Text: Matthew 24

Topic: What to expect in the last days

• Matthew 24:27, 30

• The second coming will be a public event.

• Revelation 1:7

• The second coming will occur immediately after the Great Tribulation.

• Matthew 24:29

• The rapture could take place before the Great Tribulation or it could take place after the Great Tribulation—we're not one hundred percent sure.

• The second coming will cause many to experience a time of mourning.

• People will recognize at that moment the error of their ways.

• 2 Peter 3:9

• The second coming of Christ will be a time of great sadness for many people, but it doesn't have to be a time of great sadness for you.

• When Jesus comes back he will eradicate evil and will establish a kingdom of justice.

• Isaiah 2:1-4

• During the millennium, life on earth will be as it always should have been—peace, justice, prosperity, and an end to poverty.

• Illustration: May concisely explains the differences between the three views of the millennium—amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennialism.

• Satan will be bound for this thousand year period.

• Revelation 20:2-3

• Jesus will rule the world from the city of Jerusalem.

• God's people will rule with him.

• Daniel 7:22

• Daniel 7:27

• 1 Corinthians 6:2

• It will be a time of overwhelming economic justice.

• Isaiah 65:22-23

• It will be a time of peace.

• Isaiah 65:25

Let's look at the beginning of eternity.

• Revelation 20:7-10

• At the end of the thousand year reign of Christ there will be a final rebellion, and Satan will be finally (and forever) destroyed.

• Afterwards, there will be a "White Throne Judgment" in which all people will be judged "according to their works."

• People choose their eternal destiny.

• Afterwards, all of God's people will be with him eternally in heaven.

Conclusion:

• Many of the prophetic verses can be interpreted in different ways, and we strive to interpret them as best we can—but we also acknowledge that we might not be right 100 percent of the time.

• Matthew 24:42

• Big Idea: Be ready.

• Jesus wins.