The End of the World

This Tuesday we started a new series of discussion on "end times." Now, that phrase tends to freak people out, but, as Chip pointed out, the point is not to scare us, but to comfort us and make us aware of what's coming and how soon. So, in that vein, tonight Chip talked about "Six Signs of the End." Hang on for the ride -- we talked about so much I had trouble keeping up! We looked at Matthew 24:5-9,14 for these different indicators.

1. False Prophets and Christs (24:5)
There have been several events in recent years which have resulted from false prophets leading people astray through cults and other groups, often resulting in tragedy. From the standoff and the events at Waco, Texas, to the cults of David Koresh and Jim Jones, to the Heaven's Gate cult following Halley's Comet.

2. Wars and Rumors of War (24:6-7)
There have been more casualties of war since 1900 than in any other century in recorded history. Both "world wars" happened in the 20th century. Even terrorism can be considered a "rumor" of war -- we are constantly on alert in 21st century for anything that could be the precursor of a war being started against us by any nation or group of people.

3. Famines (24:7)
As technology increases, one might assume that food availability is increasing as well, but that is not the case -- the number and amount of famines has actually been increasing over the last century as countries and groups in power turn their attention away from food and towards energy, environmental pursuits, and even drug manufacturing. Also, the increase of natural consuming pests (such as locusts) are also taxing the food supply and the supply of raw materials needed for food.

4. Earthquakes (24:7)
The number of earthquakes has been increasing over the years. What's more, due to technology and the new abilities to report events worldwide in a matter of minutes, natural disasters such as earthquakes are broadcast more broadly and speedily than ever before. Even a small increase in the number of earthquakes is amplified in reporting. Earthquakes in seas and oceans are also included -- like the ones that cause tsunamis.

5. Tribulations (24:8-9)
The divisions that separate Christians from everyone else are continuing to widen. Christians are increasingly becoming the group to which "tolerance" does not apply. Part of that is conviction -- when someone who knows they are not living right is around people they perceive to be living right, they tend to be defensive against the conviction they already feel, even when it's not coming from the people around them.

Part of that is the result of stereotypes of Christians pushing the idea that all Christians are intolerant of other people, so they should not be tolerated themselves. So many times people have been given an impression of God through Christianity that relates Him to fear. People can only be motivated by fear for so long -- they may "get saved," but afterwhile they go back to their old lifestyles because they cannot keeping fearing what bad thing God might do to them. But we know that God is not a God to fear -- not in the since that everything we do we do only because we're afraid of God. We want to let people know Who He really is -- and how He really loves humanity. We want to motivate people towards a relationship with God through hope, not fear (as Elizabeth pointed out that Psalm 27 shows us). Which brings us to the final sign...

6. The Gospel will be preached throughout the wold. (24:14)
People think they can't trust a God who would eternally punish people in third wold countries who have never heard of Him -- and they can't! That's why God has planned to reach everyone -- even those like Helen Keller, who even though she couldn't see, hear, or speak, recognized Jesus as the One who had been with her all the time when her teacher described Him to her. God will get through to everyone -- they will have their chance. And we can be a part of that.

So much interesting stuff was brought up during the discussion (and the many offshoots of discussion as we all started talking) -- what point did you just love that I missed getting on here? What new point did you discover after think about it? Chime in below!