1. Are you ready for Christ’s return? – Mk.13 1.The context of Jesus’ teaching The disciples ask 2 questions:- a. When will the temple be destroyed –v.4 cf. Mt.24:3 b. When will those events happen?

2. 2. The purpose of the signs The signs are to encourage readiness – v.5,9,14,23,28,29,33,35,37 a.Warning against deception –v.5,6,21-23 - people add to or subtract from the Bible - fail to give the truth about Jesus – fully God & fully human - “signs & wonders” are not evidence of godliness –v.22 ; Mt.7:15-23 KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES

3. b. Warning of trouble We live in a disordered world:- 1.National/Political – v.7,8a 2.Natural world – v.8b, Rom.8:19-22 3.Persecution – v.9-13. In facing this:- a. Jesus is with us by his Spirit –v.11 b. We are secure –v.13; Rom.8:35-39 c. Persecution has a time-limit –v.19,20 d. Beyond the troubles is Jesus’ return –v.24-27 DON’T GIVE UP, KEEP AWAKE

4. C. A glimpse of the future –v.10 The Gospel points to & displays the new creation:- 1.The Cross – God dealing with the wrong 2.The Resurrection – Beginning of the new creation 3.The Christian – A new creation - 2Cor.5:17. Tasting & displaying the new creation

5. D. To make us ready for Jesus People’s response to Jesus determines their future:- 1.First coming – rejected as the Messiah > judgment – 14-20 2.2 nd coming – returns in glory –v.26 a. The judge – 2Thess.1:7,8 b. The Saviour – v.27

6. 3. Are you ready? a.Don’t reject him now b.Don’t focus on dates & timetables –v.32. Focus on Jesus c.Serve God now – v.33-37 - Use the gifts, time,energy, money etc that he has given you - Be eager for the spread of the Gospel - Live as a good advertisement of the Gospel d. Be eagerly expecting Jesus