Lecture on Haggai Chapter 2 and End Times

Key Scriptures

• Haggai 2:1-9:
  • Seventh month, 21st day.
  • Message to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people.
  • Call to be strong and work because the Lord is with them.
  • Promise that the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former.
  • God will fill His house with glory.
  • The silver and gold belong to the Lord.
  • Promise of peace in the house of the Lord.
• Matthew 24:3-8:
  • Disciples ask about the end times.
  • Jesus warns against deception.
  • Many will come claiming to be anointed.
  • Wars and rumors of wars.
  • Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes as signs of the end times.
  • These are the beginning of sorrows (birth pains).

Key Points and Themes

Importance of Understanding the Times

• We are at the end of the end times; it has already begun.
• Knowing this should change how we live our lives.
• Urgent call to work for the Kingdom.

Call to Action

• Be strong and work for the Lord.
• Don’t live the same if you know the Lord is coming back.
• Spread the gospel because the return of Christ will be catastrophic for unbelievers.

Cultural and Societal Reflections

• The need for multicultural churches.
  • The true church should reflect every nation and tongue.
  • Unity is often falsely represented.
• Churches should not be clubs but powerful bodies of believers.

Specific Warnings

• Deception:
  • Many will come claiming to be anointed (not necessarily claiming to be Jesus).
  • Various false prophets and leaders throughout history.
• Wars and Rumors of Wars:
  • Emphasis on hearing about wars rather than seeing them.
  • Media and political manipulation of information.
• Offense and Betrayal:
  • Many will be offended, leading to betrayal and hatred.

Moral and Ethical Teachings

• Live sanctified lives; aim to be more like Jesus.
• Avoid living comfortably in worldly ways.
• Seriousness in faith and action.

Call to Unity

• Emphasize unity across different cultures and backgrounds within the church.
• The world is trying to divide people along racial and economic lines.

End Times Signs

• Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom.
• Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes.
• All these are just the beginning of birth pains.

Practical Guidance

• For Believers:
  • Be motivated and diligent in your faith.
  • Spread the gospel and work diligently for the Kingdom.
  • Be aware of the signs and stay prepared.
• For Unbelievers:
  • Urgent call to salvation.
  • Be terrified of the consequences of not knowing Christ.

Personal and Communal Encouragement

• Join and stay committed to a local church.
• Be aware of societal influences and stay rooted in biblical teachings.
• Maintain peace within the church community.

Final Exhortation

• Understand the times and be diligent in your faith.
• Live in readiness for Christ’s return.
• Work towards unity and strength in the body of Christ.