Clifford Denton begins a new teaching series on this controversial topic.

Much is said of the end times, and rightly so. Whether in veiled terms or in clear statements, the theme runs right through the Bible. We must study what the Bible says about the coming days as we seek to obey Jesus' command to watch and pray.

But the other side of this coin is that we must carefully and continually test our understanding. Often pre-emptive judgments about how to interpret some passages lead people to suggest watertight formulae for every step through the last years of Earth's history. The conflicting perspectives, timelines and interpretations have made the topic of the end times very divisive, segmenting Christians according to their views on pre-, post- and mid- tribulation rapture, the place of Israel, and questions about the millennial rule of Jesus. All this when events are rapidly proceeding in the world around us!

Whether in veiled terms or in clear statements, the theme of the 'end times' runs right through the Bible.

Careful Focus Needed

This division often means that the subject is relegated to the background. Instead, emphasis is put on other fundamentals of the faith which unite us all, including the task of evangelism we all must accomplish together.

Yet, as the days move forward and evident signs of the end increase, it is surely time to find a way to walk in unity into that future, not compromising but watching and praying together. Peter's question, asked so long ago, is still relevant today: "Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God...?" (2 Pet 3:12)

In this new series, we will seek to contribute to the task of establishing a careful focus on this subject. We invite our readers to take this journey with us and join in the discussion, praying afresh for the Lord's own guidance in this important matter.

Before we begin, it is important to establish our prime focus.

The Return of Messiah

With the biblical prophets to study, including the Book of Revelation, we can soon be immersed in discussions about the various signs of the times, their ordering and how they will impact our lives on Earth and beyond. But this is not the central issue.

When Jesus' disciples talked with him on the Mount of Olives prior to completion of his earthly ministry, they asked this question: "What will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matt 24:3).

The conflicting perspectives, timelines and interpretations have made the topic of the end times very divisive – but no less important to study.

These were the men who had been with the Lord for the years of his earthly ministry and had grown to love him and rely on him. They realised that he was about to leave them and they did not want him to go. We all have this sort of experience when a loved one departs from this world, a bereavement, a deeply emotional time of personal loss, a desire to continue to be with the one we love.

Or we have the experience of a friend going somewhere else in this world, perhaps a family member leaving home or a friend moving away. We desire them to come back to us and renew those activities we love to do together. We hope for special times of coming together in the future, to share holidays or family times together around the meal table.

This helps us to understand what was in the heart of Jesus' disciples when they were soon to be left alone. They did not ask for a theology of the end times - but how they might be helped to prepare for the return of their Lord and Saviour – and personal friend.

This should be our priority too, as we study the end times. There will be enormous disruption both in this world and in the universe as a whole, but the focus is on the wonderful expectation of the Lord's return. The enormity of the signs that will precede the Lord's coming is the way God has chosen to emphasise the event of all events.

Jesus' disciples did not ask for a theology of the end times – their heart was to prepare for the return of their Lord, Saviour and Friend.

Getting Our Priorities in Order

Over the series we will be considering some of those signs and expectations – but before we begin, let us pause and ensure we have this priority in view. It is the same priority that lies at the heart of sharing the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper together – to remember his death until he comes (1 Cor 11:26). Nothing could be more central - and keeping our priorities centred on this will naturally keep us in focus on all other things.

The Lord's return is likened to the coming of a bridegroom. For those of us who are included in this wedding party we have the most wonderful fulfilment of our lives in view. For those who are asleep and not waiting with anticipation, instead of joy there is warning (Matt 25:1-13).

Let us pray about this as we go on to study those Scriptures that talk of his coming. Let us ensure our priorities are in order. Do you sense a prayer welling up?

...Come Lord Jesus! (Rev 22:20)

Next time: How to approach Scripture relating to the end times.

For other articles in this series, click here.