End Times Archives | Core Church LA

Ten Virgins Decoded

In Matthew 25:1-4, Jesus tells the parable of the Ten Virgins. This story teaches us about being ready for His return. In this study, we’ll break down the elements of the parable and see what they represent. Getting the parable of the Ten Virgins decoded is all about being prepared for when Jesus, the bridegroom, comes back.

1. The Ten Virgins Decoded

The ten virgins in the story represent people who are waiting for Jesus to return. These virgins can be seen as bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive for a wedding. Out of these ten, five are wise, and five are foolish. The five wise virgins stand for true believers. These are the people who are living their lives for Jesus and are prepared for His second coming. They have oil in their lamps, meaning their faith is alive and they are ready to meet Jesus.

On the other hand, the five foolish virgins look like they are believers, but they aren’t really prepared. They don’t have any oil for their lamps. This means that they may look like they are living for Jesus, but their hearts are far from Him. When the bridegroom (Jesus) comes, they won’t be ready to go with Him.

2. The Lamps and the Bridegroom

The lamps in this story represent how we live out our lives. Just like the virgins needed lamps to light their way, we need our lives to show that we are followers of Jesus. But here’s the important part: it’s not just about having a lamp (or looking like a believer), but also having oil. The oil represents the Holy Spirit, the power and faith that keep our lamps burning. The wise virgins kept their lamps full of oil, meaning they stayed faithful to Jesus. The foolish virgins, however, didn’t keep their lamps filled, showing that their faith was empty.

The bridegroom in the parable represents Jesus. His coming symbolizes His second coming when He will return for His people. The wise virgins were ready to meet the bridegroom because they had oil in their lamps. The foolish virgins, though, were not ready because they hadn’t prepared.

Conclusion: Are You Prepared?

This parable reminds us that we need to be ready for when Jesus returns. Just like the wise virgins, we need to keep our lamps filled with oil—living out our faith and staying close to Jesus. The foolish virgins missed their chance because they weren’t prepared. Let’s make sure we’re living for Jesus every day, so we’re ready when the bridegroom comes.

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Jesus Wants Slaves?

In Matthew 24:45, Jesus talks about the “faithful and wise slave,” which might sound strange at first. The word “slave” can bring negative thoughts to mind, but it’s important to understand what Jesus really means and why He wants slaves. Let’s take a closer look at this verse and how we can be a “slave” to Jesus in the best way possible.

1. What Does Slave Mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, the word “slave” is often used interchangeably with the word “servant.” In this context, being a slave to Jesus means willingly serving Him. It’s not about being forced into slavery like in the negative ways we might think about it. Instead, it’s a choice we make. We come to Jesus out of our own free will, wanting to be His servant because we love Him and know He is a good Master.

If Jesus is our Master, then being His slave is the best possible thing we could ever choose. He watches over us, cares for us, and leads us in a way that is good. When we serve Him, we live the life God intended for us, free from the bondage of sin.

2. Why Would We Want to Be Jesus’ Slaves?

Think about every wrong thing you’ve ever done. Lying, cheating, hurting others—these are all things that would make us stand guilty before God. Without Jesus, we would face judgment for these sins. But here’s the good news: for those who believe in Jesus, God has forgiven all of those sins. He has wiped them away. Not only that, but He also promises to be with us every single day. He will never leave us or forsake us.

Choosing to be a slave to Jesus means choosing to be free from sin and to live a life that pleases God. Jesus doesn’t demand this from us; He invites us to serve Him because He knows that His way leads to true life. We’re not forced into this relationship. Instead, we willingly serve a Master who loves us deeply and has our best interests at heart.

Conclusion: Serving Jesus as His Slave

In Matthew 24:45, Jesus calls us to be like the “faithful and wise slave” who serves his master well. When we choose to be Jesus’ slaves, we are choosing to follow a loving Master who forgives us, cares for us, and never abandons us. Serving Him is a privilege, not a burden. Jesus ultimately wants slaves who He Himself can serve. We may not know when Jesus will return, but we do know that being His servant is the best place to be when He does.

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Who Does Jesus Take First?

In Matthew 24:39-41, Jesus gives us a snapshot of the end times and the rapture. These verses describe people being “taken” while others are “left behind.” But who exactly does Jesus take first? Some scholars disagree on the meaning of these verses, but when we look at the original language, we get a clearer picture. Let’s dig into this and figure out what Jesus is telling us about the rapture.

1. The Days of Noah and the Word “Took”

In Matthew 24:39, Jesus compares the end times to the days of Noah. In Noah’s time, people were living their normal lives—eating, drinking, and marrying—until the flood came and “took” them away. The word “took” here means they were swept away in judgment. They didn’t listen to Noah’s warnings and didn’t prepare for the coming flood. When the flood came, it was too late. They were taken away to face God’s judgment.

Some scholars argue that this context carries over into verses 40 and 41, meaning the ones who are “taken” are taken to judgment. But when we dig deeper into the original Greek, we find a different meaning for the word “taken” in these next verses.

2. Two Are in the Field: Who Is Taken?

In Matthew 24:40-41, Jesus says, “Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left.” The Greek word for “taken” in these verses is different from the word used in verse 39. Here, “taken” comes from the Greek word “paralambanō,” which means to take someone along with you or to receive someone to yourself.

This changes everything! Instead of the “taken” ones being taken to judgment, they are taken to be with the Lord. They are the ones who are raptured, taken up to meet Jesus in the air. The ones left behind are those who will face the trials and judgments of the tribulation period.

3. Who Does Jesus Take First?

So, who does Jesus take first? Based on the word “paralambanō,” we can understand that those who are “taken” in verses 40 and 41 are the believers. These are the people who have placed their faith in Jesus and are ready for His return. When the rapture happens, Jesus will take His followers to be with Him. This is why it’s so important for us to be ready, living our lives for Jesus and staying faithful until the end.

Those who are “left behind” will face the difficulties of the tribulation. They are not taken to be with Jesus, and they will have to endure the chaos and judgments that follow.

Conclusion: The Rapture and the Taken

In Matthew 24:39-41, Jesus gives us a picture of the rapture. Some people will be taken to be with Him, while others will be left behind. The ones who are “taken” are not taken to judgment like in Noah’s day, but are raptured to be with the Lord. The key is to be ready, to be among those who are taken, and to live faithfully for Jesus so we are prepared when He returns.

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End Times and Noah

In Matthew 24:36-39, Jesus gives us a clear warning about the end times. He says no one knows the day or hour of His return, but He compares it to the days of Noah. Let’s explore what this means and how it helps us understand what the world will look like before Jesus comes back.

1. What Were the Days of Noah Like?

Jesus said that the end times will be just like in Noah’s day. So, what was happening then? People were living life as usual—they were eating, drinking, getting married, and doing all the things they normally did. But something was wrong. According to Genesis 6:5, the wickedness of mankind was huge. Every thought and action was full of evil. People had completely turned away from God and lived however they wanted.

Noah built the ark while everyone else ignored God’s warnings. People didn’t believe that judgment was coming, and they continued in their sinful ways right up until the flood began. When it started to rain, it was too late for them to change.

2. The End Times Will Be Similar to Noah’s Day

Just like in Noah’s day, people in the end times will be focused on themselves. Many will party, eat, drink, and go about their lives without thinking about God. Sexual sin and perversion will run wild, just like it does today. People will ignore the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Uncontrolled sexual behavior will lead to unwanted pregnancies and, tragically, many abortions. In the place where a baby should feel safest—the womb—there will be no safety.

Divorce rates will also remain high, as Jesus mentioned that people will be marrying and divorcing as if it’s nothing. In our world today, the divorce rate in many places, like the U.S., is close to 50%. This shows how far people have drifted from God’s design for marriage and family.

3. Jesus’ Warning About the End Times and Noah

Jesus said that the end times will look just like the days of Noah. People will live for themselves, and many won’t believe that Jesus is coming back. But, like the flood, judgment will come suddenly. Jesus tells us to pay attention to the signs of the season. We may not know the exact hour, but we can see when the world starts to look like it did in Noah’s time. This is our wake-up call to stay alert and keep our eyes on God.

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God Gathers the Elect in Matthew 24:31: Who Are They?

God Gathers the Elect

Matthew 24:31 talks about a powerful event that happens when Jesus returns: God gathers the elect, His people, “from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” But who are these people the angels will gather? Let’s dive into this verse to better understand.

1. Who Are the Elect?

The term “elect” refers to God’s chosen people. In the Bible, God promises to gather His people at the end of the age. Moses talked about this in Deuteronomy 30:3, where he said that God would bring back His people from all the places they were scattered. But who are these people in Matthew 24:31?

Note that this gathering happens after the rapture, so it doesn’t refer to Christians who have already been taken up. Instead, the “elect” here are likely the Jews—God’s chosen people—and also Gentiles who have come to know Jesus during the tribulation. Many people will turn to God during this difficult time, and they will be gathered by the angels when Jesus returns.

2. Surviving the Tribulation

Some of these elect will be people who somehow survive the seven-year tribulation. During this period, the world will be full of hardship and judgment, but many will come to faith in Jesus as their Savior. These are the ones the angels will gather from the “four winds,” meaning from all over the world. No true believer will be left behind. God knows where each of His people is, and He will send His angels to gather them from every corner of the earth.

3. God Gathers the Elect: A Gathering of True Believers

The gathering in Matthew 24:31 is a beautiful picture of God’s care for His people. Whether they are Jews who have long awaited their Messiah or Gentiles who turned to Christ during the tribulation, they are all part of God’s family. On that day, every true believer will be found and brought together, showing God’s perfect plan for His people.

Conclusion: God’s Faithfulness in Gathering the Elect

God promises hope to all who belong to Him. They are the elect who He gathers in Matthew 24:31. Therefore, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, those who trust in Jesus will not be forgotten. God will send His angels to gather His people from the four winds, ensuring that no one is left behind. God gathers the elect from every corner of the world, showing God’s amazing faithfulness to those who love Him.

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When Jesus Returns: Why All the Tribes of the Earth Will Mourn

Matthew 24:30 gives us a vivid picture of the moment Jesus returns. The verse says that “all the tribes of the earth will mourn.” But who are these people, and why are they so sad when Jesus comes back? Let’s take a closer look at what this means.

1. Who Are the Tribes of the Earth?

The term “all the tribes of the earth” refers to everyone on the planet who has rejected God’s love and mercy. These are people who chose to live in sin rather than follow Jesus. In the Bible, there is a warning about taking the “mark of the beast” on the right hand or forehead. This mark represents loyalty to the Antichrist—a world leader who is against everything God stands for.

These people embraced the Antichrist’s way of life, thinking it would bring them power, security, and happiness. They proudly followed his world order, believing it would last forever. But as the Bible tells us, the Antichrist’s reign is short-lived. After seven years of ruling, Jesus returns to take back His rightful place as King. The people who followed the Antichrist realize their terrible mistake too late.

2. Why Are They Mourning?

When Jesus returns, He does so in power and great glory, splitting the sky wide open. For those who believed in Him, this is a moment of joy and hope. But for those who rejected Him, it is a time of mourning and fear. They are mourning because they now understand they’ve made a tragic choice. They rejected God’s love, grace, and forgiveness. Now, they must face the consequences. Their worst nightmare—the reality of living without God forever—is coming true.

These people mourn because they know they will have to pay the price for rejecting Jesus. They realize that their choice to live in sin and follow the Antichrist has led them to a place of eternal separation from God. Their short-lived power and pleasure under the Antichrist have come to an end, and now they must face judgment.

Conclusion: A Sobering Reminder

Matthew 24:30 serves as a warning and a reminder. Jesus is coming back, and everyone will see Him when He does. For those who love and follow Him, it will be a time of great joy. But for those who rejected Him, it will be a day of sorrow and regret. The phrase “all the tribes of the earth” helps us see that no one is left out of this moment. Every person will experience the return of Jesus—either with joy or with mourning.

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God’s Love in the Day of Judgement

Isaiah 13:6-16 is a vivid prophecy concerning the “Day of the Lord,” a time of catastrophic judgment upon Babylon. At first, the passage appears to focus on God’s wrath on the Day of Judgement. Yet, it actually reflects His deep love for humanity by forewarning us of judgment to offer an opportunity for repentance and salvation.

1. The Day of the Lord: God’s Love in the Day of Judgment

The passage begins with a call to “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty” (v. 6). The verses describe terrifying events such as the trembling of hearts, cosmic disturbances, and the cruel judgment that will come upon sinners. This might seem like pure wrath, but within this prophecy lies a message of God’s love and mercy in the Day of Judgement.

2. God’s Loving Warning: An Opportunity for Repentance

God’s decision to warn through prophecy is motivated by love. He forewarns the people of the impending disaster, giving them a chance to turn from their sin. The prophecy is not meant to crush the spirit, but to lead people to repentance before the calamity arrives. This shows that God doesn’t desire for humanity to suffer (2 Peter 3:9), but He is holy and must address sin.

3. God’s Desire to Save, Not Destroy

The extreme imagery used here, like the heavens trembling and the earth being shaken out of place (v. 13), emphasizes the severity of sin and the necessity of judgment. Yet, through this, we see that God’s love drives Him to issue these warnings. He desires to save people from the destruction that sin brings. If there were no warning, there would be no way to escape.

4. The Love of God: Deliverance through Judgment

Although the destruction seems certain, God’s ultimate purpose is to lead humanity to salvation. The passage serves as a reminder that judgment and mercy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, His judgment points to the need for deliverance, which He ultimately provides through Jesus Christ. God does not leave humanity hopeless in the face of the Day of the Lord; instead, He provides a way out through faith and repentance.

Conclusion: God’s Loving Purpose in the Day of Judgement

Isaiah 13:6-16 underscores a critical aspect of God’s character: His love for humanity is so great that He warns us of the coming catastrophe. His desire is not to destroy, but to offer salvation. By forewarning us, He gives us the opportunity to turn away from sin and embrace His grace. The prophecy reveals not only the holiness of God. It also reveals God’s love in the Day of Judgement, showing that His warnings are acts of compassion designed to save us.

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The Abomination of Desolation Explained

2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 provides a detailed description of the coming “man of lawlessness,” a figure closely tied to the “Abomination of Desolation” spoken of in the Book of Revelation. Understanding this passage helps us grasp what this prophetic event is and its significance in the end times.

1. The Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be deceived concerning the Day of the Lord, as certain events must happen first. He identifies the coming of the “man of lawlessness,” who will exalt himself “above every so-called god or object of worship.” This man of lawlessness will even go so far as to sit in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. This echoes the imagery of the “Abomination of Desolation,” a term used in Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11, and later referenced by Jesus in Matthew 24:15, referring to a blasphemous act of desecration in the holy place.

2. What Is the Abomination of Desolation?

The “Abomination of Desolation” involves an act of profaning something sacred—most notably, the temple of God. In the Old Testament, it likely refers to the desecration of the Jewish temple by foreign powers (e.g., Antiochus IV Epiphanes). However, in the New Testament and particularly in Revelation, it signifies a future event where the Antichrist, or the man of lawlessness, will commit a similar act of ultimate blasphemy.

This event will mark a turning point in eschatological history. The “Abomination” is a visible, identifiable sign that the Antichrist is not just a political or military leader. He opposes God directly and leads others into deception and apostasy. His self-deification in the temple (2 Thessalonians 2:4) is a clear indication of this.

3. The Power Behind the Deception (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

Paul clarifies that this man of lawlessness will come “in accordance with the work of Satan,” with all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders (v. 9). This mirrors the descriptions in Revelation, where the Antichrist and his false prophet deceive the world through such displays of power (Revelation 13:13-14). The “Abomination of Desolation” includes not just a physical act of desecration but a spiritual delusion. Therefore, many will be led astray by the seeming divine power of the Antichrist.

4. God’s Sovereignty Over This Event (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Though this period of intense deception will occur, God remains sovereign. Verses 11-12 state that God will “send them a powerful delusion” so that those who refuse the truth will believe the lie. This reveals God’s justice—those who persist in rejecting the gospel will ultimately face judgment.

However, it also indicates that the “Abomination of Desolation” is not an unforeseen catastrophe but part of God’s divine plan. Those who trust in Christ are given forewarning and should not be deceived.

5. The Connection to Revelation

In the book of Revelation, the Antichrist is seen leading the world into worship of himself and the dragon (Satan). Revelation 13:5-8 speaks of his blasphemous authority and his persecution of God’s people. The Abomination of Desolation will signal the beginning of the end—the outpouring of God’s final judgment on evil and the return of Christ.

Conclusion: The “Abomination of Desolation” Explained

The “Abomination of Desolation” is more than just a historical or future event. it is a significant moment when the Antichrist desecrates the sacred, exalts himself, and deceives the world through satanic power. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 aligns with Revelation’s prophetic account, warning believers to remain faithful, watchful, and anchored in gospel truth. This event will signal the impending return of Christ and the final judgment on sin and evil.

Mark of the Beast

Revelation 14 says that whoever takes the mark of the beast on their right hand or their forehead will drink the wrath of God.

This isn’t like sinning, praying to God, and then He forgives you. This is unforgivable. When you take the mark of the beast, that means you are beyond repentance. But how will people be able to buy food or sell? How can they get medical attention? How will they be able to feed their babies?

This is why Jesus said you better hope you’re not pregnant and living in the tribulation. You will not receive any help from God when you take the mark of the beast.

After the Rapture

After the Rapture, God could easily walk away from all of humanity left on earth. Instead, God gives it yet another chance!

Matthew 24:14 says the gospel will be preached to the whole world during the tribulation period:

This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matthew 24:14

The eyes of the Jewish people will be opened. God’s chosen people will experience a massive revival in Israel. Revelation 7 says that 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, will preach the Gospel of Jesus!