August 1, 2005

 

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

 

--Mark 13:1-4

 

Today, there is a renewed interest in the study of prophecy. Indeed, there are many people who are also offering solutions, ideas, and even prophetic advice regarding the days ahead. There are soothsayers, prognosticators, astrologers, and new age philosophers that will answer on the opposite end of a 900 number and predict the future.

 

Let me say at the very outset that all kinds of predictions and prophecies of that nature have a satanic source. There is only one true, abiding, and living source of future events that is 100 percent accurate and that is God’s Word! And it has given us a clear picture regarding the final days and hours of human history.

 

Just as God’s infallible, inerrant Word spoke fluidly and perfectly regarding the first coming of Jesus Christ, describing the very details of the promise and the fulfillment of the promised Messiah, so has our Lord and Scripture spoken of the second coming of Jesus Christ. And it is obvious that we are currently facing desperate days.

 

Paul spoke of these days as perilous, deadly, and dangerous (2 Timothy 3:1-9). And because of recent events, we would be wise to ask the same question that the disciples asked Christ 2000 years ago. The response He gave was the longest answer to any question in the Bible, also known as the Olivet Discourse.

 

Jesus was facing the final days and hours of his own life. And just before Christ’s betrayal, His trial, and crucifixion, he took time to instruct His followers in all generations as to the final chapters of humanity. The Lord gave us warning signs and signals concerning the last days. Everything we need to know to be prepared for His coming is found in Scripture.

 

Over the next few days, I will discuss this passage of Scripture from Mark. As we prepare to study this Scripture, thank God for the truth found in His Word. And pray that God would open your heart and mind, so that you will share Christ in urgency with those in your life and that you will be ready for His return.

 

STRAY FROM THE FUTURE PREDICTIONS OF MANKIND

AND INSTEAD CLING TO THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH FOUND IN GOD’S WORD.