It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Do Not Be Alarmed (Mark 13:1-8)

• Once the presence of the Lord departed from the temple, the countdown for the end times began (13:1).
• As consistent with much of the Bible, Jesus spoke of both an imminent event and a future fulfillment.
• Disagreements come while trying to determine when Jesus is speaking either of the temple’s destruction or the end times.
• As history progresses, more people will claim to speak as Christ yet they are actually anti-Christ (13:6).
• Cultural conflicts and natural disasters will intensify until the time of Christ’s return (13:7-8).
• Any end times doctrine should be able to be accepted by any culture in any nation at any time.

Do Not Be Anxious (Mark 13:9-13)

• As global challenges increase, personal opposition for believers will also escalate (13:9).
• Shame on the church when we have prioritized debating about Christ’s second coming more than sharing about His first coming (13:10).
• Cultural forces and close relationships will seek to vilify those who are doing the good work of Jesus (13:11-13).
• Those who truly belong to Jesus will still be standing for Him at the end (13:13).

Do Not Be Astray (Mark 13:14-23)

• The abomination of desolation is an act in which some vile figure desecrates the holy place and provokes Christ’s return (13:14; cf. Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11).
• God’s fury will be unleashed on creation yet limited for the sake of His elect (13:19-20).
• Be on guard for those who exhibit spiritual power yet seek to lead astray (13:22-23).