Jesus and the End Times: Separating Fact from Conspiracy | Focused on Christ Ep. 142

What goes through your mind when someone starts talking about the end times? For many, the conversation can quickly devolve into conspiracy theories and "newspaper theology". This episode addresses the nervousness and the fascination surrounding the return of Jesus, particularly after a recent viral "prophecy" led to disappointment for many.

Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they turn to the words of Jesus himself in Matthew 24 to understand the end of the age.

• The Danger of False Prophecies: Why even Christ-loving people can get pulled into unbiblical end times excitement. We look at a recent example of a viral prophecy that predicted Jesus' return on a specific date.

  
  

• The Context of Matthew 24: Jesus' conversation with his disciples begins with a strong declaration that the physical Temple, which they admired as a sign of the Kingdom, would be destroyed. Jesus warns them not to confuse the earthly with the heavenly kingdom.

  
  

• Wars, Famines, and Earthquakes: Are we in the end times? Jesus says these are just the "beginning of the birth pains," and the primary purpose of his warnings is pastoral—to shape their hearts and hope.

  
  

• The Abomination of Desolation: We unpack the meaning of this prophecy, rooted in Daniel, and explore the "near fulfillment" (like Antiochus Epiphanes and the destruction of Jerusalem) versus the "eventual fulfillment" that is yet to come.

  
  

• Why the Son Doesn't Know the Hour: Addressing the complex question from Matthew 24:36. We explain how this is a statement about the Father's decreeing authority within the Trinity, not a limitation of Jesus' divine nature.

  
  

• The Final Judgment: Looking ahead to Matthew 25:31-33, when the Son of Man returns in glory to separate the sheep from the goats—the ultimate final judgment.

  
  

• The Church's End Times Mandate: Jesus gives these teachings so we are not deceived by false prophets and so we are not alarmed when the world is chaotic. We have final confidence in gospel victory—Jesus Christ emerges the victor.

  
  

Tune in to anchor your hope in Christ's return, not in fleeting conspiracy theories!

Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church, passionate about exalting Christ and equipping the church.

Host: Mike Crump Guest: Pastor Nathan Smith

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Next Week: We open up the mailbag and grill Nathan with listener questions!

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree | Focused on Christ Ep. 141

In this episode of Focused on Christ, Pastors Mike and Nathan unpack one of the most misunderstood moments in Jesus’ ministry — when He cursed the fig tree. Was Jesus simply angry or hangry, or is there a much deeper message hidden in this symbolic act?

Join us as we:

🌿 Explore the Old Testament roots of the fig tree as a symbol for Israel.

🏛️ Connect the cursing of the fig tree to the cleansing of the temple.

🙏 Discover what Jesus teaches about true faith, prayer, and forgiveness.

🔥 Unpack the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13 and its picture of God’s patience, judgment, and redemption.

This episode reminds us that fruitfulness reveals true life in Christ — and that real faith produces both love for God and forgiveness toward others.

Article on the Synoptic Problem: https://drbarrick.org/?p=103

📖 Scripture References:

Mark 11:12–25

Matthew 21:18–22

Luke 13:6–9

John 15

🎧 Listen and grow as we fix our hearts and minds on Christ, seeing His glory even in the smallest details of Scripture.

🔗 Connect with us:

Website: https://focusedonchrist.com

Podcast: Focused on Christ – available on all major platforms

Church: Heritage Baptist Church

#Jesus #BibleStudy #FocusedOnChrist #FigTree #Faith #Discipleship #Gospel #ChristianPodcast #HeritageBaptistChurch #Mark11

The Triumphal Entrance: Power, Servanthood, and the Scandal of Grace | Ep 140 - Focused on Christ

Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they dive into The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a significant event traditionally associated with Passion Week.In this episode, they explore the dramatic context and contrast of this moment by first looking at the request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee in Matthew 20. The hosts discuss her self-seeking petition for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in his kingdom, which they likely understood as a political messiahship intended to overthrow Rome and restore the Davidic age.They break down Jesus' challenging response about drinking his cup, which the disciples initially understood as relational fellowship. Pastor Smith notes that this fellowship would later be understood to include sharing in Christ's suffering.The conversation then focuses on Jesus' teaching on true greatness:Serving others: Jesus contrasts the worldly rulers who "lord it over them" with the new standard for his followers—that the greatest must be a servant and the first must be a slave.The gold standard: Jesus sets himself up as the example, having "come not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many".Humility is the path of godliness.The Triumphal Entry: Peace and ProphecyThe hosts then transition to the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21, discussing the significance of the event and its symbolism.The Donkey: The act of Jesus riding on a donkey (or colt) symbolizes peace, contrasting with a horse, which was an instrument of war.Prophetic Image: Laying down cloaks and branches was a sign of great respect, an act traditionally reserved for a king. The movement of Jesus from the Mount of Olives down through the eastern gate and into the temple is seen as a foreshadowing of the glory of God returning to Jerusalem, as prophesied in Ezekiel.The Proclamation: The crowds shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David," proclaiming him to be the prophesied Messiah (though likely understood as a political figure, not God himself) and the prophet spoken of by Deuteronomy.Finally, they tackle the irony of the crowd's quick turn against Jesus during the crucifixion, noting that many were likely disappointed when he didn't bring the expected political revolution.The episode concludes by reconciling the dual nature of Christ—the glorious God deserving of all praise and the one who came to be a servant and die for sinners. This incredible contrast is termed the "scandal of grace," which should move believers to a joyful desire to serve others.