Sunday, April 21, 2013

Today´s Sermon Notes



2013.04.20                                              Luke 21: 5 – 38
                         Q and A with Jesus
A few weeks ago on Resurrection Sunday….. we saw our Risen Lord in a Q and A in 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus…. I wish we had been there….. Today we will witness another Q and A just before His crucifiction….
The hope of every Christian is the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ……. Yes we are saved….. Yes we have been redeemed…… yes we are being transformed into the image of Jesus…….. But we are living in a fallen world….. Everything around us is in decay…… The world is falling apart….. We are falling to pieces…….
We are looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ……. We as Christians are waiting eagerly for the glory which shall be revealed in us…… that glorious manifestation of the sons of God to take place at Christ’s return….. We are waiting for the redemption of our bodies….. We are waiting for the coming of Christ Jesus….. waiting for that time when we reign with Him…..  We are looking forward to the day when we will all be transformed completely and finally…… when we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is…….

One of the dominant themes in the Word of God…..  is the believer’s hope in the return of Jesus Christ…… The return of the Lord Jesus is a very important subject in the scriptures….. The imminent return of Jesus is a n important theme in many of the exhortations of believers….
The entire creation is looking and yearning for the consummation of everything in the return of Christ……. Redemption finds its ultimate and final victory in the return of Jesus Christ……. It is the end of all history….
The truth of Christ’s return fills the New Testament…… Luke 21 is the teaching on the Second Coming given by Jesus on the Mount of Olives……. It is also recorded in Mark and in Matthew….. I´ll use their records as we go through the text today…. In this text…. Jesus answers  questions from His disciples regarding His coming and the end of the age and the establishment of His Kingdom……..
It is the LORD Jesus Christ’s own teaching on His second coming…… His return…...
Now let me just quickly set the scene for you…….
Jesus is on the way to the cross…… He is still the compassionate Suffering Servant of the LORD…… come to seek and save the lost….. He is still inviting sinners repent and cry out to Him….  He continues to warn of the consequences of refusing to repent and believe the Good News…. Even now at the end of His earthly ministry….. The Glorious Light of the Gospel is going forth…. And some are repenting and believing….. And some are hardening their hearts…..
Jesus has said that he is going to be betrayed and crucified and that He will rise again…. Our text for today starts with Jesus predicting the destruction of the Temple……… Théy still don´t understand how this all fits together….. They had many questions…….. They look to Him for an explanation….. In Luke 21:7….

Luke 21:7    NKJV   Schlachter 2000
 7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”
 7 Sie fragten ihn aber und sprachen: Meister, wann wird denn dies geschehen, und was wird das Zeichen sein, wann es geschehen soll?
Matthew records this event too….
Matthew 24:3    NKJV   Schlachter 2000
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
3 Als er aber auf dem Ölberg saß, traten die Jünger allein zu ihm und sprachen: Sage uns, wann wird dies geschehen, und was wird das Zeichen deiner Wiederkunft und des Endes der Weltzeit sein?
The disciples had lots of questions….. Jesus had the answers…… Jesus taught them and answered their questions….. He gave them very important instructions….
We could outline our text today like this…..
Questions
1 When will the temple be destroyed?
2 What are the signs that this is about to take place?
3 What will be the sign of your coming again?
4 What will be the sign of the end of the age?
Answers  Signs
1 deceptions
2 Disasters
3 Persecution of believers
Commands
1 be patient…. V19
2 Watch out and keep alert…. V34
3 Pray always… v 36
Let´s read our text for today…. Luke 21….v.5…
Luke 21: 5- 36                      NKJV
5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.        
7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore[b] do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21: 5- 36      Schlachter 2000
5 Und als etliche von dem Tempel sagten, daß er mit schönen Steinen und Weihegeschenken geschmückt sei, sprach er:
6 Was ihr da seht — es werden Tage kommen, wo kein Stein auf dem anderen bleiben wird, der nicht abgebrochen wird!
7 Sie fragten ihn aber und sprachen: Meister, wann wird denn dies geschehen, und was wird das Zeichen sein, wann es geschehen soll?
8 Da sprach er: Habt acht, daß ihr nicht verführt werdet! Denn viele werden unter meinem Namen kommen und sagen: Ich bin es! und: Die Zeit ist nahe! Lauft ihnen nun nicht nach!
9 Wenn ihr aber von Kriegen und Unruhen hören werdet, so erschreckt nicht; denn dies muß zuvor geschehen; aber das Ende kommt nicht so bald.
10 Dann sprach er zu ihnen: Ein Heidenvolk wird sich gegen das andere erheben und ein Königreich gegen das andere;
11 und es wird hier und dort große Erdbeben geben, Hungersnöte und Seuchen; und Schrecknisse und große Zeichen vom Himmel werden sich einstellen.
12 Vor diesem allem aber werden sie Hand an euch legen und euch verfolgen und in Synagogen und Gefängnisse übergeben und vor Könige und Fürsten führen um meines Namens willen.
13 Das wird euch aber Gelegenheit zum Zeugnis geben.
14 So nehmt euch nun zu Herzen, daß ihr eure Verteidigung nicht vorher überlegen sollt;
15 denn ich will euch Weisheit und Fähigkeit zu reden geben, der alle eure Widersacher nicht werden widersprechen noch widerstehen können.
16 Ihr werdet aber auch von Eltern und Brüdern und Verwandten und Freunden ausgeliefert werden, und man wird etliche von euch töten,
17 und ihr werdet von allen gehaßt werden um meines Namens willen.
18 Doch kein Haar von eurem Haupt wird verlorengehen.
19 Gewinnt eure Seelen durch euer standhaftes Ausharren!
20 Wenn ihr aber Jerusalem von Kriegsheeren belagert seht, dann erkennt, daß seine Verwüstung nahe ist.
21 Dann fliehe auf die Berge, wer in Judäa ist; und wer in [Jerusalem] ist, der ziehe fort aus ihr; und wer auf dem Land ist, der gehe nicht hinein in sie.
22 Denn das sind Tage der Rache, damit alles erfüllt werde, was geschrieben steht.
23 Wehe aber den Schwangeren und den Stillenden in jenen Tagen! Denn es wird große Not im Land sein und Zorn über dieses Volk!
24 Und sie werden fallen durch die Schärfe des Schwerts und gefangen weggeführt werden unter alle Heiden. Und Jerusalem wird zertreten werden von den Heiden, bis die Zeiten der Heiden erfüllt sind.
25 Und es werden Zeichen geschehen an Sonne und Mond und Sternen, und auf Erden Angst der Heidenvölker vor Ratlosigkeit bei dem Tosen des Meeres und der Wogen,
26 da die Menschen in Ohnmacht sinken werden vor Furcht und Erwartung dessen, was über den Erdkreis kommen soll; denn die Kräfte des Himmels werden erschüttert werden.
27 Und dann werden sie den Sohn des Menschen kommen sehen in einer Wolke mit großer Kraft und Herrlichkeit.
28 Wenn aber dies anfängt zu geschehen, so richtet euch auf und erhebt eure Häupter, weil eure Erlösung naht.
29 Und er sagte ihnen ein Gleichnis: Seht den Feigenbaum und alle Bäume!
30 Wenn ihr sie schon ausschlagen seht, so erkennt ihr von selbst, daß der Sommer jetzt nahe ist.
31 So auch ihr: Wenn ihr seht, daß dies geschieht, so erkennt, daß das Reich Gottes nahe ist.
32 Wahrlich, ich sage euch: Dieses Geschlecht wird nicht vergehen, bis alles geschehen ist.
33 Himmel und Erde werden vergehen, aber meine Worte werden nicht vergehen.
34 Habt aber acht auf euch selbst, daß eure Herzen nicht beschwert werden durch Rausch und Trunkenheit und Sorgen des Lebens, und jener Tag unversehens über euch kommt!
35 Denn wie ein Fallstrick wird er über alle kommen, die auf dem ganzen Erdboden wohnen.
36 Darum wacht jederzeit und bittet, daß ihr gewürdigt werdet, diesem allem zu entfliehen, was geschehen soll, und vor dem Sohn des Menschen zu stehen!
As we saw last week the Temple was the center of religious life in Those days…… The disciples were expecting Jesus to begin his Eternal Kingdom Immediately……. He tells them that He is going to be betrayed into the hands of the Romans…… Then He tells them that the Temple is going to be destroyed…… and that they will be persecuted because of Him…..They say….. We don´t get it…… what are you talking about…….
They asked questions about the end of history…… and the establishment of the Eternal Kingdom of the Messiah which He had promised….. So Jesus is answering the questions about His return….. about His coming to judge….. about His coming in glory to set up His Eternal Kingdom……. The Second coming Prophesies and texs are not my area of expertise….. In fact I don´t have an area of expertise….. I only know That I believe and trust the Word of God…. I teach all of it…. even the parts that I don´t yet understand….. There are thousands of books on the Second Coming….. You get them and study them if you want to go deeper.. This morning we will have just a little peek at this theme….

First He says, “Between My first coming and Second Coming…… there are some general signs that you can expect…… Those are indicated in verses 8 through 19….. They can be placed into 3 general catagories…..
Signs
1 deception….. the explosion of a false kind of Christianity........ false teachers and a counterfeit church…… That´s happening right now we see it everywhere…..

2 disasters…… There will be global disasters brought on by war, by natural disasters that will occur at every level and in every manner.

3 persecution..... persecution of those who are true followers of Jesus Christ….. We are still safe….. but many of our brothers and sisters are already suffering all over the world…..
These three things will continue to grow during the time between the two comings of Jesus…..   This is exactly the way history has unfolded…. Jesus says to His disciples and to us……. you will be hated…. And betrayed….
1 be patient….. v 19…… by your patience possess ye you souls…Luke 21…16
Luke 21: 16- 19         NKJV
16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
Luke 21: 16- 19                Schlachter 2000
16 Ihr werdet aber auch von Eltern und Brüdern und Verwandten und Freunden ausgeliefert werden, und man wird etliche von euch töten,
17 und ihr werdet von allen gehaßt werden um meines Namens willen.
18 Doch kein Haar von eurem Haupt wird verlorengehen.
19 Gewinnt eure Seelen durch euer standhaftes Ausharren!
More of our brothers and sisters have suffered persecution and even death in the last 100 years …. Than in the almost 2000 years since the resurrection…. It´s a sign of the last days….
Then He says, “When you get near the end of this time of deception and disaster and persecution…… near to My return, look for a specific sign…….  
Verse 20… the destruction and desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple….
Luke 21: 20             NKJV   Schlachter 2000
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
20 Wenn ihr aber Jerusalem von Kriegsheeren belagert seht, dann erkennt, daß seine Verwüstung nahe ist.
This is an event called the abomination of desolation….. Look for that…… It is connected to the end time prophecy of Daniel…. The abomination of desolation is an event that occurs in the mid-point of a final seven-year Tribulation period…… It sets off a series of severe judgments…..
in the future  the armies of the world will  surround Jerusalem….. They will desecrate the holy place…… The Antichrist will set up an image of himself there in the holy place of a rebuilt temple…… The Antichrist will call the whole world to worship no one but him…… It will be very bad….
v23 says… there will be great distress…. And wrath upon this people….
 Denn es wird große Not im Land sein und Zorn über dieses Volk!
Jerusalem will be trampled…. Then it gets even worse…..
We come to verses 25 and 26…..

Luke 21: 25,26                NKJV    Schlachter 2000
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
25 Und es werden Zeichen geschehen an Sonne und Mond und Sternen, und auf Erden Angst der Heidenvölker vor Ratlosigkeit bei dem Tosen des Meeres und der Wogen,
26 da die Menschen in Ohnmacht sinken werden vor Furcht und Erwartung dessen, was über den Erdkreis kommen soll; denn die Kräfte des Himmels werden erschüttert werden.
As we wait for the return of the Lord Jesus we will see many general signs….. False christs….false teachers….. increasing wickedness and war…. Earthquakes…. Etc….. but the end is not yet…..
Then near the end before the Lord comes….. this sign of the desolation of Jerusalem……. Near the end of that period of time….. We will see these   devastating universe altering signs….. in verses 25 and 26…..
 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory…. V 27….


Luke 21: 27,28    NKJV   Schlachter 2000
27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
27 Und dann werden sie den Sohn des Menschen kommen sehen in einer Wolke mit großer Kraft und Herrlichkeit. 28 Wenn aber dies anfängt zu geschehen, so richtet euch auf und erhebt eure Häupter, weil eure Erlösung naht.

So they ask the questions “What will be the sign of Your coming? What will be the sign of the end of the age? When are these things going to happen? What are we supposed to be looking for?”
And he gives them general signs…. And says….. A future generation will see a specific sign, the desolation of Jerusalem…
That will launch a time of unbelievable and terrible judgment….. Fear and destruction….. the heavens will be shaken….. Revelation, chapter 6 to the end…..
And that will then lead right up to the return of Jesus Christ…... That is the final sign of the coming Kingdom…..…... Then comes the Son of Man in full glory and power….. returning to earth to judge all sinners and to bring all saints into the glory of the Kingdom…….  
Now in verses 29 to 33….. Jesus tells a simple story…..  it’s not mystical, it is a very simple story……    He gave it to very simple working men…..   
Our Lord’s words are uncomplicated and they are unmistakable…...   yet the passage that I read to you this morning is one of the most difficult passages…….   let’s just look at it and take it as simple as the Lord intended us to take it…... Let’s   just pretend that we are simple fishermen……  
Remember the Lord used illustrations to make things clear….. They are not riddles…... Luke 21….. v 29….
Luke 21: 29- 33    NKJV
29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Luke 21: 29- 33              Schlachter 2000
29 Und er sagte ihnen ein Gleichnis: Seht den Feigenbaum und alle Bäume!
30 Wenn ihr sie schon ausschlagen seht, so erkennt ihr von selbst, daß der Sommer jetzt nahe ist.
31 So auch ihr: Wenn ihr seht, daß dies geschieht, so erkennt, daß das Reich Gottes nahe ist.
32 Wahrlich, ich sage euch: Dieses Geschlecht wird nicht vergehen, bis alles geschehen ist.
33 Himmel und Erde werden vergehen, aber meine Worte werden nicht vergehen.
“Then He told them a parable…… Behold the fig tree and all the trees…… As soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and you know for yourselves that summer is near.”

That´s simple…... If you see leaves, you know summer is coming…... Leaves means it’s spring…… And then fruit comes in summer….. That’s it…… That’s all there is here, folks….. Watch for the signs….. then you´ll know that soon summer is here…..
Matthew 24:32 records that Jesus also said, “Now learn this parable of the fig tree.” The point is, this is for your learning...manthano...this is so you can understand…..
What is the simplicity of this parable? If you look at a fig tree or for that matter, any tree, and you see it put forth leaves….. You know it´s spring….. And it was spring in Israel at this very time….. Passover…..  It is spring and soon now it will be summer…. This is a simple analogy….. you know what is coming in the future by certain present signs…… In the summer comes the harvest of the summer fruit….. figs in this case……
Remember in the Old Testament….  harvest is a symbol of judgment as well as blessing……. So you have a simple picture…..
Now comes the application…... What’s the point?
verse 31…
Luke 21: 31      NKJV   Schlachter 2000
31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.
31 So auch ihr: Wenn ihr seht, daß dies geschieht, so erkennt, daß das Reich Gottes nahe ist.
 OK I got it…… When we see these things…. we know that the coming of the Kingdom is near….. just like when you see the leaves you know that summer is near…… simple… clear…. What things?.... back to v 20…
Luke 21: 20   NKJV   Schlachter 2000
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
20 Wenn ihr aber Jerusalem von Kriegsheeren belagert seht, dann erkennt, daß seine Verwüstung nahe ist.
It is the surrounding of Jerusalem by armies which triggers the great Tribulation…... v 25….
Luke 21: 25,26    NKJV  Schlachter 2000
25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
25 Und es werden Zeichen geschehen an Sonne und Mond und Sternen, und auf Erden Angst der Heidenvölker vor Ratlosigkeit bei dem Tosen des Meeres und der Wogen,
26 da die Menschen in Ohnmacht sinken werden vor Furcht und Erwartung dessen, was über den Erdkreis kommen soll; denn die Kräfte des Himmels werden erschüttert werden.
when those signs take place……. Then you will see the son of man v 27…
Luke 21: 27,28    NKJV   Schlachter 2000
27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 
27 Und dann werden sie den Sohn des Menschen kommen sehen in einer Wolke mit großer Kraft und Herrlichkeit. 28 Wenn aber dies anfängt zu geschehen, so richtet euch auf und erhebt eure Häupter, weil eure Erlösung naht.
Jesus answers their questions…..  When is He coming? What’s the sign of His coming? What’s the sign of the end of the age? When is His presence going to be here? When’s He going to establish the promises and the Kingdom? “When you see these things happen, you can be sure the Kingdom is near because the King is at the door.” This answers the questions that started this whole discussion…..
The  Lord’s answer is great….
He says, “When you see those things…… I´m coming in clouds with great glory….
Now, let´s look at  verse 32,
Luke 21: 32,33   NKJV   Schlachter 2000
32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
32 Wahrlich, ich sage euch: Dieses Geschlecht wird nicht vergehen, bis alles geschehen ist. 33 Himmel und Erde werden vergehen, aber meine Worte werden nicht vergehen.
Whoever is among the you who sees these things happen can know that it’s going to happen soon in your life time……. If you see the beginning, you’re going to be there for the end…... If you see Jerusalem surrounded, if you’re alive and you see Jerusalem surrounded and you see the devastating changes in the universe….. If you´re alive to see those signs…..  , you will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great Glory….  A very simple message….  If you see the leaves, you know summer is near……. If you see the signs, you know Christ is near, He’s at the door…… Jesus says….. you asked Me a question, you asked Me what do we look for? What are the signs? And I’m telling you this, that generation alive that sees these things will see the Son of Man return…… Our Lord is answering the question…...  Jesus says…. if you’re alive when all of that starts, you’re going to be there when I return and you’re going to go into My eternal  Kingdom……  
With those words, our Lord says there will be signs just prior to His final return to judge sinners and to establish the saints in His Kingdom……
There will be signs, signs in the sky and signs on the earth…..  That is why our Lord said in Luke chapter 12 and verse 40,…
Luke 12: 40                NKJV    Schlachter 2000
40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
40 Darum seid auch ihr bereit! Denn der Sohn des Menschen kommt zu einer Stunde, da ihr es nicht meint.
Every generation lives with the reality that the Return of the LORD Jesus Christ could happen at any time…  
And so Jesus warns us….. beginning in v 34…. We see here the last 2 points of our outline…….
2 Watch out….. take heed to yourselves…. Don´t be caught unaware….
3 Pray always….
Let´s read Luke 21….v 34….
Luke 21: 34- 36                NKJV
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21: 34- 36                Schlachter 2000
34 Habt aber acht auf euch selbst, daß eure Herzen nicht beschwert werden durch Rausch und Trunkenheit und Sorgen des Lebens, und jener Tag unversehens über euch kommt!
35 Denn wie ein Fallstrick wird er über alle kommen, die auf dem ganzen Erdboden wohnen.
36 Darum wacht jederzeit und bittet, daß ihr gewürdigt werdet, diesem allem zu entfliehen, was geschehen soll, und vor dem Sohn des Menschen zu stehen!
Close
In  closing…. Let´s review our outline….
Questions
1 When will the temple be destroyed?
2 What are the signs that this is about to take place?
3 What will be the sign of your coming again?
4 What will be the sign of the end of the age?
Answers             Signs
1 deceptions
2 Disasters
3 Persecution of believers
Commands
1 be patient…. V19
2 Watch out and keep alert…. V34
3 Pray always… v 36
 Paul’s letter to Titus  is a good summary of The Lord Jesus 2nd coming……. He reflects Jesus words in our text for today….. turn to Titus….
Titus 2:11- 14                  NKJV 
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11- 14                Schlachter 2000
11 Denn die Gnade Gottes ist erschienen, die heilbringend ist für alle Menschen;
12 sie nimmt uns in Zucht, damit wir die Gottlosigkeit und die weltlichen Begierden verleugnen und besonnen und gerecht und gottesfürchtig6 leben in der jetzigen Weltzeit,
13 indem wir die glückselige Hoffnung erwarten und die Erscheinung der Herrlichkeit des großen Gottes und unseres Retters Jesus Christus,7
14 der sich selbst für uns hingegeben hat, um uns von aller Gesetzlosigkeit zu erlösen und für sich selbst ein Volk zum besonderen Eigentum zu reinigen, das eifrig ist, gute Werke zu tun.
The second coming of the Lord Jesus….. For believers it  is a blessed hope……. We’re looking for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His own because He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us…… We’re looking for the one who redeemed us…… He’s coming for us….. In fact, in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, we again are encouraged…..
1 Thessalonians 4: 16- 18              NKJV
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. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4: 16- 18           Schlachter 2000
16 denn der Herr selbst wird, wenn der Befehl ergeht und die Stimme des Erzengels und die Posaune Gottes erschallt, vom Himmel herabkommen, und die Toten in Christus werden zuerst auferstehen.
17 Danach werden wir, die wir leben und übrigbleiben, zusammen mit ihnen entrückt3 werden in Wolken, zur Begegnung mit dem Herrn, in die Luft, und so werden wir bei dem Herrn sein allezeit.
18 So tröstet nun einander mit diesen Worten!
This is our hope…… This is our comfort….. This is our joyous anticipation….. remember our first point form Luke 21 v19…. Be patient……
James amplifies that…..James 5…v7
James 5: 7- 9               NKJV
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!

James 5: 7- 9                 Schlachter 2000
7 So wartet nun geduldig, ihr Brüder, bis zur Wiederkunft des Herrn! Siehe, der Landmann wartet auf die köstliche Frucht der Erde und geduldet sich ihretwegen, bis sie den Früh- und Spätregen empfangen hat.
8 So wartet auch ihr geduldig; stärkt eure Herzen, denn die Wiederkunft1 des Herrn ist nahe!
9 Seufzt nicht gegeneinander, Brüder, damit ihr nicht verurteilt werdet; siehe, der Richter steht vor der Tür!
Therefore be patient…. We need to be patient…. And encouraged….. even though we are sometimes anxious about the future…. It all works out in the end…… Jesus is coming….. He will restore all things…. …. For us this is a joyous hope…… And we know at the same time, for the world it is devastating…… in 2 Peter 3:10…. Peter writes about The Day of the Lord….. It  is good news for us who have repented of our sin and rebellion….. But for Those who have not repented of their sins….. They Do not have anything to rejoice about…. Because For them Judgment is certain….. As it says in Luke 21:36…… They will not be able to stand in the presence of the Son of Man….
What does all of this say to us as believers?
1 It reminds to not lose hope…… It reminds us to pray…. Luke 18:1….. man ought always to pray and not lose hope….
2 It reminds us of our obligation and responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission.......   Remember….. the Lord does not come finally to judge and set up His Kingdom until the gospel has been preached to the ends of the earth…... The certainty of judgment should lead us to reach out to the lost and the dying world……   we know that God finds no pleasure in the death of the wicked…… Each and every unregenerate sinner will fall under the final wrath of God….. We want our friends and neighbors and our families to find the peace and joy that we have don´t we?
Will we open our hearts…. Will we open our mouths with his words of life…. Let´s pray…