The Time is Short!

 “Living in Light of the LAST DAYS” Matthew 24:6-9

“The coming of the Son of Man will be just like the  days of Noah…” Jesus  (Mt. 24:37)

“Birth pangs” (v. 8) imply:  a. Sudden onset  b. Increasing frequency   c. Magnifying intensity  d. Leading to an Exciting ____________!   cf. Is. 13:6-11; 1 Th. 5:1-3

I.  Birth Pang #1 – DECEPTION  (24:4-5,11,24)

Increasing spiritual deception along with decreasing spiritual _________________ is a lethal combination in the “Last Days.”  cf. 2 Tim. 3:13; 2 Th. 2:3; Rev. 12:9

II. Birth Pang #2 – DEVASTATION (24:6-8) 

The phrase “you will be hearing” literally means continual hearing or __________ talk of wars & rumors of wars.

i.e.  no person exempt from war or threat of war

Wars & rumors of wars are ______ the end, but only the “beginning of birth pangs.” cf. Dan. 7:23-25; 11:40-45  In addition to wars, Jesus predicts famines & plagues,  great earthquakes & terrors (“__________ sights”).

cf.  Luke 21:9-11 (NKJV)

“This is a wonderful world.  It may destroy itself, but you’ll be able to watch it all on T.V..” Bob Hope

III. Birth Pang #3 – PERSECUTION (24:9)

It will be _______ the “birth pangs” that Jesus’ followers will suffer severe persecution. cf.  Mk. 13:9; Lk. 21:12-17  Jesus makes it clear that the persecution & “hatred” will be “because of ____ _______.” (v. 9)  cf.  Lk. 21:12, 17

“Being identified with Christ’s name will cost believers their   freedom, their rights, their respect, and often their lives.” John MacArthur

Interesting Comparison – The Seal Judgments of Rev. 6

  •   1st – False Christ (24:5)(6:1-2)     4th – Death (24:9)(6:7-8)
  •   2nd – War (24:6)(6:3-4)               5th – Martyrs (24:9)(6:9-11)
  •   3rd – Famine (24:7)(6:5-6)           6th – Terror (24:7)(6:12-17)

If current trends continue, it is estimated that by 2025, an avg. of __________ Christians will be martyred/year.

Practical Application:    

  1. Destined for Wrath? (Ps. 7:11 – NIV; 1 Th. 1:10; 5:9)
  2. Consider the Cost (Jn. 15:18-21; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12)
  3. Share their Suffering (Heb. 10:32-39)

Appointments with God

“The Time is SHORT!”  Matthew 24:6-9                                                                      

Monday, July 11th                       

Meditate upon the Blessing of Persecution:

  • Matthew 5:10-12

These verses are contained in the Sermon on the Mount and specifically ‘the Beattitudes.’  Read up on this context in a study Bible.  Pray for God to give you His Kingdom values in your life.

Tuesday, July 12th                       

Meditate upon the Blessing of Persecution:

  • 1 Peter 2:20-23; 3:17; 4:12-14

How does Peter tell us to respond to suffering and persecution?  How are you being persecuted? Pray for God’s joy & strength to carry you!

Wednesday, July 13th                     

Meditate upon the Power of Persecution:

  • Matthew 10:16-23

These are Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He is sending them out.  These are strong words! Pray for God to remove fear & anxiety and give you His words to speak when you are opposed.

Thursday, July 14th                    

Meditate upon the Expectation of Persecution:

  • John 15:18-21; Matt. 24:9; Lk. 21:12-17

A disciple of Jesus should expect persecution and hatred because that is what our Master got. mPray for greater boldness to stand up & speak out for Jesus and His Gospel of Truth!

Friday, July 15th                      

Meditate upon the Expectation of Persecution:

  • 2 Timothy 3:10-13; Acts 14:22

Timothy was following Paul’s example, who, in turn, was following Jesus’ & the Apostles’ examples. Who’s example are you following?  Who is your mentor?  Pray that you will not be deceived!

Saturday/Sunday, July 16-17

 Meditate upon our Filling up the Sufferings of Christ:

  • Colossians 1:24; Heb. 10:32-39

This is a very interesting verse.  What is “lacking” in the afflictions of Christ & how do we fill it? Pray for all those followers of Christ who are being persecuted for their faith today!

[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/26-The-Time-is-Short-Mat.-24_6-9.mp3|titles=26 The Time is Short! (Mat. 24_6-9)]

26 The Time is Short! (Mat. 24_6-9)

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