Oakwood Community Church

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates…” Matthew 24:32-33

We cannot know the Exact Timing of the Lord’s Return but there are Obvious Signs to watch for.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”
Matthew 24:32-33,36

We cannot know the Exact Timing of the Lord’s Return but there are Obvious Signs to watch for.

“All these are the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:8

We cannot know the Exact Timing of the Lord’s Return but there are Obvious Signs to watch for.

“But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.”
1 Thessalonians 5:4

Increasing Birth Pains:

1. Deception

“See to it that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” Matthew 24:4-5

Increasing Birth Pains:

1. Deception

“We ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word… that the day of the Lord has come.”
2 Thessalonians 2:2

Increasing Birth Pains:

2. Devastation

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.”
Matthew 24:6

Increasing Birth Pains:

2. Devastation

“And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of birth pains.”
Matthew 24:7-8

Increasing Birth Pains:

2. Devastation

“And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him… to kill with sword and famine and pestilence…”
Revelation 6:8

Increasing Birth Pains:

3. Persecution

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” Matthew 24:9

Increasing Birth Pains:

3. Persecution

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne… They were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.”
Revelation 6:9-11

Increasing Birth Pains:

4. Proclamation

“Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.” Romans 11:25-26

Increasing Birth Pains:

4. Proclamation

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Matthew 24:14

Start of the Great Tribulation:

1. A Global Leader

“Behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer.” Revelation 6:2

Start of the Great Tribulation:

2. A Global Crisis

“Out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another.” Revelation 6:3

Start of the Great Tribulation:

3. A Global “Peace”

“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.”
Daniel 9:27 (NIV)

Start of the Great Tribulation:

3. A Global “Peace”

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place… flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15-16

Start of the Great Tribulation:

3. A Global “Peace”

“He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ ...And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” Daniel 9:27 (NIV)

“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household?” Matthew 24:44-45

Live Like Jesus is Coming Back Today

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?” Matthew 24:45

“He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 1:7-8