HERE IS A PREVIEW OF THE GREAT OLIVET DISCOURSE, GIVEN SOMEWHERE ALONG THE JERICHO ROAD

1. Jesus was walking up the Jericho Road, from his Perean Ministry- last trip to Jerusalem -
2. The Pharisees followed Jesus- blinded with prejudice, but wanting to be there to criticize
3. They sought a message of hope and consolation, and what Jesus gave them was a message of terror and warning -

Throughout Scripture the Day of the Lord is day of Judgment!

I.- THE QUESTION ON EVERY LIP - WHEN?   Luke 17:20

The carnal hearts of men are always looking for a government solution to the problems of life!

A.- IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT MEN HAVE THE HABIT OF ASKING THE WRONG QUESTIONS - When? v.20

1. Here the Pharisees ask "When" - but in John 6:15 the men tried to take Jesus and make him King
2. Later the Apostles asked- Matt 24:3 -When, What signs about the end of the age- on Mt Olive
3. Again- Acts 1:6 they asked the resurrected Lord "When" and were told "Not for you to know"-

B.- IN LUKE AS JESUS JOURNIED HE TOLD THEM GOD'S KINGDOM DOES NOT COME WITH OUTWARD SHOW! v.20b

1. These men all looked for a sudden outward change in society- where justice & WEALTH abound!
2. They wanted prosperity, and of course they expected to have supremacy over all other men
3. But Jesus told them that they were looking amiss: Often he tried to point to spiritual things

C.- THE KINGDOM OF GOD WOULD NOT BE "LO, HERE! OR LO, THERE!", but IS WITHIN YOU!

1. There will be outward events with great power of Jesus; our part is within our own hearts!
2. Today- Rom 14:17 tells of the Kingdom not things, but within- "righteousness, peace, joy-"
3. On that day the King was in the midst of the Pharisees,- and they knew it not - sought things

The Lord may be doing a real miracle next to you, or in your own heart- & be ignored!

II.- THAT DAY AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH   Luke 17:26

The question they asked was one that they missed- it would be day of terror, not luxury!

A.- JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES TO BEWARE OF THE FOOLISHNESS OF MEN, AND TRUST GOD.-v.22-25

1. Men shall desire the Lord's coming- and not see it! They all died expecting it! -so what?
2. Some say- see here, or see there- (todays specialty) -go not after them! -Spectacular flops
3. But when the Lord comes- like lightening from cloud to cloud- speed, fire, noise follows!

B.- AS FOR MEN BEING READY, AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, SO SHALL IT BE IN THAT DAY v.26

1. That was a great civilization- Gen 6 - busy, prosperous, great multitude,- but wicked, desperate
2. Normal life till flood of water- eating, drinking, marrying, right up till time of 1st rain
3. The only ones who were saved were those who entered the ark - listened, believed, obeyed- saved

C.- MEN ALSO MOCKED AND MISSED THE WARNING IN THE DAYS OF LOT, v.28 AND SO IT WILL BE AGAIN

1. In Sodom they ate, drank, bought, sold, and lived in great prosperity and great wickedness
2. The fire that came from heaven and destroyed came unexpectedly- and none of them were saved
3. Only Lot and two of his daughters were spared- today only few saved- then tribulation!-

When the end comes men will flee so fast they will forget their treasures- v.31- but no safety

III.- IN THAT DAY WILL CHRIST FIND FAITH? v.18:8

Think of the heartbreak of Jesus- as He spoke these words on his way to Jerusalem to die for us

A.- REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE! V. 32 - DIRECTING US TO GENESIS 19:26 - NOT COMFORT BUT WARNING

1. Think how the heart of Jesus wanted to give love, comfort, forgiveness
2. Lot's wife had every chance to be saved, why not? - because of her earthly treasures-looked back
3. She is an example and warning- Look to Christ; Earthly treasures are often traps, seek Jesus

B.- IN HIS PARABLES JESUS TRIED TO TEACH THEM THAT MEN OUGHT TO SEEK SPIRITUAL GOALS 18:1-

1. With the expectations of troubles- we ought to seek personal grace from God- not government
2. With prayer- there is a responsibility to work at it- the Judge was forced by troubles!
3. God wants to hear us v.7 -but a question burns in my soul- v.8 -I want to be able to answer

C.- BUT THE PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN HUMBLES MY HEART, I STILL CRY, "YES, LORD"

1. Lest we could become boastful, proud, vain- v. 9 - 14 there is no mistaking the message
2. The Pharisee was a wonderful church member- not many of us do as well- but self righteous!
3. The Publican was a wretch- weak, wicked, and not much to be desired- but cried for mercy

Which one was Justified- ? Which one is a picture of you? What will you do about it?

WHEN JESUS COMES, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON EARTH? WHAT WILL THE CONDITION OF YOUR LIFE BE?

1. There are no more signs, wonders, miracles,- before He begins the End of our Age!
2. If you are not ready get ready! - If you a re not faithful- then cry out for forgiveness!
3. There were some saved in Noah's day, and some in Lot's- but it took belief and action!