Telling the Future

In the first 23 verses, we learn a great deal about how to determine when Jesus will return.

There are a few elements that we've already experienced, but many things that haven't.

Until claiming that Jesus is returning, check out these verses for a checklist of prerequisite warning signs:

1. false Christs
   
2. wars and rumors of wars
   
3. political turmoil
   
4. earthquakes
   
5. famines (this is just the beginning)
   
6. Christians sent to court
   
7. Christians flogged in synagogues
   
8. Christians stand before political leaders
   
9. gospel must be preached to every nation (this is a tough standard to meet)
   
10. Holy Spirit will give Christians the words to testify, without preparation
    
11. families will be divided and betray one another, even to death
    
12. be hated because of following Christ
    
13. Abomination of Desolation
    
    • don't return home
      
    • don't return to your field
      
    • woe to pregnant and nursing mothers
      
    • pray it won't be winter
      
    • worst time in the history of humanity
      
    • even the elect wouldn't survive if God didn't "shorten" this awful time
      
    • don't believe rumors of Christ's return
      
    • false Christs will appear
      
    • false prophets will appear
      
14. relax, because Jesus has already given us his game plan and historical outline