2. What conditions and attitudes have been evident since 1914?

Jesus’ disciples asked him: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matthew 24:3) In answer, Jesus foretold many things that would happen after he began ruling in heaven as King of God’s Kingdom. Some of these include war, food shortages, and earthquakes. (Read Matthew 24:7.) The Bible also foretold that people’s attitudes in “the last days” would make life “hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) These conditions and attitudes have especially been evident since 1914.

3. Why have conditions become so bad since God’s Kingdom began ruling?

Shortly after Jesus became King of God’s Kingdom, he went to war in heaven against Satan and the demons. Satan lost that war. The Bible says that “he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.” (Revelation 12:9, 10, 12) Satan is very angry because he knows he will be destroyed. So he causes pain and suffering all over the earth. No wonder world conditions are so bad! God’s Kingdom will undo all these problems.

5. The world has changed since 1914

Play the VIDEO.

VIDEO: The World Has Changed Since 1914 (1:10)

Jesus foretold world conditions that would be evident after he became King. Read Luke 21:9-11, and then discuss this question:

• Which of these conditions have you observed or heard about?

The apostle Paul described what people would be like in the last days of human rule. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and then discuss this question:

• Which of these attitudes have you noted in people today?

6. The rule of God’s Kingdom should motivate us

Read Matthew 24:3, 14, and then discuss these questions:

• What important work shows that God’s Kingdom is now ruling?

• How can you have a share in this work?

God’s Kingdom is now ruling, and the day when it takes full control of the earth is near. Read Hebrews 10:24, 25, and then discuss this question:

• What should each of us do as we “see the day drawing near”?