In the Last Days... I. Introduction A. Men constantly have shown great interest in the events of the future 1. the "great unknown" 2. insecurity--men do not like insecurity 3. proliferation of horoscopes and fortune-tellers 4. seen also in denominations--many subscribe to the rigid dictations of premillennialism B. The events of the future were important to many in Biblical times 1. Judges and Kings of Israel would ask the Lord for a sign for victory in battle (Judges 7, 2 Chronicles 18) 2. The prophets sent to Israel portended the future--but who desired to hear their message? 3. New Testament: the Thessalonians were very concerned about the future (1 Thessalonians 4) C. What may we know about the future? Has God spoken but once and left us all without knowledge? D. By no means! God has not forsaken us 1. He did not forsake the Israelites after the prophets had all passed on, for they had prophecied about the kingdoms of the Earth and the Messiah to come 2. Many search the New Testament for such forms of prophecy, yet to little avail a. God has spoken, however, concerning the future b. Let us examine the Scriptures to learn about what is in store for mankind II. A Preliminary Word of Caution A. Today we will be speaking of what is known as the "end times" B. This phrase used often today to refer to premillennial doctrines of the "end times" 1. they teach that the "end times" is a period of seven years of "tribulation," after which Christ will return and establish His "millennial kingdom" C. These concepts not found in the Scriptures! 1. Hebrews 1:2 2. These are the "end times:" the period of the "Kingdom militant," from Pentecost until Christ's return D. This is the period of time of which we will be speaking--one that has existed for 1970 years and will continue to exist until Christ returns E. Let us now examine what the Scriptures say about these "end times" III. The "Believers" A. When we read the Scriptures in the New Testament that refer to the events that will take place after the time of the Apostles, we see two groups that emerge 1. the "believers:" those who at least nominally believe in Jesus Christ, but have departed from the faith of the New Testament 2. the "unbelievers:" those who do not recognize God or attempt to keep His commandments B. Let us examine what the Scriptures say about these "believers" C. Matthew 7:21-23 1. Christ has made it clear since He began preaching the Gospel that there would be many who would profess Him but not be known by Him 2. Strong emphasis on their supposed abilities: to cast out demons, prophesy, etc. 3. Demonstrates clearly the ability of being deceived by false religion D. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-7 1. Paul speaks first about these "end times," when there will be some believers who "fall away" 2. This represents the coming of the "son of perdition," possibly an organization or a person 3. This entity already present at Paul's time yet not quite manifest 4. "Antichrist?" By no means--it must be something which has existed since the time of Paul 5. Apostasy began at that time (Judaizer controversy--Acts 15)--has not ceased yet E. 1 Timothy 4:1-4 1. Paul relates to Timothy what certain men will do 2. They will fall away, seduced by the doctrines of demons 3. Their consciences will be hardened, and they will speak lies F. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 1. Familiar passage--people will no longer endure the truth but will have "itching ears" 2. Would rather believe a lie than suffer the consequences of the truth G. 2 Peter 2:1-3, 10-20 1. Peter has caustic words for these men who depart from the faith 2. "destructive heresies" 3. acceptance of sin and practice thereof 4. haughty and prideful H. Jude 17-18 1. Jude speaks the words of the Apostles 2. Is he talking about "believers" or "unbelievers?" 3. Verse 19: he speaks of "believers!" I. Conclusion--"Believers" 1. What do we notice here about those deemed "believers?" 2. They depart from the faith a. various reasons b. truth is difficult to accept--it is more enjoyable to follow after lusts c. deceived 3. a major concern of the Apostles a. Jude felt compelled to write because of it b. Paul spoke often concerning it c. Should we be concerned about it? Absolutely! 4. Do we see this today? a. Certainly--many religious organizations have determined to follow whatever they desire over the truth of the Lord b. They have followed after their lusts c. They have perverted the message of God in order to conform to the world 5. We must be diligent to not fall into this trap! IV. The "Unbelievers" A. The Apostles also speak concerning those who do not believe B. 2 Peter 3:3-8 1. Peter speaks of the "mockers," those who deny the return of the Lord Jesus 2. These forget about the deluge 3. They "walk in their own lusts;" do they care at all for God? C. 2 Timothy 3:1-9 1. Paul could be speaking about both those who "believe" and the "unbelievers" 2. Look at the language Paul uses here 3. Compare Romans 1:18-32 a. a familiar passage b. note the similarity in language D. Conclusion--"Unbelievers" 1. What do we see in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and Romans 1:18-32? 2. Has anything changed? No! 3. The "unbelievers" will be doing just what the "unbelievers" have always done V. The Return A. Let us now hear the words of Christ concerning the end of time. B. Matthew 24:36-25:30 1. a good description of the time before the return of Christ 2. we must watch and wait and be always ready C. Matthew 25:31-46 1. What will occur? 2. Christ will return to judge all men D. Acts 17:30-31 1. of what day does Paul speak? E. 1 Corinthians 15 1. Christ will conquer death, return the Kingdom to the Father- verses 23-27 2. We will be changed and brought up with Him- verses 50-58 F. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 1. All in Christ will rise on the last day--the dead first 2. We will meet Him in the air G. 2 Peter 3:9-10 1. The Judgment will take place, and all physical matter shall be destroyed H. 1 John 3:2 1. Whatever we will be, it will be like Him I. Conclusion--the Return 1. We must suffer the ungodly world for only a little time 2. Jesus will return in power to judge all men 3. All physical matter will be destroyed 4. A source of comfort--1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, etc. VI. Conclusion A. We have seen much in the Scriptures about the "end times" B. What can we expect? C. There will be many professing Christ who will not follow Him but follow their own lusts 1. We have noted that we see this already--how many in the denominational world shun the teachings of Christ to conform to the world? 2. Are we doing this? Would we rather have the truth of God or the ease of the world? D. The unbelievers are still unbelievers--they follow after their own lusts and give no heed to what is to come E. Assuredly Christ will return, and He will judge the living and the dead F. 2 Peter 3:11-18 1. Peter brings forth the inevitable conclusion of all these things 2. Since we know that these things are going to occur, what ought we do? 3. We must live properly and always be ready for His coming! G. This message is to be proclaimed to all men: Christ will return. The world will be destroyed. Shun the believers having pursued their ungodly lusts and the unbelievers who have always followed after their ungodly lusts. Be saved from this perverse generation! H. Let us help you if we can while we stand and sing