E-pistle for July 3, 2015
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation July 3, 2015
basic questions about christ's return
(Mark 13-37)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple, vv. 1-2.
2. Jesus spoke about the signs of the times and the end of the age, vv. 3-13.
3. Jesus taught about the great tribulation, vv. 14-23.
4. Jesus prophesied about the coming of the Son of Man, vv. 24-27.
5. Jesus told the parable of the fig tree, vv. 28-331.
6. Jesus told the parable of the master and his servants, vv. 32-37.
II. Meditation: on the truths which Jesus revealed
1. The end is not yet, v. 7; first there will be . . .
a. False messiahs, v. 6
b. Wars and rumors of wars, v. 7.
2. The beginning of sorrows, v. 8; includes . . .
a. Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, v. 7
b. Earthquakes, famine, and troubles, v. 8.
3. The tribulation, v. 24, will include . . .
a. Arrest and beatings, v. 9 (Holy Spirit will provide words to say)
b. Family betrayal, v. 12
c. Hated by all, v. 13
d. "Abomination of desolation," vv. 14-20 (False, anti-God worship)
e. False christs and false prophets, v. 22.
4. After the tribulation, v. 24, these things will occur . . .
a. Signs in the heavens (sun, moon, and stars), vv. 24-25
b. Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory, v. 26.
c. His angels will gather believers from the earth, v. 27.
III, Revelation: on the parables (verses 28-36)
1. All the above materials answer the "WHAT WILL BE THE SIGN" question.
2. These parables answer the "WHEN?" question:
a. The fig tree parable gives a general answer; ties Christ's return to
the nation of Israel and to that last generation, vv. 28-31.
b. The returning master of the house parable teaches us to watch,
for no one knows specifically and exactly when Christ will return,
vv. 32-37.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Take heed that no one deceive me, vv. 5, 12-23.
2. Not be troubled by rumors, v. 7.
3. Watch out for enemies, v. 9.
4. Not worry about what to say in defense; God will supply words, v. 11.
5. Endure (remain faithful to God) to the end, v. 13.
6. Recognize "fig tree days," vv. 28-31.
7. Watch (be prepared for) Christ's sudden, unexpected return, vv. 32-37.
I thought it appropriate at this time to remind you of the words of the "Star Spangled Banner"
as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day for the United States of America. Please read
all of the words if you have not done so before.
The Star Spangled Banner
by: Francis Scott Key
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous flight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming;
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On that shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam –
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream;
'Tis the Star-Spangled Banner; O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where are the foes who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave;
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war desolation;
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto, "In God is our trust";
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
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