Are you ready for Christ’s return? –Are you ready for Christ’s return? –Mk.13Mk.13

1. The context of Jesus’ teaching

The disciples ask 2 questions:-

a. When will the temple be destroyed –v.4 cf. Mt.24:3

b. When will those events happen?

2. The purpose of the signs2. The purpose of the signs

The signs are to encourage readiness –v.5,9,14,23,28,29,33,35,37

a. Warning against deception –v.5,6,21-23

- people add to or subtract from the Bible

- fail to give the truth about Jesus – fully God & fully human

- “signs & wonders” are not evidence of godliness –v.22 ; Mt.7:15-23

KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES

b. Warning of troubleb. Warning of trouble

We live in a disordered world:-1. National/Political – v.7,8a2. Natural world – v.8b, Rom.8:19-223. Persecution – v.9-13. In facing this:- a. Jesus is with us by his Spirit –v.11 b. We are secure –v.13; Rom.8:35-39 c. Persecution has a time-limit –v.19,20 d. Beyond the troubles is Jesus’ return –v.24-27DON’T GIVE UP, KEEP AWAKE

C. A glimpse of the future –v.10C. A glimpse of the future –v.10

The Gospel points to & displays the new creation:-

1. The Cross – God dealing with the wrong

2. The Resurrection – Beginning of the new creation

3. The Christian – A new creation -2Cor.5:17. Tasting & displaying the new creation

D. To make us ready for JesusD. To make us ready for Jesus

People’s response to Jesus determines their future:-

1. First coming – rejected as the Messiah > judgment – 14-20

2. 2nd coming – returns in glory –v.26

a. The judge – 2Thess.1:7,8

b. The Saviour – v.27

3. Are you ready?3. Are you ready?

a. Don’t reject him now

b. Don’t focus on dates & timetables –v.32. Focus on Jesus

c. Serve God now – v.33-37

- Use the gifts, time ,energy, money etc that he has given you

- Be eager for the spread of the Gospel

- Live as a good advertisement of the Gospel

d. Be eagerly expecting Jesus