Mark 13

The Return Of The Lord

***There is not much time left – signs show us that – Matthew 16:1-4
***Mockers in the last days – 2 Peter 3:1-4
***No one knows when the Lord will return – Mark 13:32
SIGNS REVEALING WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS
          1. A spirit of deception – 1 John 4:1-6 & Mark 13:21-23
          2. Famines – v8
          3. Earthquakes – v8 – an increase in earthquakes is taking place
-there will be one earthquake that takes place to announce the coming of the Lord – Zech 14:1-9
           4. v9 – Hatred of the nation of Israel
           5. vs10-13 – The Gospel will be Preached to all nations
-preach men to publish like a town square crier in public
-when we preach trouble comes – in our own families – Matthew 10:34-36
vs14-18 – this speaks of the Antichrist
Daniel 9:27…1 Thess 5:1-10…2 Thess 2:1-12
vs19-20 – these verses speak of the 7 year tribulation period.  It will be a time for Israel to be saved and for the judgment of God…
v20 – the days are shortened because of the armies of the Antichrist back off a bit
the elect are the Jewish and Gentile believers who were saved during the tribulation period
v24 – In those days – this speaks of the end times and the end of the tribulation period
v25 – signs in the heavens will occur – Joel 2:10 & 3:15-16
v26 – Jesus returns
clouds – refer to the glory and presence of the Lord
v27 – this is the regathering of the Jewish people to Israel
vs28-31 – THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE
-this parable is addressed to the believers during the tribulation period
-the fig tree was a late bloomer and so when its leaves came out in late spring, summer would be right around the corner
-just as summer is coming when the fig tree blooms, you know the return of the Lord is coming when you see all of these signs
-this is a PROMISE from the Lord
vs32-37 – THE PARABLE OF THE HOUSEHOLDER
-this parable is for believers today
Like the householder who leaves but gives people work to do…when Jesus left and ascended He gave us work to do – the Great Commission –
-Therefore – WATCH for the signs
                  -WORK and win souls and make disciples