The End of the Beginning – Week 4
January 25, 2026
It’s the End of the World as We Know It
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
Don’t be shocked by chaos—Jesus already told us it’s coming, and He’ll carry us through it.
Mark 13:1–23
And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
I. Deception Is Coming, So Do Not Be Led Astray
II. Persecution Can Be Expected, But Do Not Be Anxious
III. Tribulation Will Be Intense, So Be on Guard
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence
Because the One who told you it was coming is the same One who promises to carry you through it.
Next Steps
- I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
- I commit to walk in community with other believers to find strength in persecution.
- I choose to trust God to carry me through my present crisis.
Deep Dive
- How can we prepare our hearts and minds for persecution like what Jesus describes?
- Read Acts 4:8–13. What does this teach us about trusting the Holy Spirit’s power in trials?
- In what ways can this group encourage one another to endure in faith, even when the world opposes it?
Springboards
- What emotions arise when you think about the return of Jesus? Why?
- Read Daniel 7:13–14. How does this passage help you understand Mark 13:26 better?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the hour of His return?
