Jesus and the Last Days | Sunday Message

8 snips

Mar 23, 2025

In a thought-provoking discussion, bestselling author Joel Rosenberg shares his expertise on biblical prophecy and the signs of the times, emphasizing how Jesus's teachings reveal His imminent return. He highlights the distinctions between the Rapture and the Second Coming, and the urgent significance of current geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Israel and global conflicts. With humor and relatable storytelling, Rosenberg inspires listeners to remain vigilant and hopeful amidst chaos, reminding them of the joy in faith as we anticipate Jesus's return.

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ANECDOTE

Gideon Spring Water Anecdote

Greg Laurie shared a story about their youth pastor drinking polluted water unknowingly at Gideon Spring.
This illustrates the importance of paying attention to spiritual and practical signs around us.

ADVICE

Stay Calm and Look Up

When you observe troubling world events, do not panic but look up because Jesus' return is near.
Trust in the promise that Jesus has prepared a place for believers and is coming to receive them.

INSIGHT

Church Restrains Tribulation Start

The tribulation period cannot begin until the church is removed since the church restrains evil.
The Antichrist emerges after the rapture and deceives many during a seven-year tribulation.

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There are “signs of the times” all around, yet we don’t talk about prophecy enough. In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie and Bible prophecy expert, Joel Rosenberg, give some needed insight.

Notes:

Focuse verses - John 14, Matthew 24

All around us are signs of the times telling us Jesus is coming.

Read John 14:1–3

Jesus has prepared a place for us, and He is coming for us.

Jesus said, “When you see these things begin to happen, look up!”
Luke 21:28

The teaching of the Rapture was given almost 2,000 years ago by Jesus on the Mount of Olives.

The disciples asked Jesus,
“What will be the sign of your coming?”
Matthew 24:3

The signs of the times mentioned in Matthew 24 are to alert us to His coming.

Read Matthew 24:3–15

Jesus wants us to understand this and other passages about prophecy.
It’s not God’s desire to conceal, but to reveal.

#1 The Tribulation period begins with the emergence of Antichrist.
Matthew 24:5

Christians will not be present for the Great Tribulation.

The Church is the restraining force in the world today.

#2 The Tribulation period ends with the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.
Matthew 24:30

The emergence of Antichrist is close, but the coming of Christ for His Church is even closer.

Read Matthew 24:36–44

Jesus is talking about the Rapture, not the Second Coming.

There are differences between the Rapture and the Second Coming.

At the Rapture, Jesus comes for His people.
At the Second Coming, He returns with His people.

The Rapture is before the Tribulation.
The Second Coming is at the end of it.

#3 What is the Rapture?

Rapture is the English translation of Harpazo which was translated as Raptus in the Latin translation. It means to take forcibly, to snatch, or to be caught up.

#4 Why is there a Rapture?

1 Thessalonians 4:13

Christians do not grieve hopelessly but hopefully.

Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly,”
Revelation 22:12 (NKJV)

When Jesus comes again, it will be fast and without warning.

The return of Jesus is imminent.

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