Podcast Summary: “Monday - Signs of His Coming”

Podcast: Rick Renner Podcast (Audio)
Host: Rick Renner Ministries
Episode Air Date: January 5, 2026
Episode Focus: Signs of the End Times according to Jesus’ teachings

Overview

In this episode, Rick Renner launches a new 10-part teaching series titled "How Close Are We to the End?" This episode lays a foundational understanding of biblical prophecy concerning the "end times," focusing on the disciples’ questions to Jesus about the timing and signs of His coming and the close of the age. Renner delves into the critical verses of Matthew 24, explaining the scriptural language and providing practical illustrations to help believers discern where we stand on the prophetic timeline.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to the Series & Resources

• [00:38] Rick introduces a 10-part series on end time prophecy, accompanied by a study guide, a book (“Signs You'll See Just Before Jesus Comes”), and a downloadable end times timeline for listeners.
• Emphasis on biblical literacy during uncertain times, and the enduring relevance of prophecy.

Scriptural Foundation: The Disciples’ Questions

• [03:30] Rick sets the stage with Matthew 24, noting how Jesus’ prophecy about the destruction of the Temple was shocking to His disciples and historically fulfilled in 70 AD.
  • Quote: “When Jesus said that, there could have been nothing more shocking... The temple was enormous... it seemed impossible, but in 70 AD, that is exactly what happened.” — Rick Renner [04:42]
• The destruction serves as a tangible “prophetic declaration” that validates Jesus’ remaining prophecies.

The Context and Nature of the Disciples’ Questions

• [06:42] The discussion centers on Matthew 24:3, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
  • Disciples privately ask Jesus:
    1. “When shall these things be?”
    2. “What shall be the sign of your coming and the end of the world (age)?”
  • Historical fixation on end time events, both in the era between the Testaments and in modern times.

Word Study: Deep Dive into Biblical Language

• [09:00] Rick examines the specific Greek terms in the disciples’ questions:
  • “When (pote)” – an exact, specific time.
  • “What (ti)” – detailed, specific specifics.
  • “Sign (sēmeion)” – a recognizable marker or indicator, illustrated by road signs guiding travelers towards a destination.
  • “Coming (parousia)” – refers to the arrival or presence of Christ, used both for the Rapture and the Second Advent; context determines which.
    • Quote: “A technical expression for the royal visit of a king… or the arrival of one who alone has the authority to deal with the situation and to put things in correct order.” — Rick Renner [13:56]
  • “End (sunteleia)” – more accurately “closure,” “consummation,” or “wrap-up” instead of absolute cessation.
  • “World (aiōn)” – not the physical world but the “age” or “era.”

The Purpose and Examples of Prophetic Signs

• [12:30] Rick likens prophetic signs to road signs on a journey:
  • As physical signs mark distance to a destination, prophetic signs indicate our place on the biblical timeline.
  • Changes in “environment,” “culture,” and “society” signal landmark moments approaching the culmination of this age.
  • Quote: “The environment’s going to change, society is going to change… if we pay attention to the signs, we can determine where we are on this prophetic road.” [15:04]

Jesus’ List of Signs of the End

• [17:55] Despite the disciples’ request for one sign, Jesus provides more than twenty key indicators (citations given for each throughout Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21):
  • Worldwide deception (24:4)
  • Deception within the church (24:5)
  • Wars and rumors of wars (24:6)
  • Commotions and terrorism (Luke 21:9)
  • Political and ethnic conflicts (24:7)
  • Famines, economic instability, pestilences (24:7)
  • Seismic activity (24:7)
  • Persecution and prosecution of believers (24:9)
  • Imprisonment of Christians (24:9)
  • Emergence of false prophets (24:11)
  • Waning of love in many hearts (24:12)
  • Fearful sights and signs in the heavens (Luke 21:11)
  • Ultimate sign: The worldwide preaching of the gospel (24:14)
    • Quote: “They said, ‘Lord, what is the sign?’ And Jesus gave them number one. What is the most important sign that we've come to the end of the age? We're going to be seeing that in the next program.” — Rick Renner [20:42]

Can We Know the Date? Role of the Holy Spirit

• [20:55] Rick addresses Matthew 24:36:
  • Only the Father knows the day and hour; setting dates for the Rapture is discouraged.
  • The Holy Spirit operates as a “guide” (Greek: hodegos), leading and preparing believers for what’s to come.
    • Quote: “If we will listen to the Holy Spirit… He will alert us to where we are in time.” — Rick Renner [21:32]
  • The Spirit will “declare to us over and over... the things that are coming.” (Greek: anangellō)

Importance of Church Participation in the Last Days

• [22:14] Participation in church becomes all the more important as the end approaches (Hebrews 10:25, Ephesians 4:16).
  • Encouragement, supply, and mutual support are needed in challenging times.
  • Quote: “My part is important, your part is important. My friends, we don’t just go to church. We are the church.” — Rick Renner [22:22]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Prophetic Significance:
  “Those stones that are a prophetic declaration that everything in Matthew 24 really is going to happen.” [05:39]

• On Asking Deep Questions with Jesus:
  “When you get alone with Jesus, Jesus will tell you things just for your ears as well.” [07:45]

• On Biblical Language Precision:
  “First, when—pote—tell us exactly when… and what shall be the sign… the little Greek word ti. Exactly what Lord?” [09:21]

• On Prophetic Signs as Road Markers:
  “If there were no signs, you would have no idea where you were on the road… and that’s why Jesus gave us signs.” [14:28]

• On Our Current Place in Prophetic Timeline:
  “We may not be able to pinpoint a date, but if we will listen to the Holy Spirit… He’ll quicken to us what’s happening behind the scenes...” [21:47]

• On Church Life:
  “We don’t just go to church. We are the church. We need to participate in the life of the church.” [23:19]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:38] — Introduction to series and resources
• [03:30] — Jesus' prophecy about the temple in Matthew 24 and its fulfillment
• [06:42] — The disciples' private questions on the Mount of Olives
• [09:00] — Greek word studies: when, what, sign, coming, end, world
• [12:30] — Road sign illustration for prophetic signs
• [17:55] — The exhaustive list of end time signs from the Gospels
• [20:55] — Why we cannot set dates; the Holy Spirit’s prophetic role
• [22:14] — Encouragement for church participation as the end nears

Tone & Style

Rick's approach is pastoral, in-depth, and enthusiastic, encouraging believers to engage personally with Scripture, trust the reliability of Jesus’ words, and rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and courage in the approaching close of the age.

Summary

This foundational episode explains why and how Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are crucial for understanding end times prophecy. Rick Renner encourages listeners to rely on scriptural truths—unmoved by cultural trends or fear—and to let the Holy Spirit guide their understanding and response to the signs of the times. The episode sets up a methodical, faith-building exploration of end-time signs in the episodes to follow.

Next Episode Preview:
Rick will highlight “the most blaring sign” that signals we are near the end, continuing the exploration in detail.

For further study or resources referenced in this episode:

• Free End Times Timeline download
• Book: "Signs You'll See Just Before Jesus Comes"
• 10-part teaching series "How Close Are We to the End?"