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MATTHEW 24:3

"THE END OF THE WORLD"

Intro: I hear a lot of talk these days about the end of the world. Usually
associate this  talk with old men with gray beards and sandals, carrying
sandwich boards as  they cry "Repent!"

I. TODAY I FEAR THIS TALK FROM COLLEGE PROFESSORS AND SCIENTISTS.
        A. Endangered Layer of Ozone Gas.
                1. 03
                2. Aerosol sprays.
                3. Supersonic jets.
                4. Atomic explosions in atmosphere.
                5. Could this be related to 4th vial in Rev. 16?
        B. Man's Reckless Use of Insecticides.
                1. Their use is vital to increased food production.
                2. DDT does not break down.
                        a. Carried by streams into oceans.
                        b. There it seems to have a devastating effect.
        C. Growing Population.
                1. Population is approaching 4 billion - increase of 50
                   million per year.
                2. Unable to produce enough  food for world's needs now.
                3. Jesus speaks of famines as sign of the end.
        D. The Development of Destructive Weapons.
                1. It is said that we now have enough explosive power to
                   equal 15 tons of TNT for each person in the world.
                2. Russia's numerical strength exceeds ours in every area
                   except long range bombers and nuclear devices.
                3. We are warned that a full-scale atomic war will mean
                   the end of the world.
        E. Energy Resources Are Rapidly Being Depleted.
                1. We used to consider the supplies inexhaustible.
        F. Scientists Are Now Predicting Dire Earthquakes in 1982 Due to a
           Rare Alignment of the Planets.
        G. Meanwhile the Physicists Warn of a Possible Polar Axis Flip
           with catastrophe Consequences.
        H. The Social Scientists Are Trying to Interpret the Consequences
           of the Rising Crime Rates.
                1. Our law enforcement agencies confess their inability to
                   keep pace.
                2. There is a growing disrespect for law or any authority.

II. IT IS STRANGE THAT THROUGH ALL OF THIS THE CHURCH HAS REMAINED SO
    SILENT.
        A. Maybe they are so preoccupied with their dwindling rolls and
           increased finance strains, they haven't noticed.
        B. Many are wary to lift their voice because of failure of
           previous failure of unscriptural date - setting.
        C. The church has great cause to cry the end of the world.
                1. World (Cosmos).
                2. The prophesies of the re-establishment of the nation
                   Israel have been fulfilled.
                        a. Israel has returned to the land.
                        b. They are rebuilding the waste places.
                        c. They are blossoming and budding.
                        d. They are standing alone against all nations.
                        e. "When the Lord shall build up Zion..."
                3. We see the predicted famines, earthquakes, pestilences,
                   perplexities of nation:
                        a. Jesus said "When these things begin to come to
                           pass..." 

III. WHAT SHOULD MY ATTITUDE BE TO THESE THINGS?
        A. Sell all I have, quit my job and wait?
        B. Jesus said "Occupy till I come."
        C. Jesus spoke of servant who when He returned was doing..
        D. We must have proper attitude toward material world.
                1. "In the world, but not of the world."
                2. "Seeing these things are to be, dissolved, what
                    manner..."