Temple destruction
Mark 13:1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
The temple was made with marble stones, fifty feet by 24 ft by sixteen inches. It covered an area of five hundred yards by 400 yards. The dome was overlaid with gold. The temple was built under Herod's order and was the pride of the Jews.
Mark 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Rome would come against the people of Israel. They were not to destroy the temple, but when it caught on fire, the gold on the dome melted into the cracks of the stones. The armies tore the temple down stone by stone to get at the gold.
God allowed the temple to be destroyed because sacrifices were no longer to be done there. Jesus was the last sacrifice. The stubbornness of the temple leaders was also a reason. They destroyed the temple of God; Jesus. So God allowed their temple building to be destroyed. They wanted law and refused grace, so their covenant of the law, brought destruction because of sin.
False Christs
Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Mark 13:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
Jesus answers them in a broader time frame; more as to the end times, the time following his ascension and his return. Jesus shall make a new covenant, a better covenant with them. There would be no need of a temple such as they had to house God and do sacrifices. Jesus is the sacrifice and the way to God.
The Samaritan woman heard of the true way of worship.
John 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
John 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
John 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
His disciples were expecting Jesus to return soon.
Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
I am Christ or they teach a false Christ: Love and light from God, but not of Jesus Christ. A Jesus that is not as the Bible describes him, a Jesus of their making. Beware of familiar words, for they often have a different meaning, a different spirit behind them. Love, light, my truth, tolerance, unity even Jesus. Test all words in the context of the Bibles truth. Ask questions, beginning with: who is Jesus? Has he forgiven your sins? These will reveal the spirit behind the talk...familiar words but an unfamiliar spirit. The spirit of antichrist.
1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Beginnings of sorrows
Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
False Christs, wars and rumours of wars, are no cause to be troubled. These will increase, it will happen, but this does not signal the end yet.
Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
All these are occurring now; nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom: earthquakes, famines and troubles.
Are there more earthquakes than ever before? One source does not see proof of this, stating that there are more readings of earthquakes because of technology, than ever before.
These are the beginnings of sorrows, literally, the beginning of labor pains. They increase in intensity as the time comes due. There shall be other indications in the following verses. I think we just need to stay close to Jesus and not panic as those without hope. For us the end we look forward to, to be with Jesus. Time is running out for the world. They need Jesus too. We must share the gospel with them.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Speak by the Holy Ghost
Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Rev 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Paul delivered the gospel and suffered many things.
2 Cor 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
2 Cor 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
2 Cor 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Cor 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Cor 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
2 Cor 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
2 Cor 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Jesus looking into the future after the Holy Ghost was given to his believers.
Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
God is with you and shall speak through his servant.
Endure unto the End
Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
This is happening in today's world. The "official" religion of a people, persecuting Christians. The flesh and the devil always come against the spirit of God and His people. A religion that teaches that they should kill the infidels, those who are not of the same belief. They are taught to kill their enemies. This is the great difference, for Jesus Christ taught that we should love our enemies.
Mat 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mat 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
It is the sword, the word of truth that divides.
Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Take up your cross and what it stands for. Die to self and live for Jesus through his Spirit. Continue all the way to the end with him. prove your faith, by following him closes, until the end.
1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Abomination of desolation
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
The abomination of desolation shall rule as king in Jerusalem. He would be called the man of peace, but after three and a half years he will make war on Israel and God's people and demand to be worshipped.
Dan 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: (seven years) and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. (three and a half years)
Rev 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Rev 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Mark 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
Mark 13:16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mark 13:18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
And then Jesus shall return. All that satan had accomplished would suddenly be destroyed and Jesus shall deliver his people and reign forever with his saints.
Spiritual discernment
Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
Mark, by the Holy Spirit placed this earlier in the chapter, he repeats this again, so it is important.
Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Satan will raise up false Christ's, false leaders with miracles by sorcery; by calling upon a lying spirit. The elect have God's Spirit, so they should not be deceived. Some will be immature, not studying God's word or following Jesus, the Good Shepherd. These could be deceived along with the world's people.
Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Take heed, remember and prepare. You need not be taken by surprise.
Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
This no time to be spiritually asleep. Be awake and discerning of what you hear. Don't follow anyone who cannot be tested by the Spirit and the word.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
They are clever deceivers. It may come down to whether or not you feel God's peace in their presence. The Holy Spirit is what brings us together in unity and in peace. If they sound "way out there," leave them.
After Tribulation
Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
This sounds like smoke, such as was in Kuwait during the Gulf war. Burning oil wells darkened the sun and the moon. There will be much fire. What is this tribulation and it's source? It is the judgment of God on the earths evil people. Self destruction, nation against nation and also the wrath of God poured out on Christ rejecting people. Their sins had caused them to worship the evil one. God will but an end to this evil, a cleansing before the return of Jesus Christ, the eternal king, with his saints.
Mark 13:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
This could be literal stars, comets, and their effect on the earth...groaning in travail.
1 Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1 Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The powers that are in heaven, the sky above, shall be shaken, or the stars that are angels: Fallen angels gathered up for hell.
Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
They who are on earth shall see the Lord descending in the clouds.
Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Two responses from two kinds of people. The unredeemed, those who took on the mark of the Beast, shall mourn, for they soon shall be cast into hell. The elect, the people of God will rejoice at the Lord's coming. For he will be returning as the word of God said he would.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
His angels shall gather the elect from the four winds, the four directions of the earth.
Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
From the uttermost part of heaven? Just a thought about this. Maybe men will be in the heavens? Already we have had men on the moon and on space stations. Wherever they may be, alive or dead in Christ, the angels shall gather them together unto Christ Jesus.
Another spiritual thought concerning Jesus returning in the clouds. Perhaps it refers to the cloud of witnesses, the saints in heaven who will return with him?
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
There is also the cloud of glory, the presence of God in a cloud.
On the mount of transfiguration
Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
Before the judgment of the high priest
Mat 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
The evidence is in. Without a doubt, Jesus is coming back in the clouds to be with his people. Some will miss out because of unbelief.
Mat 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Mat 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
God is the final judge. It is down to one question: Who is Jesus to you? He is my Lord and my savior. I look forward to that day when we shall see him, as he returns in the cloud.
The Time
Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
We will see and know. The world will not see.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven.
Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
His word is truth. Beware of false prophecies, for they are false ones. God's word is truth, and it shall come to pass. Every word is eternal truth.
Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Do not believe anyone who says they know the day of Christ's return. No one knows, but the Father and now Jesus is with the Father. He will know the day before we will.
Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Take heed, be aware and watch and pray; you may not know the exact time but you shall know the times as they are coming to pass.
Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
Watch
Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
The Son of man, Jesus used this name. It is found eighty-eight times in the new testament. He has taken a far journey, to be at the right hand of the Father, God almighty. He has given authority to his servants.
Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
Luke 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
...and to every man his work.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
He commanded the porter to watch. The porter kept the gate of the sheep.
John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
The porter is the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
watch and be prepared
Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Sleeping, when you were supposed to be serving him. Spiritually asleep, the mind on something else perhaps seeking entertainment?
Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
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