Matt. 24:3 

Never in my 24 years of full-time Christian service have I heard so much talk about Christ’s return.  It seems to be the focus of conversation everywhere we turn.  Many are guessing, some even setting, the year that Christ will return.  God’s Word plainly tells us that no man, not even the angels in Heaven, knows the hour of Christ’s return (read Matt. 24:3)  

Even though Christ’s return is mentioned 38 times in the New Testament, many people refuse to believe it.  One out of every 30 verses deals with the subject and many things will be evident when the Lord does return.  Let’s look at a few of them: 

I.     The mental state of the world (read Luke 21:25-28). 

A.   One-fourth of all hospital beds are for mental patients.  One out of ten babies
        born will have mental problems in their lifetime. 

B.   One out of five families in America will seek the help of a psychiatrist this
       year. 

Illustration:  The recent shooting at Virginia Tech shows the mental state of people.  Thirty-three people needlessly lost their life. 

II.     The moral state of the world (read Luke 17:26-36). 

A.  We are living in one of the most immoral times I can remember.  They call it
     the “new morality.”  It’s neither new nor different.  It’s the same old sins that
     God hates (read Rom. Chap. 1). 

B.  We are allowing ungodly role models (Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay
      Lohan, Madonna, etc.) to influence our children.  These aren’t role models that
      our teens should be following. 

III.    The worldwide cry for peace at any cost (read 1 Thes. 5:1-3).        

A.   Tensions are building everywhere as I write this.  North Korea has set July 4,
       2009, for a test of their long-range missile program.  At the time of this
       writing, America is deploying a radar detection system close to Hawaii and
       Alaska.

B.    Iran is making fresh threats against Israel.  We can now see the true side of
        Iran’s dictatorial government since their last election.  Massive voter fraud is
        evident.  How could they count by hand 32 million votes in only two hours? 

C.    We will not find peace in the world through treaties, compromises, and
        agreements.  There is only one true peace and that is through Jesus Christ
        (read Phil. 14:7-9 and 11 Thes. 3:16). 

Although there are many more, I hope these examples I have shared with you will be both a blessing and a warning.  I feel that the return of the Lord is very close.  Our recent governmental interference into the banking, automotive, and insurance industries as well as health care only confirms my belief that Christ is coming very soon. 

I have a concern that many pastors and evangelists who have attended seminaries are not focusing attention on preparing people for Christ’s return.  A recent George Barna poll shows that 71% of students in seminaries do not believe in LIFE AFTER DEATH.  Sixty percent do not believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus.  Forty percent say we have no responsibility to share our faith with others.  

Having said all that, my question for you is, “Are you prepared for His return?”  Is Jesus Christ your hope for Heaven?  If not, please click on How to Be Saved to learn how.