On March 26, 2000, Seattle s famed Kingdome home of the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners was destroyed. A Maryland-based company, Controlled Demolition Incorporated, was hired to do the job of imploding the 25,000-ton structure. What was so remarkable about the event was the extreme measures taken to ensure no one was hurt. CDI had experience with more than 7,000 demolitions and knew how to protect people. Engineers checked and rechecked the structure. Several blocks around the Kingdome were evacuated. Safety measures were in place to allow the countdown to stop at any time there was concern about safety. All workers were individually accounted for by radio before the explosives were detonated. A large public address system was used to announce the final countdown. In short, CDI took every reasonable measure and more to warn people of the impending danger. The Bible teaches of a final judgment and destruction for this sinful world. Like the engineers who blew up the Kingdome, our heavenly Father has spared no expense to make sure everyone can get out safely. He warns us through our consciences, through the Word of God, through the Holy Spirit, through the Church, and through His Son. 1. World conditions have never been worse. Unrest, terrorism, and tragedies fill the newscasts, but what optimistic news does Jesus have for us? Luke 21:28 "Then look up,... for your." Along with the warning that time is running out for earth as we know it, He brings us wonderful news: "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21:27 THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM 2. What question asked by the disciples indicates that they believed that the end of the world and the coming of Christ would take place at the same time? Matthew 24:3 2
"What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world." Jesus' reply traced the events of world history to the end of time. He began by outlining the events that would take place during the next 39 years prior to the destruction of Jerusalem. 3. What did Jesus prophesy would happen between the time of the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and His second coming? Matthew 24:21, 22 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved." History confirms the accuracy of Jesus' prediction. During the first and second centuries the circuses of Rome were used as theaters in which Christians were slain by gladiators or fed to wild beasts. Prophecies in the books of Daniel and Revelation speak of this time of persecution as a specific time period covering 1260 years, from 538 A. D. to 1798. We will study these thrilling prophecies in our advanced lessons. EVENTS FOLLOWING THE GREAT TRIBULATION 4. What did Jesus say would occur after this period of great tribulation? Matthew 24:29 "The sun be,... moon shall not give her,... shall fall from heaven." John the Revelator was shown the same events: "And, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth." Revelation 6:12, 13 History gives this account of the fulfillment of these predictions: EARTHQUAKE: November 1, 1755. The most terrible earthquake recorded up to that time occurred, commonly called the "Lisbon Earthquake." It extended over four million square miles. Sir Charles Lyell gives this account of the quake: "A sound of thunder was heard underground, and imme- 3
diately afterward a violent shock threw down the greater part of the city. In the course of about six minutes, sixty thousand persons perished." -Principles of Geology, page 495. SUN DARKENED: "Dark Day, The. May 19, 1780 so called on account of a remarkable darkness on that day extending over all New England... Birds sang their evening songs, disappeared, and became silent; fowls went to roost; cattle sought the barnyard; and candles were lighted in the houses. The true cause of this remarkable phenomenon is not known." - Webster's Dictionary, 1869 edition. Historians tell us that after midnight the darkness disappeared, and the moon, when first visible, had the appearance of blood. FALLING STARS: "The morning of November 13, 1833, was rendered memorable by the exhibition of the phenomenon called shooting stars, which was probably more extensive and magnificent than any similar one hitherto recorded... Probably no celestial phenomenon has ever occurred in this country, since its first settlement, which was viewed with so much admiration and delight by one class of spectators, or with so much astonishment and fear by another class." -American Journal of Science and Arts, Volume XXV, 1834. Notice where we are living in relationship to these events. Let's look at the chronological order of these heavenly signs and their fulfillment: The Great Earthquake November 1, 1755 The Dark Day May 19, 1780 The Falling Stars November 13, 1833 5. After the signs in the heavens, what other events will be happening on earth just prior to Christ's return? Luke 21:25, 26 "... and upon the of nations, with ;... men's hearts." We certainly see the fulfillment of this prophecy as we read our newspapers and listen to the telecasts concerning the problems of the nations today. But we are not to become petrified with fear. Jesus said to "look 4
up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." 6. How did Paul describe the people who would be living during earth's last hour? 2 Timothy 3:2-5 "Men shall be lovers of,... lovers of more than lovers of God; having a form of." Sounds as if we are reading today's newspaper about happenings in Hometown, U.S.A. 7. To what era of ancient history did Jesus compare the conditions on earth just prior to His second coming? Luke 17:28, 30 (Read Genesis 18, 19) "As it was in the of." Jude wrote: "Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion." Jude 7, NIV 8. How did Paul picture the moral conditions of unconverted mankind? Romans 1:26, 27, NIV "Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men." 9. Does the Bible offer any hope of improvement of social conditions before Christ's coming? 2 Timothy 3:13 "But evil men and seducers shall wax and." Time is running out! The sins that called for the destruction of the antediluvian world exist today. GOD'S MESSAGE FOR OUR DAY In Noah's day the world was facing universal catastrophe. God commissioned Noah to warn the world of doom to come. That message was a message of hope how to be saved! Everyone who obeyed that message was saved; everyone who failed to heed the message perished. Jesus said: "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:37 Just as God sent a message 5
back in Noah's time, so in these last days just before the coming of Christ, God is sending a message to the whole world. 10. What is the greatest sign of all that Christ is soon to return? Matthew 24:14 "And this of the kingdom shall be for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Just as there was a message preparing people for the Flood in Noah's day, so in the last days, just before the return of Christ, there will be a special message that will prepare people for His coming. "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." Revelation 14:14 Here is a vivid picture of Jesus coming for the harvest. Just before He returns, under the symbol of three swift angels, He sends a special message to every person on earth. 11. What is God's special message for these last days? Revelation 14:6-10 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and to him; for the : and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. "And there followed another angel, saying,, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God." 6
Here is revealed God's last message for time's last hour. It is a three-fold message that goes to the whole world: 1. Presenting the everlasting gospel, calling men to worship God as Creator, for the hour of His judgment is here. 2. Announcing the fall of Babylon (apostate religions), and the invitation to come out of Babylon. 3. Warning against the beast, the image of the beast, and the mark of the beast. Finally, the prophet John sees in vision the people who obey God's last message of love and the people who give this message to the world. 12. How does the Bible describe the people of the last days who obey God's last warning message of love? Revelation 14:12 "Here are they that of God, and the." When this message has been given to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, then Jesus will come to take home all who love Him enough to demonstrate their complete faith in Jesus by obeying all His commandments. This can be done only by God's grace. The purpose of the Way of Life Bible lessons is to unfold in detail, step by step, this threefold message in future lessons and in our advanced Bible course. 13. After listing all the signs of His return to earth, what important counsel did Jesus give? Matthew 24:44 "Therefore : for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Are you ready? He urges us to "Be ready." Jesus is only waiting for total commitment to Him. Only He can take away your fear and confusion and provide the peace for these final days. 14. Would you lift your thoughts to God right now and ask Him to help you prepare for Christ's soon coming? Your answer: 7
Versions of the Bible and Their Differences Between the 7 th and 14 th century portions of the Bible were translated into English. Before that time it was only available in Latin. In 1382 the Bible went through its first translation and was to be available to the people. Not many of the people could locate a manuscript to read, or understand its difficult style. The first Bible was printed by Johannes Guttenberg in 1454. The following Bible versions have come to be during the next few centuries. King James Version (1611) Known for beauty and simplicity in style compared to the original English translation of the 14 th century. Revised Standard Version (1952) Widely accepted by orthodox, Protestants, and Roman Catholics. The Living Bible (1971) Not a translation but a paraphrase. The International Version (1973) Based on the King James Version but similar to the New American Standard Version. New King James Version (1982) King James Version with contemporary American vocabulary. Reflection How do the fulfilling signs affect your priorities in life? Remember to fill in the quiz sheet and return it for grading. Your next lessons will be sent with your corrected quiz. Do not return lesson booklets. If you have questions regarding this lesson, please call (909) 793-2588 or 1-800-900-9021. The Way of Life Bible lessons are produced and distributed by The Quiet Hour. For information please write: The Quiet Hour, Box 3000, Redlands, CA 92373-1500 or email us at: Life@thequiethour.org. Cover Art: Palimor Studios Inside Design & Layout: T.E. Grafx 2001 The Quiet Hour