Based on the sermon:

Signs of His Coming: Understanding Matthew 24

In the bustling uncertainty of our modern world, many believers find themselves wondering about the future. Climate change, political unrest, natural disasters—all of these raise questions about what’s to come. Thankfully, Scripture provides guidance, particularly in what theologians call the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24-25.

The Context of Christ’s Teaching

Jesus delivered this teaching while sitting on the Mount of Olives with His disciples. They had just left the temple, where Jesus made the shocking prediction that the magnificent structure would be completely destroyed with “not one stone left upon another.” Naturally, the disciples were concerned and asked three pivotal questions:

1. When will the temple be destroyed?
2. What will be the sign of your coming?
3. What will be the sign of the end of the age?

The disciples, like many Jews of their time, believed there would be only one coming of the Messiah. They didn’t understand that the Messiah would come first in humiliation to be crucified and then return later in glory. Jesus used this opportunity to clarify the timeline of future events.

The Signs That Precede His Coming

Jesus revealed that certain signs would precede His return—signs He described as “birth pains.” Like labor contractions, these signs would increase in frequency and intensity until His arrival. They include:

1. Spiritual Deception

“Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.” False prophets and false messiahs have existed throughout history, but during the tribulation period, spiritual deception will reach unprecedented levels.

2. Political Unrest and Warfare

“You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars.” Throughout recorded history, the world has only been at peace for about 8% of the time. During the tribulation, conflict will escalate dramatically as described by the four horsemen of the apocalypse in Revelation 6.

3. Natural and Cosmic Disasters

“In various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” While natural disasters have always occurred, the scale and impact of these events will intensify during the end times, including significant cosmic disturbances.

4. Persecution and Apostasy

“They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you.” Persecution often reveals genuine faith. When following Christ carries a high cost, those without authentic faith fall away, revealing their true allegiance.

5. Lawlessness and Lovelessness

“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” As society moves further from God (who is love), human kindness diminishes and disregard for life increases.

6. Worldwide Gospel Proclamation

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Despite current estimates that 3.4 billion people have limited or no access to the gospel, during the tribulation, various witnesses including the 144,000 sealed Israelites will ensure everyone hears the message of salvation.

Important Distinctions About End Times

It’s crucial to understand that Matthew 24 doesn’t address the rapture—when Christ comes for His church. Instead, it focuses on His physical return to earth after the tribulation period. The rapture is a signless event that could happen at any moment, while the return of Christ follows specific signs.

The timeline includes:

• The church age (where we are now)
• The rapture (a signless event)
• The seven-year tribulation
• Christ’s return to earth
• The millennial kingdom (1,000-year reign)
• Final judgment
• The eternal state

True Saints Will Endure

Jesus assures us in Matthew 24:13, “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” This doesn’t mean salvation depends on our ability to hold onto Christ. Rather, those who are truly saved will endure because Christ holds onto them. As Jesus declared in John 10, no one can snatch His sheep from His hand or the Father’s hand.

This provides a powerful litmus test for genuine faith. Those who permanently walk away from Christ demonstrate they were never truly His, as 1 John 2:19 explains: “They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us.”

Our Response

As we consider these signs, we should examine ourselves to ensure our faith is genuine. While we can’t lose what Christ has secured, we can certainly be deceived about whether we have it in the first place.

The end times aren’t merely about satisfying our curiosity about the future—they’re a call to readiness, faithfulness, and sharing the gospel with urgency. Because whether Christ returns in our lifetime or we go to Him through death, our eternal destiny hinges on our relationship with Him today.