Hope and the End of Human History (Part 2)

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

According to the Bible, Christ will return to bring with him both the blessings of salvation and accountability for human sin. The signs that will precede this include a receding spiritual climate, a man of lawlessness opposed to Christ, and an increase in war. Living with this end in mind means maintaining an active and informed faith, pursuing love that stands out from our culture, and holding on to hope for this future transformation.

Hope and the End of History (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Many wonder what happens after death, where the future is heading, or when history might end. For a believer, hope for the future is rooted in the past reality of Christ's resurrection. All Christians have the promise that they will be caught up with Christ and live a transformed life with him forever. Those of us who have this hope should allow it to shape our priorities and guard our hearts, even as we encourage others.

End Times Prophecy

Ryan Lowery
Luke 21:5-36

During the Olivet Discourse, Jesus explains a number of eschatological details concerning both the destruction of the temple and his kingdom. He explains that before his return, there will be many false predictions about him during a long period of tumultuous events. He also explains that his followers will be persecuted in the 1st century and the temple will be destroyed. He urges his listeners to persevere in the face of these events. If we can trust the Bible on these issues, we should trust it concerning other areas of God's Will.

The End of the World

Scott Risley
2 Peter 3:1-18

Peter discusses the last days when Jesus will return and there will be a final judgment. Reasons to believe Jesus will return are: 1) It was predicted by prophets and is significantly emphasized in the New Testament 2) Our world is not just as it was; it is changing to match the predictions laid out in Scripture 3) God has judged the world before, e.g., Noah and the Flood. God is waiting for this to happen so more people will turn to Him.

Where is the Promise of His Coming?

Dennis McCallum
2 Peter 3:1-18

Peter tells us to be on our guard as he speaks of the End Times. True prophecy must be 1) clear, 2) unusual, 3) known to have been made before it was fulfilled, 4) not an educated guess, and 5) cannot be staged or manipulated. Many end times prophecies fit these criteria, and therefore we should pay close attention.

Living in Light of Jesus' Return

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

In light of what Paul had previously written to the Thessalonian church concerning the Rapture and return of Jesus, he explains what this means for how Christians should live their lives. Jesus Christ's return is imminent, something that has been predicted throughout the Bible and is the basis for the hope of Christians. In light of Jesus coming back, Paul urges the Thessalonians to be sober and alert, and live consistently as if we're confident in Jesus' return. This would mean living for things that have eternal benefit, understanding the brokenness of the world around us, and living a life where we are transformed to look more like Christ.

Hope in the Face of Death

Gary DeLashmutt
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Paul writes to the Thessalonians describing how the Christian life provides real hope amidst death. The promise of a personal, embodied reunion with Jesus Christ gives Christians hope to see their loved ones in Christ who have passed away. This is based on Jesus overcoming death and will occur during the Rapture, where Jesus will return and call up all Christians to meet him up in the air. The implications of these truths are that people need to entrust themselves to Jesus Christ, and for those who are believers in Jesus, they should instruct others with these words.

The Rise of the Antichrist and the End of the World

Scott Risley
Daniel 7:9

Biblical theologians agree this may be the most obscure passage in all of Paul's writings. The general topic of the passage is the coming of Jesus Christ and the end of human history. The Thessalonians had received a letter containing false claims about the "Day of the Lord," the day when Jesus will come back and gather His people. While only God knows the exact time, Christians should not be surprised, because God has given us some clues to help us recognize the day approaching. The Thessalonians had received false information that lead them to fear that these events had already taken place, and so Paul is writing to them to remind them of the things they had been taught. Five questions relevant to the passage are discussed: 1) what is this about?, 2) what is the "apostasy?", 3) who is the "man of lawlessness?", 4) who/what is the "restrainer?", and 5) what is the "deluding" influence? In the face of this future we know is coming, Christians can take comfort in the promise to be loved by God forever. We know that Jesus is coming back, therefore, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the truth.

Get Ready for History's Climax

Dennis McCallum
2 Thessalonians 2:1-13

In the endtimes, there will be a man of lawlessness who will be worshipped as above God. There are many things that have to happen during this time, and it is not clear what they are, but during that time, people will believe false things, anarchy and lawlessness will increase, and hearts will grow cold.