The End Times

Wednesday Night Bible Study Notes

The End Times Series beginning on June 18, 2025

Pastor Derk Adams

A 7-Lesson Study on Prophecy, Judgment, and Eternal Hope

Created and Compiled by Pastor Derk Adams

Exploring Prophecy, Signs of the Times, and How to Live Today

Lesson 1: Why Study the End Times?

I. God Wants Us to Be Aware

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." – Amos 3:7

God has always revealed His plans through prophecy. Studying the End Times helps us prepare spiritually and live wisely.

II. Jesus Taught About the End

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives... the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" – Matthew 24:3

Jesus gave detailed signs of His return and the end of the age (see Matthew 24–25).

III. To Avoid Deception

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first..." – 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Many false teachings and false prophets are rising today. Knowing the truth helps guard against deception.

IV. Because the Time is Short

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." – Romans 13:11

Signs of the times—wars, lawlessness, apostasy—tell us we are living in the final days.

V. How It Applies to Today

We are witnessing:

• Increase in global unrest and wars (Matthew 24:6–7)

• Moral decay and lawlessness (2 Timothy 3:1–5)

• Rise in false religion and globalism (Revelation 13)

• Israel’s central role in global conflict (Zechariah 12:2–3)

These fulfillments remind us to stay alert and anchored in God's Word.

VI. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Am I aware of the times I’m living in? Do I seek God's Word to understand what's coming?

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the truth of Your Word. Help me understand the times and live prepared for Your return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lesson 2: Signs of the Times: What’s Happening Today?

I. Jesus Gave Us Signs to Watch For

"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars... For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom..." – Matthew 24:6–7

Jesus warned that specific global signs would precede His return: wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes.

II. Increase in Moral Decay and Lawlessness

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves... unholy, without natural affection..." – 2 Timothy 3:1–3

Today’s culture glorifies sin and rebellion. The rise of perversion, violence, and selfishness confirms Paul’s prophecy.

III. Rise in Deception and False Teachings

"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits..." – 1 Timothy 4:1

False gospels and compromised Christianity are rising. Many churches are trading truth for popularity.

IV. Globalism and One World Agenda

"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech." – Genesis 11:1

"And all the world wondered after the beast... And it was given unto him to make war with the saints..." – Revelation 13:3–7

The move toward global government, digital currency, and surveillance aligns with Revelation’s warnings.

V. Israel Back in the Land and Global Focus

"Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about..." – Zechariah 12:2

Since 1948, Israel is once again a nation. The world’s attention on Jerusalem is direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

VI. Gospel Preached Worldwide

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." – Matthew 24:14

Through technology, missions, and the internet, the Gospel is reaching people across the globe.

VII. What Should Believers Do?

• Watch and pray (Luke 21:36)

• Stay rooted in the Word (2 Timothy 4:2–5)

• Walk in holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16)

• Share the Gospel (Mark 16:15)

• Encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25)

VIII. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Am I alert to the signs around me? Is my life anchored in God's Word and ready for His return?

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to the times we’re living in. Help me to stay watchful, walk in truth, and boldly share Your Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lesson 3: The Tribulation: God’s Judgment and the Call to Repentance

I. What is the Tribulation?

"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time..." – Matthew 24:21

The Tribulation is a future 7-year period of intense suffering, deception, and divine judgment upon the earth.

II. The Purpose of the Tribulation

• To pour out God's wrath on unrepentant humanity (Revelation 6–16)

• To bring Israel to recognize Jesus as Messiah (Zechariah 12:10)

• To separate the righteous from the wicked (Daniel 12:10)

III. Key Events During the Tribulation

1. The rise of the Antichrist – Revelation 13:1–8

2. Global deception and forced worship – 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4

3. The mark of the beast – Revelation 13:16–18

4. Natural and supernatural disasters – Revelation 6:12–17

5. Persecution of believers – Revelation 13:7, Matthew 24:9

6. The two witnesses and God's prophetic voice – Revelation 11:3–13

IV. Signs We Are Approaching Tribulation

• Global instability and wars (Matthew 24:6–7)

• Rise of lawlessness and hatred (Matthew 24:12)

• Push for global government and control (Revelation 13)

• Advanced technology for economic tracking and identification (Revelation 13:16–17)

V. God's Mercy in the Midst of Judgment

"And I saw another angel... having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth..." – Revelation 14:6

Even during the Tribulation, God sends messengers to call people to repentance.

VI. How Should We Live Now?

• Turn fully to Christ now – Isaiah 55:6

• Strengthen your walk with God – Ephesians 6:10–13

• Warn others and spread the Gospel – Ezekiel 33:7–9

• Prepare spiritually for coming trials – Luke 21:36

VII. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Am I spiritually awake and prepared for what’s coming? Do I urge others to turn to God while there is still time?

Prayer:

Lord, awaken my heart to the seriousness of this hour. Help me live in holiness, proclaim Your truth boldly, and stand firm in the midst of darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lesson 4: The Antichrist and the One World System

I. Who is the Antichrist?

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed..." – 2 Thessalonians 2:3

The Antichrist is a future global leader who will arise during the Tribulation. He will deceive the world, oppose God, and exalt himself as divine.

II. His Characteristics and Role

• Opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God – 2 Thessalonians 2:4

• Performs lying signs and wonders – 2 Thessalonians 2:9

• Gains control through deceit and diplomacy – Daniel 8:25

• Blasphemes God and persecutes the saints – Revelation 13:5–7

III. The One World Government and Religion

"And it was given unto him to make war with the saints... and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." – Revelation 13:7

The Antichrist will lead a global political and religious system. The world will unite under false peace and worship a counterfeit savior.

"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him..." – Revelation 13:8

IV. The Mark of the Beast

"And he causeth all... to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads... that no man might buy or sell..." – Revelation 13:16–17

This mark will be tied to the global economy. Without it, individuals cannot participate in commerce. Acceptance of the mark aligns a person with the Antichrist and rebellion against God.

V. Present-Day Foreshadowing

• Push for digital ID and cashless societies

• Rise of global surveillance and control technologies

• Ecumenical movements blending religions into unity

• Increase in political centralization and international alliances

These trends mirror prophetic warnings and prepare the world stage for the Antichrist.

VI. God’s Warning and the Believer’s Response

"If any man worship the beast and his image... the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God..." – Revelation 14:9–10

Believers must reject the mark and resist this system, even at great cost. Faithfulness to Christ is our eternal priority.

VII. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Am I aware of how today’s systems are preparing for the Antichrist? Am I spiritually ready to stand firm in truth?

Prayer:

Lord, give me discernment in these last days. Help me to see clearly, live faithfully, and never compromise my loyalty to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lesson 5: The Millennial Reign of Christ

I. What is the Millennial Reign?

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." – Revelation 20:4

The Millennial Reign refers to the literal 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth following His Second Coming. It is a time of peace, justice, and righteousness.

II. Key Features of the Millennium

• Satan is bound – Revelation 20:1–3

• Christ rules with a rod of iron – Revelation 19:15

• The resurrected saints reign with Him – Revelation 20:4–6

• The earth is restored – Isaiah 11:6–9

• Nations come to worship in Jerusalem – Zechariah 14:16

III. God's Promises Fulfilled

• God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12–13) is fulfilled as Christ reigns from David's throne.

• Peace and righteousness cover the earth as foretold in Isaiah 2:2–4 and Micah 4:1–4.

IV. The Role of the Saints

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection... they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." – Revelation 20:6

Believers who overcome and remain faithful will rule with Christ during this time (see Luke 19:17, 1 Corinthians 6:2).

V. What Happens After the Millennium?

• Satan is loosed for a short time – Revelation 20:7–8

• Final rebellion is crushed – Revelation 20:9

• Satan is cast into the lake of fire forever – Revelation 20:10

• The Great White Throne Judgment follows – Revelation 20:11–15

VI. Living in Light of the Coming Kingdom

• Be faithful and endure – Revelation 2:10

• Pursue holiness and justice – 2 Peter 3:11–13

• Long for Christ’s return and reign – 2 Timothy 4:8

VII. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Am I living now in a way that honors the coming kingdom? Do I long to reign with Christ in righteousness?

Prayer:

Lord, prepare me for Your return and for Your kingdom. Help me walk in faithfulness today as I look forward to reigning with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lesson 6: The Great White Throne Judgment

I. What is the Great White Throne Judgment?

"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away..." – Revelation 20:11

This is the final judgment of the wicked dead at the end of the Millennium. It is distinct from the judgment of believers and determines the eternal destiny of the unsaved.

II. Who Will Be Judged?

"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God... and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books..." – Revelation 20:12

All who rejected Christ and died in their sins will stand before God to be judged based on their works.

III. The Book of Life

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." – Revelation 20:15

Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life are saved (see Revelation 21:27).

IV. The Final Sentence

"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." – Revelation 20:14

The lake of fire is the eternal place of punishment for Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and all the unredeemed (Matthew 25:41).

V. God’s Justice is Perfect

"For the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him." – Isaiah 30:18

God’s judgment is righteous and fair. No one will be condemned unjustly. All will be judged according to truth.

VI. A Call to Salvation Now

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." – 2 Corinthians 6:2

There will be no second chance after death. This is the time to repent, believe, and surrender to Jesus Christ.

VII. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Is my name written in the Book of Life? Have I warned others of the reality of God's judgment?

Prayer:

Lord, I surrender my life to You. Write my name in Your Book of Life. Use me to reach others with the Gospel before it’s too late. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lesson 7: The New Heaven and New Earth

I. God’s Promise of Renewal

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away..." – Revelation 21:1

God promises to create a brand-new heaven and earth, free from sin, sorrow, and death. This is the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed.

II. The Holy City – New Jerusalem

"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven..." – Revelation 21:2

This glorious city is described in detail in Revelation 21. It is the home of the saved, where God dwells among His people forever.

III. No More Pain, Death, or Tears

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying..." – Revelation 21:4

Heaven is a place of complete joy and peace. The former things will be gone, and only God's perfect presence will remain.

IV. The Presence of God

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men..." – Revelation 21:3

God Himself will dwell with His people. There will be no need for a temple or sun, for the Lord will be the light and glory of His people (Revelation 21:22–23).

V. Who Will Be There?

"But they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life." – Revelation 21:27

Only the redeemed, those who have trusted in Jesus Christ, will enter this eternal kingdom.

VI. The Call to Be Ready

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." – 2 Peter 3:13

This hope should motivate believers to live in holiness, faithfulness, and expectation of God’s eternal plan.

VII. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection:

Do I truly long for eternity with God? Am I living today in preparation for that holy city?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Help me to keep my eyes on eternal things and walk in Your righteousness daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.