The End
“Why Talk About The End Times?”
Matthew 24:36-44; Matthew 25:1-13

Why talk about the end times?

“…what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age…” –Matthew 24:3

Matthew 24:36-44

Why avoid talking about the end times? (Avoidance)
	End times conversations are for wackos 
		Y2K
		Time magazine - January 18, 1999
		Pope Silvester II 
		Harold Camping
		End times predictions:  thousands
		Predictions come true:  zero

	It’s just way too scary
		Horned creatures 
		Bowls, Scrolls, Trumpets
		Black sun, Blood moon
		Pregnant woman + dragon 
		Seven-headed beast
		Whore of Babylon 

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” –1 Corinthians 2:9

	So controversial; can’t make sense

“…we don’t want you to be uninformed…as others do who have no hope…Therefore, encourage one another with these words.” –1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18

Why talk about the end times?

Matthew 25:1-13

Be prepared!

Being prepared …
	Inspires us to encourage
Identifies that obedience matters now and for eternity

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” –1 Corinthians 15:58

Means being aware we “leak” spiritually   

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:22-23 

“So heavenly minded that you are no earthly good”
Get real
Get prepared
“Your earthly good comes from being heavenly minded”

Be prepared!