A: Dear Calab,

Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:36 tells us that "Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." This means God hasn't told us exactly when the return of Jesus will be. But we know He is coming, because Jesus promised that he would in John 14:1-3 when He said "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

Jesus also told us that there would be signs that would tell us when His return would be near. In Matthew 24:4-7 Jesus said that there would be wars, famines (food shortages), pestilences (diseases), and earthquakes (with other natural disasters). Then in verse 8 He said "All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." Birth pains start out slow, but they increase in frequency and intensity – there are more of them, and they are stronger. Jesus said that is what it would be like with all the wars, sicknesses, famines and natural disasters just before He comes – there would be more of them, and they would be more severe. The Bible also tells us that society will become more violent, and that people would be absorbed with the things of this life (shopping, relationships, work – see Luke 17:25-30; 2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Jesus told us that "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28). As we see these signs happening in the world around us, we can be sure that Jesus' coming will be soon! Jesus also said we should "Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is" (Mark 13:33). This means we should make sure to spend time with Jesus every day, trusting in Him to get us ready for when He comes again to take us home to heaven with Him.

Thanks for writing, and remember, there's never been a better time to share Jesus!

Your friend, Pastor Howard