The Grim Reality
John MacArthur Sermon Summary
The disciples wanted and expected Christ to build a powerful military kingdom. But on the Wednesday before His crucifixion, Christ predicted the destruction of even their grandeur temple, the center of their faith, culture, and society. When they asked when that would happen, Christ gave His longest recorded answer to any question. He predicted war, persecution, and disasters of epic proportions would occur before His glorious return. [1]
Christ accurately foresaw the world having no peace, but instead escalating disasters, increasing in frequency and magnitude until reaching a time of tribulation. [2]
He predicted false teachers and prophets, many of whom will use Christ’s name fraudulently and perform signs and wonders. Other religions claim to respect Christ but considering Him merely a prophet. Don’t use this as a source of common ground to connect with them. Instead, we should remain on our guard against false teaching. [3]
Christ also predicted great earthquake, famines, plagues, and signs from heaven, like floods, tornadoes, and drought that will lead to countless deaths. These are just the beginning; the worst is yet to come. [4]
Christ’s followers will be persecuted because of the world’s hatred for Christ, even possibly by one’s own family. Such disasters are drastically different from what the disciples anticipated. Ultimately, almost all of them were martyred. [5]
However, Christ’s followers should not worry. God’s grace is sufficient for them, and the Holy Spirit will guide them to testify for Him. Through them, the gospel will spread to all the nations before the end comes. [6]
So far, history has been following Christ’s prophecies. Only God can have such foresight.
Christ also promised that those who endure to the end will gain life and be saved. Note that this endurance doesn’t earn them salvation but rather proves that they have a God-given faith, strength, and grace. [7]
Distress, persecution, suffering, and deception will burn up the chaff. But God will strengthen those with true faith to endure. The testing of their faith will produce endurance, proving they have a God-given faith. [8]
Christ’s grave prophecies must come to pass. But Christ also gives promise, comfort, and hope. So, don’t be afraid. Rely on His grace and strength to endure to the end and to enter His eternal glory.
Summary of a sermon by John MacArthur, “The Grim Reality of the Last Days.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpMSRV1e2ac
Christ accurately foresaw the world having no peace, but instead escalating disasters, increasing in frequency and magnitude until reaching a time of tribulation. [2]
He predicted false teachers and prophets, many of whom will use Christ’s name fraudulently and perform signs and wonders. Other religions claim to respect Christ but considering Him merely a prophet. Don’t use this as a source of common ground to connect with them. Instead, we should remain on our guard against false teaching. [3]
Christ also predicted great earthquake, famines, plagues, and signs from heaven, like floods, tornadoes, and drought that will lead to countless deaths. These are just the beginning; the worst is yet to come. [4]
Christ’s followers will be persecuted because of the world’s hatred for Christ, even possibly by one’s own family. Such disasters are drastically different from what the disciples anticipated. Ultimately, almost all of them were martyred. [5]
However, Christ’s followers should not worry. God’s grace is sufficient for them, and the Holy Spirit will guide them to testify for Him. Through them, the gospel will spread to all the nations before the end comes. [6]
So far, history has been following Christ’s prophecies. Only God can have such foresight.
Christ also promised that those who endure to the end will gain life and be saved. Note that this endurance doesn’t earn them salvation but rather proves that they have a God-given faith, strength, and grace. [7]
Distress, persecution, suffering, and deception will burn up the chaff. But God will strengthen those with true faith to endure. The testing of their faith will produce endurance, proving they have a God-given faith. [8]
Christ’s grave prophecies must come to pass. But Christ also gives promise, comfort, and hope. So, don’t be afraid. Rely on His grace and strength to endure to the end and to enter His eternal glory.
Summary of a sermon by John MacArthur, “The Grim Reality of the Last Days.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpMSRV1e2ac
[1] Mark 13:1-26
[2] Revelation 6-19
[3] Mark 13:5, 6, 9, 22, 23
[4] Luke 21, Mark 13:8
[5] Mark 13:9-10, 12; John 15:18, 16:2; 2 Timothy 3:12
[6] 2 Corinthians 12:9, Luke 21:15, Matthew 24:14
[7] Luke 21:19, 1 John 2:19
[8] James 1:2-3, 1Peter 1:3-7
[2] Revelation 6-19
[3] Mark 13:5, 6, 9, 22, 23
[4] Luke 21, Mark 13:8
[5] Mark 13:9-10, 12; John 15:18, 16:2; 2 Timothy 3:12
[6] 2 Corinthians 12:9, Luke 21:15, Matthew 24:14
[7] Luke 21:19, 1 John 2:19
[8] James 1:2-3, 1Peter 1:3-7