Bible Study________, 2011

Citadella

Study of the Last Things

(Eschatology)

Eschatology The study of, or teachings about…

The “end”; “end times”; “last days”; “end of the world”; etc. And what is after/beyond the end?

Common belief: Although there are different interpretations of prophecy, the common beliefs weld the Church to a united belief that Christ is coming again

Purpose: Provides encouragement for people in the midst of trials and tribulations

Signs of the TimesMatthew 24:3-14As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. Tell us, “they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Religious deception (Matthew 24:4,5)

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

Political Turmoil (Matthew 24:6-7a)You will hear of wars and rumors of war, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Calamity, Disasters (Matthew 24:7b)There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Signs of the Times Persecution of believers (Matthew 24:9)

Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

Apostasy (Matthew 24:10,11)At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

Increase in wickedness (Matthew 24:12,13)Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Widespread teaching of the gospel (Matthew 24:14)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.

Sequence of EventsEvent Reference Comments

Jesus’ first coming John 1:14 Christ was born and lived among the people

The Church Age Acts 2:1-5 1 Thes 4:13-18

The church age began at Pentecost until its rapture

Birth pains (signs)

Matthew 24:3-14 Signs of the times leading to the end

Rapture of the church

1 Thes 4:16-18 Believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air

Tribulation Period7 years

Daniel 12:1 Reign of the anti-Christ; time of great distress

The second coming of Christ

Matthew 24:20-31 Christ will come again to defeat his enemies

The Millenium Revelation 20:1-4 1,000 years of reign of Christ on earth with peace

Final defeat of Satan then White Throne Judgment

Revelation 20:7-10Revelation 20:11-13

Satan thrown into the lake of fire; judgment of unbelievers

Kingdom of God Revelation 21-22 Eternal reign of God; new heaven and new earth

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

The End Is Coming! When?

Mark 13:32No one knows about that day or hour,not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

What should we do?Mark 13:33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not knowwhen that time will come.