Amid escalating global conflict and constant crisis headlines, Pastor Greg Laurie says Christians should not respond with fear but with expectation rooted in Scripture.
In a recent teaching titled “Jesus and the Last Days,” Laurie turned to John 14 and Matthew 24 to address growing questions about whether the world is nearing the end times. He argued that the upheaval dominating the news cycle mirrors what Jesus described as signs of the times.
“All around us are what we would call signs of the times,” Laurie said. “And they’re all saying one thing. Jesus is coming.”
Laurie emphasized that Bible prophecy is intended to prepare believers rather than alarm them. Quoting Jesus’ words in John 14, he reminded listeners that Christ told His followers not to let their hearts be troubled because He has prepared a place for them and promised to return.
“When you see these things begin to happen, look up for your redemption is drawing near,” Laurie said, adding that Scripture never instructs believers to panic when global turmoil increases.
A central focus of the teaching was the distinction between the rapture and the second coming of Christ. Laurie said the rapture occurs before the seven year tribulation period while the second coming takes place at its conclusion.
“They’re actually two separate events,” he said. “In the rapture, He comes for His church. In the second coming, He returns with His church.”
Laurie pointed to Matthew 24 where Jesus warned of deception, wars, famines, pestilence and earthquakes as precursors to the end. He said these events are not the final judgment but the beginning of sorrows.
The tribulation period, Laurie explained, begins with the rise of the Antichrist, who initially appears as a global leader offering peace and economic solutions. Midway through the tribulation, the Antichrist commits what Scripture calls the abomination of desolation by declaring himself god in a rebuilt temple.
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“That’s when the judgment of God is poured out upon the planet,” Laurie said.
The conflict culminates in the battle of Armageddon fought in Israel’s Valley of Megiddo where Christ returns visibly and in power.
Laurie also cautioned against setting dates for Christ’s return, noting Jesus’ warning that no one knows the day or hour of the rapture.
“The Bible never tells us to be looking for the Antichrist,” he said. “But it does tell us to be looking for Jesus Christ.”
Laurie concluded by stressing that Christ’s return is imminent and sudden. The proper response, he said, is readiness not fear.
“The coming of Christ is imminent,” Laurie said. “It could happen at any moment.”
He added that a believer’s reaction to that truth reveals their spiritual condition.
“If you hear this and say, ‘I love it. I hope He comes today,’ I would say you’re probably walking with God,” he said.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
