BIBLICAL SIGNS OF JESUS' RETURN 1: APOSTLE PAUL'S ADDRESS
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Biblical Signs of Jesus' Return
a) When Jesus Christ’s disciples asked Him about His return and the “end of the world” their focus was not on the physical end of the earth and its civilization per se. They had in mind the end of the age of man’s rule (the Greek word translated “world” is aion, meaning “age”) and the commencement of a different age ruled by Jesus Christ as king, a reign identified elsewhere in Scripture as the kingdom of God.
b) In His reply, Christ described the many and varied conditions that would precede His return. They included such things as deception, wars, famines, disease epidemics, earthquakes and religious persecution, all culminating in an unprecedented time of worldwide calamity. We have already experienced in the disastrous 20th and 21st centuries many harbingers of just such a calamity. The earthquake in Japan and ensuing tsunami is a good example. But if we are to believe the prophecies of Scripture, there are many worse events yet to come. (Matthew 24: 3-29)
c) Just before Jesus’ return He continued by say, ‘Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. And there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.’” (Luke 21 verses 10-11, 25-26)
2. Apostle Paul's Address
a) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)
b) According to this, a communication gap is not the problem. The cause of increasing immorality is simply an increase in pride and sinfulness; a decrease in desire for true godliness.
c) The Apostle Paul accurately predicted, “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4). It is understood, the “desires” which some will try to “suit” are sinful! Could it be that doctrinal mythology is the result of people with “itching ears” turning to “a great number of teachers” who will say what itching ears with sinful desires want to hear?
d) Without Natural Affection – One of the most basic Judeo Christian principles has been the natural and beautiful attraction between the sexes. The love of a mother and father for their children, the love of the extended family for each other, and the love of one’s country were similarly considered “natural.” Today we are living in a depraved Romans chapter one world that many fear God has given or will give up to “vile passions” that reverse the normal order of things. (Romans 1 v.26-27)
The End ...
1. Biblical Signs of Jesus' Returna) When Jesus Christ’s disciples asked Him about His return and the “end of the world” their focus was not on the physical end of the earth and its civilization per se. They had in mind the end of the age of man’s rule (the Greek word translated “world” is aion, meaning “age”) and the commencement of a different age ruled by Jesus Christ as king, a reign identified elsewhere in Scripture as the kingdom of God.
b) In His reply, Christ described the many and varied conditions that would precede His return. They included such things as deception, wars, famines, disease epidemics, earthquakes and religious persecution, all culminating in an unprecedented time of worldwide calamity. We have already experienced in the disastrous 20th and 21st centuries many harbingers of just such a calamity. The earthquake in Japan and ensuing tsunami is a good example. But if we are to believe the prophecies of Scripture, there are many worse events yet to come. (Matthew 24: 3-29)
c) Just before Jesus’ return He continued by say, ‘Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. And there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.’” (Luke 21 verses 10-11, 25-26)
2. Apostle Paul's Address
a) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)
b) According to this, a communication gap is not the problem. The cause of increasing immorality is simply an increase in pride and sinfulness; a decrease in desire for true godliness.
c) The Apostle Paul accurately predicted, “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4). It is understood, the “desires” which some will try to “suit” are sinful! Could it be that doctrinal mythology is the result of people with “itching ears” turning to “a great number of teachers” who will say what itching ears with sinful desires want to hear?
d) Without Natural Affection – One of the most basic Judeo Christian principles has been the natural and beautiful attraction between the sexes. The love of a mother and father for their children, the love of the extended family for each other, and the love of one’s country were similarly considered “natural.” Today we are living in a depraved Romans chapter one world that many fear God has given or will give up to “vile passions” that reverse the normal order of things. (Romans 1 v.26-27)
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