The TIME is SHORT!
“Living in Light of the LAST DAYS”
Matthew 24:15-28
“The coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah…” Jesus (Mt. 24:37)
I. The Terror of TRIBULATION (24:15-28)
As we saw last week, the “birth pangs” referred to by Jesus in verses 5-14 seem to __________ the onset of the 7-year, “Great Tribulation” period.
cf. Matt. 24:15, 21; Dan. 9:24-27
The first 3 ½ years will be characterized by _______ after which the “Antichrist” is unleashed, leading to 3 ½ yrs. of panic & terror! cf. Mt. 24:21; 2 Th. 2:1-10 The word “flee” (24:16) is related to the English word “_____________” – a person who takes flight in order to escape danger! i.e. “phuego” vv. 16, 20; Rev. 6:12-17
Chaos, calamity and ____________ will characterize the last 3 ½ years of Daniel’s 70th Week. cf. Jer. 30:7
i.e. “Time of Jacob’s Distress”
By the end of the 7 year period of Tribulation, the world
will be filled with corruption & _________. (24:28)
II. The RAPTURE of the Church
QUESTION: Can the Coming of Christ occur ________?
The Imminency: “Imminent” means “threatening to occur __________________” or at any moment.
cf. 1 Th. 5:2-4; Tit. 2:13; Js. 5:7-9; 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Jn. 2:18
The Terminology: The word “rapture” comes from the Latin word “rapto” which means “to seize” or “to carry off” or “to __________ away.”
cf. Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18
The Timing: Why I believe in a Pre-Tribulational Rapture:
1. The Reason – Dan. 9:24; Jer. 30:7; Rom. 11:26
2. The ___________ – 1 Th. 1:10; 5:9; Rev. 3:10, 11
3. The _______________ – 2 Th. 2:1-10
The “one who restrains” must be more than human.
Practical Application:
- Wake Up! (Rom. 13:11)
- Throw Off! (Rom. 13:12)
- Put On! (Rom. 13:14; Eph. 6:10-18)
Appointments with God
“The Time is SHORT!”
Matthew 24:15-28
Monday, August 1st
Meditate upon the 70th Week of Daniel:
- Daniel 9:24-27
Notice the words “decreed for your people” and “your holy city.” The 70th Week of Daniel is definitely linked to Israel & the Jews. Pray for God’s people, Israel, to come to know Jesus as the Messiah!
Tuesday, August 2nd
Meditate upon Jeremiah’s term for Tribulation:
- Jeremiah 30:1-7
Check out a good study Bible for the context here. Note the promises in v. 3 in contrast to the “distress” of “that day” in v. 7. Pray for God’s people, Israel, to come to know Jesus as Messiah!
Wednesday, August 3rd
Meditate upon the horror of the Great Tribulation:
- Matthew 24:21; Rev. 6:15-17
Notice the question, “Who is able to stand?”(Rev. 6:17) This day of judgment will be so severe that no one will be able to withstand it. Pray for God’s mercy & protection from His Great Wrath!
Thursday, August 4th
Meditate upon the Times of the Gentiles:
- Luke 21:24; Rom. 11:25-27
Check out a good study Bible on what “the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” means. What is God waiting for before He sends Judgment? Pray for more to come to faith in Christ here in M-town!
Friday, August 5th
Meditate upon the Rapture of the Church:
- Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18
What a glorious thought that believers will “be caught up…to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” Praise God for Rescue!!
Saturday/Sunday, August 6-7
Meditate upon our being Saved from Wrath:
- 1 Th. 1:10; 5:9; Rev. 3:10; 2 Th. 2:1-10
Though we experience trials and tribulation, we can praise God that we will not experience the Great Tribulation! Pray for one person you know who does not know Christ—and seek a time to share Christ!
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