## Overview
- Sermon on Matthew 24 about Christ’s imminent return and the need for vigilance.
- Main themes: watchfulness, human complacency, signs of the end, Noah as a model, practical spiritual urgency.
- Emphasis that no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return; yet Christians must live ready and holy lives.
## Key Scripture Passages Quoted
- Matthew 24:32–39, 36, 37–41 (fig tree, signs, days of Noah, one taken/one left)
- Romans 13:11–12 (wake from slumber; salvation nearer)
- James 5:8–9 (Lord’s coming is near; stand firm)
- 1 Peter 4:7 (end of all things is near; be alert)
- Hebrews (meeting together; spur on to love and good deeds)
- 1 John 2 (last hour; many antichrists)
- Acts 1:6–8 (not for disciples to know times; receive power to witness)
- Genesis 6–8 (days of Noah; wickedness; flood; Noah’s faith)
- Hebrews 11:7 (Noah built ark in holy fear)
- 2 Peter 3:10–13 (day of the Lord like a thief; live holy lives; new heaven and earth)
## Main Points (Grouped by Topic)
- Imminence of Christ’s Return
- Jesus teaches we must live as if His return is near.
- The fig tree parable: natural signs teach nearness of season (Matthew 24:32).
- Apostles in the New Testament also expected the imminent return.
- Signs Described (Matthew 24 summary)
- False messiahs and deception.
- Wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation.
- Famines, earthquakes — “beginning of birth pains.”
- Persecution, betrayal, false prophets, increase of wickedness and coldness of many.
- Gospel preached to all nations before the end.
- Day and Hour Unknown
- “About that day or hour no one knows” — not angels nor the Son, only the Father (Matt. 24:36).
- God withholds exact timing for our good — prevents complacency and excuses.
- Parallel To The Days Of Noah
- People were living normal lives (eating, drinking, marrying) until the flood; they were taken by judgment.
- Noah warned them; their ignorance was willful despite a herald’s warnings.
- Noah’s faith was active: he built the ark and saved his household (Heb. 11:7).
- Misunderstanding “Taken” In Rapture Theology
- Jesus’ analogy: in Noah’s time, those taken were taken by judgment, not rescued.
- Desire to be “taken” can be misapplied; context matters.
- Human Nature: Procrastination and Complacency
- Tendency to delay spiritual duties (“there’s always tomorrow”).
- Busyness and comfort used as excuses to neglect prayer, Scripture, and church.
- The flesh tempts believers to justify disobedience; vigilance requires effort.
- Practical Call to Readiness
- True faith produces action and transformed behavior (faith and works together).
- Live holy, godly lives; repent of tolerated sins; seek reconciliation where needed.
- Remain alert, sober-minded, and faithful in community (gathering and encouraging one another).
## Key Terms and Definitions
- Imminent Return: The teaching that Christ could return at any moment; requires constant readiness.
- Birth Pains: Early signs of final events (troubles increasing but not yet the end).
- Willful Ignorance: Deliberate neglect of warnings and truth despite opportunities to respond.
- Holy Fear: Reverent obedience that produces action (example: Noah’s ark-building).
- Vigilance/Watchfulness: Active spiritual alertness and continued faithfulness.
