By Pastor Joe Dickinson
As each generation passes, it seems there’s a fresh crop of doomsday predictions—some rooted in ancient calendars, others in cult-like movements or dramatic Hollywood blockbusters. But with so many voices speaking into the subject of the End Times, how can we separate truth from fiction? In a sermon titled “Considering the Source of End Times Predictions” from Matthew 24:1–5, Pastor Joe Dickinson brings clarity and conviction to a confusing topic. The message is simple: The only voice worth trusting about the end of the world is the One who created it.
I. What Is Jesus Actually Talking About in Matthew 24?
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24—part of what’s known as the Olivet Discourse—are often misunderstood or misapplied. Many Christians mistake this chapter for a direct teaching about the Rapture. But a closer look reveals that Jesus was speaking specifically to His Jewish disciples about events that concern Israel, not the Church.
Matthew 24:3 (KJV):
“Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”
This question has three parts:
- When will the Temple be destroyed?
- What is the sign of Christ’s coming?
- What is the sign of the end of the world?
Jesus addresses these questions, not by giving a timeline for the Rapture, but by outlining events that correspond with His Second Coming—specifically the seven-year Tribulation period described elsewhere in Scripture (see Revelation, Daniel, and 2 Thessalonians).
- The Rapture refers to the moment when believers are “caught up” to meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
- The Second Coming is when Christ returns physically to earth—touching down on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4)—to defeat the Antichrist at Armageddon and establish His millennial kingdom.
So, while the Rapture is imminent and without signs, the events described in Matthew 24 point to the Tribulation and Second Coming.
II. Why “Considering the Source” Matters
In 2012, fear swelled around the idea that the ancient Mayan calendar predicted the world’s end. But Pastor Dickinson reminds us: “Consider the source.” The Mayan Long Count calendar simply restarted a cycle—much like our calendar restarts every January 1st. Any doomsday conclusion was more about modern speculation (and Hollywood fiction) than ancient fact.
False sources abound:
- David Koresh led a destructive cult in Waco, TX.
- Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, claimed new revelations that redefined salvation.
- Harold Camping made several failed predictions, including one in May 2011.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses have repeatedly predicted Christ’s return with changing dates.
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:4-5 (KJV):
“Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
Instead of listening to sensationalized predictions, we must turn to Jesus Christ, the only qualified authority on the subject:
- He spoke in Matthew 24-25, Luke 21, and Mark 13.
- He revealed the future in Revelation through the Apostle John.
- He confirmed Old Testament prophecy given to Daniel.
Why trust Him? Because:
- He created the world (John 1:3).
- He upholds all things by His power (Hebrews 1:3).
- He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).
III. How Biblical Hope Differs from Worldly Fear
When the world talks about the End Times, it often promotes fear—leading some to build bomb shelters, hoard supplies, or isolate in panic. But Scripture gives believers a different perspective:
Titus 2:13 (KJV):
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Christians are not called to cower in fear but to live in faith. Our preparation is spiritual:
- Be saved.
Romans 10:9 reminds us that salvation comes by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. - Live holy lives.
1 John 2:28 urges us to live in such a way that we won’t be ashamed at His coming. - Share the Gospel.
The urgency of the end should motivate our witness, not drive us into hiding.
Conclusion: Don’t Be Deceived—Be Prepared
The end of the world is not a joke, but neither is it a mystery left for modern-day prophets or conspiracy theorists to decode. The Word of God has already spoken. Jesus Christ, the Creator and Judge, has clearly outlined what we need to know.
If you want to know how the story ends, don’t consult Hollywood, headlines, or human speculation. Go to the Author.
Revelation 22:13 (KJV):
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
So—are you prepared for the end? Not by storing canned goods, but by securing your soul in Christ?
The End Times aren’t meant to scare you. They’re meant to prepare you. And if you’re in Christ, they should even excite you.
“The only one you should listen to about the world’s end is the one who established its beginning.” — Pastor Joe Dickinson
Scripture References: Matthew 24–25, Luke 21, Mark 13, 1 Thessalonians 4, Daniel 9, Revelation, Titus 2:13, Romans 10:9, 1 John 2:28, Revelation 22:13
All Scripture from the King James Version (KJV)
Let’s stop listening to panic and start listening to prophecy. Let’s stop fearing the end—and start anticipating eternity.