LIVE WITH THE END IN MIND

13 As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.” 2 Jesus replied, “Yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” 3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, 4 “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?”

Mark 13:1-4 NLT

• 1. ESCHATOLOGY: The Study of the End Times
     • Éskhatos (Greek) = ‘Last’
  2. A , View of the End Times 
•  
  1. : A period of time that began with Christ’s death in which humanity awaits Christ’s return
     • Hebrews 1:2 NIV
       1. 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
  2. : When Christ returns secretly and instantly to remove all believers from the Earth and meet them in the air
     • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NKJV
       1. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
  3. : A seven year period of judgment, turmoil, and suffering in which unbelievers have one last chance to repent and be saved
     • Daniel 9:27 NIV
       1. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.
  4. : When Christ returns evidently with all believers and removes all remaining unbelievers to establish His new Kingdom on Earth
     • Revelation 19:14 ESV
       1. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.
  5. : A 1,000 year period of peace in which satan is bound and Jesus reigns on Earth
     • Revelation 20:6 NLT
       1. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.
  6. : The devil is defeated, evil comes to an end, and God lives in perfect relationship with humanity for eternity
     • Revelation 21:1 ESV
       1. 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME TODAY?

1. Live with
   • Mark 13:7 NLT
     • 7 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.
   • Mark 13:9b-10 NLT
     • 9 “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 10 For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.
2. Live
   • Revelation 22:12 NIV
     • 12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
   • Mark 13:32-33 NLT
     • 32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
3. Live in
   • Revelation 21:3-4 NIV
     • 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
   • Romans 8:37 ESV
     • No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
   • Revelation 4:9-11 NKJV
     1. 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.