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♪ theme music ♪

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(Derek) Welcome to Hope Sabbath School,

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an in-depth, interactive study

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of the Word of God.

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I'm glad you joined us today

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as we continue a life-changing series

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of studies on the Gospel of Matthew.

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Today we're going to talk

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about "The Teachings of Jesus

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about the Last Days."

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A relevant topic,

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and I know you'll be blessed.

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So welcome to Hope Sabbath School

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and welcome to our team.

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What a great series of studies.

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I'm so thankful that the Spirit of God

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inspired a former tax collector,

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Levi Matthew, to write this account,

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and I'm excited today because

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one of our team, Tricia Lee,

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is going to be leading in our study.

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Tricia Lee, thanks for your commitment

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to the Word of God,

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and I know God is going to bless us

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in wonderful ways.

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We're just so glad

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that you're part of Hope Sabbath School,

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and when you write to us it brings joy

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to our hearts to hear
how God is blessing you.

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You can write to sshope@hopetv.org.

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You can also write a note

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on our Facebook page;

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we've got more than 150,000 followers

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on Facebook now, and it's wonderful.

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Sometimes we'll put a picture of you,

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if you send one.

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We're just part of a global family

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seeking God and wanting to be used

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to bless others with His Word.

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So thanks for writing.

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Ely writes from California.

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Anybody from California?

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Some of you have lived
in California, right?

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Okay.

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"Greetings to every Hope
Sabbath School member."

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Several of you look happy.

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"I watch your program every day.

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I learn a lot from the discussion.

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I also downloaded the app,

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and I love to watch the archives.

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I feast on the Word of God every day."

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Well, Ely, thanks for letting other

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Hope Sabbath School members know

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that if you go to our website,

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hopetv.org/hopess,

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you can not only watch programs

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in this series on the Gospel of Matthew

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that you might have missed,

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but you can watch a
multitude of past programs

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with wonderful topics

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that will be a blessing.

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If you have the app on your iPhone

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or your smartphone, you can access

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the archives there; you can watch

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all kinds of wonderful Bible studies.

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So thanks for putting in a little promo,

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Ely, for the app, and that's

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a wonderful blessing to many people.

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James writes from Ghana.

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Anyone with Ghanaian roots?

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We do have some occasionally on our team,

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don't we?

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"I enjoy your class and the contributions

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you make.

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I pick your contributions,

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and I replicate them in my class

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when I teach in my church."

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Is that good?

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(Team) Yes.

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(Derek) That's exactly
what we're hoping for.

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"Oh, how I wish I could contribute live,"

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says James.

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"Send my greetings to the
Hope Sabbath School team."

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Well, James, if you come over

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when we're filming, we'd love to have you

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as part of the program,

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but, you know, we're equally excited

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to know that you're leading a Bible study

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program there in your homeland of Ghana,

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and, along with tens of thousands

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who are downloading that outline,

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we're glad you're teaching
the Word to others.

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Benson writes from Kenya,

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and I know we've got one Kenyan.

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Eric, wave to your brother from Kenya.

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All right, a big smile for Benson

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writing from Kenya, "I
follow your programs.

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I am a Sunday School teacher."

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So Benson's teaching the Word

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in his church.

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"Please don't give up because your work

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is not in vain."

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(Team) Amen.

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(Derek) Ah, that's awesome!

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"God bless you all, amen."

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Well Benson, to know that you're a witness

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there in your church in Kenya

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brings great joy to our hearts.

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You encourage

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your other Sunday School members

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to watch Hope Sabbath School,

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and they'll learn much more about

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the Word of God, too.

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Here's one last note, actually, I've got

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a couple here; lots of people writing.

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I want to thank Jean

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for writing from Russia.

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You say, "Jean doesn't sound Russian."

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Well, Jean is from Rwanda,

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studying in Russia.

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"I greet you in the might name of
our soon-coming Savior Jesus Christ."

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(Team) Amen.

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(Derek) "Peace be with you.

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I am Rwandese, currently living

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and studying in Russia."

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Now I want you to listen
to Jean's testimony.

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"I discovered Hope Sabbath School

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in late 2014 shortly
after I came to Russia.

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I used to go through the
Sabbath School study by myself

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because I didn't have
anyone to study with me.

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Even after I discovered
a church in the city,

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it was still difficult because all
of the services were held in"...?

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(Team) Russian.

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(Derek) "...Russian, and I just
was learning the language.

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As a response to my longings,..."

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Somebody is going to say "amen" here,

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"As a response to my longings,

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God revealed Hope Sabbath School to me,"

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(Team) Amen.

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(Derek) "...and I was able to be part

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of the in-depth study of
the Word of God in English.

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It blessed me so much that even though

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I've now acquired enough language skills

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to discuss the lesson in Russian,

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I still watch Hope Sabbath School,

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and I'm blessed by that.

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I pray that you keep serving,
letting people know

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about the Word of God and that you

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might even broadcast
in different languages

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to reach many unreached
places for Christ."

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Well, Jean, I want to ask you to pray

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because we are moving forward 
with closed captioning,

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and we are looking for the opportunity

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for volunteer translators in a multitude

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of different languages so that people

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who don't have English as their language,

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even a major second language,

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will be able to watch and
read the closed captioning

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because, you know this
Gospel of the KIngdom

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is going to go the whole World,

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and then Jesus will come back,

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isn't that right?

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(Team) Amen.

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(Derek) So thank you for
being a witness there

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while you're studying in Russia.

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One last note from Alexander in Zimbabwe.

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Anyone from Zimbabwe?

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Simiso, hold your hand up
and wave to your brother,

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and we'll get that on the screen,

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all the way from Zimbabwe.

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"Greetings, Hope Sabbath School team."

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(Team) Greetings!

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(Derek) "I'm blessed to be watching

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Hope Sabbath School in Harare,

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capital of Zimbabwe.

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I really enjoy the discussions;

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they're so interactive and informative.

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May God bless you, the entire
Hope Sabbath School team,

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for spreading the Word of God."

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Well, you say that's a lot of emails

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coming from around the world,

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and, you know, we are just so glad

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that we can be part of a global family.

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And we're going to sing together now

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as a global family,

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and then Tricia Lee's going to lead us

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in a powerful study of the Word of God,

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"The Teachings of Jesus
about the Last Days,"

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but were singing now, Psalm 148.

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I hope you've learned it for this series,

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"Praise Him in the Heights."

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♪ music ♪

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(Derek) You know, I've got a feeling

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when we're done with this series,

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we're going to be singing
this in our sleep,

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but what a great Psalm to sing,

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"Praise Him in the Heights,"

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and, Tricia Lee, as you lead our
study today, I know we'll have a lot

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to praise Jesus for as He gives
us hope for the last days.

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(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

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Let us pray.

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Dear Lord, we need your Holy Spirit

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to help us to understand the times

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that we're living in.

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We need your Holy Spirit to help
us understand Your Word to us

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about the Last Days.

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Please bless this study,

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in Christ's name we pray, amen.

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(Derek, Team) Amen.

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(Tricia Lee) I am so excited that God

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has not left us in the dark about
what to expect will happen

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in the Last Days.

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Some people are very anxious
or nervous about the things

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that happen at the end of time.

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Some people have heard rumors or
strange stories of the apocalypse

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or even science fiction zombies,

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but God's Word reveals
to us what to expect.

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So as we study together, let's just
thank God that He has not left us

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in darkness about what
will come in the Last Days.

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(Derek, Team) Amen.

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(Tricia Lee) Let us turn our study

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to the Book of Matthew chapter 23.

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Before we hear what Jesus
teaches about the Last Days,

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first we find our study right
after the Triumphal Entry.

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Jesus has entered Jerusalem, and
He has met the religious leaders,

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and unfortunately they are filled
with envy and anger towards Him,

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and with a sorrowful heart He beings
to pronounce series of woes to them.

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Woe means misery or trouble to come,

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bad things that are happening, so 
He's warning them about the condition

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of their hard hearts and what that means.

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So let's see first, before
we talk about the last days,

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what Christ says to the religious
leaders and to the people at the time

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about these woes, this miserable
condition that they are unfortunately now

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finding themselves in
because they've rejected Him.

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Let's start in Matthew chapter 23.

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I'll ask Gary if he would
please read for us

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Matthew chapter 23, verses 1 through 12.

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(Gary) Okay, I'll be reading
from the New King James Version:

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(Tricia Lee) Amen.

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So before addressing the
Scribes and Pharisees,

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Christ first addresses the people,

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and He actually gives them some warnings.

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Nicole, would you summarize for us

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what has Christ warned the people
about in the verses we just read.

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(Nicole) Sure, I'm thinking back
to humility again and not being

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caught up in names and being
in certain places in society,

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and so I think He is warning
against being kind of hypocrites,

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you know, saying one thing out of
your mouth, but acting and living

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a way that's not reflecting
what you're saying.

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So I think this whole kind of 12 verses
talks about hypocrisy and warning

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against living a life that
you're not actually living.

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(Tricia Lee) That's correct.

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Let's keep reading now 
in verses 13 through 15,

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where now Jesus is speaking directly

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to the religious leaders and
pronounces these woes upon them.

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Olric, will you please read
Matthew chapter 23:13-15?

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(Olric) Yes, I'll be reading
from the King James Version:

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(Tricia Lee) Wow, wow, strong words

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from Jesus here.

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Jonathan, would you summarize for us

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what is the rebuke that Jesus is giving
to the Scribes and Pharisees here?

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00:14:26,991 --> 00:14:30,491
(Jonathan) It seems like
He is just [undermining]

263
00:14:30,501 --> 00:14:33,131
their whole approach to religion.

264
00:14:33,327 --> 00:14:35,287
They had set up all these rules and
set up all these different things,

265
00:14:35,287 --> 00:14:37,107
and He's calling their bluff.

266
00:14:37,107 --> 00:14:40,287
It's like, "You talk about My Kingdom,

267
00:14:40,287 --> 00:14:42,187
but you don't actually want people in;

268
00:14:42,187 --> 00:14:44,467
you don't actually invite people
to really live these things out.

269
00:14:45,505 --> 00:14:47,465
It's more this external thing for you."

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00:14:47,465 --> 00:14:49,785
(Tricia Lee) Strong
rebukes, but there is more.

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00:14:49,785 --> 00:14:55,105
Juliana, will you continue reading for
us Matthew 23, verses 16 through 24?

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00:14:55,105 --> 00:14:58,485
(Juliana) Sure, and I will be reading
from the New King James Version:

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00:16:15,955 --> 00:16:16,875
(Tricia Lee) Wow, wow.

274
00:16:16,875 --> 00:16:21,855
Simiso, summarize for what is Jesus
rebuking the religious leaders.

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00:16:21,855 --> 00:16:24,355
(Simiso) I think Jesus is rebuking

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00:16:24,355 --> 00:16:28,135
the religious leaders to
be genuine and authentic

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00:16:28,135 --> 00:16:31,231
and be all rounded in terms of what

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00:16:31,231 --> 00:16:33,031
Scripture requires of them.

279
00:16:33,169 --> 00:16:34,769
(Tricia Lee) That's correct.

280
00:16:34,769 --> 00:16:38,369
When we look at verses 21 and
22, it seems as though they have

281
00:16:38,369 --> 00:16:41,249
a lack of reverence for
the things that are holy.

282
00:16:41,249 --> 00:16:44,549
They're not really reverencing
what God is saying.

283
00:16:44,549 --> 00:16:47,009
What do we see in verse 24

284
00:16:47,009 --> 00:16:51,229
about the tithing of mint and anise?

285
00:16:51,229 --> 00:16:53,840
Olric, what is Christ telling
them or rebuking them for?

286
00:16:54,140 --> 00:16:57,070
(Olric) They had this
teaching back then that they

287
00:16:57,270 --> 00:17:02,207
were not to eat anything unclean, and
the gnat would be an unclean animal.

288
00:17:02,207 --> 00:17:06,787
So they will take time to make sure

289
00:17:06,787 --> 00:17:09,567
that the water does not contain

290
00:17:09,567 --> 00:17:10,933
any of these little bugs,

291
00:17:10,933 --> 00:17:13,101
but, you know, He is saying,

292
00:17:13,101 --> 00:17:17,799
"Your hypocrisy is so evident;

293
00:17:18,199 --> 00:17:24,339
you take time to pay tithe
and cummin and this stuff.

294
00:17:24,339 --> 00:17:26,939
You're being outwardly religious,

295
00:17:26,939 --> 00:17:29,033
but inwardly you're not there

296
00:17:29,233 --> 00:17:33,152
because things like faith and mercy, love,

297
00:17:33,152 --> 00:17:34,672
that you don't have.

298
00:17:34,672 --> 00:17:38,152
You take time to look
at these little things,

299
00:17:38,152 --> 00:17:42,901
but there are bigger things
that you're not doing."

300
00:17:42,901 --> 00:17:44,841
(Tricia Lee) Have you
ever heard the phrase,

301
00:17:44,841 --> 00:17:48,521
"the letter of the law but
not the spirit of the law,"

302
00:17:48,521 --> 00:17:51,021
being able to keep
certain requirements

303
00:17:51,021 --> 00:17:54,261
but not really having and
living the love to motivate it?

304
00:17:54,261 --> 00:17:55,481
Let's keep reading.

305
00:17:55,481 --> 00:17:57,681
There's some more rebukes
that Jesus gives them.

306
00:17:57,681 --> 00:18:03,621
Jason, would you read for us
Matthew 23, verses 25 through 36.

307
00:18:03,621 --> 00:18:06,761
(Jason) I'll be reading from
the New King James Version.

308
00:18:06,761 --> 00:18:11,781
Matthew chapter 23, verses
25 through 36, says:

309
00:20:18,126 --> 00:20:20,805
(Tricia Lee) Wow, these
are some strong words.

310
00:20:20,805 --> 00:20:23,805
I can't even imagine calling
someone a viper or a snake.

311
00:20:23,805 --> 00:20:26,145
It's hard to even picture Jesus doing it.

312
00:20:26,145 --> 00:20:28,585
We can imagine Him with tears in His eyes

313
00:20:28,728 --> 00:20:30,488
telling those people that he loved

314
00:20:30,488 --> 00:20:32,048
those scathing rebukes.

315
00:20:32,048 --> 00:20:34,948
Why do you think the rebukes of Jesus

316
00:20:34,948 --> 00:20:35,968
were so harsh?

317
00:20:35,968 --> 00:20:38,368
Why was He speaking to them so severely?

318
00:20:38,368 --> 00:20:39,188
Nathan.

319
00:20:39,188 --> 00:20:42,748
(Nathan) I think we can read this in two
different ways, but we should read it

320
00:20:42,748 --> 00:20:46,628
thinking of Jesus with tears
in His eyes and in His voice.

321
00:20:46,628 --> 00:20:52,648
When you look at the next verse that
follows, verse 37 in Matthew 23.

322
00:20:52,648 --> 00:20:55,748
Can I read it from the New King
James Version, where He says:

323
00:21:11,289 --> 00:21:13,204
I mean, the pain in His voice;

324
00:21:13,604 --> 00:21:15,544
He's longing for them to
be saved, and He says,

325
00:21:15,544 --> 00:21:16,824
"You're not willing to come to it."

326
00:21:16,824 --> 00:21:22,924
It reminds me of, I think in Isaiah, God
speaking through the prophet says,

327
00:21:22,924 --> 00:21:26,104
"All day long I stood with My
arms open wide to a stiff-necked

328
00:21:26,104 --> 00:21:29,664
and rebellious people," -- Here
He is calling you to salvation,

329
00:21:29,664 --> 00:21:33,044
and you're turning away, not just
turning away but rebelling against Him.

330
00:21:33,044 --> 00:21:34,704
(Tricia Lee) And it's sad; it's sad.

331
00:21:34,704 --> 00:21:37,844
In a previous study, we've talked about
the choices that we all have to make,

332
00:21:37,844 --> 00:21:40,362
and that God wants us to choose Him,

333
00:21:40,362 --> 00:21:43,382
but we do have the free
will to choose otherwise.

334
00:21:43,382 --> 00:21:44,842
(Derek) You know, I'm thinking,

335
00:21:44,842 --> 00:21:49,082
Tricia Lee, I really appreciate what
Nathan said about the love of Jesus.

336
00:21:49,082 --> 00:21:51,502
And there were some Pharisees,

337
00:21:51,502 --> 00:21:53,522
Nicodemus was a Pharisee

338
00:21:53,522 --> 00:21:55,782
and also a member of the Sanhedrin,

339
00:21:55,782 --> 00:21:58,342
who did repent.

340
00:21:58,342 --> 00:21:59,322
(Tricia Lee) Yes, praise God.

341
00:21:59,322 --> 00:22:01,622
(Derek) So you know, if Jesus was

342
00:22:01,622 --> 00:22:04,022
just kind of harsh and kind of fighting

343
00:22:04,022 --> 00:22:05,542
with the weapons of this world

344
00:22:05,542 --> 00:22:06,982
or acting like they acted,

345
00:22:06,982 --> 00:22:08,462
they'd have an excuse,

346
00:22:08,462 --> 00:22:10,322
but I think He is speaking
with love in His heart.

347
00:22:10,322 --> 00:22:14,982
And, praise God, some of the
Scribes and Pharisees said,

348
00:22:14,982 --> 00:22:17,488
"We need to repent;

349
00:22:17,668 --> 00:22:19,208
we need to turn our lives around."

350
00:22:19,208 --> 00:22:20,408
(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

351
00:22:20,408 --> 00:22:21,708
Reading through this passage,

352
00:22:21,708 --> 00:22:23,248
something was very interesting,

353
00:22:23,248 --> 00:22:25,882
and I'd like to ask the
class this question:

354
00:22:25,882 --> 00:22:30,370
How could He say that the guilt

355
00:22:30,990 --> 00:22:33,010
of all the righteous
blood, all the martyrs

356
00:22:33,010 --> 00:22:34,450
would fall on this generation?

357
00:22:34,450 --> 00:22:35,710
What does that mean?

358
00:22:35,710 --> 00:22:37,490
How are they guilty of all these things?

359
00:22:37,490 --> 00:22:39,290
They're just living their little lives;

360
00:22:39,290 --> 00:22:43,390
how is it that He can say that
the blood of all the righteous

361
00:22:43,390 --> 00:22:47,270
from Abel to Zechariah would
fall on this generation?

362
00:22:47,428 --> 00:22:52,188
Any idea what was the significance
of that statement, Missy?

363
00:22:52,188 --> 00:22:53,928
(Missy) All throughout the generations,

364
00:22:53,928 --> 00:22:55,928
God has sent prophets,

365
00:22:55,928 --> 00:22:56,988
throughout all ages,

366
00:22:56,988 --> 00:23:00,168
but along with the prophets
were the dissenters

367
00:23:00,168 --> 00:23:03,428
who chose not to listen to them,
and not only that, to oppose them

368
00:23:03,428 --> 00:23:05,548
and even kill the prophets.

369
00:23:05,548 --> 00:23:08,468
And they have the same spirit,

370
00:23:08,468 --> 00:23:10,988
so this is why they would carry the guilt.

371
00:23:10,988 --> 00:23:12,248
(Tricia Lee) I think you're right, Missy.

372
00:23:12,248 --> 00:23:14,428
Let's turn to Luke chapter 24,

373
00:23:14,428 --> 00:23:16,468
and we'll see that the Bible supports

374
00:23:16,468 --> 00:23:18,008
what you just said, Missy.

375
00:23:18,008 --> 00:23:20,308
Luke chapter 24,

376
00:23:20,308 --> 00:23:27,348
and, Eric, would you read for us Luke
chapter 24, verses 25 through 27?

377
00:23:27,348 --> 00:23:32,548
(Eric) I'm reading from the
New Living Translation,

378
00:23:32,548 --> 00:23:39,508
Luke 24:25-27, and it says:

379
00:24:02,028 --> 00:24:03,768
(Tricia Lee) Amen, that's right, Missy.

380
00:24:03,768 --> 00:24:06,248
All the prophets were all
given the same message,

381
00:24:06,248 --> 00:24:09,604
the Gospel of Jesus that was
to come, the Messiah to come,

382
00:24:09,604 --> 00:24:11,724
they were all testifying to Him,

383
00:24:11,724 --> 00:24:15,824
so every generation, when they kept
rejecting the prophets that were sent

384
00:24:15,824 --> 00:24:18,204
to them, they were rejecting Christ,

385
00:24:18,204 --> 00:24:22,964
and ultimately when that generation
rejected Christ, they were rejecting

386
00:24:22,964 --> 00:24:27,804
the entire message that had been sent
to them time after time after time.

387
00:24:27,804 --> 00:24:28,564
Jonathan?

388
00:24:28,564 --> 00:24:32,084
(Jonathan) Just the fact that not
only did they reject the sayings

389
00:24:32,084 --> 00:24:35,544
that were entrusted to them, now
they came with greater power.

390
00:24:35,544 --> 00:24:37,844
I mean, like, when you have
Christ doing all these miracles,

391
00:24:37,844 --> 00:24:42,164
so if they reject Christ, who is
the fulfillment and testimony

392
00:24:42,164 --> 00:24:45,264
and perfect representation of
everything they were given,

393
00:24:45,264 --> 00:24:49,284
they in essence have rejected it and
killed everything else before them.

394
00:24:49,284 --> 00:24:53,884
(Derek) But you know, we have no excuse

395
00:24:53,884 --> 00:24:54,404
because we have Jesus,

396
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and yet, you know, one of the things
I've noticed teaching about Jesus,

397
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
there are many young people who
grow up in a Christian home

398
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
who have never read the Book of
Matthew or Mark or Luke or John.

399
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
They have the testimony of Jesus Himself,

400
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and yet a lot of times we
act like it doesn't exist.

401
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) That would be
the rebuke to our generation.

402
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) I think it would be.

403
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) The rebuke to our generation

404
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
is that we have this Word that has
survived generation after generation,

405
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we know that it's been
preserved through time

406
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
exactly as it was spoken through
the prophets and written down,

407
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we know the life of Christ, and so here
we are today with such grace, such mercy,

408
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and if we still choose not to accept
God, then that's the rebuke that we have

409
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
on ourselves.

410
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're going to keep reading now,

411
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and we're going to transition
now to Matthew chapter 24

412
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and get into the real heart of our study.

413
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're going to now see that Jesus leaves
the Temple, again, tears in His eyes.

414
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Thank you Nathan, and I believe
He had tears in His eyes, too.

415
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Sad that the people were doubting
Him and not believing Him,

416
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and now we're going to
see another conversation

417
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that He and the disciples get into
that leads us to this amazing prophecy

418
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
about the destruction of Jerusalem
as well as the Last Day events.

419
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're going to read in Matthew chapter 24.

420
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I'm going to ask Nicole if she
would start reading for us

421
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Matthew 24, verses 1 through 14.

422
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nicole) Matthew 24, verses 1 through 14,

423
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I'm reading from the New
International Version,

424
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and it says:

425
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Nicole,
would you pause there?

426
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I have a question for the group.

427
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What do you think they mean by that?

428
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
The "end of the age?"

429
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
My New King James Version
says, the "end of the age."

430
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Does anyone's Bible say
something different?

431
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Anyone have "end of the world?"

432
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) What was happening here,

433
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
they were equating whatever destruction

434
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
would come to Jerusalem
with the end of the world.

435
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So they put the two events together

436
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because this is how they
saw it in their own minds.

437
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
That's why they asked Jesus
the question in that manner.

438
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Missy) It was a dual prophecy.

439
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It was talking about two separate events,

440
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but they run parallel to each other.

441
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) Well, I think Olric's right,

442
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that they thought, "That must be the end

443
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
of the world, if every stone in this
Temple of God is going to be torn down."

444
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We know that it's not going
to be the end of the world,

445
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
it's only 40 years later in 70 A.D.

446
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
it will be fulfilled, but
I think in their minds,

447
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
as Olric said, they're thinking that
must be one and the same thing

448
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
as the end of all things.

449
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Yes, one thing's for certain,

450
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
if we have questions on what that means

451
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we're going to find out
as we keep reading,

452
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but certainly as we listen to
what's going to be read to us

453
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
as we continue in chapter 24.

454
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
The end of the age - it
was something drastic.

455
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
The end of the world is
what you described, Olric,

456
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and that's the context that the
disciples had in asking this question,

457
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
what is the site of this big,
grand, finale, if you would.

458
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So Nicole, please keep reading for us.

459
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nicole) I'm reading from
verse 4 of Matthew 24.

460
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It says:

461
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

462
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Missy, you were right that
this is dual prophecy,

463
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
so we're going to continue reading

464
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and skip down to verses 21 through 28

465
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
about the prophecy regarding
the last days and the end times.

466
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I'm going to ask Alex if he would
read for us verses 21 through 28.

467
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Alex) Sure, and I'll be reading
from the King James Version:

468
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen.

469
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
One last set of verses,

470
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Nancy, would you please read
verses 32 and 33 for us?

471
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nancy) Okay, and this is
from Matthew 24, verse 32

472
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in the New King James Version:

473
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, at the doors.

474
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So let's talk about these amazing,
amazing Scriptures, amazing prophecy,

475
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Jesus letting us know what to expect

476
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in the last days.

477
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What signs of the last days do
you see even today taking place?

478
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Olric.

479
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) Wars, rumors of wars, you
have nation rising against nation,

480
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and it's becoming more prevalent,

481
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but not just more prevalent,

482
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but they're using more
sophisticated weapons

483
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
for their warfare,

484
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and it doesn't, you
know, seem to be ending.

485
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) OKay, Juliana.

486
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Juliana) Olric mentions
things that are involving man,

487
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but I think that the
Earth is also groaning.

488
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're seeing more and
more earthquakes.

489
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I think of what happened
not that long ago in Nepal,

490
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and there's also been things in Mexico

491
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and in Africa and just all over the world.

492
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We have earthquakes, we have famines.

493
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
There's things happening in rivers,

494
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that animals are dying,

495
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and the environment...it's groaning;

496
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
it's asking for Christ to come back.

497
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Alex.

498
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Alex) I think there are many
false prophets now, too.

499
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Just more and more all the time I
see preachers and pastors coming

500
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
out with these end-time preachings
and end-time things, and even a lot

501
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
of our friends are really
getting into these things,

502
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
"Here, check out this message," and such.

503
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
And it's like, wow, if I didn't know the
truth, this would be so easy to believe.

504
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
You know, how they point things out in the
world, but it's so easy to be deceived.

505
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Jonathan.

506
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Jonathan) I think it's interesting to
look at the things He chooses and how

507
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
He lays them out.

508
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I feel like in some sense He kind of
picks the things, not so much that we can

509
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
calculate the end of time, but more to
say, okay, what do we need to look at

510
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because, I mean, a lot of the things
He lays out happen throughout history.

511
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
The church was persecuted, you have
earthquakes, I mean, that's been happening

512
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
for a lot of time.

513
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
And certainly He does say things
that get close to the end of time,

514
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but I think also He's just saying for
the disciples and for us in general

515
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
a way to look at the world and to
have our hearts...and how to respond

516
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to the things that happen.

517
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So I think it's kind of, "how to
live in the context of My Coming."

518
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) And I think the positive thing

519
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
is the Gospel is going
to go to the whole world,

520
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and then the end's going to come.

521
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Yes.

522
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) You know, I think the joy we have

523
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
as a little team, Hope Sabbath School,

524
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
is that we're a little part of that,

525
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and technology even in the lifetime

526
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
of many of our viewers,

527
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
there's been a revolution
in terms of communication.

528
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
And, of course, the Enemy's
wanting to use that,

529
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
as Alex said, to promote false ideas

530
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and just idolatry,

531
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but I believe God's going to use that

532
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
by His Spirit, too.

533
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're on the brink of where the Message

534
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
can go rapidly around the world.

535
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen.

536
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Alex, you mentioned the false
christs that come in the last days,

537
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
what's our safeguard against

538
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the deception of a false christ, or

539
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
let's talk some more about
what does that look like,

540
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
a false christ or someone that's
coming in the name of Christ, Olric.

541
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) I've looked through
the Old Testament,

542
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and I've seen some scenarios where

543
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
false messages were
brought to God's people.

544
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We see in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve

545
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
with the Devil tempting
them with false words.

546
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Even in the case of in a
previous study we did Jeremiah,

547
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we see Jeremiah being countered there by
an individual by the name of Hananiah.

548
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
The problem with these false christs,

549
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
false teachers, they propel messages

550
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that seem to distract God's people

551
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
from God's way of doing things, the way

552
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
God had commanded.

553
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
And the way to counter this,

554
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
as we will see from the Word of God,

555
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
is through the truth
like Isaiah 8, verse 20.

556
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Let's go there.

557
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's go there, Isaiah 8, verse 20,

558
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and Olric, will you read that for us?

559
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) Isaiah 8, verse 20,

560
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
reading from the King James Version:

561
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Wow.

562
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So what I heard you say, Olric, is

563
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
there may not just be
manifestations of people

564
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
saying that they
are a false messiah

565
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to physically "follow me," but even
teachings of false Christianity

566
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that can also be a way to deceive people

567
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in the last days.

568
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) Right, and I think Alex made a really important point

569
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
when he said, "I could follow what some of my friends are saying

570
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
if I didn't study the Word."

571
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Because these people, they do signs and wonders, it says,

572
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and they're religious;

573
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
they're false christs and false prophets,

574
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
so they speak about maybe needing

575
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to be close to God, and, you know,

576
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
it all sounds good,

577
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but it's false.

578
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So, you know, we shouldn't
try to [point out],

579
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
"Oh, is that false;" we should be focusing

580
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
on the true and on Jesus
who is the true Christ,

581
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because when we see the false

582
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we will immediately recognize

583
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that it isn't the truth.

584
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) There's another promise
that Jesus Himself has made

585
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to His believers, and
I'm going to ask Missy

586
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
if she would read for us John
chapter 10, verses 27 and 28.

587
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
John chapter 10:27, 28.

588
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
And it is a bit scary for some to
think that you could be deceived

589
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
by false teachers and false miracles

590
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and false people to lead us astray,

591
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but I thank God that He has
this promise recorded for us.

592
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) Amen.

593
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Missy) I'm reading from the
New International Version:

594
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) Amen.

595
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee, Team) Amen.

596
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) We are safe
in the hands of Jesus.

597
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
"My sheep hear my voice...
and they will follow."

598
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Thank you for reading that
Scripture in Isaiah, Olric.

599
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
If there is a message or a person that's
not speaking according to the Word of God,

600
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
then that's an alarm for us,

601
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but He's also promised
that He will keep us,

602
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that we will recognize His voice, and
I believe there are so many examples

603
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in the Bible of the Lord
revealing Himself to His people,

604
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
literally leading His people through
the wilderness by day and by night,

605
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and so even in the midst of strong
deception in the last days,

606
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
if we keep our eyes on Jesus,
He will see us through.

607
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Simiso, let's read another
promise from the Lord

608
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
on why we shouldn't be afraid

609
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and should not be discouraged.

610
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Simiso, would you read John
chapter 14, verses 1 through 3.

611
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Why we should not be afraid
of these last day events.

612
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Simiso) John 14, verses 1 through 3,

613
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and I'm reading from the
New King James Version:

614
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen.

615
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So the last days are a necessary step

616
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in the process of getting us closer

617
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to going Home.

618
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Jesus is coming back to take us Home

619
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to be with Him, and as
scary as last day events,

620
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
wars and earthquakes and pestilence

621
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and family members betraying
one another, may sound,

622
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
God has promised to keep us

623
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and the promise is that when He returns

624
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
He is going to take us Home with Him.

625
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek, Tricia Lee) Praise God.

626
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Missy mentioned earlier

627
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that there was a dual prophecy,

628
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that the disciples were thinking

629
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
about the destruction of Jerusalem,

630
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and Jesus answered their question

631
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
about when those things
would take place as well.

632
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's read the verses
where Jesus describes

633
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the destruction of Jerusalem.

634
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Eric, would you read for us Matthew

635
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
chapter 24, verses 15 through 20?

636
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Eric) I'm reading from
the New Living Translation,

637
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and it says:

638
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

639
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Gary, we talked a bit earlier about
it being difficult for the disciples

640
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to think about the destruction of
Jerusalem to happen at any other time

641
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
than at the end of the world.

642
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Why was that?

643
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Why did they connect the two together?

644
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Gary) I guess how they related

645
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to the Temple, their mission;

646
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
they're the people of God.

647
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
They couldn't get past the fact that

648
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
if this is not going to
be in existence anymore,

649
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
than that must mean everything
must be falling apart.

650
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) You know, I think they're trusting

651
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in the building rather than in God.

652
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
And before we judge them and go,

653
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
"That's really foolish," I think we could

654
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
trust in our institutions,

655
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we could trust in our organization,

656
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and the truth of the matter is,

657
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
before this is all over,

658
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
a lot of those things could collapse.

659
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) That's true, it's true.

660
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) And all we have is
to hold on to our Savior,

661
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
you know, because we know
that He's going through.

662
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
He's going to take us
through to the very end.

663
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
But lest we be too hard on them, I think

664
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
they associated confidence in God,

665
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
now it's the building,

666
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and pretty soon God's kind of set aside,

667
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and they're just trusting
in their structures.

668
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) You're absolutely right.

669
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're going to have to let go
of a lot of ideas that we have,

670
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
things that we hold dear,

671
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to accept Jesus and in His return.

672
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Juliana, would you read for us.

673
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's turn to Philippians chapter 3:7-8,

674
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and we'll hear an account of someone

675
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
who had to let go of some
things they held dear.

676
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Philippians chapter 3, verses 7 and 8.

677
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Juliana) I'm reading from
the New King James Version:

678
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen!

679
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What we didn't read is that previously

680
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we're hearing an account of having
confidence in self and being able

681
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to keep the Law and being
of the stock of Israel,

682
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
all the things that I'm sure the disciples

683
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
are very proud of in thinking about

684
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the institution and the Temple.

685
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
They had to let those things go,

686
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and surely we will have to
let some things go, as well,

687
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to accept Christ.

688
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We talked in a previous study
about falling on the Rock,

689
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
submitting to Christ

690
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and learning to count the things of
God as gain and learning how to let go.

691
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's keep reading in Matthew chapter 24.

692
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Not only does Jesus tell
us what to look for

693
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in His coming, but He gives
us a description of His coming,

694
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and certainly this is key because

695
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we're watching and we're waiting,

696
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and we want to be ready when He comes,

697
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and we want to know what we're looking for

698
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
when He comes.

699
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So, Nathan, would you please read for us

700
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Matthew 24, verses 27 through 31?

701
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nathan) All right, I'll be reading
from the New King James Version:

702
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen! Amen.

703
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What are some of the characteristics

704
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and aspects of Jesus' coming?

705
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What do we learn from this passage?

706
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nicole) Everyone will
see Him when He comes.

707
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) It's visible.

708
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nicole) Yes, we will see Him.

709
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) So it looks like
there are a lot of angels.

710
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
You can't miss the whole
angels of the Heavenly Host.

711
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What else do we learn?

712
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) The trumpet sound.

713
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) So it's loud; it's audible.

714
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Okay, what else have we learned here?

715
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Jason) There will be
some signs of the heavens

716
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that precede the coming,

717
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
particularly with the
sun, moon, and stars.

718
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Anything else?

719
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) And it's dramatic.

720
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Yes.

721
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) It's not just, "Oh, I think

722
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I see something."

723
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Yes.

724
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) It's like lightening from the east

725
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
all the way to the west,

726
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and I think that's important, because,

727
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
you know, Jesus talks about,
is this secret or is it...

728
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I think it's a surprise, even for those

729
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
of us who are looking for His coming,

730
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
when it actually happens.

731
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
If it happened in the
middle of this broadcast,

732
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
you know I'd use my favorite Hebrew word,

733
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Hallelujah, but I would be surprised

734
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because I thought we were going to finish

735
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the program, right?

736
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Yeah, but it's not secret.

737
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It's not secret;

738
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
it's visible, audible, but it's dramatic

739
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
like lightening from the east to the west.

740
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) My version of the Bible

741
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
says that "the powers of the
heavens will be shaken."

742
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I can't even imagine what that's like,

743
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but I feel like we won't miss when

744
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the heavens are shaking.

745
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
This is a dramatic, dramatic occurence.

746
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We'll all see it.

747
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We will not miss it.

748
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What else can we learn
about Jesus' coming?

749
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's turn over to
1 Thessalonians chapter 4

750
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
where there's another description of
some of the what that takes place

751
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and the how that takes place

752
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
when Jesus comes.

753
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
1 Thessalonians chapter 4,
verses 15 through 17.

754
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I'll ask Gary to read that for us.

755
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Gary) Sure, and I'll be reading
from the New King James Version:

756
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) What else is happening

757
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
at the coming of Jesus?

758
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're not going to miss
any of these things.

759
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I heard again, the loud shout,

760
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the Lord Himself is coming,

761
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the Archangel.

762
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I can imagine the Archangel
and the Lord are shouting.

763
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
This is going to be a loud shout.

764
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What else do we see?

765
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nathan) In verse 15, we read that
there would be a resurrection.

766
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Yes, hard to miss!

767
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nathan) We're not going to Heaven

768
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
without the ones...I think probably
the Thessalonians were writing to Paul

769
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and saying, "What about our loved
ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus?

770
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Are we going to go to Heaven when Jesus
comes, and we leave them behind?"

771
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
He says, "No, before we go, they're
going to be raised from the Earth."

772
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So that's something that we
won't really miss, will we?

773
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) No, we won't.

774
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Nathan) It's hard to miss that.

775
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) I think growing up I thought the
loud shout was like, "Yo!" you know?

776
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
But I think the shout
is, "Awake!" you know,

777
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because the Scripture speaks about
awake, you who sleep in the dust.

778
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It's like, "Lazarus, come forth!"

779
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
when Jesus raises Lazarus.

780
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So it's not just, "Yo!" you know?

781
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It's a shout that will conquer death;

782
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
it will defeat death.

783
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Iv'e even
imagined to myself sometimes,

784
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
like, "Honey, I'm home!"

785
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're the Bride and He's coming, right?

786
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
With excitement, He's here.

787
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's not forget, though, why Jesus

788
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
was so sad in rebuking the Pharisees

789
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and the Scribes and the religious leaders

790
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in Jerusalem who had rejected Him.

791
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It was because He realized

792
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that at His coming there
will be no second chance,

793
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that things are final.

794
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Our destinies will be decided
by Christ the Judge,

795
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and that's why He had
those tears in His eyes,

796
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because He knew their
salvation was on the line.

797
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's look at some verses

798
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
again in Matthew chapter 24

799
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because there are some who believe
that there is a second chance,

800
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that when Jesus comes again there's
another chance to get things right.

801
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
But we will learn that it really is
the end of time, the end of the age,

802
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the end of the world,

803
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and how important it is for us to make
our choice and our decision for Him now

804
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and today.

805
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Olric, will you read for us
Matthew 24, verses 36 through 42?

806
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
36 through 42.

807
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) Reading from
the King James Version:

808
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, thank you.

809
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Particularly verses 40 and 41,

810
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
there are some that believe that there is
something called the "Secret Rapture,"

811
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that the Lord will come at one point and
take some chosen people away secretly,

812
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and others will not know, and that those
who are left behind have a second chance

813
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
for some period of time to get
things right before He comes again.

814
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
But what we've learned so far and
what these texts are describing to us

815
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
is...Well, the first thing we can say
about the women is that they are

816
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
kind of going along in
their everyday lives, right?

817
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
They are going along, it's
business as usual, right?

818
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
They are at the mill,
is that where they are?

819
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Grinding at the mill, and so exactly
what Pastor Derek described

820
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
about, we could be filming one
of these Sabbath School lessons,

821
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and the Lord could come.

822
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We're going about our
lives; it's a surprise.

823
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It catches us suddenly, and that's
the shock that can be with two people

824
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
working at a mill or two
people sleeping in bed.

825
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Yes.

826
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) Notice what is being said here.

827
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
In this passage, Jesus is not
saying that you should not work.

828
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
This is daily work that they are doing.

829
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
The problem is, is that these
two passages, 40 and 41,

830
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
are in the context of Jesus saying that,

831
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
"My coming will be a
surprise," not a secret,

832
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
just a surprise,

833
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because it will be loud,

834
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
it will be visible.

835
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
But the surprise is, it will come at
a time when people least expect it

836
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because many folks, as He's saying here,

837
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
will be going about their daily work...

838
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Eating, drinking.

839
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) ...doing all this stuff
without getting themselves ready.

840
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) You know, there are
many sincere Christians

841
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
who may believe in a Secret
Rapture of the saints

842
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and then another chance,

843
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and certainly we may not have
everything right about Scripture,

844
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and we know if we love Jesus, and
we've accepted His salvation,

845
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that whenever He comes
we'll be ready, right?

846
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
So we're not saved by
correct understanding.

847
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
The danger is that people would put off

848
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
until tomorrow the commitment
they need to make today

849
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and say, "Well, maybe when they
go I can make another chance,"

850
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and that's, of course, the deception

851
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
because the Bible say,
"Today, if you hear His voice,

852
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
do not harden your heart."

853
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

854
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Well, let's read another
Scripture one chapter over,

855
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Matthew chapter 25,
verses 31 through 34,

856
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and I will ask Simiso to read that for us,

857
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Matthew 25:31-34.

858
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It will give us a little bit more insight

859
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
about what happens when the Lord comes

860
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and this idea of being taken.

861
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Simiso) Matthew 25:31-34, I'm reading
from the New King James Version:

862
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

863
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
When Jesus comes, His
coming is not a secret.

864
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It may be a surprise to some who
are going about their everyday lives

865
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
not watching, not being ready,

866
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but it's His judgment that determines

867
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
who's on the left, who's on the right,

868
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
who's taken to be with
Him when He returns.

869
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Again, Jesus knew this, and that's why

870
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
He pleaded and begged because He knew

871
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that the choices we make today,

872
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the choices they made in that day,

873
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
were what would determine

874
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
whether they would be on the right hand

875
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
or on the left hand,

876
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
whether they'd be taken
back Home with Him.

877
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) And those who are left...

878
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I think this is really important;

879
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
you've been emphasizing
the need for a decision.

880
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
We read that where the body is,

881
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
there the vultures will gather.

882
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
As we study Scripture,

883
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
those who are left are
not left to continue on,

884
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
but they are destroyed by the
brightness of Christ's coming,

885
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and that's why we need to
make our decision today.

886
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

887
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Well, let's wrap up our study

888
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in learning what it means
to watch and be ready

889
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and how we should act when we
know that the Lord is coming.

890
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Jason, would you read for us

891
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
verses 42 through 51 of Matthew 24?

892
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Jason) I'll be reading from
the New King James Version,

893
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Matthew chapter 24, verses 42 through 51:

894
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Oh, mercy.

895
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Olric, quickly, how can we be
ready for Jesus' Second Coming?

896
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Olric) Simple, get ourselves ready

897
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
spiritually first through our
commitment to Jesus Christ,

898
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and use that commitment to reach others.

899
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Tricia Lee) Amen, amen.

900
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Thank you for this wonderful study,

901
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and let's continue to thank God that He
reveals to us the things that will come

902
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in the future through His Word, amen.

903
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) Thank you, Tricia Lee.

904
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
What an amazing study,

905
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and thank you for joining us
for Hope Sabbath School today.

906
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Jesus wants you to be ready.

907
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
He wants you to know peace and joy today,

908
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
even in the midst of the
difficulties around you.

909
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I want to pray that you'd
make that commitment today,

910
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
just as Olric said, today,

911
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that you'll trust Christ as your Savior

912
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
while we have this wonderful opportunity.

913
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Let's pray.

914
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Our Father in Heaven, we
don't want to take for granted

915
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
the great privilege of
learning the truth about Jesus

916
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and accepting Him as our Savior

917
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
while there is still time.

918
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
I pray for each one who
hears this prayer today,

919
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that we may make our
calling and election sure

920
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
by trusting Jesus as our
Savior and soon-coming King.

921
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
And, God, I thank you
that you'll also use us

922
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
to share that Good Word, that Word of hope

923
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
with those around us,

924
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
in Jesus' name, amen.

925
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Team) Amen.

926
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
(Derek) While we're looking
for that glorious appearing,

927
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we'll see Him come, we'll hear Him,

928
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
we'll hear a shout that
will wake the dead.

929
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
It's going to be a glorious reunion.

930
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Won't you determine today

931
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that you'll be part of the
Redeemed for all eternity,

932
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
and won't you also make the commitment

933
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
that Jesus wants you to
share that Good News

934
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
so that others can be with
us on that glorious day.

935
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
Go out,

936
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
make a difference to the
lives of those around you.

937
99:59:59,999 --> 99:59:59,999
♪ theme music ♪