Series: Are We Nearing the End of Time? A study of end-time predictions, discussing the attitude Christians should have regarding Christ’s return.

Series: Are We Nearing the End of Time? “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (NKJV)

Series: Are We Nearing the End of Time? Jesus Is Returning PredictionsReproachLose Focus Comfort Remind Always Prepared

No Man Knows “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:35–36 (NKJV) “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.” Luke 21:20 (NKJV) “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32 (NKJV)

No Man Knows “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2 “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10 “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Revelation 3:3

Failed Predictions “And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? 22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Deuteronomy 18:21–22

Failed Predictions 1836 John Wesley made calculations based on his understanding of Revelation. Predicted Christ would return in 1836.

Failed Predictions 1844 William Miller founded a group that emphasized anticipation of Christ’s immediate return. Set a one-year range for that return. That window of time ran out in March 21, Some followers set another date of Oct 22, 1844

Failed Predictions 1874 Charles Russell predicted Christ would come in He later recanted, saying it was an invisible return.

Failed Predictions He later made similar predictions regarding He amended his predictions to create fervor from 1918 to In his book, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” He anticipated such specific things as the resurrection of Abraham and other patriarchs.

Failed Predictions 1975 Russell’s organization, The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, continued his legacy of failed predictions. During the presidential tenure of Nathan Homer Knorr, they predicted Christ’s return in 1975.

Failed Predictions 1981 Hal Lindsey predicted events in the early 1980's would shortly precede Christ's second coming, including anticipation the so-called secret rapture would come before the end of He later regarded the 1980's as the decade leading up to the so-called Battle of Armageddon.

Failed Predictions 1988 Edgar Whisenaunt published a book, “88 Reasons Why the Rapture is in 1988”. After the passing of the deadline Whisenaunt published a new book called, “89 Reasons why the Rapture is in 1989”.

Failed Predictions Harold Camping in his book, “Are You Ready?” predicted the Lord's return in Sept Camping revived his prediction later, saying the end would come in 2011.

Failed Predictions John Wesley 1836 William Miller 1844 Charles Taze Russell 1874 Charles Taze Russell Watchtower Bible and Tract Society 1975 Hal Lindsey 1981 Edgar Whisenaunt 1988 Harold Camping 1994, 2011

The Correct Approach “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, I have no pleasure in them:” Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NKJV) “Boast not thyself of to morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1

The Correct Approach “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV) “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Luke 12:20 “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Series: Are We Nearing the End of Time? “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8

Series: Are We Nearing the End of Time? A study of end-time predictions, discussing the attitude Christians should have toward being ready for Christ’s return.