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The Book of Matthew

Key Verse: Matthew 24:2

“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Jesus’ disciples questioned him as they were resting on the Mount of Olives one day, asking when would be the end of the age and how would it happen. Jesus replied that they should be very careful for many would come and claim to be the Christ and many people would be deceived. He spoke of “wars and rumors of wars” and told them not to be alarmed because “such things must happen but the end is still to come.” He listed famines and earthquakes as events which must occur saying those were “the beginnings of birth pains.”

As he continued, he told them they would be persecuted and killed and hated “because of me;” wickedness would grow and love decrease, “but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” He went on “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.”

Citing “the abomination which causes desolation” spoken of in the book of Daniel, Jesus began to describe the end of the age telling them that no one in Judea should take the time to grab their possessions, but should flee immediately to the mountains. He described it as a “dreadful” time for pregnant women and nursing mothers and told them to pray that it did not come on the Sabbath or in winter for those would be the worst of times. Again he warned them not to believe those who pretended to be him for they were cunning deceivers.

He explained that his true coming will be visible to all, just as “lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west.” He explained that the son and the moon will be darkened, stars would fall from the sky, and planets will be shaken. At that time his sign will appear in the sky and he will come on the clouds “with power and great glory.” At the sound of a trumpet, angels will appear to gather his chosen “from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to another.” Comparing this to a fig tree in bud, a precursor of summer, he said “Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.”

He went on to say that no one will know when he is to return, but all will be completely surprised just as the people were when Noah predicted the great flood and it happened. Everything will be going on just as normal when Jesus returns and everyone will be shocked. Some will be taken and some will not. So be on guard. Be ready and do not turn away from the Lord’s work thinking that the time is far off and you will have time to repent later. Jesus could return while you are reading this newsletter for no one knows the time and day!

Is someone trying to tell us something? I just received an email directing me to the following videos which cover exactly what we’ve been discussing today. Check it out!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck6aji4bdWU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG3UryPK9iM&NR=1

Next Week: Parables continue

Reference: The Holy Bible – NIV and King James Version