As He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the End of the Age?” Matthew 24:3 ESV¹

Read Matthew 24:1-31, Mark 13:1-27 & Luke 21:5-28

For as long as I have lived in this house, I have gotten a great deal of pleasure out of viewing the huge trees in my neighbor’s front yard. Those trees have blessed that house with shade for generations. And they have been a great joy to me every Autumn when their leaves have turned such vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. But this year is different. This Spring, my neighbor had those trees cut down. Why? Because what appeared so impressive from the outside was completely rotten in the middle. One strong windstorm and any one of those trees could have toppled and caused great damage to their home and harm to their very lives. Retaining them because of their beauty wasn’t worth the risk.

Thinking about those trees reminds me of something I recently studied in the Bible.

“Jesus left the temple and was going away when His disciples came to point out to Him the buildings of the temple” (Matthew 24:1). “One of His disciples said to Him, ‘Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!’ And Jesus said to him” (Mark 13:1-2a), “‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down’” (Luke 21:6).

You see, the Jewish temple that existed when Jesus conducted His earthly ministry was quite impressive yet the religious system of the time was completely rotten at the core. The people who worshipped there claimed to follow the LORD but they were just going through religious motions; their hearts were not in it (see Matthew 15:8-9). They claimed to be looking for the Messiah but, when He stood before them, they didn’t recognize Him. They made all kinds of offerings but they didn’t give in the way God intended (see Matthew 23:23). What looked so good on the outside could not stand much longer because what was on the inside was corrupted.

Jesus’ words about the destruction of the temple surprised His disciples.

“And as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately, ‘Tell us, when will these things be and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished’” (Mark 13:3-4)?

Keeping Things in Perspective

Jesus’ answer to this question included more than when the temple would be destroyed. Jesus launched into a teaching about the End of the Age. It has always been God’s plan that His people point others the way to Him. But the Jews didn’t fulfill that plan. They couldn’t because they didn’t remain faithfully devoted to the LORD. Instead of drawing the people of the surrounding nations to the One True God, they kept getting involved in the false religion of those around them.

Christians haven’t done much better. We have allowed our fleshly desires and the world around us to interfere with our singular devotion to Christ. We haven’t changed the world with the Gospel because we are trying too hard to copy the culture. We have made our faith about ourselves, not our Lord.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

This failure is why the End has to begin with the destruction of the ineffective religious system. Just as every stone of the temple toppled, what we now know as organized religion will eventually crumble. When that happens, a series of tumultuous events will occur.

But before we get into Jesus’ comments concerning the End of the Age, there are some things we need to keep in mind. First of all, the End of the Age is the end for Satan, his influence, and his kingdom. It is not the end of God’s agenda or His people; it is the beginning of everything getting back to how it should be. Of the End Times the prophet, Daniel, recorded:

“‘[A certain period is] decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet and to anoint a most holy place’” (Daniel 9:24).

Secondly, God is not excited about causing distress for the Earth or extreme difficulty for those who live upon it. The End Times are God’s desperate, final attempt to turn people to Himself for salvation. The events of the End will be extreme enough to motivate those who know Christ to share the Gospel with the suffering ones around them. Until Jesus returns, there is hope for everyone who repents and looks to Jesus for salvation. Whatever trouble opens the eyes of the lost to the realization of their need for Christ and the saved of their need to share Him, will be considered worth it.

“Scoffers will come in the Last Days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.  They will say, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.’ … But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that … the Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:3-4, 8a, 9).

Thirdly, though most of the signs Jesus mentioned in the Olivet Discourse concern the End Times, some of these things, like the desecration of the worship of the LORD and the trampling of Jerusalem, have had a partial or similar fulfillment. Just a few decades after Jesus gave these warnings, Jerusalem was attacked, the temple was destroyed, and many Jewish people were slaughtered. When I was discussing the Parable of the Fig Tree, one of the parables Jesus taught during this discussion, I wrote about this event. If you would like to read more about this, check out Preparing for the Future.

Lastly, the events that Jesus mentioned in this conversation aren’t necessarily chronological. As in the building of a house, some things must come before others whereas other things can occur simultaneously. For instance, in the construction of a building, the foundation has to come before the framing, the HVAC precedes the plumbing, and the electrical usually comes last; but there can be some overlap. Some of these Last Days events will likely coincide. Purposefully, I am not going to even attempt to lay out a timeline; even Jesus didn’t do that. Because, though Jesus knew what would happen, He didn’t know when.

“‘But concerning that Day or that Hour, no one knows, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father’” (Mark 13:32).

The Nine Signs and Godly Responses

Jesus’ disciples begged, “‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and the End of the Age” (Matthew 24:3)? In answer, Jesus included nine specific signs of the End of the Age and just as many instructions as to how His disciples should response to each occurrence.

• Sign #1 = Religious Deception
• Response #1 = Don’t let yourself be fooled.

“[Jesus] said, ‘See that you are not led astray. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am He!” and, “The time is at hand!” Do not go after them’” (Luke 21:8).

Lies and fear are two of the enemy’s most prominent modes of operation. What better way to get Christ-followers distracted and disconnected from what God is doing in the End Times than by setting up deceivers claiming to be Jesus and promoting the-sky-is-falling predictions? Jesus instructed His disciples, then and now, to keep their heads and to access the wisdom of Christ which is available through a relationship with Him.

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

 

• Sign #2 = Wars
• Response #2 = Don’t be alarmed.

“‘And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place but the End is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom’” (Mark 13:7-8)

It is hard not to get alarmed when wars seem to be cropping up all over the world. Even if the fighting is not in your country or among your people, wars affect life for everyone around the world. But alarm is just another word for fear. And where fear is the prevailing emotion, one can be sure the enemy is smiling from ear to ear. Jesus exhorted His followers to recognize the necessity of wars and to realize that such uprisings don’t signify the End has arrived yet. It is an encouragement in the way a doctor alerts a patient of the need for surgery. The procedure will be uncomfortable but it is necessary because the person has more life left.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

 

“But since we belong to the Day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:8-11).

 

• Sign #3 = Natural Disasters
• Response #3 = Recognize this as only the beginning of something new.

“‘There will be great earthquakes and, in various places, famines, and pestilences’” (Luke 21:11). “These are but the beginning of the birth pains” (Mark 13:8b).

The Scriptures tell us that, because of the presence of sin in the world, “the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22). Being in labor is no fun. Any woman who has had children can tell you her horrific birthing stories. But the majority of the women who have gone through the experience will testify that the result was worth the pain. Jesus encouraged His disciples that the intensifying of natural disasters is but evidence that something new is about to be birthed.

“‘You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also, you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you’” (John 16:20b-22).

 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).

 

• Sign #4 = Persecution
• Response #4 = Do not be anxious but trust the Holy Spirit.

“‘They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons’” (Luke 21:12a). “‘And then, many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another’” (Matthew 24:10). “‘And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death’” (Mark 13:12). “‘And you will be brought before kings and governors for My name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it, therefore, in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict’” (Luke 21:12b-14). “‘The Gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious … but say whatever is given you in that hour for it is not you who speak but the Holy Spirit’” (Mark 13:10-11).

The thought of being persecuted sends shivers down the spines of most Christians. But, in reality, persecution, of some kind, should be expected by all genuine Believers.

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

It is when we have unrealistic expectations that we are most shocked and disillusioned with relationships or circumstances. That is why Jesus explained to His disciples exactly what to anticipate. But Jesus didn’t give them only bad news. He shared some amazing news as well. Though His devoted followers would have to experience some harsh treatment, this would be the catalyst for great proclamations of the Gospel and powerful displays of the authority of the Holy Spirit. Jesus encouraged His disciples not to fear potentially dangerous situations because, if they trusted Him and remained calm, they would be given exactly what they needed exactly when they needed it.

“His Divine Power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises” (2 Peter 1:3-4a).

 

“‘Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for My name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life’” (Matthew 19:29).

 

• Sign #5 = Lies & Lawlessness
• Response #5 = Don’t give up; continue preaching the Gospel.

“‘And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold’” (Matthew 24:11-12). “‘And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved’” (Mark 13:13). “‘But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives’” (Luke 21:18-19). “‘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’” (Matthew 24:14).

The events of the End Times will reveal the hearts of all people; a greater divide will be evidenced between truth and lies and between righteousness and unrighteousness. Those who stand for the Light will be hated by those who love the darkness. Those who choose Christ over temporal ease, keeping their eyes on eternity, will be an extreme irritation to the eternally lost, nominal Christians, those who fear human rejection, and those who take paths of comfort in the here and now.

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved, and among those who are perishing, to one, a fragrance from death to death, to the other, a fragrance from life to life” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

Those who belong to Jesus are going to stink to those who hate Him. But to those whom God is pointing to salvation, true Christians will smell like sweet perfume. Because of this, the Gospel will spread like wildfire. The proving of those who know Christ will be realized because, in Christ, they will be able to wade through the lies and lawlessness, rise above the hatred and hopelessness, and hold fast to their faith while fighting for the souls of others. These will trust Jesus’ promise of protection and find their ability to endure in Him.

“‘I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing’” (John 15:5).

 

“‘Because you have kept My word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown’” (Revelation 3:10-11).

 

• Sign #6 = Destruction of True Worship
• Response #6 = Pray for mercy and flee when the time comes.

“‘When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place’” (Matthew 24:15), “‘when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days’” (Luke 21:20-23a)! “‘Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath’” (Matthew 24:20).

The prophet, Daniel, wrote about “the abomination of desolation” three different times. What he prophesied is recorded in the Scriptures in the book that bears his name. The passages about the object or the person that Daniel describes with that title are Daniel 9:24-27; 11:29-35 & 12:10-12.

From what Daniel describes, Jesus’ followers, then and now, can deduce that:

1. “A future ruler will make a treaty with the people of Israel.
2. The terms of this treaty will be for a … period of seven years.
3. Midway through this time, the ruler will gather his troops and put an end to the sacrifices and offerings in the temple.
4. At that time, the ruler will desecrate the temple, setting up some type of sacrilegious object.
5. The desecration of the temple will continue until the judgment of God is finally meted out on the ruler and his followers.”²

These passages written by Daniel emphasize the ultimate destruction of the evil one or thing that dares to defile the worship of the True God (see Daniel 9:27b). And they point to the victorious way in which Believers will be living during these trying times.

“‘The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end. … Blessed is he who waits and arrives’” (Daniel 11:32b-35a & 12:12).

Jesus mercifully shared with His disciples that they didn’t need to stay in the center of all of the chaos to stand firm, take action, and endure. He told them exactly for what to look, when to get out of the way, where to go, and what to pray as they waited out this time. We can be assured, that if we stick close to Jesus and hold loosely to the things of this world, we will also be given the exact who, what, when, where, why, and how should we need likewise to flee when a future abomination of desolation is set up.

“‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze,’ says the LORD of Hosts, ‘So that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act,’ says the Lord of Hosts” (Malachi 4:1-3).

 

• Sign #7 = Severe Suffering
• Response #7 = Remember: God is in control.

“‘In those days, there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be’” (Mark 13:19). “‘For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled’” (Luke 21:23b-24). “‘And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days’” (Mark 13:20).

The time following the desecration of worship to the Lord and during the trampling of Jerusalem will be extremely difficult for everyone; it will be the most difficult time the world will ever know. But Jesus shared that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. God is watching; He is in control. When God says, “Enough!” this terrible time will abruptly end. It will be because of His great love for His people that He will not let it go a moment longer than necessary.

“‘For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him’” (2 Chronicles 16:9a).

 

“‘The LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that He swore to them’” (Deuteronomy 4:31).

 

“‘There shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the Book’” (Daniel 12:1b).

 

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

 

• Sign #8 = False Deliverers Will Arise
• Response #8 = Do not believe them.

“‘Then if anyone says to you, “Look, here is the Christ!” or “There He is!” do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, “Look, He is in the wilderness,” do not go out. If they say, “Look, He is in the inner rooms,” do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man’” (Matthew 24:23-27).

Because times will be difficult, people will be looking for a deliverer. The enemy and those who wish to control others will take advantage of this desire. Because many will not be able to distinguish truth from lies, they will be persuaded to follow these false rescuers and will attempt to convince others to do the same. Whatever signs and wonders these liars will be able to perform will be so impressive that even God’s people might be tempted to be swayed. But Jesus reminded His disciples that leading true Christians away from Christ would be impossible. To keep them from being deceived, God has given genuine Believers access to the power of the Spirit of God and the mind of Christ.

“Now, we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God … The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things but is himself to be judged by no one. ‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:12, 14-16).

Besides, Jesus informed His followers that His return would be undeniable. Because of that reason alone, bona fide Believers won’t be led astray by those claiming to be Christ.

“To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. Even so. Amen” (Revelation 1:5b-7).

 

• Sign #9 = Disturbing Occurrences in the Sky
• Response #9 = Look up for your rescue.

“‘Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken’” (Matthew 24:29). “‘And on the earth, distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world’” (Luke 21:25b-26).

 

“‘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’” (Matthew 24:30). “‘And then He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven’” (Mark 13:27). “‘Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near’” (Luke 21:28).

Up until this point in the End Times timeline, everything will be happening on Earth. But, as this age comes to a close, things will begin to take place in the sky. The sun, the moon, and the stars will be affected. Because the moon will be afflicted, the tides will be influenced. All this will cause more anxiety for unbelievers than anything else up until this point. The hope is that this distress will be an opportunity for repentance for some who have heard the Gospel message but haven’t yet responded.

As the world is looking to the sky focusing on the disturbances, Jesus exhorted those who are devoted to Him to be looking up for something else. The powers of the heavens will be shaken because He who created them will be bursting through them with His angels to gather up all His people. This will be a welcome occurrence for the enduring Christians who are alive at this point in history.

“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” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

 

“‘These are the ones coming out of the Great Tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the Throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’” (Revelation 7:14b-17).

Enabling Grace and Abundant Mercy

Those who belong to Christ and are living through the troubling End Times will be generously given the enabling grace to endure whatever tribulations they encounter. Consider some of the specific statements of encouragement that Jesus made to His disciples during this discourse:

“‘And you will be brought before kings and governors for My name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it, therefore, in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict’” (Luke 21:12b-14, emphasis added).

 

 “‘The Gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious … but say whatever is given you in that hour for it is not you who speak but the Holy Spirit’” (Mark 13:10-11, emphasis added).

 

“‘Not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives’” (Luke 21:18-19, emphasis added).

 

“‘For the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days’” (Mark 13:20b, emphasis added).

 

“‘False christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand’” (Matthew 24:24, emphasis added).

 

“‘Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near’” (Luke 21:28, emphasis added).

Jesus will be intently watching and strengthening His followers giving them what they need to not only survive the difficulty but to thrive in the midst of it.

But, Luke recorded, as part of this discussion on the End Times, another encouraging and exhorting statement by Jesus:

“‘Watch, therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’” (Luke 21:36 NKJV³)

The Lord God desires to make available abundant mercy, for those who are truly His, to escape much of what will happen during these difficult times. This does not mean that Christians will be rescued from persecution. We need only remember what happened to Jesus’ disciples shortly after Pentecost and has continued throughout the ages to know that persecution is just part of the Christian package.

But, because one of the major goals of the Great Tribulation of the Last Days is to accelerate the preaching of the Gospel and motivate great numbers of people to come to Christ, there is an added hope for those who are already diligently sharing the Gospel and are already completely devoted to Christ. Just as a teacher doesn’t need to re-test a student who has already passed his/her class, the Great Teacher doesn’t need to continue to try those who have already proven their genuineness.

Jesus told His closest disciples, the ones who came to Him specifically asking for wisdom to perceive and respond to the future cataclysmic events, to pray that they “may be counted worthy to escape all these things … and to stand before the Son of Man.” This begs the question, “What is required for me to be counted worthy enough to stand confidently before the judgment seat of Christ?”

That is an important enough question for each of us to pray for specific revelation and to study the Holy Scriptures to discover the answer. To begin with, we must each ask ourselves questions like: Do I have an intimate relationship with Jesus? Am I enjoying Christ and desiring to spend time with Him? Is Jesus both my Savior and my Lord? Am I more concerned about His agenda than I am about my own? Do I care about and for the lost, the hurting, and the vulnerable? Am I sharing Christ with others? Am I loving and serving His Body? Am I living in victory over sin? Am I abiding in Christ and is His Spirit working in and through me?

We must not only ask such questions but we must wait for the answers. And, by the grace of God, we must respond appropriately to what is revealed to us. Let’s believe Jesus and pray not only for ourselves to be found worthy when Christ judges all mankind but for our loved ones as well. May God pour out His mercy on this generation of Believers.

The Most Important Response

Our final and most appropriate response to all Jesus shared in this teaching is to act in utter faith. Instead of panicking as we think of the End Times, let’s consider how we may spur one another on in the fear of the Lord. In place of gathering up survival supplies to make it through the coming difficult times on Earth, let’s work to store up treasures in Heaven. Instead of putting our confidence in what is sure to soon crumble, let’s make sure we are standing on the firm foundation of Christ. Rather than looking to an outwardly impressive religious system, let’s focus on what is happening inwardly and make sure Christ is impressed with what He finds there.

(For more on being found worthy, check out my next article: Seemingly Random Acts of Kindness).

¹ Scripture quotations marked with ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All Scriptures are taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted. To aid in understanding, I have capitalized references to God.

² https://www.gotquestions.org/abomination-desolation.html

³ Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the Holy Bible, New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.