We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. —1 John 3:14
“What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus said, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:3-14
SIGNS OF JESUS’ RETURN
1. Deception by false Christs
2. Wars and rumors of wars
3. Famines
4. Pestilences
5. Earthquakes
6. Persecution of Christians
7. Apostasy (abandoning the faith)
8. Betrayal and hatred
9. Increased deception by false prophets
10. Increased wickedness
11. Decreased love
12. Great tribulation
13. More false Christs and false prophets with false signs and wonders
14. Spreading of the gospel
“If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan?” —Jeremiah 12:5
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. —2 Timothy 4:3
Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.” —Psalm 2:1-3
CORDS THAT BIND
Sanctity of Life
Sanctity of Sex
Sanctity of Marriage
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:21
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Books
The Vision of the Anointed by Thomas Sowell
Another Gospel? by Alisha Childers
Bible Reading Plan
gracestl.org/resources/bible-plan/
Trust & Fellowship Prayers
gracestl.org/prayer/#
Articles on Critical Race Theory in Schools
gracestl.org/WeekendResources
Discussion Questions
1. What are some of the signs of the times that you’ve witnessed in the media or in person?
2. Read Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. Jesus said some will fall away when persecution comes. How much could your faith withstand?
3. Those who were sown on rocky soil fell away because they had no roots. What can we do to develop roots and prepare for whatever challenges we might face?
4. What would you say to someone who is terrified of the coming tribulation?