question was answered in verses 29-35.

As for the third question, Jesus provided His answer in verses 36 – 44. While He did not provide a specific time, year or day, He did let them know of the overall general condition that would exist at the time of the end of the world.

Many in the religious world are looking for signs that have already been fulfilled and are missing other signs that are happening all around us. We are thankful for a clear understanding in this passage. We believe that everyone should be prepared for Christ’s second coming for surely He is coming again! We know not when He will return, but we should be prepared to meet Him.

Are you ready for His coming?