Signs of the Times by Gertrude Battle (Used by permission)

l. Jesus Warned Us Not to be Deceived

A.What warning did Jesus give us? Matt. 24:4

Be not deceived. Everyone was expecting some great person to come, but there was much confusion as to how He would come and what He would do. Consequently many rejected Him because He did not come in the manner in which they expected and do what they thought He would do. This same condition exists today in the religious world. Many are teaching the coming of Christ, but there is much confusion as to how He will come and why.

B. What will some of the conditions in the world be? Matt. 24:6, 7

Wars, famines, etc. These things have almost always been, but it is the increase of them that fulfills this prophecy. Today when one small country goes to war, the whole world seems to become involved.

C. What will be in the hearts of people? Luke 21:26; Isa. 13:6-9

Fear. Since the discovery of atomic warfare, men know that they have in their power weapons that can literally destroy the whole world. We have cause to fear unless our faith in God is strong.

D. What will they be saying? Eze. 13:16

Crying, peace, peace,' and yet there is no peace.

E. While they are talking peace, what are they doing at the same time? Joel 3:9-14

Preparing for war.

F. What else will increase in the last days? James 5:1-3

There will be an increase of wealth. Less than 100 years ago there were very few millionaires in this country. Now we have multimillionaires and billionaires.

G. What will be the conditions in the labor world? James 5:4-8

There will be strife between capital and labor, which we see today. (Compare verse 5 with 2 Peter 2:12 ; Ps. 49:10-12 , 20) People who live for just this world alone are like the beasts that perish. A farmer feeds his cattle off the fat of the land, but only that they might be slaughtered.

II.Signs of the Social World

A.What will be the conditions in the social world? 2 Tim. 3:1-5

We see all these things today, and even among church people.

B.What else will increase? Dan. 12:4

Knowledge. Isn't it an interesting fact that up until one hundred or one hundred and fifty years ago, at the most, there were very few inventions? The printing press was one of the few great inventions that came before the last century.

C. What did the prophet Nahum see in a vision? Nahum 2:3, 4

The word automobile' was not coined in those days. He could only call what he saw chariots.' But he gives a good description of the cars and vehicles of today with their flaming headlights and their speed of travel. He must have stood on one of our busy intersections during the rush hour and seen the cars raging in the streets. Then he must have been taken out to one of our great highways or freeways and seen some of them come together in some fo the wrecks that we have today.

D. What else will increase? Matt. 24:12 ; 2 Tim. 3:13

Iniquity will increase. What are God's people to do in the midst of this crooked generation? Acts 2:40 ; Phil. 2:15 To save themselves from all this wickedness and to shine as lights in this dark world.

III. One of the Greatest Signs

A. What other great sign will we see? Matt. 24:14

The gospel will be carried to all the world. It truly has almost reached every part of the globe today.

B.When we see all these sings what will w know? Mark 13:28-33

C. What should we do when we see all these signs? Luke 21:28

Look up and know that our redemption is near. What are some of the things that can keep us from being ready? Verse 34 ; 1 Kings 20:40 The cares of life, being busy here and there, making a living, etc. We decide our own destiny. Now is the time, more than ever before, to put first things first, and Jesus has told us to seek Him first and His kingdom, and all the necessary things of life will be given us. What are we told to do" Verse 36 Watch, that the day does not come upon us unawares and also that we may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass.

IV. None of His People will be in Darkness

A. Will we know when His coming is near? 1 Thess. 5:1-8

While the world will be crying, peace, peace', sudden destruction will come upon them. But God's people will not be in darkness. They will have light from the Word of God and will help to lighten the way for others.

B.Who only will be saved? Mark 13:13

Those who endure unto the end.

C. In view of all these signs, what should be our response? Rev. 22:20

'Even so, come, Lord Jesus.'

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Updated 7/26/2006 by Kim Rollins