Subject: end times |
Bible Note: Nolan: I agree with you about being better prepared to be watchmen. I disagree with the idea of certain others that "'que sera sera.' Let's not worry about what will happen or in what sequence it will happen." Surely Jesus had a purpose when, in Matt 24, he answers the disciples' questions, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (ASV). Jesus went on to tell them WHEN these things shall be, what shall be the SIGN of his coming, and what shall be the SIGN of the end of the world. This chapter was not put in the Bible to fill up space. What was Jesus' purpose in giving the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24? It was to warn us to be ready: 1) "Take heed that no man lead you astray." 2) "See that ye be not troubled." 3) "Behold, I have told you beforehand" to warn believers not to be led astray by false prophets and false christs. 4) "Watch therefore." The main reason for these prophecies is to warn us, "Be ye also ready" Matthew 24:44 (ASV). BE READY! BE READY! How then can anyone say we need not try to understand what events will take place or in what sequence? We have every reason to be concerned about what Jesus means in Matthew 24 and the meaning of 1 Thess., 2 Thess., Revelation, etc. The reason is so we can BE READY. (FYI: Here I have quoted no man's book, article or commentary. I'm getting this straight from the text of the Bible itself.) Grace to you, kalos |