0:00:00.178,0:00:19.270 ♪ theme music ♪ 0:00:19.270,0:00:21.070 (Derek) Welcome to Hope Sabbath School, 0:00:21.070,0:00:23.250 an in-depth, interactive study 0:00:23.250,0:00:24.470 of the Word of God. 0:00:24.470,0:00:26.090 I'm glad you joined us today 0:00:26.090,0:00:29.270 as we continue a life-changing series 0:00:29.270,0:00:31.190 of studies on the Gospel of Matthew. 0:00:31.190,0:00:32.550 Today we're going to talk 0:00:32.550,0:00:34.350 about "The Teachings of Jesus 0:00:34.350,0:00:36.370 about the Last Days." 0:00:36.370,0:00:37.790 A relevant topic, 0:00:37.790,0:00:39.250 and I know you'll be blessed. 0:00:39.250,0:00:40.950 So welcome to Hope Sabbath School 0:00:40.950,0:00:42.150 and welcome to our team. 0:00:42.150,0:00:43.771 What a great series of studies. 0:00:43.771,0:00:46.090 I'm so thankful that the Spirit of God 0:00:46.090,0:00:48.070 inspired a former tax collector, 0:00:48.070,0:00:50.190 Levi Matthew, to write this account, 0:00:50.190,0:00:52.090 and I'm excited today because 0:00:52.090,0:00:53.610 one of our team, Tricia Lee, 0:00:53.610,0:00:55.108 is going to be leading in our study. 0:00:55.108,0:00:57.638 Tricia Lee, thanks for your commitment 0:00:57.638,0:00:58.598 to the Word of God, 0:00:58.598,0:01:00.238 and I know God is going to bless us 0:01:00.238,0:01:01.878 in wonderful ways. 0:01:01.878,0:01:03.258 We're just so glad 0:01:03.258,0:01:04.938 that you're part of Hope Sabbath School, 0:01:04.938,0:01:07.218 and when you write to us it brings joy 0:01:07.218,0:01:10.038 to our hearts to hear[br]how God is blessing you. 0:01:10.038,0:01:13.098 You can write to sshope@hopetv.org. 0:01:13.098,0:01:14.778 You can also write a note 0:01:14.778,0:01:16.018 on our Facebook page; 0:01:16.018,0:01:19.078 we've got more than 150,000 followers 0:01:19.078,0:01:21.378 on Facebook now, and it's wonderful. 0:01:21.378,0:01:22.718 Sometimes we'll put a picture of you, 0:01:22.718,0:01:23.938 if you send one. 0:01:23.938,0:01:25.758 We're just part of a global family 0:01:25.758,0:01:28.258 seeking God and wanting to be used 0:01:28.258,0:01:30.238 to bless others with His Word. 0:01:30.238,0:01:31.638 So thanks for writing. 0:01:31.638,0:01:33.218 Ely writes from California. 0:01:33.218,0:01:35.518 Anybody from California? 0:01:35.518,0:01:38.038 Some of you have lived[br]in California, right? 0:01:38.038,0:01:38.898 Okay. 0:01:38.898,0:01:40.878 "Greetings to every Hope[br]Sabbath School member." 0:01:40.878,0:01:45.282 Several of you look happy. 0:01:45.282,0:01:47.202 "I watch your program every day. 0:01:47.202,0:01:48.902 I learn a lot from the discussion. 0:01:48.902,0:01:51.102 I also downloaded the app, 0:01:51.102,0:01:53.742 and I love to watch the archives. 0:01:53.742,0:01:56.302 I feast on the Word of God every day." 0:01:56.302,0:01:58.582 Well, Ely, thanks for letting other 0:01:58.582,0:01:59.922 Hope Sabbath School members know 0:01:59.922,0:02:01.922 that if you go to our website, 0:02:01.922,0:02:05.122 hopetv.org/hopess, 0:02:05.122,0:02:07.702 you can not only watch programs 0:02:07.702,0:02:09.402 in this series on the Gospel of Matthew 0:02:09.402,0:02:10.642 that you might have missed, 0:02:10.642,0:02:13.542 but you can watch a[br]multitude of past programs 0:02:13.542,0:02:15.262 with wonderful topics 0:02:15.262,0:02:16.422 that will be a blessing. 0:02:16.422,0:02:19.042 If you have the app on your iPhone 0:02:19.042,0:02:21.602 or your smartphone, you can access 0:02:21.602,0:02:22.862 the archives there; you can watch 0:02:22.862,0:02:25.462 all kinds of wonderful Bible studies. 0:02:25.462,0:02:27.702 So thanks for putting in a little promo, 0:02:27.702,0:02:30.682 Ely, for the app, and that's 0:02:30.682,0:02:32.442 a wonderful blessing to many people. 0:02:32.442,0:02:34.562 James writes from Ghana. 0:02:34.562,0:02:36.182 Anyone with Ghanaian roots? 0:02:36.182,0:02:38.762 We do have some occasionally on our team, 0:02:38.762,0:02:39.742 don't we? 0:02:39.742,0:02:41.922 "I enjoy your class and the contributions 0:02:41.922,0:02:43.042 you make. 0:02:43.042,0:02:45.799 I pick your contributions, 0:02:45.799,0:02:48.579 and I replicate them in my class 0:02:48.579,0:02:50.359 when I teach in my church." 0:02:50.359,0:02:51.399 Is that good? 0:02:51.399,0:02:52.219 (Team) Yes. 0:02:52.219,0:02:53.579 (Derek) That's exactly[br]what we're hoping for. 0:02:53.579,0:02:56.199 "Oh, how I wish I could contribute live," 0:02:56.199,0:02:57.459 says James. 0:02:57.459,0:03:00.239 "Send my greetings to the[br]Hope Sabbath School team." 0:03:00.239,0:03:02.359 Well, James, if you come over 0:03:02.359,0:03:04.439 when we're filming, we'd love to have you 0:03:04.439,0:03:05.619 as part of the program, 0:03:05.619,0:03:07.419 but, you know, we're equally excited 0:03:07.419,0:03:09.879 to know that you're leading a Bible study 0:03:09.879,0:03:11.959 program there in your homeland of Ghana, 0:03:11.959,0:03:14.179 and, along with tens of thousands 0:03:14.179,0:03:15.939 who are downloading that outline, 0:03:15.939,0:03:18.159 we're glad you're teaching[br]the Word to others. 0:03:18.159,0:03:21.419 Benson writes from Kenya, 0:03:21.419,0:03:22.959 and I know we've got one Kenyan. 0:03:22.959,0:03:25.199 Eric, wave to your brother from Kenya. 0:03:25.199,0:03:27.659 All right, a big smile for Benson 0:03:27.659,0:03:31.059 writing from Kenya, "I[br]follow your programs. 0:03:31.059,0:03:32.879 I am a Sunday School teacher." 0:03:32.879,0:03:34.999 So Benson's teaching the Word 0:03:34.999,0:03:37.039 in his church. 0:03:37.039,0:03:38.959 "Please don't give up because your work 0:03:38.959,0:03:40.239 is not in vain." 0:03:40.239,0:03:41.259 (Team) Amen. 0:03:41.259,0:03:42.279 (Derek) Ah, that's awesome! 0:03:42.279,0:03:43.159 "God bless you all, amen." 0:03:43.159,0:03:44.999 Well Benson, to know that you're a witness 0:03:44.999,0:03:47.354 there in your church in Kenya 0:03:47.354,0:03:49.574 brings great joy to our hearts. 0:03:49.574,0:03:50.294 You encourage 0:03:50.294,0:03:51.794 your other Sunday School members 0:03:51.794,0:03:53.834 to watch Hope Sabbath School, 0:03:53.834,0:03:55.454 and they'll learn much more about 0:03:55.454,0:03:57.274 the Word of God, too. 0:03:57.274,0:03:59.814 Here's one last note, actually, I've got 0:03:59.814,0:04:01.574 a couple here; lots of people writing. 0:04:01.574,0:04:04.094 I want to thank Jean 0:04:04.094,0:04:06.734 for writing from Russia. 0:04:06.734,0:04:08.654 You say, "Jean doesn't sound Russian." 0:04:08.654,0:04:10.674 Well, Jean is from Rwanda, 0:04:10.674,0:04:12.514 studying in Russia. 0:04:12.514,0:04:17.634 "I greet you in the might name of[br]our soon-coming Savior Jesus Christ." 0:04:17.634,0:04:18.614 (Team) Amen. 0:04:18.614,0:04:20.154 (Derek) "Peace be with you. 0:04:20.154,0:04:22.474 I am Rwandese, currently living 0:04:22.474,0:04:24.214 and studying in Russia." 0:04:24.214,0:04:26.754 Now I want you to listen[br]to Jean's testimony. 0:04:26.754,0:04:28.954 "I discovered Hope Sabbath School 0:04:28.954,0:04:33.514 in late 2014 shortly[br]after I came to Russia. 0:04:33.514,0:04:38.054 I used to go through the[br]Sabbath School study by myself 0:04:38.054,0:04:40.794 because I didn't have[br]anyone to study with me. 0:04:40.794,0:04:44.154 Even after I discovered[br]a church in the city, 0:04:44.154,0:04:46.494 it was still difficult because all[br]of the services were held in"...? 0:04:46.494,0:04:49.770 (Team) Russian. 0:04:49.770,0:04:51.690 (Derek) "...Russian, and I just[br]was learning the language. 0:04:51.690,0:04:55.470 As a response to my longings,..." 0:04:55.470,0:04:56.730 Somebody is going to say "amen" here, 0:04:56.730,0:04:58.830 "As a response to my longings, 0:04:58.830,0:05:00.810 God revealed Hope Sabbath School to me," 0:05:00.810,0:05:01.630 (Team) Amen. 0:05:01.630,0:05:03.430 (Derek) "...and I was able to be part 0:05:03.430,0:05:06.790 of the in-depth study of[br]the Word of God in English. 0:05:06.790,0:05:09.910 It blessed me so much that even though 0:05:09.910,0:05:11.830 I've now acquired enough language skills 0:05:11.830,0:05:14.450 to discuss the lesson in Russian, 0:05:14.450,0:05:17.030 I still watch Hope Sabbath School, 0:05:17.030,0:05:18.890 and I'm blessed by that. 0:05:18.890,0:05:22.370 I pray that you keep serving,[br]letting people know 0:05:22.370,0:05:24.949 about the Word of God and that you 0:05:24.949,0:05:28.090 might even broadcast[br]in different languages 0:05:28.090,0:05:31.230 to reach many unreached[br]places for Christ." 0:05:31.230,0:05:33.190 Well, Jean, I want to ask you to pray 0:05:33.190,0:05:37.630 because we are moving forward [br]with closed captioning, 0:05:37.630,0:05:39.950 and we are looking for the opportunity 0:05:39.950,0:05:42.470 for volunteer translators in a multitude 0:05:42.470,0:05:45.210 of different languages so that people 0:05:45.210,0:05:47.130 who don't have English as their language, 0:05:47.130,0:05:48.190 even a major second language, 0:05:48.190,0:05:53.595 will be able to watch and[br]read the closed captioning 0:05:53.595,0:05:54.795 because, you know this[br]Gospel of the KIngdom 0:05:54.795,0:05:56.175 is going to go the whole World, 0:05:56.175,0:05:57.695 and then Jesus will come back, 0:05:57.695,0:05:58.755 isn't that right? 0:05:58.755,0:05:59.855 (Team) Amen. 0:05:59.855,0:06:01.355 (Derek) So thank you for[br]being a witness there 0:06:01.355,0:06:02.855 while you're studying in Russia. 0:06:02.855,0:06:06.435 One last note from Alexander in Zimbabwe. 0:06:06.435,0:06:07.495 Anyone from Zimbabwe? 0:06:07.495,0:06:10.095 Simiso, hold your hand up[br]and wave to your brother, 0:06:10.095,0:06:11.515 and we'll get that on the screen, 0:06:11.515,0:06:12.855 all the way from Zimbabwe. 0:06:12.855,0:06:15.115 "Greetings, Hope Sabbath School team." 0:06:15.115,0:06:16.115 (Team) Greetings! 0:06:16.115,0:06:17.775 (Derek) "I'm blessed to be watching 0:06:17.775,0:06:19.435 Hope Sabbath School in Harare, 0:06:19.435,0:06:21.815 capital of Zimbabwe. 0:06:21.815,0:06:23.135 I really enjoy the discussions; 0:06:23.512,0:06:26.092 they're so interactive and informative. 0:06:26.092,0:06:29.452 May God bless you, the entire[br]Hope Sabbath School team, 0:06:29.452,0:06:31.393 for spreading the Word of God." 0:06:31.393,0:06:33.692 Well, you say that's a lot of emails 0:06:33.692,0:06:35.092 coming from around the world, 0:06:35.092,0:06:36.732 and, you know, we are just so glad 0:06:36.732,0:06:37.892 that we can be part of a global family. 0:06:37.892,0:06:43.064 And we're going to sing together now 0:06:43.064,0:06:44.284 as a global family, 0:06:44.284,0:06:45.244 and then Tricia Lee's going to lead us 0:06:45.244,0:06:46.764 in a powerful study of the Word of God, 0:06:46.764,0:06:49.125 "The Teachings of Jesus[br]about the Last Days," 0:06:49.125,0:06:51.764 but were singing now, Psalm 148. 0:06:51.764,0:06:53.564 I hope you've learned it for this series, 0:06:53.564,0:06:56.764 "Praise Him in the Heights." 0:06:58.164,0:07:10.044 ♪ music ♪ 0:09:02.595,0:09:04.095 (Derek) You know, I've got a feeling 0:09:04.095,0:09:05.455 when we're done with this series, 0:09:05.455,0:09:07.535 we're going to be singing[br]this in our sleep, 0:09:07.535,0:09:09.095 but what a great Psalm to sing, 0:09:09.095,0:09:10.855 "Praise Him in the Heights," 0:09:10.855,0:09:14.235 and, Tricia Lee, as you lead our[br]study today, I know we'll have a lot 0:09:14.235,0:09:18.035 to praise Jesus for as He gives[br]us hope for the last days. 0:09:18.035,0:09:19.455 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 0:09:19.455,0:09:21.995 Let us pray. 0:09:21.995,0:09:25.215 Dear Lord, we need your Holy Spirit 0:09:25.215,0:09:27.155 to help us to understand the times 0:09:27.155,0:09:28.855 that we're living in. 0:09:28.855,0:09:31.875 We need your Holy Spirit to help[br]us understand Your Word to us 0:09:31.875,0:09:33.115 about the Last Days. 0:09:33.115,0:09:34.335 Please bless this study, 0:09:34.335,0:09:36.115 in Christ's name we pray, amen. 0:09:36.115,0:09:37.215 (Derek, Team) Amen. 0:09:37.215,0:09:39.255 (Tricia Lee) I am so excited that God 0:09:39.255,0:09:43.355 has not left us in the dark about[br]what to expect will happen 0:09:43.355,0:09:44.755 in the Last Days. 0:09:44.755,0:09:49.082 Some people are very anxious[br]or nervous about the things 0:09:49.082,0:09:49.862 that happen at the end of time. 0:09:49.862,0:09:54.942 Some people have heard rumors or[br]strange stories of the apocalypse 0:09:54.942,0:09:57.302 or even science fiction zombies, 0:09:57.302,0:10:00.742 but God's Word reveals[br]to us what to expect. 0:10:00.742,0:10:04.642 So as we study together, let's just[br]thank God that He has not left us 0:10:04.642,0:10:08.442 in darkness about what[br]will come in the Last Days. 0:10:08.442,0:10:09.502 (Derek, Team) Amen. 0:10:09.502,0:10:10.782 (Tricia Lee) Let us turn our study 0:10:10.782,0:10:13.362 to the Book of Matthew chapter 23. 0:10:13.362,0:10:17.362 Before we hear what Jesus[br]teaches about the Last Days, 0:10:17.362,0:10:22.762 first we find our study right[br]after the Triumphal Entry. 0:10:22.762,0:10:26.882 Jesus has entered Jerusalem, and[br]He has met the religious leaders, 0:10:26.882,0:10:31.262 and unfortunately they are filled[br]with envy and anger towards Him, 0:10:31.262,0:10:35.602 and with a sorrowful heart He beings[br]to pronounce series of woes to them. 0:10:35.602,0:10:38.682 Woe means misery or trouble to come, 0:10:38.682,0:10:42.382 bad things that are happening, so [br]He's warning them about the condition 0:10:42.612,0:10:44.792 of their hard hearts and what that means. 0:10:44.792,0:10:47.252 So let's see first, before[br]we talk about the last days, 0:10:47.252,0:10:51.322 what Christ says to the religious[br]leaders and to the people at the time 0:10:51.340,0:10:55.400 about these woes, this miserable[br]condition that they are unfortunately now 0:10:55.400,0:10:58.080 finding themselves in[br]because they've rejected Him. 0:10:58.080,0:11:01.240 Let's start in Matthew chapter 23. 0:11:01.240,0:11:03.460 I'll ask Gary if he would[br]please read for us 0:11:03.460,0:11:06.620 Matthew chapter 23, verses 1 through 12. 0:11:06.620,0:11:11.600 (Gary) Okay, I'll be reading[br]from the New King James Version: 0:12:32.544,0:12:34.164 (Tricia Lee) Amen. 0:12:34.164,0:12:35.964 So before addressing the[br]Scribes and Pharisees, 0:12:35.964,0:12:38.164 Christ first addresses the people, 0:12:38.164,0:12:39.924 and He actually gives them some warnings. 0:12:39.924,0:12:41.504 Nicole, would you summarize for us 0:12:41.504,0:12:44.864 what has Christ warned the people[br]about in the verses we just read. 0:12:44.864,0:12:54.179 (Nicole) Sure, I'm thinking back[br]to humility again and not being 0:12:54.179,0:12:58.039 caught up in names and being[br]in certain places in society, 0:12:58.039,0:13:00.979 and so I think He is warning[br]against being kind of hypocrites, 0:13:00.979,0:13:03.739 you know, saying one thing out of[br]your mouth, but acting and living 0:13:03.739,0:13:06.099 a way that's not reflecting[br]what you're saying. 0:13:06.099,0:13:10.379 So I think this whole kind of 12 verses[br]talks about hypocrisy and warning 0:13:10.379,0:13:14.419 against living a life that[br]you're not actually living. 0:13:14.419,0:13:15.499 (Tricia Lee) That's correct. 0:13:15.499,0:13:18.059 Let's keep reading now [br]in verses 13 through 15, 0:13:18.214,0:13:20.314 where now Jesus is speaking directly 0:13:20.314,0:13:24.374 to the religious leaders and[br]pronounces these woes upon them. 0:13:24.374,0:13:29.154 Olric, will you please read[br]Matthew chapter 23:13-15? 0:13:29.409,0:13:33.989 (Olric) Yes, I'll be reading[br]from the King James Version: 0:14:17.589,0:14:19.429 (Tricia Lee) Wow, wow, strong words 0:14:19.429,0:14:21.279 from Jesus here. 0:14:21.279,0:14:22.359 Jonathan, would you summarize for us 0:14:22.359,0:14:26.719 what is the rebuke that Jesus is giving[br]to the Scribes and Pharisees here? 0:14:26.991,0:14:30.491 (Jonathan) It seems like[br]He is just [undermining] 0:14:30.501,0:14:33.131 their whole approach to religion. 0:14:33.327,0:14:35.287 They had set up all these rules and[br]set up all these different things, 0:14:35.287,0:14:37.107 and He's calling their bluff. 0:14:37.107,0:14:40.287 It's like, "You talk about My Kingdom, 0:14:40.287,0:14:42.187 but you don't actually want people in; 0:14:42.187,0:14:44.467 you don't actually invite people[br]to really live these things out. 0:14:45.505,0:14:47.465 It's more this external thing for you." 0:14:47.465,0:14:49.785 (Tricia Lee) Strong[br]rebukes, but there is more. 0:14:49.785,0:14:55.105 Juliana, will you continue reading for[br]us Matthew 23, verses 16 through 24? 0:14:55.105,0:14:58.485 (Juliana) Sure, and I will be reading[br]from the New King James Version: 0:16:15.955,0:16:16.875 (Tricia Lee) Wow, wow. 0:16:16.875,0:16:21.855 Simiso, summarize for what is Jesus[br]rebuking the religious leaders. 0:16:21.855,0:16:24.355 (Simiso) I think Jesus is rebuking 0:16:24.355,0:16:28.135 the religious leaders to[br]be genuine and authentic 0:16:28.135,0:16:31.231 and be all rounded in terms of what 0:16:31.231,0:16:33.031 Scripture requires of them. 0:16:33.169,0:16:34.769 (Tricia Lee) That's correct. 0:16:34.769,0:16:38.369 When we look at verses 21 and[br]22, it seems as though they have 0:16:38.369,0:16:41.249 a lack of reverence for[br]the things that are holy. 0:16:41.249,0:16:44.549 They're not really reverencing[br]what God is saying. 0:16:44.549,0:16:47.009 What do we see in verse 24 0:16:47.009,0:16:51.229 about the tithing of mint and anise? 0:16:51.229,0:16:53.840 Olric, what is Christ telling[br]them or rebuking them for? 0:16:54.140,0:16:57.070 (Olric) They had this[br]teaching back then that they 0:16:57.270,0:17:02.207 were not to eat anything unclean, and[br]the gnat would be an unclean animal. 0:17:02.207,0:17:06.787 So they will take time to make sure 0:17:06.787,0:17:09.567 that the water does not contain 0:17:09.567,0:17:10.933 any of these little bugs, 0:17:10.933,0:17:13.101 but, you know, He is saying, 0:17:13.101,0:17:17.799 "Your hypocrisy is so evident; 0:17:18.199,0:17:24.339 you take time to pay tithe[br]and cummin and this stuff. 0:17:24.339,0:17:26.939 You're being outwardly religious, 0:17:26.939,0:17:29.033 but inwardly you're not there 0:17:29.233,0:17:33.152 because things like faith and mercy, love, 0:17:33.152,0:17:34.672 that you don't have. 0:17:34.672,0:17:38.152 You take time to look[br]at these little things, 0:17:38.152,0:17:42.901 but there are bigger things[br]that you're not doing." 0:17:42.901,0:17:44.841 (Tricia Lee) Have you[br]ever heard the phrase, 0:17:44.841,0:17:48.521 "the letter of the law but[br]not the spirit of the law," 0:17:48.521,0:17:51.021 being able to keep[br]certain requirements 0:17:51.021,0:17:54.261 but not really having and[br]living the love to motivate it? 0:17:54.261,0:17:55.481 Let's keep reading. 0:17:55.481,0:17:57.681 There's some more rebukes[br]that Jesus gives them. 0:17:57.681,0:18:03.621 Jason, would you read for us[br]Matthew 23, verses 25 through 36. 0:18:03.621,0:18:06.761 (Jason) I'll be reading from[br]the New King James Version. 0:18:06.761,0:18:11.781 Matthew chapter 23, verses[br]25 through 36, says: 0:20:18.126,0:20:20.805 (Tricia Lee) Wow, these[br]are some strong words. 0:20:20.805,0:20:23.805 I can't even imagine calling[br]someone a viper or a snake. 0:20:23.805,0:20:26.145 It's hard to even picture Jesus doing it. 0:20:26.145,0:20:28.585 We can imagine Him with tears in His eyes 0:20:28.728,0:20:30.488 telling those people that he loved 0:20:30.488,0:20:32.048 those scathing rebukes. 0:20:32.048,0:20:34.948 Why do you think the rebukes of Jesus 0:20:34.948,0:20:35.968 were so harsh? 0:20:35.968,0:20:38.368 Why was He speaking to them so severely? 0:20:38.368,0:20:39.188 Nathan. 0:20:39.188,0:20:42.748 (Nathan) I think we can read this in two[br]different ways, but we should read it 0:20:42.748,0:20:46.628 thinking of Jesus with tears[br]in His eyes and in His voice. 0:20:46.628,0:20:52.648 When you look at the next verse that[br]follows, verse 37 in Matthew 23. 0:20:52.648,0:20:55.748 Can I read it from the New King[br]James Version, where He says: 0:21:11.289,0:21:13.204 I mean, the pain in His voice; 0:21:13.604,0:21:15.544 He's longing for them to[br]be saved, and He says, 0:21:15.544,0:21:16.824 "You're not willing to come to it." 0:21:16.824,0:21:22.924 It reminds me of, I think in Isaiah, God[br]speaking through the prophet says, 0:21:22.924,0:21:26.104 "All day long I stood with My[br]arms open wide to a stiff-necked 0:21:26.104,0:21:29.664 and rebellious people," -- Here[br]He is calling you to salvation, 0:21:29.664,0:21:33.044 and you're turning away, not just[br]turning away but rebelling against Him. 0:21:33.044,0:21:34.704 (Tricia Lee) And it's sad; it's sad. 0:21:34.704,0:21:37.844 In a previous study, we've talked about[br]the choices that we all have to make, 0:21:37.844,0:21:40.362 and that God wants us to choose Him, 0:21:40.362,0:21:43.382 but we do have the free[br]will to choose otherwise. 0:21:43.382,0:21:44.842 (Derek) You know, I'm thinking, 0:21:44.842,0:21:49.082 Tricia Lee, I really appreciate what[br]Nathan said about the love of Jesus. 0:21:49.082,0:21:51.502 And there were some Pharisees, 0:21:51.502,0:21:53.522 Nicodemus was a Pharisee 0:21:53.522,0:21:55.782 and also a member of the Sanhedrin, 0:21:55.782,0:21:58.342 who did repent. 0:21:58.342,0:21:59.322 (Tricia Lee) Yes, praise God. 0:21:59.322,0:22:01.622 (Derek) So you know, if Jesus was 0:22:01.622,0:22:04.022 just kind of harsh and kind of fighting 0:22:04.022,0:22:05.542 with the weapons of this world 0:22:05.542,0:22:06.982 or acting like they acted, 0:22:06.982,0:22:08.462 they'd have an excuse, 0:22:08.462,0:22:10.322 but I think He is speaking[br]with love in His heart. 0:22:10.322,0:22:14.982 And, praise God, some of the[br]Scribes and Pharisees said, 0:22:14.982,0:22:17.488 "We need to repent; 0:22:17.668,0:22:19.208 we need to turn our lives around." 0:22:19.208,0:22:20.408 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 0:22:20.408,0:22:21.708 Reading through this passage, 0:22:21.708,0:22:23.248 something was very interesting, 0:22:23.248,0:22:25.882 and I'd like to ask the[br]class this question: 0:22:25.882,0:22:30.370 How could He say that the guilt 0:22:30.990,0:22:33.010 of all the righteous[br]blood, all the martyrs 0:22:33.010,0:22:34.450 would fall on this generation? 0:22:34.450,0:22:35.710 What does that mean? 0:22:35.710,0:22:37.490 How are they guilty of all these things? 0:22:37.490,0:22:39.290 They're just living their little lives; 0:22:39.290,0:22:43.390 how is it that He can say that[br]the blood of all the righteous 0:22:43.390,0:22:47.270 from Abel to Zechariah would[br]fall on this generation? 0:22:47.428,0:22:52.188 Any idea what was the significance[br]of that statement, Missy? 0:22:52.188,0:22:53.928 (Missy) All throughout the generations, 0:22:53.928,0:22:55.928 God has sent prophets, 0:22:55.928,0:22:56.988 throughout all ages, 0:22:56.988,0:23:00.168 but along with the prophets[br]were the dissenters 0:23:00.168,0:23:03.428 who chose not to listen to them,[br]and not only that, to oppose them 0:23:03.428,0:23:05.548 and even kill the prophets. 0:23:05.548,0:23:08.468 And they have the same spirit, 0:23:08.468,0:23:10.988 so this is why they would carry the guilt. 0:23:10.988,0:23:12.248 (Tricia Lee) I think you're right, Missy. 0:23:12.248,0:23:14.428 Let's turn to Luke chapter 24, 0:23:14.428,0:23:16.468 and we'll see that the Bible supports 0:23:16.468,0:23:18.008 what you just said, Missy. 0:23:18.008,0:23:20.308 Luke chapter 24, 0:23:20.308,0:23:27.348 and, Eric, would you read for us Luke[br]chapter 24, verses 25 through 27? 0:23:27.348,0:23:32.548 (Eric) I'm reading from the[br]New Living Translation, 0:23:32.548,0:23:39.508 Luke 24:25-27, and it says: 0:24:02.028,0:24:03.768 (Tricia Lee) Amen, that's right, Missy. 0:24:03.768,0:24:06.248 All the prophets were all[br]given the same message, 0:24:06.248,0:24:09.604 the Gospel of Jesus that was[br]to come, the Messiah to come, 0:24:09.604,0:24:11.724 they were all testifying to Him, 0:24:11.724,0:24:15.824 so every generation, when they kept[br]rejecting the prophets that were sent 0:24:15.824,0:24:18.204 to them, they were rejecting Christ, 0:24:18.204,0:24:22.964 and ultimately when that generation[br]rejected Christ, they were rejecting 0:24:22.964,0:24:27.804 the entire message that had been sent[br]to them time after time after time. 0:24:27.804,0:24:28.564 Jonathan? 0:24:28.564,0:24:32.084 (Jonathan) Just the fact that not[br]only did they reject the sayings 0:24:32.084,0:24:35.544 that were entrusted to them, now[br]they came with greater power. 0:24:35.544,0:24:37.844 I mean, like, when you have[br]Christ doing all these miracles, 0:24:37.844,0:24:42.164 so if they reject Christ, who is[br]the fulfillment and testimony 0:24:42.164,0:24:45.264 and perfect representation of[br]everything they were given, 0:24:45.264,0:24:49.284 they in essence have rejected it and[br]killed everything else before them. 0:24:49.284,0:24:54.564 (Derek) But you know, we have no excuse 0:24:54.564,0:24:57.292 because we have Jesus, 0:24:57.292,0:25:02.442 and yet, you know, one of the things[br]I've noticed teaching about Jesus, 0:25:02.544,0:25:06.164 there are many young people who[br]grow up in a Christian home 0:25:06.164,0:25:10.244 who have never read the Book of[br]Matthew or Mark or Luke or John. 0:25:10.244,0:25:13.644 They have the testimony of Jesus Himself, 0:25:13.644,0:25:15.382 and yet a lot of times 0:25:15.702,0:25:18.062 we act like it doesn't exist. 0:25:18.062,0:25:20.822 (Tricia Lee) That would be[br]the rebuke to our generation. 0:25:20.822,0:25:21.722 (Derek) I think it would be. 0:25:21.722,0:25:23.042 (Tricia Lee) The rebuke to our generation 0:25:23.042,0:25:27.042 is that we have this Word that has[br]survived generation after generation, 0:25:27.042,0:25:30.162 we know that it's been[br]preserved through time 0:25:30.162,0:25:32.742 exactly as it was spoken through[br]the prophets and written down, 0:25:32.742,0:25:37.422 we know the life of Christ, and so here[br]we are today with such grace, such mercy, 0:25:37.422,0:25:40.942 and if we still choose not to accept[br]God, then that's the rebuke that we have 0:25:40.942,0:25:42.482 on ourselves. 0:25:42.482,0:25:43.822 We're going to keep reading now, 0:25:43.822,0:25:47.911 and we're going to transition[br]now to Matthew chapter 24 0:25:47.911,0:25:49.531 and get into the real heart of our study. 0:25:49.531,0:25:53.831 We're going to now see that Jesus leaves[br]the Temple, again, tears in His eyes. 0:25:53.831,0:25:56.211 Thank you Nathan; I believe[br]He had tears in His eyes, too. 0:25:56.211,0:25:59.871 Sad that the people were doubting[br]Him and not believing Him, 0:26:00.061,0:26:02.841 and now we're going to[br]see another conversation 0:26:02.841,0:26:07.161 that He and the disciples get into[br]that leads us to this amazing prophecy 0:26:07.161,0:26:10.681 about the destruction of Jerusalem[br]as well as the last day events. 0:26:10.681,0:26:13.861 We're going to read in Matthew chapter 24. 0:26:13.861,0:26:17.461 I'm going to ask Nicole if she[br]would start reading for us 0:26:20.309,0:26:22.129 Matthew 24, verses 1 through 14. 0:26:22.129,0:26:26.429 (Nicole) Matthew 24, verses 1 through 14, 0:26:26.429,0:26:28.849 I'm reading from the New[br]International Version, 0:26:28.849,0:26:30.009 and it says: 0:26:59.929,0:27:01.149 (Tricia Lee) Nicole,[br]would you pause there? 0:27:01.149,0:27:02.869 I have a question for the group. 0:27:02.869,0:27:04.869 What do you think they mean by that? 0:27:04.869,0:27:05.929 The "end of the age?" 0:27:05.929,0:27:08.509 My New King James Version[br]says, the "end of the age." 0:27:08.509,0:27:12.456 Does anyone's Bible say[br]something different? 0:27:12.456,0:27:17.556 Anyone have "end of the world?" 0:27:17.556,0:27:20.051 (Olric) What was happening here, 0:27:20.291,0:27:23.571 they were equating whatever destruction 0:27:23.571,0:27:28.511 would come to Jerusalem[br]with the end of the world. 0:27:28.511,0:27:30.691 So they put the two events together 0:27:30.691,0:27:33.351 because this is how they[br]saw it in their own minds. 0:27:33.351,0:27:36.591 That's why they asked Jesus[br]the question in that manner. 0:27:36.591,0:27:38.991 (Missy) It was a dual prophecy. 0:27:38.991,0:27:40.891 It was talking about two separate events, 0:27:40.891,0:27:44.591 but they run parallel to each other. 0:27:44.591,0:27:46.231 (Derek) But I think Olric's right, 0:27:46.231,0:27:49.145 that they thought, "That must[br]be the end of the world, 0:27:49.145,0:27:52.615 if every stone in this Temple of[br]God is going to be torn down." 0:27:52.615,0:27:54.915 We know that it's not going[br]to be the end of the world, 0:27:54.915,0:27:58.005 it's only 40 years later in[br]70 A.D. it will be fulfilled, 0:27:58.005,0:28:00.055 but I think in their minds, as Olric said, 0:28:00.369,0:28:04.049 they're thinking that must[br]be one and the same thing 0:28:04.049,0:28:05.389 as the end of all things. 0:28:05.389,0:28:06.849 (Tricia Lee) Yes, one thing's for certain, 0:28:06.849,0:28:08.489 if we have questions on what that means 0:28:08.489,0:28:10.769 we're going to find out[br]as we keep reading, 0:28:10.769,0:28:13.669 but certainly as we listen to[br]what's going to be read to us 0:28:13.669,0:28:16.329 as we continue in chapter 24. 0:28:16.329,0:28:20.129 The end of the age - it[br]was something drastic. 0:28:20.129,0:28:22.349 The end of the world is[br]what you described, Olric, 0:28:22.349,0:28:26.249 and that's the context that the[br]disciples had in asking this question, 0:28:26.249,0:28:30.089 what is the site of this big,[br]grand, finale, if you would. 0:28:30.089,0:28:31.749 So Nicole, please keep reading for us. 0:28:31.749,0:28:35.527 (Nicole) I'm reading from[br]verse 4 of Matthew 24. 0:28:35.527,0:28:36.351 It says: 0:29:45.068,0:29:46.488 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 0:29:46.488,0:29:48.928 Missy, you were right that[br]this is a dual prophecy, 0:29:48.928,0:29:51.138 so we're going to continue reading 0:29:53.256,0:29:53.506 and skip down to verses 21 through 28 0:29:53.506,0:29:59.666 about the prophecy regarding[br]the last days and the end times. 0:29:59.666,0:30:03.534 I'm going to ask Alex if he would[br]read for us verses 21 through 28. 0:30:03.534,0:30:06.414 (Alex) Sure, and I'll be reading[br]from the King James Version: 0:30:56.094,0:30:57.154 (Tricia Lee) Amen. 0:30:57.154,0:30:58.734 One last set of verses, 0:30:58.734,0:31:01.994 Nancy, would you please read[br]verses 32 and 33 for us? 0:31:01.994,0:31:08.703 (Nancy) Okay, and this is[br]from Matthew 24, verse 32 0:31:08.703,0:31:11.063 in the New King James Version: 0:31:32.843,0:31:34.723 (Tricia Lee) Amen, at the doors. 0:31:35.003,0:31:39.201 So let's talk about these amazing,[br]amazing Scriptures, amazing prophecy, 0:31:39.661,0:31:41.721 Jesus letting us know what to expect 0:31:41.721,0:31:43.161 in the last days. 0:31:43.161,0:31:46.841 What signs of the last days do[br]you see even today taking place? 0:31:46.841,0:31:49.441 Olric. 0:31:49.441,0:31:54.221 (Olric) Wars, rumors of wars, you[br]have nation rising against nation, 0:31:54.221,0:31:56.221 and it's becoming more prevalent, 0:31:56.221,0:31:57.701 but not just more prevalent, 0:31:57.701,0:32:01.541 but they're using more[br]sophisticated weapons 0:32:01.541,0:32:03.441 for their warfare, 0:32:03.441,0:32:05.958 and it doesn't, you[br]know, seem to be ending. 0:32:05.958,0:32:07.058 (Tricia Lee) Okay, Juliana. 0:32:07.546,0:32:10.646 (Juliana) Olric mentions[br]things that are involving man, 0:32:10.646,0:32:12.906 but I think that the[br]Earth is also groaning. 0:32:12.906,0:32:16.226 We're seeing more and[br]more earthquakes. 0:32:16.226,0:32:18.826 I think of what happened[br]not that long ago in Nepal, 0:32:18.826,0:32:22.706 and there's also been things in Mexico 0:32:22.706,0:32:24.746 and in Africa and just all over the world. 0:32:24.746,0:32:26.266 We have earthquakes, we have famines. 0:32:26.266,0:32:29.166 There's things happening in rivers, 0:32:29.166,0:32:30.786 that animals are dying, 0:32:30.786,0:32:33.486 and the environment...it's groaning; 0:32:33.486,0:32:35.666 it's asking for Christ to come back. 0:32:35.666,0:32:36.646 (Tricia Lee) Alex. 0:32:36.646,0:32:39.266 (Alex) I think there are many[br]false prophets now, too. 0:32:39.266,0:32:42.946 Just more and more all the time I[br]see preachers and pastors coming out 0:32:42.946,0:32:46.466 with these end-time preachings and end-[br]time things, and even a lot of my friends 0:32:46.466,0:32:51.454 are really getting into these things,[br]"Here, check out this message," and such. 0:32:51.454,0:32:55.760 And it's like, wow, if I didn't know the[br]truth, this would be so easy to believe. 0:32:55.905,0:33:00.005 You know, how they point things out in the[br]world, but it's so easy to be deceived. 0:33:00.005,0:33:01.065 (Tricia Lee) Jonathan. 0:33:01.065,0:33:05.315 (Jonathan) I think it's interesting[br]to look at the things He chooses 0:33:05.315,0:33:06.575 and how He lays them out. 0:33:06.575,0:33:09.885 I feel like in some sense He[br]kind of picks the things, 0:33:09.885,0:33:12.915 not so much that we can[br]calculate the end of time, 0:33:12.915,0:33:16.155 but more to say, okay,[br]what do we need to look at 0:33:16.483,0:33:20.943 because, I mean, a lot of the things[br]He lays out happen throughout history. 0:33:20.943,0:33:24.953 The church was persecuted,[br]you have earthquakes, I mean, 0:33:24.953,0:33:27.149 that's been happening for a lot of time. 0:33:27.389,0:33:30.009 And certainly He does say things[br]that get close to the end of time, 0:33:30.009,0:33:33.629 but I think also He's just saying for[br]the disciples and for us in general 0:33:33.629,0:33:38.529 a way to look at the world[br]and to have our hearts... 0:33:38.529,0:33:41.789 and how to respond to[br]the things that happen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So I think it's kind of, "how to[br]live in the context of My Coming." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) And I think the positive thing 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 is the Gospel is going[br]to go to the whole world, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and then the end's going to come. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Yes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) You know, I think the joy we have 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as a little team, Hope Sabbath School, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 is that we're a little part of that, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and technology even in the lifetime 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of many of our viewers, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there's been a revolution[br]in terms of communication. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And, of course, the Enemy's[br]wanting to use that, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as Alex said, to promote false ideas 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and just idolatry, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but I believe God's going to use that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 by His Spirit, too. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're on the brink of where the Message 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 can go rapidly around the world. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Alex, you mentioned the false[br]christs that come in the last days, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what's our safeguard against 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the deception of a false christ, or 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 let's talk some more about[br]what does that look like, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a false christ or someone that's[br]coming in the name of Christ, Olric. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Olric) I've looked through[br]the Old Testament, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I've seen some scenarios where 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 false messages were[br]brought to God's people. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We see in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with the Devil tempting[br]them with false words. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Even in the case of in a[br]previous study we did Jeremiah, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we see Jeremiah being countered there by[br]an individual by the name of Hananiah. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The problem with these false christs, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 false teachers, they propel messages 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that seem to distract God's people 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 from God's way of doing things, the way 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God had commanded. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And the way to counter this, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 as we will see from the Word of God, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 is through the truth[br]like Isaiah 8, verse 20. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Let's go there. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's go there, Isaiah 8, verse 20, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and Olric, will you read that for us? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Olric) Isaiah 8, verse 20, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 reading from the King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Wow. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So what I heard you say, Olric, is 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there may not just be[br]manifestations of people 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 saying that they[br]are a false messiah 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to physically "follow me," but even[br]teachings of false Christianity 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that can also be a way to deceive people 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the last days. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Right, and I think Alex made a really important point 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when he said, "I could follow what some of my friends are saying 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if I didn't study the Word." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because these people, they do signs and wonders, it says, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and they're religious; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they're false christs and false prophets, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so they speak about maybe needing 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to be close to God, and, you know, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it all sounds good, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but it's false. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So, you know, we shouldn't[br]try to [point out], 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Oh, is that false;" we should be focusing 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 on the true and on Jesus[br]who is the true Christ, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because when we see the false 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we will immediately recognize 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that it isn't the truth. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) There's another promise[br]that Jesus Himself has made 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to His believers, and[br]I'm going to ask Missy 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if she would read for us John[br]chapter 10, verses 27 and 28. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 John chapter 10:27, 28. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And it is a bit scary for some to[br]think that you could be deceived 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 by false teachers and false miracles 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and false people to lead us astray, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but I thank God that He has[br]this promise recorded for us. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Missy) I'm reading from the[br]New International Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee, Team) Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) We are safe[br]in the hands of Jesus. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "My sheep hear my voice...[br]and they will follow." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you for reading that[br]Scripture in Isaiah, Olric. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If there is a message or a person that's[br]not speaking according to the Word of God, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 then that's an alarm for us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but He's also promised[br]that He will keep us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we will recognize His voice, and[br]I believe there are so many examples 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the Bible of the Lord[br]revealing Himself to His people, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 literally leading His people through[br]the wilderness by day and by night, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and so even in the midst of strong[br]deception in the last days, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if we keep our eyes on Jesus,[br]He will see us through. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Simiso, let's read another[br]promise from the Lord 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 on why we shouldn't be afraid 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and should not be discouraged. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Simiso, would you read John[br]chapter 14, verses 1 through 3. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why we should not be afraid[br]of these last day events. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Simiso) John 14, verses 1 through 3, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I'm reading from the[br]New King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So the last days are a necessary step 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the process of getting us closer 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to going Home. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Jesus is coming back to take us Home 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to be with Him, and as[br]scary as last day events, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 wars and earthquakes and pestilence 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and family members betraying[br]one another, may sound, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 God has promised to keep us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and the promise is that when He returns 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He is going to take us Home with Him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek, Tricia Lee) Praise God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Missy mentioned earlier 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that there was a dual prophecy, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that the disciples were thinking 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 about the destruction of Jerusalem, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and Jesus answered their question 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 about when those things[br]would take place as well. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's read the verses[br]where Jesus describes 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the destruction of Jerusalem. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Eric, would you read for us Matthew 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 chapter 24, verses 15 through 20? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Eric) I'm reading from[br]the New Living Translation, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and it says: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Gary, we talked a bit earlier about[br]it being difficult for the disciples 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to think about the destruction of[br]Jerusalem to happen at any other time 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 than at the end of the world. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why was that? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why did they connect the two together? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Gary) I guess how they related 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to the Temple, their mission; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they're the people of God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They couldn't get past the fact that 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if this is not going to[br]be in existence anymore, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 than that must mean everything[br]must be falling apart. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) You know, I think they're trusting 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the building rather than in God. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And before we judge them and go, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "That's really foolish," I think we could 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 trust in our institutions, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we could trust in our organization, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and the truth of the matter is, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 before this is all over, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a lot of those things could collapse. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) That's true, it's true. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) And all we have is[br]to hold on to our Savior, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you know, because we know[br]that He's going through. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He's going to take us[br]through to the very end. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But lest we be too hard on them, I think 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they associated confidence in God, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 now it's the building, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and pretty soon God's kind of set aside, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and they're just trusting[br]in their structures. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) You're absolutely right. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're going to have to let go[br]of a lot of ideas that we have, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 things that we hold dear, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to accept Jesus and in His return. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Juliana, would you read for us. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's turn to Philippians chapter 3:7-8, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and we'll hear an account of someone 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who had to let go of some[br]things they held dear. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Philippians chapter 3, verses 7 and 8. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Juliana) I'm reading from[br]the New King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen! 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What we didn't read is that previously 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we're hearing an account of having[br]confidence in self and being able 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to keep the Law and being[br]of the stock of Israel, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 all the things that I'm sure the disciples 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 are very proud of in thinking about 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the institution and the Temple. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They had to let those things go, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and surely we will have to[br]let some things go, as well, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to accept Christ. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We talked in a previous study[br]about falling on the Rock, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 submitting to Christ 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and learning to count the things of[br]God as gain and learning how to let go. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's keep reading in Matthew chapter 24. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Not only does Jesus tell[br]us what to look for 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in His coming, but He gives[br]us a description of His coming, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and certainly this is key because 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we're watching and we're waiting, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and we want to be ready when He comes, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and we want to know what we're looking for 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when He comes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So, Nathan, would you please read for us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Matthew 24, verses 27 through 31? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nathan) All right, I'll be reading[br]from the New King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen! Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What are some of the characteristics 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and aspects of Jesus' coming? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What do we learn from this passage? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nicole) Everyone will[br]see Him when He comes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) It's visible. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nicole) Yes, we will see Him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) So it looks like[br]there are a lot of angels. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You can't miss the whole[br]angels of the Heavenly Host. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What else do we learn? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Olric) The trumpet sound. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) So it's loud; it's audible. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Okay, what else have we learned here? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Jason) There will be[br]some signs of the heavens 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that precede the coming, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 particularly with the[br]sun, moon, and stars. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Anything else? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) And it's dramatic. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Yes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) It's not just, "Oh, I think 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I see something." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Yes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) It's like lightening from the east 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 all the way to the west, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I think that's important, because, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you know, Jesus talks about,[br]is this secret or is it... 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I think it's a surprise, even for those 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of us who are looking for His coming, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when it actually happens. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If it happened in the[br]middle of this broadcast, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you know I'd use my favorite Hebrew word, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Hallelujah, but I would be surprised 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because I thought we were going to finish 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the program, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Yeah, but it's not secret. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's not secret; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it's visible, audible, but it's dramatic 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like lightening from the east to the west. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) My version of the Bible 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 says that "the powers of the[br]heavens will be shaken." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I can't even imagine what that's like, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but I feel like we won't miss when 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the heavens are shaking. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This is a dramatic, dramatic occurence. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We'll all see it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We will not miss it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What else can we learn[br]about Jesus' coming? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's turn over to[br]1 Thessalonians chapter 4 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 where there's another description of[br]some of the what that takes place 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and the how that takes place 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when Jesus comes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 1 Thessalonians chapter 4,[br]verses 15 through 17. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I'll ask Gary to read that for us. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Gary) Sure, and I'll be reading[br]from the New King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) What else is happening 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 at the coming of Jesus? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're not going to miss[br]any of these things. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I heard again, the loud shout, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the Lord Himself is coming, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the Archangel. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I can imagine the Archangel[br]and the Lord are shouting. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This is going to be a loud shout. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What else do we see? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nathan) In verse 15, we read that[br]there would be a resurrection. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Yes, hard to miss! 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nathan) We're not going to Heaven 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 without the ones...I think probably[br]the Thessalonians were writing to Paul 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and saying, "What about our loved[br]ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Are we going to go to Heaven when Jesus[br]comes, and we leave them behind?" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He says, "No, before we go, they're[br]going to be raised from the Earth." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So that's something that we[br]won't really miss, will we? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) No, we won't. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Nathan) It's hard to miss that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) I think growing up I thought the[br]loud shout was like, "Yo!" you know? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I think the shout[br]is, "Awake!" you know, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because the Scripture speaks about[br]awake, you who sleep in the dust. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's like, "Lazarus, come forth!" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when Jesus raises Lazarus. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So it's not just, "Yo!" you know? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a shout that will conquer death; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it will defeat death. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Iv'e even[br]imagined to myself sometimes, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like, "Honey, I'm home!" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're the Bride and He's coming, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 With excitement, He's here. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's not forget, though, why Jesus 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 was so sad in rebuking the Pharisees 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and the Scribes and the religious leaders 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in Jerusalem who had rejected Him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It was because He realized 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that at His coming there[br]will be no second chance, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that things are final. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Our destinies will be decided[br]by Christ the Judge, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and that's why He had[br]those tears in His eyes, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because He knew their[br]salvation was on the line. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's look at some verses 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 again in Matthew chapter 24 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because there are some who believe[br]that there is a second chance, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that when Jesus comes again there's[br]another chance to get things right. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But we will learn that it really is[br]the end of time, the end of the age, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the end of the world, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and how important it is for us to make[br]our choice and our decision for Him now 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and today. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Olric, will you read for us[br]Matthew 24, verses 36 through 42? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 36 through 42. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Olric) Reading from[br]the King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen, thank you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Particularly verses 40 and 41, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there are some that believe that there is[br]something called the "Secret Rapture," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that the Lord will come at one point and[br]take some chosen people away secretly, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and others will not know, and that those[br]who are left behind have a second chance 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 for some period of time to get[br]things right before He comes again. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But what we've learned so far and[br]what these texts are describing to us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 is...Well, the first thing we can say[br]about the women is that they are 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 kind of going along in[br]their everyday lives, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They are going along, it's[br]business as usual, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They are at the mill,[br]is that where they are? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Grinding at the mill, and so exactly[br]what Pastor Derek described 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 about, we could be filming one[br]of these Sabbath School lessons, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and the Lord could come. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're going about our[br]lives; it's a surprise. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It catches us suddenly, and that's[br]the shock that can be with two people 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 working at a mill or two[br]people sleeping in bed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Yes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Olric) Notice what is being said here. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In this passage, Jesus is not[br]saying that you should not work. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This is daily work that they are doing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The problem is, is that these[br]two passages, 40 and 41, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 are in the context of Jesus saying that, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "My coming will be a[br]surprise," not a secret, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 just a surprise, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because it will be loud, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it will be visible. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But the surprise is, it will come at[br]a time when people least expect it 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because many folks, as He's saying here, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 will be going about their daily work... 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Eating, drinking. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Olric) ...doing all this stuff[br]without getting themselves ready. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) You know, there are[br]many sincere Christians 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who may believe in a Secret[br]Rapture of the saints 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and then another chance, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and certainly we may not have[br]everything right about Scripture, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and we know if we love Jesus, and[br]we've accepted His salvation, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that whenever He comes[br]we'll be ready, right? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So we're not saved by[br]correct understanding. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The danger is that people would put off 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 until tomorrow the commitment[br]they need to make today 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and say, "Well, maybe when they[br]go I can make another chance," 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and that's, of course, the deception 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because the Bible say,[br]"Today, if you hear His voice, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 do not harden your heart." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Well, let's read another[br]Scripture one chapter over, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Matthew chapter 25,[br]verses 31 through 34, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and I will ask Simiso to read that for us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Matthew 25:31-34. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It will give us a little bit more insight 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 about what happens when the Lord comes 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and this idea of being taken. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Simiso) Matthew 25:31-34, I'm reading[br]from the New King James Version: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When Jesus comes, His[br]coming is not a secret. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It may be a surprise to some who[br]are going about their everyday lives 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 not watching, not being ready, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but it's His judgment that determines 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who's on the left, who's on the right, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who's taken to be with[br]Him when He returns. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Again, Jesus knew this, and that's why 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He pleaded and begged because He knew 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that the choices we make today, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the choices they made in that day, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 were what would determine 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 whether they would be on the right hand 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or on the left hand, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 whether they'd be taken[br]back Home with Him. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) And those who are left... 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I think this is really important; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you've been emphasizing[br]the need for a decision. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We read that where the body is, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there the vultures will gather. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 As we study Scripture, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 those who are left are[br]not left to continue on, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but they are destroyed by the[br]brightness of Christ's coming, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and that's why we need to[br]make our decision today. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Well, let's wrap up our study 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in learning what it means[br]to watch and be ready 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and how we should act when we[br]know that the Lord is coming. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Jason, would you read for us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 verses 42 through 51 of Matthew 24? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Jason) I'll be reading from[br]the New King James Version, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Matthew chapter 24, verses 42 through 51: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Oh, mercy. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Olric, quickly, how can we be[br]ready for Jesus' Second Coming? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Olric) Simple, get ourselves ready 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 spiritually first through our[br]commitment to Jesus Christ, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and use that commitment to reach others. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you for this wonderful study, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and let's continue to thank God that He[br]reveals to us the things that will come 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the future through His Word, amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) Thank you, Tricia Lee. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What an amazing study, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and thank you for joining us[br]for Hope Sabbath School today. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Jesus wants you to be ready. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He wants you to know peace and joy today, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 even in the midst of the[br]difficulties around you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I want to pray that you'd[br]make that commitment today, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 just as Olric said, today, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that you'll trust Christ as your Savior 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 while we have this wonderful opportunity. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let's pray. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Our Father in Heaven, we[br]don't want to take for granted 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the great privilege of[br]learning the truth about Jesus 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and accepting Him as our Savior 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 while there is still time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I pray for each one who[br]hears this prayer today, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we may make our[br]calling and election sure 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 by trusting Jesus as our[br]Savior and soon-coming King. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And, God, I thank you[br]that you'll also use us 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to share that Good Word, that Word of hope 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with those around us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in Jesus' name, amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Team) Amen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 (Derek) While we're looking[br]for that glorious appearing, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we'll see Him come, we'll hear Him, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we'll hear a shout that[br]will wake the dead. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's going to be a glorious reunion. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Won't you determine today 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that you'll be part of the[br]Redeemed for all eternity, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and won't you also make the commitment 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that Jesus wants you to[br]share that Good News 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so that others can be with[br]us on that glorious day. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Go out, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 make a difference to the[br]lives of those around you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 ♪ theme music ♪