The timing of this series could not be more on point. Bless the Holy Spirit for knowing that this series will be what we need to hear. Most of you are wondering what the future looks like right now. It may be stressful or panic-inducing, but it will be something we can and will fight through.

Jesus found himself at the Mount of Olives, where Zechariah predicted that the Messiah would come to establish his kingdom. It was a place where the disciples would ask Jesus when he would come into power and what to expect. Jesus shared with him the words of Matthew 24:3-51 to talk about what the future would look like. Jesus told them not to be concerned with when it would happen but with consistently living God’s ways. I have broken down this passage into a 6-part series to talk about what the future Jesus refers to is all about it. This series is called “FUTURE!” (I need you to imagine SpongeBob saying it from that one episode. If you know, you know.) My goal for this series is to give you some insight and understanding into how Jesus said the future will look.

In Part 4, we discussed how persecution can lead even the strongest Christians astray. However, Jesus’ return will be unmistakable, and we, as Christians, have the power to prepare ourselves. By consistently living according to God’s ways, we must ensure we are not unprepared when the return occurs.

In Part 5, we briefly discuss God’s teachings and promises.

Matthew 24:32-35

NASB	NLT	VOICE
32 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near;	32 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.	32 Now think of the fig tree. As soon as its twigs get tender and greenish, as soon as it begins to sprout leaves, you know to expect summer.
33 so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.	33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door	33 In the same way, when you see the wars and the suffering and the false liberators and the desolations, you will know the Son of Man is near – right at the door.
34 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.	34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place.	34 I tell you this; this generation will see all these things take place before it passes away.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.	35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.	35 My words are always true and always here with you. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

All of Jesus’ teachings and promises are dependable because he is God. We can keep them in our hearts and make them the foundation of our lives because they are eternal. As one watches a fruit tree begin to blossom and sprout, we can recognize that the warmer months are upon us. There will always be a sign of change. When it comes to the return of Christ, we will find the signs. The signs will be unmistakable. There is no potential to doubt the signs that Christ will send. In Part 4, we read that the sun and moon will darken completely, and the stars will fall out of the sky. It will be self-evident when this happens in our life if it is in our lifetime. We must remember that Christ is the only one who knows when this will happen, and we need to, as Christians, be prepared. That preparation is to make our hearts right. We want to give ourselves a guaranteed spot in heaven by committing to Christ now, living in a way that honors and glorifies God, and caring and loving for our neighbors.

The teachings of God are eternal, lasting from generation to generation. The culture and times change, but the lessons and principles of God last for eternity. Keep the teachings and reflect on them to the world around you.

We will close this series with Part 6. We will wrap up the thoughts regarding Jesus’ return, the work done here, and the details about his return. Until then, stay blessed!

• Associated Scripture
  • James 5:9
• • Matthew 16:28
• • Matthew 5:18
  • Luke 16:17