The First of the On-going Series
(Matthew 24:4-51;Mark 13:4-23;Luke 21:7-11, 25-28)
1. False Christs
The Scriptures make clear
that at the close of the age certain events will happen that point to the final
coming of Christ and the consummation of history. Signs pointing to Jesus’ return are intended
to encourage our witness and watchfulness with acts of love and charity, not to
predict or to program God’s future (Matt.24: 42; 25:19). The following
are some of the signs that point to His return:
1. False Christs
( Matthew 24:4, 23-27; Mark
13:5,6, 22; Luke 21:8)
It is noteworthy that
Jesus opened His prophetic discourse on the signs of the times with an emphatic
warning: "Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my
name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after
them," Luke 21:8). Adrio Konig rightfully asserts that
Jesus’whole prophetic discourse is aimed "at you" (Matt. 5,
6,9, 15, 20, 23, 26,32) - that is, at us, His hearers, in every age. The message than was exactly as it is to be
now – an urgent word to the Church, irrespective of the time in which any
particular individual or congregation happens to live. So it is to each of
us that Jesus warns of false messiahs.
He says they will be increasingly evident as the end of history draws
near.
We have seen this in our times, in
the waning years of the twentieth century, just as it has been throughout
Christian and Jewish history. False
Christs have arisen and have drawn
large numbers away to follow them. The
increase of such gurus and shamans today could be a signal that the parousia
of the real Messiah is near at hand. (Note especially 1 John 2:18.)
Be prepared,
Janet Thomas
Founder/President/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
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