At this time of the year there are many situations where predictions are made.  This is true in the area of politics as elections draw near, and also in the area of sports.  Basketball and baseball campaigns are winding down, and many people are making predictions about the outcome of playoffs.  As so-called experts make their predictions, we all realize that there are often unexpected surprises and “Cinderella” teams that surface.

        “Words” from Above record for us many predictions about the end of the world and the coming of Jesus back to the earth to gather His Church and take them to their heavenly home.  The disciples of Jesus asked Jesus on more than one occasion about what they called the “signs” of His return.

Matthew 24 reports in detail the answer that Jesus gave to their question.

        Jesus began His answer by expressing His concern that His disciples would never be deceived by people claiming to be the Messiah promised by God for thousands of years.  He also said that there would be wars and rumors of wars, with nations rising up against nations, and kingdoms rising up against kingdoms.  He made it clear that even though these things will happen, the end is still sometime into the future and these things only are the beginning of sorrows.

        Jesus also spoke about famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in many different places, and this can certainly be said of our world today.  But what might affect believers more than anything is that they will be attacked by those who hate then and who will seek to kill them.  Jesus said that people will be offended by others and will be willing to betray one another.  We can actually see people being promised financial rewards during the coronavirus pandemic for people reporting others who violate executive orders and other restrictions.

        Jesus ended by saying there will be many false prophets to appear for the purpose of deceiving many people.  He said that wickedness will be so rampant that people will begin to grow cold in their love for one another.  But the most important statement that Jesus made to the question raised by the disciples is found in verse 13 when He said, “But he who shall endure to the end shall be saved”, and in verse 14, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come.”

        The Bible is very clear that no one actually knows when Jesus will return to the earth, but the most important thing is that people would be ready for that awesome occasion.  Are you ready?

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.