Ready Or Not

In the world of journalism, there exists a rare headline style called “Second Coming Typeface.” It’s the largest, boldest type reserved for earth-shattering events—like the end of World War II, when the San Francisco Chronicle simply printed the word: “PEACE.”

It’s called “Second Coming Typeface” because historically, newspapers believed that such a headline would be used when Jesus Christ returned.

And make no mistake—the Bible makes it abundantly clear: Jesus is coming again.

• Over 1,200 references to His second coming appear in the Old Testament.

• The New Testament contains more than 300 prophecies.
• For every reference to Christ’s first coming, there are eight about His return.

And if the Bible is consistent about anything, it’s this: Jesus Christ is coming again.

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables... We have also a more sure word of prophecy.” —2 Peter 1:16, 19 

The same Christ who was born in Bethlehem… who walked the shores of Galilee… who hung on Calvary’s cross… who rose and ascended… that same Jesus is returning.

Yet while churches celebrate His first coming, many neglect His second. We love the story of the manger, but often forget the glory of the returning King. But the incarnation without the coronation is like an engagement without a wedding. Jesus came once in humility—but He will return in majesty.

So the question isn’t if He will return—it’s: Are we ready?

That’s exactly what Jesus addresses in Mark 13. As the disciples press Him for signs and specifics—“Tell us, when shall these things be?”—Jesus doesn’t hand them a timeline. He gives them something far more valuable: three powerful warnings to help them live faithfully in light of His return.

And these warnings aren’t just for them—they’re for us. These are timely instructions for anyone who longs to be found faithful when Christ comes again.

“Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” —Mark 13:5-6

Notice that before Jesus mentions earthquakes or wars, He talks about deception. It’s not a side issue—it’s front and center in the last days. And this deception isn’t going to come from obvious enemies. No, it will come cloaked in religiosity. False messiahs. False teachers. Movements claiming to represent Christ, but subtly leading people away from Him.

• 2 Timothy 3:13 - “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
  
• I John 4:1 - “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits... because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 

These deceivers won’t wear name tags that say “false teacher.” They’ll speak with charisma. They’ll sound spiritual. They’ll preach a “better” Jesus—one that’s more palatable, more tolerant, less holy. But it’s not the Jesus of Scripture.

So how do we guard against deception?

By knowing the real thing so well that anything counterfeit is immediately obvious. Banks train tellers to spot counterfeit bills not by studying fakes, but by mastering the genuine.

• II Timothy 2:15 - “Study to shew thyself approved unto God... rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Spend time with the real Jesus. Be grounded in His Word. Walk in the Spirit. And stay awake.

“And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be... these are the beginnings of sorrows.” —Mark 13:7-8

Jesus says the chaos of the world shouldn’t shake us. Wars. Earthquakes. Famines. Troubles. These are not the end—they are just the beginning of sorrows, or as the Greek puts it, birth pains.

Birth pains are painful—but purposeful. They indicate something new is coming. The pain precedes the birth.

So when the world seems like it’s falling apart, remember—it’s actually falling into place. These things “must needs be,” not because God is absent, but because His return is approaching.

As believers, we don’t panic—we prepare. We don’t fear—we have faith. Our King is coming.

“But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up... for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations.” —Mark 13:9-10

Yes, the world will hate believers.
Yes, persecution will rise.
But that’s not a reason to retreat—it’s an opportunity to proclaim.

Persecution doesn’t hinder the gospel—it spreads it. In the Book of Acts, every time the early church faced pressure, the gospel advanced.

The mission hasn’t changed:

• Mark 16:15 - “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

We are not called to speculate about the Antichrist—we are called to proclaim Jesus Christ. We are not called to hide—we are called to shine.

When we study prophecy, it should never lead us to fear—it should lead us to faithfulness. Jesus is coming. That is certain. But He has not told us when.

So until that trumpet sounds, may we be found faithful.

• Watching, but also working.
• Alert, but also active.
• Looking up, but also going out.

Go into your world—your family, your neighborhood, your workplace—and share the gospel.

Because one day, the skies will part. The King will return.

Ready or not.