Chuck Smith discusses the concept of the 'end of the world' as described in Matthew 24:3, emphasizing that it refers to the end of the age of man rather than the physical world. He explains that humanity has failed in various forms of governance since Adam, and God has allowed this age to unfold while inviting people to seek Him. Smith outlines signs that will mark the close of this age, including wars, natural disasters, and the rise of the Anti-Christ, ultimately leading to a new kingdom age characterized by peace and righteousness. He uses the parable of the fig tree to illustrate that the signs of the times indicate we are in the terminal generation, awaiting Christ's return.

"THE END OF THE WORLD" Intro: A few years ago, to even suggest this subject caused you to be considered a likely candidate for the funny farm. The social scientists began to study the population growth ratios and the capacity to produce food they began to shout the end of the world. Then the physical scientists looking at capacity to build super weapons. Studied ozone blanket, water sources, energy reserves, weather patterns. I. WHAT BIBLE MEANS BY "END OF THE WORLD." A. "Aionos" age. 1. Not physical world. 2. Age of man. a. God gave the earth to man. b. Since Adam's failure in garden, man has been failing ever since. c. Man has attempted many forms of government, all have failed. 3. In a sense, God has given man a free rein. a. He has stood back and said, "I am here to help you, just call on Me." 1. To the weak; confused; lost; bereaved; despairing; weary. b. He does not force Himself upon you. 4. This age of man coming quickly to an end. a. God is going to usher in a new age. 1. The kingdom age. 2. You cannot have a kingdom without a king. b. A world without crime, greed, war, hunger, sickness, untimely deaths, storms, floods, disasters. c. A world of love, joy, peace, righteousness, plenty. II. WHAT WILL BE THE SIGNS THAT WILL MARK THE CLOSE OF THIS AGE? (7. A. First would be a series: world war, earthquakes, pestilences, famines. (14. B. Gospel preached as witness to all nations. 1. Rev. 14. (15. C. Anti-Christ revealed, standing in their rebuilt temple demanding to be worshipped. (21. D. Great tribulation. 1. Detailed in Rev. 6 . 18. E. Proliferation of false cults. F. Sun darkened, moon also (naturally), stars fall from heaven, powers of heaven shaken. Ill. PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE. A. Purpose of parable to illustrate a truth in symbolic form. B. What is fig tree? 1. Jeremiah 24. 2. Hosea 9:10. 3. Joel 1:7, speaking of destruction of nation Israel. "He has barked My fig tree, made it clean bare. C. When nation Israel begins to bud forth. 1. Coming at the door. 2. This generation will not pass till all these things be fulfilled. D. As I understand the scriptures, we are in the terminal generation, that will not pass till all these things be fulfilled. As I also understand the scriptures, Jesus is coming to take away His bride the church some seven years before He comes back with His church (1981..