The End of the Age

But ask you to open your Bibles to Matthew Matthew chapter 24 for the next two weeks were doubly thinking of Matthew 24 and 25 which are some of the most difficult chapters in Matthew and were going to see them Jesus in action and listen to his words. Matthew 24, then verse verses one through three. First of all, Jesus left the temple and was going away. Now that's very important. Jesus is in the temple. He has pronounced these woes on the scribes and the Pharisees as we saw last week, and in verse 37 of Matthew 23 he says to the leaders.

In fact, to Jerusalem to the nation you were not willing to come to me and then he said verse 39 of Matthew 23.

For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, and as he left in verse 38 we need to see your house. That is the temple is left to you desolate restatement of our Lord Jesus has come, and the nation is symbolized by the religious leaders have rejected him. He's in the temple.

He said I played with you to come to me, but you are unwilling, and no judgment is going to come as he leaves the temple in a few days is going to be crucified.

He's leaving it for the very last time. And as he leaves that he pronounces judgment on your temple, your house is going to be left to you desolate as the context.

Chapter 24, there verse one. Jesus left the temple and was going away when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple but he answered them. You see all these do you not truly I say to you that will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown verse three and as he sat on the Mount of olives you been to Jerusalem, you know, there's the temple reminds in the mind of all is the hills and here is the Lord sitting with his disciples and them looking tiring on the temple of the Cape to him privately say there's the question Lasky had a very interesting question in this answers to questions what will be the what will these signs be and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age in Matthew chapter 24 and 25 Jesus is answering these questions.

Are these chapters are sometimes called the Olivet discourse because Jesus is giving is very interesting teaching, which is not the easiest teaching for us to understand what he's doing so sitting on the mining of olives giving this fascinating teaching the Lord Jesus has much to say on prophecy. The Bible has much to say on prophecy, we can't ignore it and as Jesus makes these predictions under the disciples ask questions. He does not say what what we sometimes hear today.

Well that's all in the future.

Don't you worry about it I'll just take care of it all. Some people say they have no interest in the future.

They just leave it to the Lord is good to leave it to the Lord, but we must pay attention to these prophetic passages the Bible surveys the whole of human history from man's creation to the eternal state.

The Bible deals with origins and destinies. It deals with the past and the future. It deals with history and prophecy, and in Matthew chapter 24.

Our Lord Jesus makes three predictions. First, he predicts the distraction of the temple there. Sitting there looking at the temple and Jesus has said that the house is going to be left desolate. In fact, when judgment comes, not one stone of it will be left on the number so he makes a prophecy regarding the destruction of Herod's Temple. Secondly, he deals with a time of unprecedented tribulation will think of that next week as we think of the antichrist, and third he makes a prediction that the Son of Man, namely himself will return. I was Jesus prophesies of the destruction of the temple really temple that the looking at the very temple that there had been in this promise these questions from the disciples, not Herod's Temple was a magnificent structure.

It was one of the greatest buildings of the ancient world, the temple dominated the city of Jerusalem, a magnificent structure covered with plates of gold, which at the rising of the sun reflected a brilliant friends fired a splendor that is disciples coming from the north coming from rural Galilee fishermen tax collectors and so on. Ordinary man living in the rural country negative come to the big city and they must've been absolutely spellbinding. As they saw for the first time the magnificence temple. Now they must be awestruck that this magnificent temple is going to be live desolate that Jesus is saying all of it is going to be swept away to such an extent that not one stone will be left on another judgment is coming because you think of Jesus that way which would your view of God. What is your view of the son of God, gentle Jesus, meek and mild. Here Jesus is prophesying that judgment is coming and is coming to the nation of Israel and the temple.

The very center of their social and religious life is going to be left desolate with a like to think of judgment doing. Do you really think that you can live your life as if gospel as if God didn't exist. So you can pay lip service income to charge and sing a hymn or two but the Lord Jesus is not central in your life.

If the truth were told much of his teaching. You ignore you can think that judgment is come judgment is coming if you reject the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Pharisees and the scribes. The majority of the nation of Israel did judgment is coming. What Jesus prophesied became one of the reasons we believe in the reliability of the Bible is that the prophecies come to all of the prophecies of Matthew 24 and 25 have not yet been fulfilled by this prophecy that Jesus made 33 or 36 A.D. came to the coast in just a few years. In A.D. 70. The Normans was simply part of the day with ruthlessness came to see Jerusalem the siege, the temple, because it was so difficult to attack. Eventually it set on fire and is totally destroyed.

The nation of Israel is scattered very center of their social, cultural, and religious life has not gone the rejection of the Messiah. Men God is judging the nation and God is judging the leaders member last week.

The seven woes want to use scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites.

He described them as children of hell for disciples anticipating of the kingdom of heaven was going to, and would be immediately established after all John the Baptist inside the kingdom of heaven is near the Lord Jesus when he began his ministry says repent for the kingdom of God is at hand and that they thought while the very temple is going to be the center of the kingdom of God to hear that is going to be left desolate. Must've been shocking the magnificent temple destroyed. No wonder – these questions is this going to happen. I was going to be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age. As we look at Matthew 24 and 25. We want to do what I trust we always do and to focus on the text of Scripture when it comes to prophecy.

There's a lot of speculation can I say there's a lot of sensationalism where people try to find the fulfillment of prophecy and every current event you found it. Regarding Russia going into Ukraine. People say what is the fulfillment of Ezekiel 37 to 39. Not really need to be very very careful and make sure that we don't go beyond what the Scripture said no it's truth of this passage, but people who say well this is true.

Tall. This was written after the destruction of the temple that wasn't Matthew one of the followers of Jesus heard Jesus he puts it into writing is writing about A.D. 50 or 60 years before this happened. No, the prediction that Jesus gave came through that other people who say that Matthew 24 was fully fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Maybe strange view of prophecy, but that cannot be right. As we will see know the better view is to understand that in these verses. There is a need fulfillment on the far fulfillment near the local fulfillment is God's judgment on Israel with the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70. With as well as a near local fulfillment. We will learn that there is a future universal fulfillment when God acts at the end of the age and judgment. What we call his second advent. When he returns with power and glory. A wonderful day for the believer the day of judgment for the unbeliever that is the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70 pictures and prefigures a time of devastating destruction by the end times your future. But if you look at your Bible. For example, in Matthew 24 verses 29 through 31.

Can you say that these verses were fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem and just doesn't make sense. Furthermore, verse 14 says this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. That did not happen at A.D. 70. And furthermore, in verse 30 say verse 36.

Rather, Matthew 24 Jesus says concerning that day. You know, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, the father only. Yes, Jesus is predicting the destruction of the temple but is predicting more than that he's thinking of that great and glorious day when he comes as the sun of man. Now, as we look at verses four or verses 1 to 14 this morning to say that these verses characterize the last days generally and they will increase in intensity, even as we see today as the end times are rapidly approach culminating as will see next week in the great tribulation. So when the disciples asked Darcy what will be the sign of your coming under the end of the age. Jesus does not rebuke him, far from it. He answers the question that there are people who are absolutely fascinated by prophecy not always study and there are others who dismiss it and say what is difficult for us.

There's too much controversy. I'm just going to leave it let's keep to the teaching of Jesus is not speculate. Let's not be sensational that sells books and their people think you're very wise of you come up with these things. Let's not do that. Let's keep to Scripture and Scripture alone. I call this message the end of the age we find it didn't really in verse three the end of the age did you think of another time. Matthew uses the expression great commission. Matthew 28 as he tells us to go and make disciples of all the nations, and these are done with your to the end of the age is not good to know that whatever happens, Jesus is with us to the end of the age. Rob prayed for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine who are being bombarded with the ruthlessness of Putin but we rejoice and they know this but Jesus is with his promise never to desert us never to forsake us, but always to be with us.

First of all, in verses four through eight, we see that prior to the end of the age there will be religious, political, and natural upheavals.

Verse four you with my Matthew 24 verse four Jesus answered them see that no one lead you astray for many will come in my name, saying on the Christ and they will lead many astray and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.

See that you are not alarmed for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the worst of the birthweight things worse is coming, then they will deliver you up, and so on… Pause there and think of.

First of all, prior to the end of the age there will be religious upheavals verse five.

Many will come in my name saying I'm the Christ, and they will lead many astray.

Verse 11 and many false prophets will arise and lead many astray and really dying to verse 23 then if anyone says to you, look, here is the Christ or that he is do not believe it. For false Christ's and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect was going to be messianic pretenders are in the Christ. There's going to be false prophets.

There's going to be false messiahs by the end times. There's going to be religious upheavals can I remind you that the only Savior is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Occasionally an election. You hear someone say well it's also selected he really will save the country well I don't think so.

We put our trust as follows of Christ, not in the presidents not in a politician, not in an ideology sadly not in ourselves, our trust is in Christ, and Christ alone.

He's the only Savior and he's the one that we charge. Yes, we have political ideas and yes, we may provide one politician to be president or a senator or whatever it on the mayor or the governor.

But let's put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ's no politician, as we will see will bring peace to the world today. Cults, false religion, pseudo-spirituality, abundant. Think of the rise of Islam. Think of the rise of Eastern mysticism which comes in all kinds of ways enter leadership in companies enter yoga and all kinds of things. This mystical idea of the prevalent philosophy is invent your own spirituality. People say well I'm I miss Melissa present was I going to want the judge did not believe in the Bible, but I have my own spirituality, a very common deception is both says to Timothy in first Timothy four verse one that in the last days there will be doctrines of demons neck read from Ephesians 6 mandalas against flesh and blood, but against spiritual darkness in high places, impacting people so can I say don't believe the predictions the dreams and visions of self-professed prophets and apostles.

They seem to becoming more and more ganja. Some guy claims to be a prophet. Some woman claims to be enough. Also don't believe it. Those who say well I discovered I recently someone has discovered the secret of how to interpret Scripture. There they discovered the secret of prophecy. People see all wonderful got to buy the book. I sent the one man you're buying the book you read the book Revelation if you want to know about profit as a lesson there is no secret. The secret the key to interpreting the Bible is not some mystical secret that some guy Graham Topp and Rhoda Beck's bestseller about the secret is the Lord Jesus Christ.

He's a key to prophecy. So would you that read this book, look for Christ. So Jesus says here in Matthew chapter 24.

Don't be led astray just in verse five.

Many will come in my name, saying on the Christ that will lead many astray spiritual deception is on the increase were turning from the truth of the Bible and surveys we read that many Americans, including many who go to church believe that the Bible, the Koran in the book of Mormon really at all the same. They're just different expressions of spiritual truth, what deception, what deception this is the only inspires divine revelation. The word of God were also told that I've been told by people who come to the Calvary that we don't need doctrine, just tell us about Jesus. It's all about Jesus.

Well, in a sense of rights. The Bible is all about Jesus.

But the Bible is full of doctrine who is Jesus, our Muslim friends believe he's a prophet we believe is a prophet but we believe these God guides doctrine and was able doctrine divides and let's just talk about Jesus have naïve and how sad that more and more churches are not preaching doctrine but preaching and sliding little sad minutes and some churches are awash in sentimental height when people confuse having an emotional experience with true worship rooted in biblical truth, I praise God.

The Calvary church, led by dear brother Tim Hathaway then our worship expressed in different ways within us a hymn written 500 years ago on with Alyssa song written five minutes ago that they are rooted in biblical truth. Yes, we experience joy.

Yes, there is a motion with our minds are also being informed that we as the people of God are not singing, just some little dizzy. That makes us feel good, were singing about our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words were singing doctrine and were being forces that were to look up to the greatness of our magnificent God. So we who are followers of Jesus Christ. See that no one lead you astray is what Jesus say see that no one lead you astray you say hello how can I know if I'm being led astray is not in here you're being led astray. This is all you need for your salvation for your sanctification is the word of God. Religious upheavals. Secondly, prior to the end of the age there will be political upheavals verse six and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you're not alarms for these must take place by the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom and inspiration of the Bible. The screen written yesterday couldn't prior to the end of the age. Jesus is saying there will be war international confusion on unrest. Think of all of the wars over the last hundred years. We think of World War I I need 14 to 1918.

Think of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Rwanda Ryan Libby of the Middle East, Syria, Ethiopia, just to name a few. And of course going on right now war between two nations to kingdoms. Russia and Ukraine wars and rumors of war we live in a very dangerous world of constant political upheaval including the threat of nuclear war with all of its initiatives and with all of his good intentions. The United Nations will not bring lasting peace to this world, the international community was unable to stop the bloodshed in Syria and Afghanistan where thousands were butchered in the US and NATO appear to be unable to stop the present genocide in Ukraine going on right now we have innocent people, Boys and Girls Club men and women who are being bombs right now. Who would've thought of that prophecy made to thousand years ago with World War I give write about. It was a horrible war. The trench warfare whole communities and villages and towns in all of the young men in them. In Scotland, where white starts whole communities, but it was said this is the war that is going to end all wars. That's what was said hundred years ago. While this is a terrible war. But now we see how horrible it is. We are civilized will set up a league of Nations will set up United Nations so that this will never happen again. The reality is the 20th century was the bloodiest in human history and think of her presence century the 21st think of the wars the United States have been involved in recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Don't look for peace through the international politics. We wish him well.

We pray for them. We pray that peace will come to Ukraine and that God miraculously went stop the war within the end times. There will be wars and rumors of war. The water in Russia and Ukraine were to stop this minutes was other wars going on another wars will come, but says Jesus.

Don't be alarmed. Don't be alarmed.

The end is not yet prior to the end of the age is not only religious and political upheavals. There will be natural upheaval. Seven then the verse seven and there will be famines and earthquakes in various peoples catastrophes and disasters such as earthquakes and fires and mudslides and diseases in hurricanes will come of scientists were thankful for them predict can predict some earthquakes they can predict some hurricanes, but they can't stop them. Currently, in spite of all of our concern. In spite of all of our concern over global warming.

We still have today famines. We still have plenty that makes where with with a COBIT 19/6,000,000 people have died.

We still have the right Paul says in Romans eight verse 22.

That the physical physical characterized by day disease and destruction.

Jesus is making these predictions to thousand years ago.

Who would've thought that in 2022. Millions of people in our world are starving but millions are being displaced from their homes because of wars and famine and disease, and drought on the endemic thing of all of those that were displaced in Syria this place in Afghanistan not being displaced and Ukraine to wars and rumors of war and natural disasters.

Jesus never ever makes an inaccurate prediction but says Jesus in verse eight. All of these upheavals, religious, political, natural art, but the beginning of the birth pains painful but worse is coming as will see next week that prior to the end of the age. There will also be persecution and social upheavals. First of all, prior to the end of the age there will be persecution. Verse nine. They will deliver you up to truck tribulation for you today and you will be hated by all nations for my namesake and then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another and many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. The response of the world to the gospel is opposition and persecution and hate is it will many people are coming to Christ. That's true. But Jesus also swarmed us that they're going to hate you. His disciples, he says in John 15 verse 25 they hated me without a cause.

The perfect Christ. They hang on the tree and using those who follow me are going to experience persecution opposition and isolation. Don't be surprised. Paul's a second Timothy four verse 12.

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ is will be persecuted.

Students what happens if you stand for Christ in the public school students. What happens at UNC Charlotte. When you make it clear that you're a follower of Christ was in business. What happens when you're trying to do that deal and you know there's something sleazy about to attend your say no I can't do that, the hostility to the gospel to the truth of God's word is rapidly increasing in our own country.

Jesus is preparing his followers for a time of suffering and persecution is too difficult to imagine that soon. Those of us who preach and teach the word of God will be persecuted and hated many today. Yes, in the United States want biblical voices to be silenced and when you preach and teach the Bible.

Think of it in marriage when he accused of hate speech that's hate speech to say that Jesus Christ is the only Savior were told at the height of intolerance are your bigoted Jesus in warning us as we get closer and closer to the end of the age that will increase. Also, prior to the end of the age there will be social upheavals verse 12 lawlessness will be increased so amazing isn't it.

This wonderful country of America and have beautiful cities from coast to coast lawlessness is increasing that we've got to say listen to the police officer follow his heart instructions but violence, lawlessness is increasing. But even today in this beautiful city of Charlotte, I would be hesitant to my wife going alone and wandering around certain areas, lawlessness in our own country. You do not many people are murdered in Charlotte when I grew up my news that we got there about five marketers in all of Scotland and the population about 5 million. Think of them's in the country.

Think of the violence in the world of violence that puts it is doing well without any claim of conscience is giving the orders for hospitals and so on, to be bones, violence is increasing and the love verse 12, the love of money will grow old with little cold-weather, but the one who endures to the end will be saved. An increase in lawlessness, a decrease in love and many families there's no natural affection. There's no loyalty or love.

I asked the couple's do you reaffirm the version made of fidelity, but in so many homes in so many relationships there's a breakdown not only not loving God would not even loving one another and so another country the family and the institution of marriage being redefined, and in your letter less and less managers and more and more people say we don't need managers to let just live together that is going to increase my so what's our response. Why did Jesus give these teachings three exhortations as we conclude first of all, don't be led astray. We saw that in verse five we see it in verse 11. Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray gone very you had in the sun. Be aware of what's happening in the world. Don't be deceived, be discerning past everything you hear against the word of God, including anyone who teaches you from is probative from your life group or your Bible study are standard. Our authority is Scripture. Don't be deceived by the latest bestseller will be deceived by some movie sadly don't be deceived by the so-called experts on cable news and social media. I'm quite amazed he's at his a young guy pontificating on foreign affairs, and they think. What does he know, but millions listen and millions allow their view of the world. In fact, their view of God to be shaped by the media rather than Scripture. Keep to the work.

Don't be sucked into Wortley and teachers and thinking we discerning what you need. Be discerning what you watch on television put in the discerning what you look at on social media.

Don't believe the so-called prophecy expert come out of the woodwork every time there's a geopolitical crisis.

Remember when we went into Iraq nor the express side, then, well, you know Saddam Hussein is going to be the antichrist not really for him number Gorbachev Soviet leader Hilda a red mark on his head as the monk beasties.

I think he's the antichrist but God uses in World War II and the UK. Some of the so-called expert side. While most Illini are our daily antichrist. Be careful, the wound related astray. Secondly, be watchful and full of sleep verse 42, which will come to a couple of weeks therefore stay awake for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Chapter 25 verse 13 watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the other, the Lord Jesus is returning we don't know when he's coming, but he is coming the world by itself is not going to achieve peace is going to be no utopia. There's going be no age of Aquarius hope only hope is in the soon coming King of Kings and Lord of lords. Think of this was reflect on this last night with its difficult to get into your mind doesn't of that great and glorious day when the Lord Jesus Christ will come in the world will be transformed and every valley shall be exalted, and every mindset and then bill will be brought low, and the children shall be made straight and the rough places plain and says Isaiah prophesies the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all flesh shall see it together for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 40 when the Lord Jesus Christ comes every every problem will be solved. It will bring justice and righteousness and holiness as he rules with a rod of iron. No force in the whole universe, including nuclear power can stand against our King of Kings and Lord of lords rule with perfect justice and peace and righteousness. And Jesus is saying he's coming he's coming back watchful for him.

Keep your eye on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Don't put all of your focus on the things of this world be watchful, watchful is coming back since 8070. Israel's house the temple has been desolate Lord willing to meet with Israel in October will go up the temperament as a Jewish Temple be rebuilt. No steps was on the temple minds the dome of the rock. The symbol of Islam. The Jewish nation in A.D. 70 was scattered to the four corners of the world. In 1948 the nation was established and then come back to the land. Not all of the lands but God's never forgets his promises.

And God will restore Israel to the center of his program. John says in Revelation behold he Lord Jesus is coming with the claimant's and every eye shall see him, even those who pierced him Jewish nation, Romans, and all tribes of the earth will wail on a kind of him at the end of Matthew 24. After Jesus pronounces these wars on the religious leaders after he says you did not come to me if I did I played with you to come to me and I wanted to gather here even as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. What you are unwilling. And because of that judgment is coming and your house. The temple is going to be laid desolate, as indeed it did in A.D. 70. But did you know this at the end of verse 20 of chapter 23 on till you want see me again until you say Blessed is he who comes in them of the Lord wonderful Jewish nation will claim this Jesus is truly the Messiah and guarded his grace never ever turns his back on his promises.

I do promise to Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob in the nation that they would have the lines of the Lord Jesus Christ will make sure that is the case. So, be watchful is coming back. Finally, don't be alarmed. Verse six. When will hear of wars and rumors of war see the alarms for the end is not anyone I learned today the people saying we could be nuclear warfare. The world is a terrible mess.

Your life may be in a terrible mess. It may be terribly worried alarmed about some personal situation, you may be discouraged over all of the evil and violence in the world listen to Jesus. Don't be still and know who God God's in control is in control here in our nation's and controls the world. I know it seems chaotic with our great God is in control and his purposes and his prophecies are coming true whether we to do.

Meantime we are to be steadfast we are to endure. Verse 13 the one who endures to the end will be saved know were not saved because we persevered but we persevered because we are saved during a time of difficult. If we don't panic, but we keep our eyes on Jesus, God is working out his promises.

Jesus predicted the science and in terms of the mounting hostility against the followers of Christ. The psalmist says, fret not yourself because of evildoers, some 37 verse one don't be alarmed will be discouraged.

God always takes care of his people.

I find that in tremendous comfort this past year.

Whatever happens to our nation to her family's personally as a church that God will take care of these people through every day or all the way told him he will take care of you caught he loves me is going to kick to Karen is going to take care of these beautiful children. People say well I don't know when their children age. What will the world be like. I don't know but I know God and I know God's promises. These promises that he is faithful to all generations and that he will take care of us. So if you're a child of God. Tonight, as you put your head on the pillow. Sleep well. The God who keeps Israel neither slumber nor sleep in the God who watches over you, neither slumbers nor sleep, commit your life to Christ, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and the guard who was our help in ages past on hold for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast yes and our eternal home going home. The end is near, that through. Don't be alarmed. Don't panic. Priscilla know God, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to do that. The father and the wickets alarmed in a chaotic world helpless to keep looking to you in Christ's name