When is it going to happen? This was the question the disciples had, and how will they know when it is about to happen.
Jesus' answer is first that they should not be deceived. Many would come claiming to be the messiah. This has happened many times in history, and, of course, there are numerous predictions of when the end of the world will come. All have proved wrong so far!
Jesus says that wars and rumours wars will happen, as will earthquakes and famines. We really do need to beware of people who cite a supposed increase in earthquakes or political events as signs that the end of the age is about to happen. These things will and must happen. They are the beginning of birth pains, but the end is still to come.
So the first lesson is not to be alarmed. The second is to be on our guard, for we will be handed over to councils. Persecution will happen. Again, there have been many times in history when this has occurred. It happened to the early church, it has happened periodically in the West, and happens today in many places in the world. In Britain today there is an increasingly anti-Christian attitude in society. In these times we stand as witnesses for Jesus before men. At such times the Holy Spirit will give us inspiration.
There will be a breakdown in society and even family life. In such times we must stand firm, then we will be saved.
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