The Signs of Christ's Coming
The signs of Christ's coming are all around us, and we should be excited and prepared for His return.
Zac Poonen discusses the signs that indicate the imminent return of Christ, including the increase in wars, famines, earthquakes, knowledge, and travel, as well as the rise of immorality, rebellion, and cults. He emphasizes the significance of the rebirth of the nation of Israel in fulfilling biblical prophecies. Poonen highlights the urgency for believers to be vigilant and prepared for Christ's return as the signs align with the current state of the world.
Text
The Bible tells us of a number of events that would take place immediately before Christ's return to earth. Here are some of them:
(1) Wars, famines and earthquakes (Matt. 24:7). These have been there on earth at all times. But there has been a great increase in their number since the Second World War (1939-1945).
(2) A sudden spurt of knowledge and a vast increase in worldwide travel (Dan. 12:4). Both of these have also been seen in a far greater measure during the last fifty years than ever before.
(3) Men will be lovers of pleasure (2 Tim. 3:4). Immorality is a specially evil characteristic of our times. Pornographic movies and video-tapes have all served Satan's purposes in promoting immorality.
(4) Men will be arrogant, revilers and disobedient to parents (2 Tim. 3:2-4). Today we see the spirit of rebellion all around us - in homes, in schools, in colleges and in factories.
(5) Believers will fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). We see this too in our day, with the wide proliferation of many cults, to which many believers are falling a prey.
(6) The rebirth of the nation of Israel (the fig tree - a symbol of Israel - putting forth its leaves - Lk. 21:29-32). Ever since A.D.70, the Jews had been scattered around the world. This fig tree lay withered for nearly 19 centuries thereafter. But in May 1948, the nation of Israel was born once again. Jesus said that Jerusalem would be occupied by non-Jewish nations until the times of those nations are fulfilled (Lk. 21:24). In June 1967, Israel occupied the city of Jerusalem, for the first time in 20 centuries.
It is exciting to see what is happening in the world today. The signs are all pointing to the coming of Christ very soon.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction
- A. The Bible tells us of events before Christ's return
- B. These events are signs of Christ's coming
- II. Wars, Famines, and Earthquakes
- A. These have been present throughout history
- B. There has been an increase in their number since WWII
- III. Sudden Spurt of Knowledge and Travel
- A. This has been seen in a greater measure since the last 50 years
- B. This is a sign of Christ's coming
- IV. Lovers of Pleasure and Rebellion
- A. Immorality is a characteristic of our times
- B. Rebellion is seen in homes, schools, and factories
- V. Believers Falling Away
- A. This is seen in the proliferation of cults
- B. Believers are falling prey to these cults
- VI. The Rebirth of Israel
- A. The nation of Israel was born in 1948
- B. Israel occupied Jerusalem in 1967
- VII. Conclusion
- A. The signs are pointing to Christ's coming soon
- B. We should be excited and prepared
Key Quotes
“It is exciting to see what is happening in the world today. The signs are all pointing to the coming of Christ very soon.” — Zac Poonen
“Men will be lovers of pleasure (2 Tim. 3:4). Immorality is a specially evil characteristic of our times.” — Zac Poonen
“Believers will fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). We see this too in our day, with the wide proliferation of many cults, to which many believers are falling a prey.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- We should be living a life that is pleasing to God, and we should be preparing for Christ's coming.
- We should be aware of the signs of the end times and be living in light of them.
- We should be sharing the gospel with others and leading them to Christ before it's too late.