But as the days of Noah were, so shall be the coming of the Son of Man. Before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son," Matthew 24:37- 39 ( NKJV)
Introduction
A. Billions fear that a global war will happen using nuclear, biological and technological weapons.
1. " wars, famines and earthquakes" are cited as SiGNS of His imminent coming, Matthew 24:7-8
2. But what does the Bible say about this feared event? John 8: 32
B. This lesson will focus on the ff:
1. Period of peace and prosperity in His return
2. Visible to all- both righteous and wicked
3. After the " so called" millenial reign
4.Heaven and earth will pass away
Discussion
A. Period of Peace and Prosperity
1. Matthew 24:37- 39 suggest a period of peace and prosperity
2. Wars, famines and earthquakes shall be the " beginning of sorrows,"
but the END is still to come, Matthew 24:6-8
3.However, " when the Son of Man comes, will He find FAITH on earth?" Luke 18:8
4.Also, a time of " wickedness and a lack of genuine love," Matthew 24:12
B. Visible to all- both righteous and wicked
1.Visible as the lightning from east to west, Matthew 24:27
2. Even those who " pierced him" will see Him and mourn, Revelation 1:7
3. This clearly teaches that " all shall be resurrected when He returns," John 5:28
4." The righteous will rise to live but the wicked will rise to be condemned," John 5:29
C. After the " spiritual reign of Christ"
1. It is erroneous to believe and teach that when Jesus returns, He would set up a " physical kingdom" in Jerusalem
2. Christ is " reigning" now as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
a. Matthew 28:18 Christ said, " all power in heaven and on earth has been given to ME."
b. " God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us to the Kingdom of His dear Son," Colossians 1:13
D. Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away
1. This clearly denies the " physical one thousand year reign of Christ on earth!"
2." The sun shall be darkened, the moon shall not give its light; the stars shall fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies shall be shaken," Matthew 24:29
3. " The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements shall be destroyed by fire, and the EARTH and everything in it will be laid bare," 2 Peter 3:9 ( NIV)
4." The destruction of the heavens by FIRE and the elements will melt in the heat," 2 Peter 3:12
Conclusion
A. As Jesus Himself said that His return shall be a period of peace..
1. Let us not be alarmed, but believe Him, for He will take us to be with Him, John 14:1-4
2. Let us be faithful to Him and endure till the end
a. Matthew 24:13 " will be saved!"
b. Revelation 2:10 " will receive the crown of life!"
B. He now invites you to come to Him and accept Him as Lord and Savior
1. We shall have eternal rest with Him, Matthew 11:28-30
2. Now is the Day of Salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2