GOODNEWS LETTER
Number 422 June 27, 2012
Pay Close Attention to END TIMES
"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your LORD is coming," Matthew 24:42.
The return of Jesus - the hope of Christians – is everywhere; but, there are also a few alerts given in order for us not to expect it earlier than we ought. In Matthew 24, Jesus informs His disciples that His return isn't until many things happen. The first thing Jesus tells the disciples is to realize that Israel will undergo many changes before He comes again. The Temple will be destroyed (24:2); and, when they asked Him directly, "...when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the age?" Jesus presents a warning for them."See to it that no one misleads you," the Lord states. Jesus goes on to say that false prophets will deceive many (v 5). That many wars will occur (v 6) and nations will fight against one another. Until the Second Coming, famines and earthquakes will take place in all areas (v 7).The interesting things about His words of prophecy is that we think that they occur in our time period of living on earth. However, these prophecies are about the very end of time on earth; for the most part, I think. Therefore, His teaching must be received as very important. Of all things to be on guard for in these last times, is love "...because lawlessness is increased, Jesus says that, "...most people's love will grow cold" (v 12). Don't allow your love to grow cold, Brethren; not for others in the truth, the church, or God's Word during these suppressed prophetic times.When Jesus turns to the prophecy of Daniel; which, has the ABOMINATION of DESOLATION in the Holy Place (Mt. 24:25), His words take on exact meaning of time. We must be harmonized this statement, of course. So, we see that the Jews will make a treaty with the Antichrist. This agreement of treaty will result in the Antichrist building the temple for them, making things great, until the Antichrist breaks the treaty and begin to kill the Jewish people. Their only hope is to flee (See Mt. 24:16-20). Further, you will notice that the time is at the end of the age, "for then there will be a great tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall," Mt. 24:21.And today, many false witnesses are preaching that Jesus will come at one time or another – mostly, before the tribulation. Their prophecies do not match the Bible, however. The majority believe that He will take all the save out of the world. While, they are sure about their teachings, we must look at all verses within the word. Yes! We are hoping of the return – as soon as possible- but, we have to remember that false prophets will be everywhere at the end of time. Further, we cannot forget that Jesus warned against false teachings on the Second Coming, as mentioned about in the cited verses of Scripture.Then, we need to notice what Jesus concludes in His warnings and teachings on His coming. Jesus commanded us pay CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE END TIMES. Matthew 24:45 – 51 summarizes the Second Coming by stating there are two groups – those who obeyed and, those failed to listen to what He taught. His words are strong but, Jesus is speaking about deception. The faithful slave will receive food at the correct time; but, evil slaves (those who fail to follow the teachings of Jesus), will not be ready. Love is not in place for such so-called servants. These people are confused and fail to see His coming in light of Scripture. They are given a place with "the hypocrites; weeping shall be there and the gnashing of teeth" (v 51). Brethren, let's PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE END TIMES.