Jesus is Coming, Ready or Not
Speaker: Pastor Darin Browne
We have spoken about God the Father, and then Jesus the Son but no discussion about Jesus can overlook the big truth…He’s coming back again.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV)
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:52 (ESV)
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
Jesus came once as a baby, but He ain’t coming back like that again. He’s coming back as Lord, as King and as Conqueror!
Hebrews 9:28 (ESV)
so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
I believe the return of Jesus Christ is nearer than ever. Imminent in fact.
IS THIS THE END OF THE AGE?
We are living in extraordinary times. We are nearing the end of an age – the end of civilisation as we know it. To quote FD Roosevelt, “This generation…has a rendezvous with destiny.” He said it to 1930s America, but I believe it applies now as well. And I sense that our generation is facing the imminent return of Jesus, just as the Bible promised.
Do you realise that much of the Bible is prophetic, and that about 90 percent of all prophecy is for “the end time” – the time just ahead of us? The return of Christ is specifically predicted throughout the Old and New Testaments of your Bible. It is predicted in each of the four gospels, the book of Acts, and in the epistles of Paul, James, Peter, and John. Jesus’ return is the focal point of the entire book of Revelation.
We are never told when He will return, but we are told to be ready.
Matthew 24:44 (ESV)
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Don’t bother reading newspapers, news apps or watching the Gay BC for information. We should be reading the Bible, which speaks of what is to come, not what’s happened or current events. No one knows the date or the hour, but there are signs it’s very close. Jesus said…
Luke 21:34-36 (ESV)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
MATTHEW 24 IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR
Jesus implores us to be ready, but never gives us specific details of times. If anyone claims to know the exact time of the Lord’s return, run like crazy because he is a false prophet.
At this point I offer a word of caution. We must diligently seek God but must not argue over interpretations and opinions. We must be kind and loving, but people love to argue their opinion on what is to happen.
2 Timothy 2:23-24 (ESV)
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
There is prophecy right throughout Scripture about the end of time. Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, right through to Revelation, an entire book of prophecy. I’m not going to debate pre, post-trib, a-, or pan millennial, it will all pan out in the end. Instead, I’m going to let what Jesus said about His return as recorded in Matthew 24, speak for themselves…
1. KNOWLEDGE OVERLOAD
But first, before we pick up what Jesus said about the end of days, I want to go right back to the prophet Daniel, who prophesied this…
Daniel 12:4 (ESV)
But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Today’s internet generation is doing exactly this…with a few clicks of the mouse, they are running to and fro all over the world to increase knowledge. There has never been a knowledge overload like today in history. Currently there are 5.47 billion active internet users, most on mobiles, and there are 5.6 billion google searches a day. We are all pursuing knowledge, big time!
And one of the things we crave knowledge about is what is going to happen in the future to us and to our people. This endless and frantic pursuit of knowledge not only typifies our generation, but it sets things up for Jesus’ prophetic words.
And in Matthew 24, Jesus had a lot to say about the final days before He returns. Let’s look at what Jesus said would happen just before His return.
2. WARS, AND RUMOURS OF WARS
Matthew 24:6 (ESV)
And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
Humanity has lived with warfare over the millennia, but our time in history is unprecedented because of the massive potential of modern weapons and the massive global scale of potential conflict. In 3,400 years of human history, only 268 years have been entirely at peace.
Revelation 6:3-4 (ESV)
When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
World War One was called the war to end all wars, but since the end of the Second World War almost 300 wars and armed conflicts have happened in over 70 countries. The Ukraine is just the latest instalment, and Putin is just the latest despot. Wars have been happening for millennia, and they are increasing.
3. FAMINES AND EARTHQUAKES
Matthew 24:7 (KJV)
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places.
Droughts and famines are rampant in Africa and Asia on a regular basis. More than 70 million people died of famine in the 20th Century, that’s more than have died of war in WW1 AND WW2. In Revelation prophecy, a seal was broken, and a pale rider came forth…
Revelation 6:5-6 (ESV)
And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”
People being starved paying everything they can for food. Famine increasing.
Earthquakes are also increasing in frequency. According to NBC News, the number of severe earthquakes greater than 8.0 since 2000 has increased 265% over the previous century. There’s a whole lot of shaking going on.
4. DISEASES AND PESTILENCES
Matthew 24:7 (KJV)
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places.
The Greek for pestilence is LOIMOS, a deadly infectious malady. It’s not cancer or heart disease, it’s a disease you can catch…and spread. God has used plagues as judgement throughout history. King David in 2 Samuel 24 was given a choice of three punishments, and he chose a plague. And who could forget the boils afflicted on the Egyptians in Moses’ day.
Revelation 6:8 (ESV)
And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
Over the last few years, we have seen to rise of disease in a scale we never thought possible. From AIDS to Bird Flu, right through to everybody’s favourite, COVID 19. Even old foes like malaria and tuberculosis are re-emerging as super bugs that are drug and treatment resistant.
Psalms 91:5-6 (ESV)
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
With COVID, and all diseases, we need not fear because it doesn’t stalk us in the darkness. We can trust God, whatever we face. But this increase in famines, plagues, disease, and war is in line with what Jesus predicted would happen just before He returns.
5. THE RISE OF FALSE PROPHETS, ISLAM, AND EUROPEAN UNION
Matthew 24:11-12 (ESV)
And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
There are always false prophets leading people astray, outside of Christianity, and sadly sometimes inside of Christianity.
Matthew 24:24 (ESV)
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
Scripture talks about the rise of false religions. Revelation 19 talks about a false prophet riding a beast. Now this could be any major religion, but many equate it this a worldwide religion, possibly based in a city with seven hills…Rome.
Revelation 17:9-10 (ESV)
This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; they are also seven kings,
Interestingly, the Bible predicts that in the end times there will arise, in North Africa or the Middle East, a charismatic personality who will be able to unify, harness, and lead a powerful block of nations in which Egypt will have a key role.
Daniel 11:40 (ESV)
“At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through.
Daniel speaks of a ruler of the South, whom many believe is Islam. It is spoken of as rising up attacking a ruler of the north. The prophet Daniel says,
Daniel 11:43-44 (ESV)
He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver (oil rich nations), and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction.
Many believe that the Ruler of the north could be the European Union, alluded to in…
Revelation 13:1 (ESV)
And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.
This terrifying and bloody conflict is still to come, but you can see the things shaping up. The rise of Islam, the formation of the European Union, it’s all primed and ready for the big showdown. Jesus says…
Matthew 24:21 (ESV)
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.
When we see these things, we know Jesus’ return is near. It’s scary to see the rise of Islam, but again, we have nothing to fear, because we can trust that, even in seismic world events, our God has it all in hand!
6. THE GOSPEL TO BE PROCLAIMED THROUGH THE WORLD
Matthew 24:14 (ESV)
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
God is going to give every nation and culture a chance to hear the truth of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, because
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
The gospel has to be preached in every nation. Before it seemed impossible, but now it is very attainable. Not only is travel easier, but via the internet, and satellite technology, the whole world can see and hear everything from the World Cup final to the coronation of King Charles to the preaching of the gospel. This sign is being fulfilled in our lifetime so every culture can hear the gospel. Cf two witnesses Revelation 11:9.
7. PERSECUTION OF TRUE CHRISTIANS
Jesus doesn’t sugar coat this, and we need to be ready.
Matthew 24:9-10 (ESV)
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
I am amazed at the increase in persecution of believers in this country, all in the name of inclusion. One report I read said that in some places in NSW they can refuse entry if your Christian faith offends them! Might as well give us a yellow star, or maybe a yellow cross!
John 15:18-19 (ESV)
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
We are facing and about to face more persecution than ever before in our history as Christians. We live in a godless, lawless society. From abortion to transgenderism in children, from assisted suicide to gay marriage, our rights and beliefs and traditions are being stomped on every day. A few weeks ago, I revealed the ancient deities driving this change, and revealed the modus operandi they employ using law makers and the media to bring the changes about. First shock, then acceptance, then tolerance, then celebration, then they persecute those who disagree with the media…that’s us! Jesus said,
Matthew 24:12 (ESV)
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
Is your love growing cold today? Is it safer to just shut your mouth and cool your heart instead of standing up for the Lord? Fair warning – don’t grow cold in this hour, fire up, ignite and burn for Jesus! He’s coming back soon, and He will love that you’ve stood for Him.
Matthew 12:36-37 (ESV)
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
8. THE JEWS RETURNING TO THEIR HOMELAND
The final key sign of the end of the age I want to mention is the return of the Jews to their homeland. Key signs in Revelation revolve around the Jews being in their homeland. Jesus will one day soon return, and He will return to the Mount of Olives. For so many sign to be fulfilled, Israel must be back in the land. When Jesus returns for the final battle, it says,
Zechariah 14:3-4 (ESV)
Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east,
So, Israel being back in the land is key to Bible prophecy. And this all happened on one single day.
Isaiah 66:8 (ESV)
Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her children.
May 14, 1948, the nation of Israel was declared an independent nation, the fulfilment of many Scripture prophecies, such as
Amos 9:14-15 (ESV)
I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,” says the LORD your God.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
There are loads more signs the Bible talks about concerning the return of Jesus, heavenly signs, earthly signs, how Jerusalem will be attacked, and the abomination of desolation will be set up in the temple.
Matthew 24:15-16 (ESV)
“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:21 (ESV)
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.
I don’t have time to elaborate on the many more signs suggesting that Jesus’ return is close at hand. The moral decline we currently see, the rise of a one world government, false religions, persecutions, surely the time of His return is nearer than ever before. And when He returns, what will it look like?
NO ONE KNOWS WHEN JESUS WILL RETURN
Matthew 24:36-39 (ESV)
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
So, in Matthew, Jesus is telling us what things will be like just before His return. Yes, all the signs we mentioned must occur, but to the average person, life will pretty much be going on as usual, or at least the latest version of usual.
Eating, drinking, marriage, ignoring God, normal life in normal society. Despite all the signs, all the warnings, all the prophecy, most people will be ignorant and uninformed right to the end of days. The next verse says,
Matthew 24:40-42 (ESV)
Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
The message for us is clear. We don’t know when, but we know who. Watch, stand guard, stay informed, look diligently for His coming. Don’t argue about end time things, because none of us will know the truth until it happens. Just stay in unity. Jesus’ return should unite true believers, not divide us! People ask if I am pre or post tribulation. I reckon, pray for pre, but prepare for post. Then you’ve got it covered.
BUT HE WILL
Matthew 24:30-31 (ESV)
Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
When Jesus comes back, it will not be as a baby, but a Conqueror, a King of Kings and a Lord of Lords. One of the most exciting passages is this…
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (ESV)
For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Every year in the Jewish calendar there is the Feast of Trumpets in September, and I wouldn’t mind betting that Gabriel is licking his lips right now, because I think the trumpet is due to blast at any moment. Jesus is coming, ready or not!
Are you ready? Are you ready to stand and fight and see it through to the end, however far off that end is? Our nation, our world, is primed and ready for that trumpet blast! Are you ready to stand for Jesus until He returns.
Luke 18:8 (ESV)
when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
