1 00:00:00,178 --> 00:00:19,200 ♪ theme music ♪ 2 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:21,070 (Derek) Welcome to Hope Sabbath School, 3 00:00:21,070 --> 00:00:23,250 an in-depth, interactive study 4 00:00:23,250 --> 00:00:24,470 of the Word of God. 5 00:00:24,470 --> 00:00:26,090 I'm glad you joined us today 6 00:00:26,090 --> 00:00:29,270 as we continue a life-changing series 7 00:00:29,270 --> 00:00:31,190 of studies on the Gospel of Matthew. 8 00:00:31,190 --> 00:00:32,550 Today we're going to talk 9 00:00:32,550 --> 00:00:34,350 about "The Teachings of Jesus 10 00:00:34,350 --> 00:00:36,370 about the Last Days." 11 00:00:36,370 --> 00:00:37,790 A relevant topic, 12 00:00:37,790 --> 00:00:39,250 and I know you'll be blessed. 13 00:00:39,250 --> 00:00:40,950 So welcome to Hope Sabbath School 14 00:00:40,950 --> 00:00:42,150 and welcome to our team. 15 00:00:42,150 --> 00:00:43,771 What a great series of studies. 16 00:00:43,771 --> 00:00:46,090 I'm so thankful that the Spirit of God 17 00:00:46,090 --> 00:00:48,070 inspired a former tax collector, 18 00:00:48,070 --> 00:00:50,190 Levi Matthew, to write this account, 19 00:00:50,190 --> 00:00:52,090 and I'm excited today because 20 00:00:52,090 --> 00:00:53,480 one of our team, Tricia Lee, 21 00:00:53,480 --> 00:00:55,228 is going to be leading in our study. 22 00:00:55,228 --> 00:00:57,308 Tricia Lee, thanks for your commitment 23 00:00:57,308 --> 00:00:58,358 to the Word of God, 24 00:00:58,358 --> 00:01:00,238 and I know God is going to bless us 25 00:01:00,238 --> 00:01:01,878 in wonderful ways. 26 00:01:01,878 --> 00:01:02,818 We're just so glad 27 00:01:02,818 --> 00:01:04,938 that you're part of Hope Sabbath School, 28 00:01:04,938 --> 00:01:07,118 and when you write to us it brings joy 29 00:01:07,118 --> 00:01:10,038 to our hearts to hear how God is blessing you. 30 00:01:10,038 --> 00:01:13,098 You can write to sshope@hopetv.org. 31 00:01:13,098 --> 00:01:14,578 You can also write a note 32 00:01:14,578 --> 00:01:16,018 on our Facebook page; 33 00:01:16,018 --> 00:01:19,078 we've got more than 150,000 followers 34 00:01:19,078 --> 00:01:21,268 on Facebook now, and it's wonderful. 35 00:01:21,268 --> 00:01:23,968 Sometimes we'll put a picture of you, if you send one. 36 00:01:23,968 --> 00:01:25,758 We're just part of a global family 37 00:01:25,758 --> 00:01:27,958 seeking God and wanting to be used 38 00:01:27,958 --> 00:01:30,238 to bless others with His Word. 39 00:01:30,238 --> 00:01:31,368 So thanks for writing. 40 00:01:31,368 --> 00:01:33,848 Ely writes from California. 41 00:01:33,848 --> 00:01:35,518 Anybody from California? 42 00:01:35,518 --> 00:01:37,708 Some of you have lived in California, right? 43 00:01:37,708 --> 00:01:38,468 Okay. 44 00:01:38,468 --> 00:01:40,788 "Greetings to every Hope Sabbath School member." 45 00:01:40,788 --> 00:01:42,768 (Team) Greetings. 46 00:01:42,768 --> 00:01:45,552 Several of you look happy. 47 00:01:45,552 --> 00:01:47,082 "I watch your program every day. 48 00:01:47,082 --> 00:01:48,902 I learn a lot from the discussion. 49 00:01:48,902 --> 00:01:51,102 I also downloaded the app, 50 00:01:51,102 --> 00:01:53,742 and I love to watch the archives. 51 00:01:53,742 --> 00:01:56,552 I feast on the Word of God every day." 52 00:01:56,552 --> 00:01:58,312 Well, Ely, thanks for letting other 53 00:01:58,312 --> 00:01:59,922 Hope Sabbath School members know 54 00:01:59,922 --> 00:02:02,172 that if you go to our website, 55 00:02:02,172 --> 00:02:05,122 hopetv.org/hopess, 56 00:02:05,122 --> 00:02:07,222 you can not only watch programs 57 00:02:07,222 --> 00:02:09,212 in this series on the Gospel of Matthew 58 00:02:09,212 --> 00:02:10,642 that you might have missed, 59 00:02:10,642 --> 00:02:13,782 but you can watch a multitude of past programs 60 00:02:13,782 --> 00:02:15,262 with wonderful topics 61 00:02:15,262 --> 00:02:16,422 that will be a blessing. 62 00:02:16,422 --> 00:02:18,832 If you have the app on your iPhone 63 00:02:18,832 --> 00:02:20,507 or your smartphone, 64 00:02:20,507 --> 00:02:22,312 you can access the archives there; 65 00:02:22,312 --> 00:02:25,462 you can watch all kinds of wonderful Bible studies. 66 00:02:25,462 --> 00:02:27,702 So thanks for putting in a little promo, 67 00:02:27,702 --> 00:02:30,682 Ely, for the app, and that's 68 00:02:30,682 --> 00:02:32,602 a wonderful blessing to many people. 69 00:02:32,602 --> 00:02:34,562 James writes from Ghana. 70 00:02:34,562 --> 00:02:36,392 Anyone with Ghanaian roots? 71 00:02:36,392 --> 00:02:39,152 We do have some occasionally on our team, don't we? 72 00:02:39,152 --> 00:02:41,922 "I enjoy your class and the contributions 73 00:02:41,922 --> 00:02:43,352 you make. 74 00:02:43,352 --> 00:02:45,649 I pick your contributions, 75 00:02:45,649 --> 00:02:48,449 and I replicate them in my class 76 00:02:48,449 --> 00:02:49,879 when I teach in my church." 77 00:02:49,879 --> 00:02:50,739 Is that good? 78 00:02:50,739 --> 00:02:53,029 (Derek) That's exactly what we're hoping for. 79 00:02:53,029 --> 00:02:55,969 "Oh, how I wish I could contribute live," 80 00:02:55,969 --> 00:02:57,459 says James. 81 00:02:57,459 --> 00:03:00,179 "Send my greetings to the Hope Sabbath School team." 82 00:03:00,179 --> 00:03:03,339 Well, James, if you come over when we're filming, 83 00:03:03,339 --> 00:03:05,439 we'd love to have you as part of the program, 84 00:03:05,439 --> 00:03:07,419 but, you know, we're equally excited 85 00:03:07,419 --> 00:03:09,879 to know that you're leading a Bible study 86 00:03:09,879 --> 00:03:12,179 program there in your homeland of Ghana, 87 00:03:12,179 --> 00:03:14,179 and, along with tens of thousands 88 00:03:14,179 --> 00:03:16,279 who are downloading that outline, 89 00:03:16,279 --> 00:03:19,389 we're glad you're teaching the Word to others. 90 00:03:19,389 --> 00:03:21,309 Benson writes from Kenya, 91 00:03:21,309 --> 00:03:22,849 and I know we've got one Kenyan. 92 00:03:22,849 --> 00:03:24,969 Eric, wave to your brother from Kenya. 93 00:03:24,969 --> 00:03:27,949 All right, a big smile for Benson 94 00:03:27,949 --> 00:03:31,059 writing from Kenya, "I follow your programs. 95 00:03:31,059 --> 00:03:33,399 I am a Sunday School teacher." 96 00:03:33,399 --> 00:03:35,219 So Benson's teaching the Word 97 00:03:35,219 --> 00:03:36,499 in his church. 98 00:03:36,499 --> 00:03:38,959 "Please don't give up because your work 99 00:03:38,959 --> 00:03:40,239 is not in vain." 100 00:03:40,239 --> 00:03:40,939 (Team) Amen. 101 00:03:40,939 --> 00:03:42,059 (Derek) That's awesome! 102 00:03:42,059 --> 00:03:43,309 "God bless you all, amen." 103 00:03:43,309 --> 00:03:45,509 Well Benson, to know that you're a witness 104 00:03:45,509 --> 00:03:47,824 there in your church in Kenya 105 00:03:47,824 --> 00:03:49,364 brings great joy to our hearts. 106 00:03:49,364 --> 00:03:50,284 You encourage 107 00:03:50,284 --> 00:03:51,814 your other Sunday School members 108 00:03:51,814 --> 00:03:53,834 to watch Hope Sabbath School, 109 00:03:53,834 --> 00:03:55,454 and they'll learn much more about 110 00:03:55,454 --> 00:03:57,144 the Word of God, too. 111 00:03:57,144 --> 00:03:59,094 Here's one last note, 112 00:03:59,094 --> 00:04:01,904 actually, I've got a couple here; lots of people writing. 113 00:04:01,904 --> 00:04:04,094 I want to thank Jean 114 00:04:04,094 --> 00:04:06,734 for writing from Russia. 115 00:04:06,734 --> 00:04:08,654 You say, "Jean doesn't sound Russian." 116 00:04:08,654 --> 00:04:11,134 Well, Jean is from Rwanda, 117 00:04:11,134 --> 00:04:13,034 studying in Russia. 118 00:04:13,034 --> 00:04:17,634 "I greet you in the might name of our soon-coming Savior Jesus Christ." 119 00:04:17,634 --> 00:04:18,804 (Team) Amen. 120 00:04:18,804 --> 00:04:20,094 (Derek) "Peace be with you. 121 00:04:20,094 --> 00:04:21,804 I am Rwandese, 122 00:04:21,804 --> 00:04:24,214 currently living and studying in Russia." 123 00:04:24,214 --> 00:04:27,164 Now I want you to listen to Jean's testimony. 124 00:04:27,164 --> 00:04:28,954 "I discovered Hope Sabbath School 125 00:04:28,954 --> 00:04:34,194 in late 2014 shortly after I came to Russia. 126 00:04:34,194 --> 00:04:38,054 I used to go through the Sabbath School study by myself 127 00:04:38,054 --> 00:04:41,244 because I didn't have anyone to study with me. 128 00:04:41,244 --> 00:04:44,454 Even after I discovered a church in the city, 129 00:04:44,454 --> 00:04:47,644 it was still difficult because all of the services were held in"...? 130 00:04:47,644 --> 00:04:48,600 (Team) Russian. 131 00:04:48,600 --> 00:04:52,710 (Derek) "...Russian, and I just was learning the language. 132 00:04:52,710 --> 00:04:54,960 As a response to my longings,..." 133 00:04:54,960 --> 00:04:56,840 (Somebody is going to say "amen" here.) 134 00:04:56,840 --> 00:04:58,830 "As a response to my longings, 135 00:04:58,830 --> 00:05:00,810 God revealed Hope Sabbath School to me," 136 00:05:00,810 --> 00:05:01,910 (Team) Amen. 137 00:05:01,910 --> 00:05:03,920 (Derek) "...and I was able to be part 138 00:05:03,920 --> 00:05:06,790 of the in-depth study of the Word of God in English. 139 00:05:06,790 --> 00:05:09,160 It blessed me so much 140 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:11,830 that even though I've now acquired enough language skills 141 00:05:11,830 --> 00:05:15,070 to discuss the lesson in Russian, 142 00:05:15,070 --> 00:05:17,430 I still watch Hope Sabbath School, 143 00:05:17,430 --> 00:05:18,890 and I'm blessed by that. 144 00:05:18,890 --> 00:05:22,370 I pray that you keep serving, letting people know 145 00:05:22,370 --> 00:05:24,309 about the Word of God 146 00:05:24,309 --> 00:05:28,090 and that you might even broadcast in different languages 147 00:05:28,090 --> 00:05:31,230 to reach many unreached places for Christ." 148 00:05:31,230 --> 00:05:33,450 Well, Jean, I want to ask you to pray 149 00:05:33,450 --> 00:05:37,630 because we are moving forward with closed captioning, 150 00:05:37,630 --> 00:05:39,950 and we are looking for the opportunity 151 00:05:39,950 --> 00:05:41,770 for volunteer translators 152 00:05:41,770 --> 00:05:44,010 in a multitude of different languages 153 00:05:44,010 --> 00:05:47,440 so that people who don't have English as their language, 154 00:05:47,440 --> 00:05:49,310 even a major second language, 155 00:05:49,310 --> 00:05:52,035 will be able to watch and read the closed captioning 156 00:05:52,035 --> 00:05:54,095 because, you know this Gospel of the KIngdom 157 00:05:54,095 --> 00:05:55,975 is going to go the whole World, 158 00:05:55,975 --> 00:05:58,415 and then Jesus will come back, isn't that right? 159 00:05:58,415 --> 00:06:00,925 (Derek) So thank you for being a witness there 160 00:06:00,925 --> 00:06:02,605 while you're studying in Russia. 161 00:06:02,605 --> 00:06:06,065 One last note from Alexander in Zimbabwe. 162 00:06:06,065 --> 00:06:07,845 Anyone from Zimbabwe, Simiso? 163 00:06:07,845 --> 00:06:10,045 Hold your hand up and wave to your brother; 164 00:06:10,045 --> 00:06:11,425 we'll get that on the screen, 165 00:06:11,425 --> 00:06:13,215 all the way from Zimbabwe. 166 00:06:13,215 --> 00:06:15,115 "Greetings, Hope Sabbath School team." 167 00:06:15,115 --> 00:06:16,055 (Team) Greetings! 168 00:06:16,055 --> 00:06:19,325 (Derek) "I'm blessed to be watching Hope Sabbath School in Harare..." 169 00:06:19,325 --> 00:06:21,435 (capital?) "...of Zimbabwe. 170 00:06:21,435 --> 00:06:23,522 I really enjoy the discussions; 171 00:06:23,522 --> 00:06:26,592 they're so interactive and informative. 172 00:06:26,592 --> 00:06:29,452 May God bless you, the entire Hope Sabbath School team, 173 00:06:29,452 --> 00:06:31,393 for spreading the Word of God." 174 00:06:31,393 --> 00:06:33,632 Well, you say that's a lot of emails 175 00:06:33,632 --> 00:06:35,032 coming from around the world, 176 00:06:35,032 --> 00:06:39,792 and, you know, we are just so glad that we can be part of a global family. 177 00:06:39,792 --> 00:06:42,414 And we're going to sing together now as a global family, 178 00:06:42,414 --> 00:06:44,224 and then Tricia Lee's going to lead us 179 00:06:44,224 --> 00:06:46,494 in a powerful study of the Word of God, 180 00:06:46,494 --> 00:06:49,465 "The Teachings of Jesus about the Last Days," 181 00:06:49,465 --> 00:06:52,014 but we're singing now, Psalm 148. 182 00:06:52,014 --> 00:06:53,994 I hope you've learned it for this series, 183 00:06:53,994 --> 00:06:57,024 "Praise Him in the Heights." 184 00:06:57,024 --> 00:07:10,044 ♪ music ♪ 185 00:09:01,995 --> 00:09:05,275 (Derek) You know, I've got a feeling when we're done with this series, 186 00:09:05,275 --> 00:09:07,715 we're going to be singing this in our sleep, 187 00:09:07,715 --> 00:09:09,465 but what a great Psalm to sing, 188 00:09:09,465 --> 00:09:11,015 "Praise Him in the Heights," 189 00:09:11,015 --> 00:09:14,255 and, Tricia Lee, as you lead our study today, I know we'll have a lot 190 00:09:14,255 --> 00:09:18,035 to praise Jesus for as He gives us hope for the last days. 191 00:09:18,035 --> 00:09:20,915 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 192 00:09:20,915 --> 00:09:23,085 Let us pray. 193 00:09:23,085 --> 00:09:25,185 Dear Lord, we need your Holy Spirit 194 00:09:25,185 --> 00:09:26,535 to help us to understand 195 00:09:26,535 --> 00:09:28,505 the times that we're living in. 196 00:09:28,505 --> 00:09:31,715 We need your Holy Spirit to help us understand Your words to us 197 00:09:31,715 --> 00:09:33,115 about the Last Days. 198 00:09:33,115 --> 00:09:34,335 Please bless this study, 199 00:09:34,335 --> 00:09:36,115 in Christ's name we pray, amen. 200 00:09:36,115 --> 00:09:37,215 (Derek, Team) Amen. 201 00:09:37,215 --> 00:09:38,695 (Tricia Lee) I am so excited 202 00:09:38,695 --> 00:09:41,165 that God has not left us in the dark 203 00:09:41,165 --> 00:09:43,715 about what to expect will happen 204 00:09:43,715 --> 00:09:44,755 in the last days. 205 00:09:44,755 --> 00:09:47,872 Some people are very anxious or nervous about the things 206 00:09:47,872 --> 00:09:49,862 that happen at the end of time. 207 00:09:49,862 --> 00:09:54,942 Some people have heard rumors or strange stories of the apocalypse 208 00:09:54,942 --> 00:09:57,682 or even science fiction zombies, 209 00:09:57,682 --> 00:10:00,742 but God's Word reveals to us what to expect. 210 00:10:00,742 --> 00:10:04,642 So as we study together, let's just thank God that He has not left us 211 00:10:04,642 --> 00:10:07,832 in darkness about what will come in the Last Days. 212 00:10:07,832 --> 00:10:08,772 (Derek, Team) Amen. 213 00:10:08,772 --> 00:10:10,502 (Tricia Lee) Let us turn our study 214 00:10:10,502 --> 00:10:13,532 to the Book of Matthew chapter 23. 215 00:10:13,532 --> 00:10:18,382 Before we hear what Jesus teaches about the last days, 216 00:10:18,382 --> 00:10:22,762 first we find our study right after the Triumphal Entry. 217 00:10:22,762 --> 00:10:27,092 Jesus has entered Jerusalem, and He has met the religious leaders, 218 00:10:27,092 --> 00:10:31,262 and unfortunately they are filled with envy and anger towards Him, 219 00:10:31,262 --> 00:10:35,862 and with a sorrowful heart He beings to pronounce a series of woes to them. 220 00:10:35,862 --> 00:10:38,862 Woe means misery or trouble to come, 221 00:10:38,862 --> 00:10:41,732 bad things that are happening, so He's warning them 222 00:10:41,732 --> 00:10:44,612 about the condition of their hard hearts and what that means. 223 00:10:44,612 --> 00:10:47,252 So let's see first, before we talk about the last days, 224 00:10:47,252 --> 00:10:51,322 what Christ says to the religious leaders and to the people at the time 225 00:10:51,340 --> 00:10:55,400 about these woes, this miserable condition that they are unfortunately now 226 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:58,080 finding themselves in because they've rejected Him. 227 00:10:58,080 --> 00:11:01,240 Let's start in Matthew chapter 23. 228 00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:03,460 I'll ask Gary if he would please read for us 229 00:11:03,460 --> 00:11:06,910 Matthew chapter 23, verses 1 through 12. 230 00:11:06,910 --> 00:11:11,600 (Gary) Okay, I'll be reading from the New King James Version: 231 00:12:32,294 --> 00:12:33,294 (Tricia Lee) Amen. 232 00:12:33,294 --> 00:12:35,484 So before addressing the Scribes and Pharisees, 233 00:12:35,484 --> 00:12:37,774 Christ first addresses the people; 234 00:12:37,774 --> 00:12:39,754 He actually gives them some warnings. 235 00:12:39,754 --> 00:12:41,504 Nicole, would you summarize for us 236 00:12:41,504 --> 00:12:45,374 what has Christ warned the people about in the verses we just read. 237 00:12:45,374 --> 00:12:54,179 (Nicole) Sure, I'm thinking back to humility again and not being 238 00:12:54,179 --> 00:12:58,039 caught up in names and being in certain places in society, 239 00:12:58,039 --> 00:13:00,979 and so I think He is warning against being kind of hypocrites, 240 00:13:00,979 --> 00:13:04,419 you know, saying one thing out of your mouth, but acting and living a way 241 00:13:04,419 --> 00:13:06,379 that's not reflecting what you're saying. 242 00:13:06,379 --> 00:13:10,379 So I think this whole 12 verses kind of talks about hypocrisy and warning 243 00:13:10,379 --> 00:13:14,039 against living a life that you're not actually living. 244 00:13:14,039 --> 00:13:15,389 (Tricia Lee) That's correct. 245 00:13:15,389 --> 00:13:17,734 Let's keep reading now in verses 13 through 15 246 00:13:17,734 --> 00:13:20,724 where now Jesus is speaking directly 247 00:13:20,724 --> 00:13:24,604 to the religious leaders and pronounces these woes upon them. 248 00:13:24,604 --> 00:13:30,014 Olric, will you please read Matthew chapter 23:13-15? 249 00:13:30,014 --> 00:13:33,989 (Olric) Yes, I'll be reading from the King James Version: 250 00:14:17,589 --> 00:14:19,429 (Tricia Lee) Wow, wow, strong words 251 00:14:19,429 --> 00:14:20,579 from Jesus here. 252 00:14:20,579 --> 00:14:22,359 Jonathan, would you summarize for us 253 00:14:22,359 --> 00:14:27,269 what is the rebuke that Jesus is giving to the Scribes and Pharisees here? 254 00:14:27,269 --> 00:14:30,311 (Jonathan) It seems like He is just kind of [undermining] 255 00:14:30,311 --> 00:14:32,407 their whole approach to religion. 256 00:14:32,407 --> 00:14:35,687 They had set up all these rules and set up all these different things, 257 00:14:35,687 --> 00:14:37,107 and He's calling their bluff. 258 00:14:37,107 --> 00:14:40,287 It's like, "You talk about My Kingdom, 259 00:14:40,287 --> 00:14:42,127 but you don't actually want people in; 260 00:14:42,127 --> 00:14:45,307 you don't actually invite people to really live these things out. 261 00:14:45,315 --> 00:14:47,465 It's more this external thing for you." 262 00:14:47,465 --> 00:14:49,785 (Tricia Lee) Strong rebukes, but there is more. 263 00:14:49,785 --> 00:14:55,105 Juliana, will you continue reading for us Matthew 23, verses 16 through 24? 264 00:14:55,105 --> 00:14:58,485 (Juliana) Sure, and I will be reading from the New King James Version: 265 00:16:15,495 --> 00:16:16,645 (Tricia Lee) Wow, wow. 266 00:16:16,645 --> 00:16:18,495 Simiso, 267 00:16:18,495 --> 00:16:22,815 summarize for what is Jesus rebuking the religious leaders. 268 00:16:22,815 --> 00:16:24,485 (Simiso) I think Jesus is rebuking 269 00:16:24,485 --> 00:16:28,565 the religious leaders to be genuine and authentic 270 00:16:28,565 --> 00:16:31,231 and be all rounded in terms of what 271 00:16:31,231 --> 00:16:33,401 Scripture requires of them. 272 00:16:33,401 --> 00:16:37,369 (Tricia Lee) That's correct, when we look at verses 21 and 22, 273 00:16:37,369 --> 00:16:41,669 it seems as though they have a lack of reverence for the things that are holy. 274 00:16:41,669 --> 00:16:44,829 They're not really reverencing what God is saying. 275 00:16:44,829 --> 00:16:46,709 What do we see in verse 24 276 00:16:46,709 --> 00:16:50,779 about the tithing of mint and anise? 277 00:16:50,779 --> 00:16:53,850 Olric, what is Christ telling them or rebuking them for? 278 00:16:53,850 --> 00:16:56,680 (Olric) They had this teaching back then that 279 00:16:56,680 --> 00:17:02,717 they were not to eat anything unclean, and the gnat would be an unclean animal. 280 00:17:02,717 --> 00:17:06,787 So they will take time to make sure 281 00:17:06,787 --> 00:17:09,237 that the water does not contain 282 00:17:09,237 --> 00:17:11,143 any of these little bugs, 283 00:17:11,143 --> 00:17:13,891 but, you know, He is saying, 284 00:17:13,891 --> 00:17:18,529 "Your hypocrisy is so evident; 285 00:17:18,529 --> 00:17:24,009 you take time to pay tithe and cummin and this stuff. 286 00:17:24,009 --> 00:17:26,939 You're being outwardly religious, 287 00:17:26,939 --> 00:17:28,963 but inwardly you're not there 288 00:17:28,963 --> 00:17:33,152 because things like faith and mercy, love, 289 00:17:33,152 --> 00:17:34,672 that you don't have. 290 00:17:34,672 --> 00:17:38,932 You take time to look at these little things," 291 00:17:38,932 --> 00:17:42,901 okay, "but there are bigger things that you're not doing." 292 00:17:42,901 --> 00:17:44,971 (Tricia Lee) Have you ever heard the phrase, 293 00:17:44,971 --> 00:17:48,861 "the letter of the law but not the spirit of the law," 294 00:17:48,861 --> 00:17:50,891 being able to keep certain requirements 295 00:17:50,891 --> 00:17:54,501 but not really having and living the love to motivate it? 296 00:17:54,501 --> 00:17:55,421 Let's keep reading. 297 00:17:55,421 --> 00:17:57,681 There's some more rebukes that Jesus gives them. 298 00:17:57,681 --> 00:18:03,991 Jason, would you read for us Matthew 23, verses 25 through 36. 299 00:18:03,991 --> 00:18:06,991 (Jason) I'll be reading from the New King James Version. 300 00:18:06,991 --> 00:18:11,781 Matthew chapter 23, verses 25 through 36, says: 301 00:20:17,746 --> 00:20:18,746 (Tricia Lee) Wow. 302 00:20:18,746 --> 00:20:20,415 These are some strong words. 303 00:20:20,415 --> 00:20:23,805 I can't even imagine calling someone a viper or a snake. 304 00:20:23,805 --> 00:20:25,785 It's hard to even picture Jesus doing it. 305 00:20:25,785 --> 00:20:28,398 We can imagine Him with tears in His eyes 306 00:20:28,398 --> 00:20:30,268 telling those people that he loved 307 00:20:30,268 --> 00:20:32,128 those scathing rebukes. 308 00:20:32,128 --> 00:20:34,728 Why do you think the rebukes of Jesus 309 00:20:34,728 --> 00:20:35,688 were so harsh? 310 00:20:35,688 --> 00:20:38,098 Why was He speaking to them so severely? 311 00:20:38,098 --> 00:20:38,918 Nathan. 312 00:20:38,918 --> 00:20:42,748 (Nathan) I think we can read this in two different ways, but we should read it 313 00:20:42,748 --> 00:20:47,288 thinking of Jesus with tears in His eyes and in His voice. 314 00:20:47,288 --> 00:20:53,178 When you look at the next verse that follows, verse 37 in Matthew 23. 315 00:20:53,178 --> 00:20:56,038 Can I read it from the New King James Version, where He says: 316 00:21:11,389 --> 00:21:13,074 I mean, the pain in His voice; 317 00:21:13,074 --> 00:21:16,994 He's longing for them to be saved, and He says, "You're not willing to come to it." 318 00:21:16,994 --> 00:21:22,734 It reminds me of, I think in Isaiah, God speaking through the prophet says, 319 00:21:22,734 --> 00:21:26,434 "All day long I stood with My arms open wide to a stiff-necked 320 00:21:26,434 --> 00:21:29,494 and rebellious people," -- Here He is calling you to salvation, 321 00:21:29,494 --> 00:21:33,044 and you're turning away, not just turning away but rebelling against Him. 322 00:21:33,044 --> 00:21:34,354 (Tricia Lee) And it's sad. 323 00:21:34,354 --> 00:21:38,184 In a previous study, we've talked about the choices that we all have to make, 324 00:21:38,184 --> 00:21:40,242 and that God wants us to choose Him, 325 00:21:40,242 --> 00:21:43,422 but we do have the free will to choose otherwise. 326 00:21:43,422 --> 00:21:45,012 (Derek) You know, I'm thinking, 327 00:21:45,012 --> 00:21:49,082 Tricia Lee, I really appreciate what Nathan said about the love of Jesus. 328 00:21:49,082 --> 00:21:51,502 And there were some Pharisees, 329 00:21:51,502 --> 00:21:53,842 Nicodemus was a Pharisee 330 00:21:53,842 --> 00:21:56,332 and also a member of the Sanhedrin, 331 00:21:56,332 --> 00:21:57,802 who did repent. 332 00:21:57,802 --> 00:21:59,182 (Tricia Lee) Yes, praise God. 333 00:21:59,182 --> 00:22:00,312 (Derek) So you know, 334 00:22:00,312 --> 00:22:05,262 if Jesus was just kind of harsh and kind of fighting with the weapons of this world 335 00:22:05,262 --> 00:22:06,802 or acting like they acted, 336 00:22:06,802 --> 00:22:08,112 they'd have an excuse, 337 00:22:08,112 --> 00:22:10,472 but I think He is speaking with love in His heart. 338 00:22:10,472 --> 00:22:15,532 And, praise God, some of the Scribes and Pharisees said, 339 00:22:15,532 --> 00:22:17,008 "We need to repent; 340 00:22:17,008 --> 00:22:18,838 we need to turn our lives around." 341 00:22:18,838 --> 00:22:20,258 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 342 00:22:20,258 --> 00:22:21,648 Reading through this passage, 343 00:22:21,648 --> 00:22:23,508 something was very interesting, 344 00:22:23,508 --> 00:22:26,692 and I'd like to ask the class this question: 345 00:22:26,692 --> 00:22:30,680 How could He say that the guilt 346 00:22:30,680 --> 00:22:32,730 of all the righteous blood, all the martyrs, 347 00:22:32,730 --> 00:22:34,540 would fall on this generation? 348 00:22:34,540 --> 00:22:35,510 What does that mean? 349 00:22:35,510 --> 00:22:37,430 How are they guilty of all these things? 350 00:22:37,430 --> 00:22:39,540 They're just living their little lives; 351 00:22:39,540 --> 00:22:42,810 how is it that He can say that the blood of all the righteous 352 00:22:42,810 --> 00:22:47,498 from Abel to Zechariah would fall on this generation? 353 00:22:47,498 --> 00:22:51,948 Any idea what was the significance of that statement, Missy? 354 00:22:51,948 --> 00:22:55,128 (Missy) All throughout the generations, God has sent prophets, 355 00:22:55,128 --> 00:22:56,988 throughout all ages, 356 00:22:56,988 --> 00:23:00,168 but along with the prophets were the dissenters 357 00:23:00,168 --> 00:23:03,428 who chose not to listen to them, and not only that, to oppose them 358 00:23:03,428 --> 00:23:05,708 and even kill the prophets. 359 00:23:05,708 --> 00:23:08,198 And they have the same spirit, 360 00:23:08,198 --> 00:23:11,018 so this is why they would carry the guilt. 361 00:23:11,018 --> 00:23:14,748 (Tricia Lee) I think you're right, Missy; Let's turn to Luke chapter 24, 362 00:23:14,748 --> 00:23:18,058 and we'll see that the Bible supports what you just said, Missy. 363 00:23:18,058 --> 00:23:20,928 Luke chapter 24, 364 00:23:20,928 --> 00:23:29,428 and Eric, would you read for us Luke chapter 24, verses 25 through 27? 365 00:23:29,428 --> 00:23:34,088 (Eric) I'm reading from the New Living Translation, 366 00:23:34,088 --> 00:23:39,508 Luke 24:25-27, and it says: 367 00:24:01,558 --> 00:24:03,428 (Tricia Lee) Amen, that's right, Missy. 368 00:24:03,428 --> 00:24:06,608 All the prophets were given the same message, 369 00:24:06,608 --> 00:24:09,604 the Gospel of Jesus that was to come, the Messiah to come, 370 00:24:09,604 --> 00:24:11,724 they were all testifying to Him, 371 00:24:11,724 --> 00:24:15,684 so every generation, when they kept rejecting the prophets that were sent 372 00:24:15,684 --> 00:24:17,994 to them, they were rejecting Christ, 373 00:24:17,994 --> 00:24:22,964 and ultimately when that generation rejected Christ, they were rejecting 374 00:24:22,964 --> 00:24:27,804 the entire message that had been sent to them time after time after time. 375 00:24:27,804 --> 00:24:28,564 Jonathan? 376 00:24:28,564 --> 00:24:31,994 (Jonathan) Just the fact that, not only did they reject the sayings 377 00:24:31,994 --> 00:24:35,184 that were entrusted to them, now they came with greater power. 378 00:24:35,184 --> 00:24:38,044 I mean, like, when you have Christ doing all these miracles, 379 00:24:38,044 --> 00:24:42,164 so if they reject Christ, who is the fulfillment and testimony 380 00:24:42,164 --> 00:24:45,264 and perfect representation of everything they were given, 381 00:24:45,264 --> 00:24:49,754 they in essence have rejected it and killed everything else before them. 382 00:24:49,754 --> 00:24:54,564 (Derek) But you know, we have no excuse 383 00:24:54,564 --> 00:24:57,292 because we have Jesus, 384 00:24:57,292 --> 00:25:02,434 and yet, you know, one of the things I've noticed teaching about Jesus, 385 00:25:02,434 --> 00:25:06,164 there are many young people who grow up in a Christian home 386 00:25:06,164 --> 00:25:10,244 who have never read the Book of Matthew or Mark or Luke or John. 387 00:25:10,244 --> 00:25:13,904 They have the testimony of Jesus Himself, 388 00:25:13,904 --> 00:25:16,182 and yet a lot of times 389 00:25:16,182 --> 00:25:17,952 we act like it doesn't exist. 390 00:25:17,952 --> 00:25:20,572 (Tricia Lee) That would be the rebuke to our generation. 391 00:25:20,572 --> 00:25:22,132 (Derek) I think it would be. 392 00:25:22,132 --> 00:25:27,132 (Tricia Lee) We have this Word that has survived generation after generation; 393 00:25:27,132 --> 00:25:29,872 we know that it's been preserved through time 394 00:25:29,872 --> 00:25:32,912 exactly as it was spoken to the prophets and written down; 395 00:25:32,912 --> 00:25:34,802 we know the life of Christ, 396 00:25:34,802 --> 00:25:37,492 and so here we are today with such grace, such mercy, 397 00:25:37,492 --> 00:25:40,462 and if we still choose not to accept God then that's the rebuke 398 00:25:40,462 --> 00:25:42,142 that we have on ourselves. 399 00:25:42,142 --> 00:25:43,822 We're going to keep reading now, 400 00:25:43,822 --> 00:25:47,451 and we're going to transition now to Matthew chapter 24 401 00:25:47,451 --> 00:25:49,731 and get into the real heart of our study. 402 00:25:49,731 --> 00:25:52,211 We're going to now see that Jesus leaves the Temple, 403 00:25:52,211 --> 00:25:53,831 again, tears in His eyes. 404 00:25:53,831 --> 00:25:56,541 Thank you Nathan; I believe He had tears in His eyes, too. 405 00:25:56,541 --> 00:26:00,251 Sad that the people were doubting Him and not believing Him, 406 00:26:00,251 --> 00:26:02,841 and now we're going to see another conversation 407 00:26:02,841 --> 00:26:07,161 that He and the disciples get into that leads us to this amazing prophecy 408 00:26:07,161 --> 00:26:10,681 about the destruction of Jerusalem as well as the last day events. 409 00:26:10,681 --> 00:26:14,131 We're going to read on in Matthew chapter 24. 410 00:26:14,131 --> 00:26:17,691 I'm going to ask Nicole if she would start reading for us 411 00:26:17,691 --> 00:26:23,531 Matthew 24, verses 1 through 14. 412 00:26:23,531 --> 00:26:26,221 (Nicole) Matthew 24, verses 1 through 14, 413 00:26:26,221 --> 00:26:28,951 I'm reading from the New International Version, 414 00:26:28,951 --> 00:26:29,821 and it says: 415 00:26:59,209 --> 00:27:02,799 (Tricia Lee) Nicole, would you pause there; I have a question for the group. 416 00:27:02,799 --> 00:27:04,559 What do you think they mean by that? 417 00:27:04,559 --> 00:27:05,559 The "end of the age?" 418 00:27:05,559 --> 00:27:08,739 My New King James Version says, the "end of the age." 419 00:27:08,739 --> 00:27:12,096 Does anyone's Bible say something different? 420 00:27:12,096 --> 00:27:15,366 Anyone have "end of the world?" 421 00:27:15,366 --> 00:27:18,326 Any thoughts...? 422 00:27:18,326 --> 00:27:22,211 (Olric) What was happening here, they were equating 423 00:27:22,211 --> 00:27:24,441 whatever destruction would come to Jerusalem, 424 00:27:24,441 --> 00:27:28,151 they were equating it with the end of the world. 425 00:27:28,151 --> 00:27:30,501 So they put the two events together 426 00:27:30,501 --> 00:27:33,211 because this is how they saw it in their own minds. 427 00:27:33,211 --> 00:27:36,881 That's why they asked Jesus the question in that manner. 428 00:27:36,881 --> 00:27:39,041 (Missy) It was a dual prophecy. 429 00:27:39,041 --> 00:27:41,431 It was talking about two separate events, 430 00:27:41,431 --> 00:27:44,621 but they run parallel to each other. 431 00:27:44,621 --> 00:27:47,061 (Derek) But I think Olric's right, that they thought 432 00:27:47,061 --> 00:27:48,825 that must be the end of the world, 433 00:27:48,825 --> 00:27:52,575 I mean, if every stone in this Temple of God is going to be torn down. 434 00:27:52,575 --> 00:27:56,355 We know that it's not going to be the end of the world, it's only 40 years later 435 00:27:56,355 --> 00:27:58,005 in 70 A.D. it will be fulfilled, 436 00:27:58,005 --> 00:28:00,215 but I think in their minds, as Olric said, 437 00:28:00,215 --> 00:28:04,779 they're thinking that must be one and the same thing as the end of all things. 438 00:28:04,779 --> 00:28:08,649 (Tricia Lee) Yes, one thing's for certain, if we have questions on what that means 439 00:28:08,649 --> 00:28:10,769 we're going to find out as we keep reading, 440 00:28:10,769 --> 00:28:13,669 but certainly as we listen to what's going to be read to us 441 00:28:13,669 --> 00:28:16,329 as we continue in chapter 24. 442 00:28:16,329 --> 00:28:20,129 The end of the age - it was something drastic. 443 00:28:20,129 --> 00:28:22,499 The end of the world is what you described, Olric, 444 00:28:22,499 --> 00:28:26,249 and that's the context that the disciples had in asking this question, 445 00:28:26,249 --> 00:28:30,249 what is the sign of this big, grand, finale, if you would. 446 00:28:30,249 --> 00:28:32,179 So Nicole, please keep reading for us. 447 00:28:32,179 --> 00:28:35,527 (Nicole) I'm reading from verse 4 of Matthew 24. 448 00:28:35,527 --> 00:28:36,401 It says: 449 00:29:44,678 --> 00:29:45,838 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 450 00:29:45,838 --> 00:29:49,118 Missy, you were right that this is a dual prophecy, 451 00:29:49,118 --> 00:29:50,766 so we're going to continue reading 452 00:29:50,766 --> 00:29:53,506 and skip down to verses 21 through 28 453 00:29:53,506 --> 00:29:59,666 about the prophecy regarding the last days and the end times. 454 00:29:59,666 --> 00:30:03,534 I'm going to ask Alex if he would read for us verses 21 through 28. 455 00:30:03,534 --> 00:30:06,414 (Alex) Sure, and I'll be reading from the King James Version: 456 00:30:55,704 --> 00:30:56,584 (Tricia Lee) Amen. 457 00:30:56,584 --> 00:30:58,344 One last set of verses, 458 00:30:58,344 --> 00:31:02,844 Nancy, would you please read verses 32 and 33 for us? 459 00:31:02,844 --> 00:31:08,703 (Nancy) Okay, and this is from Matthew 24, verse 32 460 00:31:08,703 --> 00:31:10,803 in the New King James Version: 461 00:31:32,463 --> 00:31:34,703 (Tricia Lee) Amen, at the doors. 462 00:31:34,703 --> 00:31:39,141 So let's talk about these amazing, amazing Scriptures, amazing prophecy, 463 00:31:39,141 --> 00:31:41,721 Jesus letting us know what to expect 464 00:31:41,721 --> 00:31:43,161 in the last days. 465 00:31:43,161 --> 00:31:48,661 What signs of the last days do you see even today taking place? 466 00:31:48,661 --> 00:31:49,441 Olric. 467 00:31:49,441 --> 00:31:54,221 (Olric) Wars, rumors of wars, you have nation rising against nation, 468 00:31:54,221 --> 00:31:55,951 and it's becoming more prevalent, 469 00:31:55,951 --> 00:31:57,701 but not just more prevalent, 470 00:31:57,701 --> 00:32:02,191 but they're using more sophisticated weapons 471 00:32:02,191 --> 00:32:03,441 for their warfare, 472 00:32:03,441 --> 00:32:05,768 and it doesn't, you know, seem to be ending. 473 00:32:05,768 --> 00:32:07,086 (Tricia Lee) Okay, Juliana. 474 00:32:07,086 --> 00:32:10,346 (Juliana) Olric mentions things that are involving man, 475 00:32:10,346 --> 00:32:12,646 but I think that the Earth is also groaning. 476 00:32:12,646 --> 00:32:15,626 We're seeing more and more earthquakes. 477 00:32:15,626 --> 00:32:19,106 I think of what happened not that long ago in Nepal, 478 00:32:19,106 --> 00:32:22,456 and there's also been things in Mexico 479 00:32:22,456 --> 00:32:24,486 and in Africa and just all over the world. 480 00:32:24,486 --> 00:32:27,236 We have earthquakes, we have famines. 481 00:32:27,236 --> 00:32:29,166 There's things happening in rivers, 482 00:32:29,166 --> 00:32:30,786 that animals are dying, 483 00:32:30,786 --> 00:32:33,816 and the environment...it's groaning; 484 00:32:33,816 --> 00:32:35,666 it's asking for Christ to come back. 485 00:32:35,666 --> 00:32:36,646 (Tricia Lee) Alex. 486 00:32:36,646 --> 00:32:39,186 (Alex) I think there are many false prophets now, too. 487 00:32:39,186 --> 00:32:42,946 Just more and more all the time I see preachers and pastors coming out 488 00:32:42,946 --> 00:32:46,856 with these end-time preachings and end- time things, and even a lot of my friends 489 00:32:46,856 --> 00:32:51,124 are really getting into these things, "Here, check out this message," and such. 490 00:32:51,124 --> 00:32:55,745 And it's like, wow, if I didn't know the truth, this would be so easy to believe. 491 00:32:55,745 --> 00:33:00,085 You know, how they point things out in the world, but it's very easy to be deceived. 492 00:33:00,085 --> 00:33:01,185 (Tricia Lee) Jonathan. 493 00:33:01,185 --> 00:33:05,145 (Jonathan) I think it's interesting to look at the things He chooses 494 00:33:05,145 --> 00:33:06,505 and how He lays them out. 495 00:33:06,505 --> 00:33:09,885 I feel like in some sense He kind of picks the things, 496 00:33:09,885 --> 00:33:12,585 not so much that we can calculate the end of time, 497 00:33:12,585 --> 00:33:16,483 but more to say, okay, what do we need to look at 498 00:33:16,483 --> 00:33:20,943 because, I mean, a lot of the things He lays out happen throughout history. 499 00:33:20,943 --> 00:33:24,943 The church was persecuted, you have earthquakes, I mean, 500 00:33:24,943 --> 00:33:26,853 that's been happening for a lot of time, 501 00:33:26,853 --> 00:33:30,019 and certainly He does say things that get close to the end of time, 502 00:33:30,019 --> 00:33:33,999 but I think also He's just saying for the disciples and for us in general 503 00:33:33,999 --> 00:33:37,699 a way to look at the world and to have our hearts... 504 00:33:37,699 --> 00:33:41,467 and how to respond to the things that happen. 505 00:33:41,467 --> 00:33:45,867 So I think it's kind of, "How to live in the context of My Coming." 506 00:33:45,867 --> 00:33:47,517 (Derek) I think the positive thing 507 00:33:47,517 --> 00:33:49,817 is the Gospel is going to go to the whole world, 508 00:33:49,817 --> 00:33:51,397 and then the end's going to come. 509 00:33:51,397 --> 00:33:52,247 (Tricia Lee) Yes. 510 00:33:52,247 --> 00:33:56,577 (Derek) You know, I think the joy we have as a little team, Hope Sabbath School, 511 00:33:56,577 --> 00:33:59,307 is that we're a little part of that, 512 00:33:59,307 --> 00:34:03,167 and technology even in the lifetime 513 00:34:03,167 --> 00:34:04,347 of many of our viewers, 514 00:34:04,347 --> 00:34:09,197 there's been a revolution in terms of communication. 515 00:34:09,197 --> 00:34:11,999 And of course, the Enemy's wanting to use that, 516 00:34:11,999 --> 00:34:15,844 as Alex said, to promote false ideas 517 00:34:15,844 --> 00:34:18,384 and just idolatry, 518 00:34:18,384 --> 00:34:21,064 but I believe God's going to use that by His Spirit, too. 519 00:34:21,064 --> 00:34:24,552 So we're on the brink of where 520 00:34:24,552 --> 00:34:27,772 the Message can go rapidly around the world. 521 00:34:27,772 --> 00:34:28,692 (Tricia Lee) Amen. 522 00:34:28,692 --> 00:34:35,822 Alex, you mentioned the false christs that come in the last days, 523 00:34:35,822 --> 00:34:37,610 what's our safeguard against 524 00:34:37,610 --> 00:34:39,340 the deception of a false christ, 525 00:34:39,340 --> 00:34:42,208 or let's talk some more about what does that look like, 526 00:34:42,208 --> 00:34:48,258 a false christ or someone that's coming in the name of Christ, Olric. 527 00:34:48,258 --> 00:34:51,016 (Olric) I've looked through the Old Testament, 528 00:34:51,016 --> 00:34:53,966 and I've seen some scenarios where 529 00:34:53,966 --> 00:34:57,616 false messages were brought to God's people. 530 00:34:57,616 --> 00:35:00,566 We see in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve 531 00:35:00,566 --> 00:35:04,866 with the Devil tempting them with false words. 532 00:35:04,866 --> 00:35:09,934 Even in the case of a previous study we did in Jeremiah, 533 00:35:09,934 --> 00:35:15,144 we see Jeremiah being countered there by an individual by the name of Hananiah. 534 00:35:15,144 --> 00:35:19,264 The problem with these false christs, false teachers, 535 00:35:19,264 --> 00:35:22,112 they propel messages 536 00:35:22,112 --> 00:35:26,652 that seem to distract God's people 537 00:35:26,652 --> 00:35:29,502 from God's way of doing things, 538 00:35:29,502 --> 00:35:30,868 the way God had commanded. 539 00:35:30,868 --> 00:35:32,938 And the way to counter this, 540 00:35:32,938 --> 00:35:36,298 as we will see from the Word of God, 541 00:35:36,298 --> 00:35:39,458 is through the truth like Isaiah 8, verse 20. 542 00:35:39,458 --> 00:35:40,898 (Tricia Lee) Let's go there. 543 00:35:40,898 --> 00:35:44,808 Let's go there, Isaiah 8, verse 20, 544 00:35:44,808 --> 00:35:53,748 and Olric, will you read that for us? 545 00:35:53,748 --> 00:35:55,943 (Olric) Isaiah 8, verse 20, 546 00:35:55,943 --> 00:35:59,123 reading from the King James Version: 547 00:36:08,733 --> 00:36:09,553 (Tricia Lee) Wow. 548 00:36:09,553 --> 00:36:12,053 So what I heard you say, Olric, is there 549 00:36:12,053 --> 00:36:14,763 may not just be manifestations of people 550 00:36:14,763 --> 00:36:18,433 saying that they are a false messiah to physically "follow me," 551 00:36:18,433 --> 00:36:21,543 but even teachings of false Christianity 552 00:36:21,543 --> 00:36:24,484 that can also be a way to deceive people in the last days. 553 00:36:24,484 --> 00:36:28,049 (Derek) Right, and I think Alex made a really important point when he said, 554 00:36:28,049 --> 00:36:30,827 "I could follow what some of my friends are saying 555 00:36:30,827 --> 00:36:33,167 if I didn't study the Word," 556 00:36:33,167 --> 00:36:38,265 because these people, they do signs and wonders, it says, 557 00:36:38,265 --> 00:36:39,913 and they're religious; 558 00:36:39,913 --> 00:36:42,913 they're false christs and false prophets, 559 00:36:42,913 --> 00:36:46,743 so they speak about maybe needing to be close to God, 560 00:36:46,743 --> 00:36:49,903 and, you know, it all sounds good, 561 00:36:49,903 --> 00:36:51,353 but it's false. 562 00:36:51,353 --> 00:36:55,033 So, you know, we shouldn't try to..."Oh, is that false?" 563 00:36:55,033 --> 00:36:57,453 we should be focusing on the true 564 00:36:57,453 --> 00:36:59,959 and on Jesus who is the true Christ, 565 00:36:59,959 --> 00:37:01,369 because when we see the false 566 00:37:01,369 --> 00:37:03,489 we will immediately recognize 567 00:37:03,489 --> 00:37:04,879 that it isn't the truth. 568 00:37:04,879 --> 00:37:08,729 (Tricia Lee) There's another promise that Jesus Himself has made to His believers, 569 00:37:08,729 --> 00:37:10,309 and I'm going to ask Missy 570 00:37:10,309 --> 00:37:16,699 if she would read for us John chapter 10, verses 27 and 28. 571 00:37:16,699 --> 00:37:19,189 John chapter 10:27-28. 572 00:37:19,189 --> 00:37:23,574 And it is a bit scary for some to think that you could be deceived 573 00:37:23,574 --> 00:37:25,984 by false teachers and false miracles 574 00:37:25,984 --> 00:37:27,684 and false people to lead us astray, 575 00:37:27,684 --> 00:37:32,470 but I thank God that He has this promise recorded for us. 576 00:37:32,470 --> 00:37:33,870 (Derek) Amen. 577 00:37:33,870 --> 00:37:37,450 (Missy) I'm reading from the New International Version: 578 00:37:48,400 --> 00:37:49,140 (Derek) Amen. 579 00:37:49,140 --> 00:37:50,300 (Tricia Lee, Team) Amen. 580 00:37:50,300 --> 00:37:53,430 (Tricia Lee) We are safe in the hands of Jesus. 581 00:37:53,430 --> 00:37:56,470 "My sheep hear my voice... and they will follow." 582 00:37:56,470 --> 00:37:59,230 Thank you for reading that Scripture in Isaiah, Olric. 583 00:37:59,230 --> 00:38:03,780 If there is a message or a person that's not speaking according to the Word of God, 584 00:38:03,780 --> 00:38:06,010 then that's an alarm for us, 585 00:38:06,010 --> 00:38:08,170 but He's also promised that He will keep us, 586 00:38:08,170 --> 00:38:11,710 that we will recognize His voice, and I believe there are so many examples 587 00:38:11,710 --> 00:38:15,110 in the Bible of the Lord revealing Himself to His people, 588 00:38:15,110 --> 00:38:20,530 literally leading His people through the wilderness by day and by night, 589 00:38:20,530 --> 00:38:24,010 and so even in the midst of strong deception in the last days, 590 00:38:24,010 --> 00:38:26,150 if we keep our eyes on Jesus... 591 00:38:26,150 --> 00:38:26,930 (Derek) Amen. 592 00:38:26,930 --> 00:38:28,880 (Tricia Lee) ...He will see us through. 593 00:38:28,880 --> 00:38:31,520 Simiso, let's read another promise from the Lord 594 00:38:31,520 --> 00:38:33,420 on why we shouldn't be afraid 595 00:38:33,420 --> 00:38:35,260 and should not be discouraged. 596 00:38:35,260 --> 00:38:40,710 Simiso, would you read John chapter 14, verses 1 through 3? 597 00:38:40,710 --> 00:38:46,070 Why we should not be afraid of these last day events. 598 00:38:46,070 --> 00:38:48,666 (Simiso) John 14, verses 1 through 3, 599 00:38:48,666 --> 00:38:51,408 and I'm reading from the New King James Version. 600 00:38:51,408 --> 00:38:52,274 It says: 601 00:39:14,014 --> 00:39:14,974 (Team) Amen. 602 00:39:14,974 --> 00:39:18,324 So the last days are a necessary step 603 00:39:18,324 --> 00:39:21,764 in the process of getting us closer to going Home. 604 00:39:21,764 --> 00:39:25,463 Jesus is coming back to take us Home to be with Him, 605 00:39:25,463 --> 00:39:27,363 and as scary as last day events, 606 00:39:27,363 --> 00:39:29,445 wars and earthquakes and pestilence 607 00:39:29,445 --> 00:39:33,845 and family members betraying one another, may sound, 608 00:39:33,845 --> 00:39:35,445 God has promised to keep us 609 00:39:35,445 --> 00:39:37,625 and the promise is that when He returns 610 00:39:37,625 --> 00:39:40,125 He is going to take us Home with Him. 611 00:39:40,125 --> 00:39:41,695 (Derek, Tricia Lee) Praise God. 612 00:39:41,695 --> 00:39:44,885 (Tricia Lee) Missy mentioned earlier that there was a dual prophecy, 613 00:39:44,885 --> 00:39:48,105 that the disciples were thinking about the destruction of Jerusalem, 614 00:39:48,105 --> 00:39:49,965 and Jesus answered their question 615 00:39:49,965 --> 00:39:52,495 about when those things would take place as well. 616 00:39:52,495 --> 00:39:54,965 Let's read the verses where Jesus describes 617 00:39:54,965 --> 00:39:57,325 the destruction of Jerusalem. 618 00:39:57,325 --> 00:39:59,515 Eric, would you read for us 619 00:39:59,515 --> 00:40:05,205 Matthew chapter 24, verses 15 through 20? 620 00:40:05,205 --> 00:40:08,235 (Eric) I'm reading from the New Living Translation, and it says: 621 00:40:59,855 --> 00:41:01,395 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 622 00:41:01,395 --> 00:41:05,085 Gary, we talked a bit earlier about it being difficult for the disciples 623 00:41:05,085 --> 00:41:08,620 to think of the destruction of Jerusalem to happen at any other time 624 00:41:08,620 --> 00:41:10,020 than at the end of the world. 625 00:41:10,020 --> 00:41:10,760 Why was that? 626 00:41:10,760 --> 00:41:15,830 Why did they connect the two together? 627 00:41:15,830 --> 00:41:20,630 (Gary) I guess how they related 628 00:41:20,630 --> 00:41:25,285 to the Temple, their mission; 629 00:41:25,285 --> 00:41:27,845 they're the people of God. 630 00:41:27,845 --> 00:41:32,485 They couldn't get past the fact that 631 00:41:32,485 --> 00:41:36,385 if this is not going to be in existence anymore, 632 00:41:36,385 --> 00:41:39,895 than that must mean everything must be falling apart. 633 00:41:39,895 --> 00:41:43,595 (Derek) You know, I think they're trusting in the building rather than in God. 634 00:41:43,595 --> 00:41:47,285 And before we judge them and go, "That's really foolish," 635 00:41:47,285 --> 00:41:50,325 I think we could trust in our institutions. 636 00:41:50,325 --> 00:41:53,225 We could trust in our organization, 637 00:41:53,225 --> 00:41:55,175 and the truth of the matter is, 638 00:41:55,175 --> 00:41:57,465 that before this is all over, 639 00:41:57,465 --> 00:41:59,851 a lot of those things could collapse. 640 00:41:59,851 --> 00:42:01,061 (Tricia Lee) That's true. 641 00:42:01,061 --> 00:42:05,471 (Derek) And all we have is to hold on to our Savior, 642 00:42:05,471 --> 00:42:08,231 you know, because we know that He's going through. 643 00:42:08,231 --> 00:42:10,371 He's going to take us through to the very end. 644 00:42:10,371 --> 00:42:12,771 But lest we be too hard on them, I think 645 00:42:12,771 --> 00:42:15,199 they associated confidence in God, 646 00:42:15,199 --> 00:42:16,469 and now it's the building, 647 00:42:16,469 --> 00:42:19,579 and pretty soon God's kind of set aside, 648 00:42:19,579 --> 00:42:23,019 and they're just trusting in their structures. 649 00:42:23,019 --> 00:42:24,809 (Tricia Lee) You're absolutely right. 650 00:42:24,809 --> 00:42:27,879 We're going to have to let go of a lot of ideas that we have, 651 00:42:27,879 --> 00:42:29,599 things that we hold dear, 652 00:42:29,599 --> 00:42:32,029 to accept Jesus and in His return. 653 00:42:32,029 --> 00:42:33,529 Juliana, would you read for us. 654 00:42:33,529 --> 00:42:37,949 Let's turn to Philippians chapter 3:7-8, 655 00:42:37,949 --> 00:42:39,889 and we'll hear an account of someone 656 00:42:39,889 --> 00:42:43,119 who had to let go of some things they held dear. 657 00:42:43,119 --> 00:42:47,439 Philippians chapter 3:7-8. 658 00:42:47,439 --> 00:42:50,349 (Juliana) I'm reading from the New King James Version: 659 00:43:11,259 --> 00:43:12,339 (Tricia Lee) Amen! 660 00:43:12,339 --> 00:43:14,679 What we didn't read is that previously 661 00:43:14,679 --> 00:43:18,079 we're hearing an account of having confidence in self 662 00:43:18,079 --> 00:43:22,009 and being able to keep the Law and being of the stock of Israel, 663 00:43:22,009 --> 00:43:24,249 all the things that I'm sure the disciples 664 00:43:24,249 --> 00:43:28,189 are very proud of in thinking about the institution and the Temple. 665 00:43:28,189 --> 00:43:29,879 They had to let those things go, 666 00:43:29,879 --> 00:43:34,229 and surely we will have to let some things go, as well, 667 00:43:34,229 --> 00:43:35,369 to accept Christ. 668 00:43:35,369 --> 00:43:38,209 We talked in a previous study about falling on the Rock, 669 00:43:38,209 --> 00:43:39,689 submitting to Christ 670 00:43:39,689 --> 00:43:44,169 and learning to count the things of God as gain and learning how to let go. 671 00:43:44,169 --> 00:43:48,889 Let's keep reading in Matthew chapter 24. 672 00:43:48,889 --> 00:43:51,399 Not only does Jesus tell us what to look for 673 00:43:51,399 --> 00:43:55,079 in His coming, but He gives us a description of His coming, 674 00:43:55,079 --> 00:43:56,809 and certainly this is key because 675 00:43:56,809 --> 00:43:58,379 we're watching and we're waiting, 676 00:43:58,379 --> 00:44:02,219 and we want to be ready when He comes, and we want to know what we're looking for 677 00:44:02,219 --> 00:44:03,089 when He comes. 678 00:44:03,089 --> 00:44:05,289 So Nathan, would you please read for us 679 00:44:05,289 --> 00:44:09,199 Matthew 24, verses 27 through 31? 680 00:44:09,199 --> 00:44:12,437 (Nathan) All right, I'll be reading from the New King James Version: 681 00:44:59,909 --> 00:45:02,007 (Tricia Lee) Amen! Amen. 682 00:45:02,007 --> 00:45:05,207 What are some of the characteristics and aspects of Jesus' coming? 683 00:45:05,207 --> 00:45:07,987 What do we learn from this passage? 684 00:45:07,987 --> 00:45:10,157 (Nicole) Everyone will see Him when He comes. 685 00:45:10,157 --> 00:45:13,437 (Tricia Lee) It's visible, so it looks like there are a lot of angels. 686 00:45:13,437 --> 00:45:15,937 You can't miss the whole angels of the Heavenly Host. 687 00:45:15,937 --> 00:45:17,697 What else do we learn? 688 00:45:17,697 --> 00:45:18,957 (Olric) The trumpet sound. 689 00:45:18,957 --> 00:45:20,877 (Tricia Lee) So it's loud; it's audible. 690 00:45:20,877 --> 00:45:22,827 Okay, what else have we learned here? 691 00:45:22,827 --> 00:45:26,207 (Jason) There will be some signs of the heavens that precede the coming, 692 00:45:26,207 --> 00:45:28,887 particularly with the sun, moon, and stars. 693 00:45:28,887 --> 00:45:30,257 (Tricia Lee) Anything else? 694 00:45:30,257 --> 00:45:31,737 (Derek) It's dramatic. 695 00:45:31,737 --> 00:45:33,847 It's not just, "Oh, I think I see something." 696 00:45:33,847 --> 00:45:34,757 (Tricia Lee) Yes. 697 00:45:34,757 --> 00:45:37,337 (Derek) It's like lightening from the east 698 00:45:37,337 --> 00:45:38,737 all the way to the west, 699 00:45:38,737 --> 00:45:40,557 and I think that's important, because, 700 00:45:40,557 --> 00:45:43,417 you know, Jesus talks about, is this secret or is it... 701 00:45:43,417 --> 00:45:45,107 I think it's a surprise 702 00:45:45,107 --> 00:45:48,567 even for those of us who are looking for His coming, 703 00:45:48,567 --> 00:45:49,767 when it actually happens. 704 00:45:49,767 --> 00:45:53,077 I mean If it happened in the middle of this broadcast, 705 00:45:53,077 --> 00:45:55,157 you know I'd use my favorite Hebrew word, 706 00:45:55,157 --> 00:45:56,647 Hallelujah, 707 00:45:56,647 --> 00:45:58,407 but I would be surprised 708 00:45:58,407 --> 00:46:01,447 because I thought we were going to finish the program. 709 00:46:01,447 --> 00:46:03,753 Right? RIght? 710 00:46:03,753 --> 00:46:06,907 Yeah, but it's not secret. 711 00:46:06,907 --> 00:46:08,258 It's not secret; 712 00:46:08,258 --> 00:46:11,118 it's visible, audible, but it's dramatic! 713 00:46:11,118 --> 00:46:13,548 It's like lightening from the east to the west. 714 00:46:13,548 --> 00:46:15,278 (Tricia Lee) My version of the Bible 715 00:46:15,278 --> 00:46:19,408 says that "the powers of the heavens will be shaken." 716 00:46:19,408 --> 00:46:22,858 I can't even imagine what that's like, but I feel like we won't miss when 717 00:46:22,858 --> 00:46:24,658 the heavens are shaking. 718 00:46:24,658 --> 00:46:28,138 This is a dramatic, dramatic occurence. 719 00:46:28,138 --> 00:46:29,828 We'll all see it. 720 00:46:29,828 --> 00:46:31,478 We will not miss it. 721 00:46:31,478 --> 00:46:33,658 What else can we learn about Jesus' coming? 722 00:46:33,658 --> 00:46:37,308 Let's turn over to 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 723 00:46:37,308 --> 00:46:40,748 where there's another description of some of the "what" that takes place 724 00:46:40,748 --> 00:46:42,228 and the "how" that takes place 725 00:46:42,228 --> 00:46:43,060 when Jesus comes. 726 00:46:43,060 --> 00:46:48,080 1 Thessalonians chapter 4:15-17. 727 00:46:48,080 --> 00:46:50,450 I'll ask Gary to read that for us. 728 00:46:50,450 --> 00:46:54,560 (Gary) Sure, and I'll be reading from the New King James Version: 729 00:47:25,780 --> 00:47:27,450 (Tricia Lee) What else is happening 730 00:47:27,450 --> 00:47:28,690 at the coming of Jesus? 731 00:47:28,690 --> 00:47:30,780 We're not going to miss any of these things. 732 00:47:30,780 --> 00:47:32,250 I heard again, the loud shout, 733 00:47:32,250 --> 00:47:33,540 the Lord Himself is coming, 734 00:47:33,540 --> 00:47:34,650 the Archangel. 735 00:47:34,650 --> 00:47:37,620 I can imagine if the Archangel and the Lord are shouting, 736 00:47:37,620 --> 00:47:39,786 this is going to be a loud shout. 737 00:47:39,786 --> 00:47:41,256 What else do we see? 738 00:47:41,256 --> 00:47:44,356 (Nathan) In verse 15, we read that there would be a resurrection. 739 00:47:44,356 --> 00:47:47,526 (Tricia Lee) Yes, hard to miss! 740 00:47:47,526 --> 00:47:50,094 (Nathan) We're not going to Heaven without the ones... 741 00:47:50,094 --> 00:47:52,684 I think probably the Thessalonians were writing to Paul 742 00:47:52,684 --> 00:47:56,024 and saying, "What about our loved ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus? 743 00:47:56,024 --> 00:47:59,464 Are we going to go to Heaven when Jesus comes, and we leave them behind?" 744 00:47:59,464 --> 00:48:02,834 He says, "No, before we go, they're going to be raised from the Earth." 745 00:48:02,834 --> 00:48:05,404 So that's something that we won't really miss, will we? 746 00:48:05,404 --> 00:48:06,524 It's hard to miss that. 747 00:48:06,524 --> 00:48:10,454 (Derek) I think growing up I thought the loud shout was like, "Yo!" you know? 748 00:48:10,454 --> 00:48:13,994 But I think the shout is, "Awake!" you know, 749 00:48:13,994 --> 00:48:18,854 because the Scripture speaks about awake, you who sleep in the dust. 750 00:48:18,854 --> 00:48:21,334 It's like, "Lazarus, come forth!" 751 00:48:21,334 --> 00:48:23,054 when Jesus raises Lazarus. 752 00:48:23,054 --> 00:48:25,254 So it's not just, "Yo!" you know? 753 00:48:25,254 --> 00:48:28,504 It's a shout 754 00:48:28,504 --> 00:48:30,244 that will conquer death; 755 00:48:30,244 --> 00:48:31,284 it will defeat death. 756 00:48:31,284 --> 00:48:35,234 (Tricia Lee) I've even imagined to myself sometimes, like, "Honey, I'm home!" 757 00:48:35,234 --> 00:48:37,534 We're the Bride and He's coming, right? 758 00:48:37,534 --> 00:48:39,444 With excitement, He's here. 759 00:48:39,444 --> 00:48:43,354 Let's not forget, though, why Jesus was so sad 760 00:48:43,354 --> 00:48:47,214 in rebuking the Pharisees and the Scribes and the religious leaders in Jerusalem 761 00:48:47,214 --> 00:48:48,604 who had rejected Him. 762 00:48:48,604 --> 00:48:50,684 It was because He realized 763 00:48:50,684 --> 00:48:54,464 that at His coming there will be no second chance, 764 00:48:54,464 --> 00:48:55,744 that things are final. 765 00:48:55,744 --> 00:49:00,274 Our destinies will be decided by Christ the Judge, 766 00:49:00,274 --> 00:49:02,734 and that's why He had those tears in His eyes, 767 00:49:02,734 --> 00:49:05,344 because He knew their salvation was on the line. 768 00:49:05,344 --> 00:49:06,724 Let's look at some verses 769 00:49:06,724 --> 00:49:08,244 again in Matthew 24 770 00:49:08,244 --> 00:49:10,694 because there are some who believe that there is a second chance, 771 00:49:11,014 --> 00:49:15,154 that when Jesus comes again there's another chance to get things right. 772 00:49:15,154 --> 00:49:19,254 But we will learn that it really is the end of time, the end of the age, 773 00:49:19,254 --> 00:49:20,454 the end of the world, 774 00:49:20,454 --> 00:49:24,094 and how important it is for us to make our choice and our decision for Him now 775 00:49:24,094 --> 00:49:25,014 and today. 776 00:49:25,014 --> 00:49:29,374 Olric, will you read for us Matthew 24, verses 36 through 42? 777 00:49:29,374 --> 00:49:32,474 36 through 42. 778 00:49:32,474 --> 00:49:35,934 (Olric) Reading from the King James Version: 779 00:50:15,164 --> 00:50:17,854 (Tricia Lee) Through verse 42. 780 00:50:17,854 --> 00:50:19,214 (Olric) Verse 40: 781 00:50:36,854 --> 00:50:38,044 (Tricia Lee) Amen, thank you. 782 00:50:38,173 --> 00:50:40,833 Particularly verses 40 and 41, 783 00:50:40,833 --> 00:50:44,473 there are some that believe that there is something called the "Secret Rapture," 784 00:50:44,473 --> 00:50:50,053 that the Lord will come at one point and take some chosen people away secretly, 785 00:50:50,053 --> 00:50:54,613 and others will not know, and that those who are left behind have a second chance 786 00:50:54,613 --> 00:50:58,773 for some period of time to get things right before He comes again. 787 00:50:58,773 --> 00:51:03,413 But what we've learned so far and what these texts are describing to us 788 00:51:03,413 --> 00:51:06,853 is...Well, the first thing we can say about the women is that they are 789 00:51:06,853 --> 00:51:09,153 kind of going along in their everyday lives, right? 790 00:51:09,153 --> 00:51:12,353 They are going along, it's business as usual, right? 791 00:51:12,353 --> 00:51:14,373 They are at the mill, is that where they are? 792 00:51:14,373 --> 00:51:17,793 Grinding at the mill, and so exactly what Pastor Derek described 793 00:51:17,793 --> 00:51:21,213 about, we could be filming one of these Sabbath School lessons, 794 00:51:21,213 --> 00:51:22,293 and the Lord could come. 795 00:51:22,293 --> 00:51:25,593 We're going about our lives; it's a surprise. 796 00:51:25,593 --> 00:51:29,513 It catches us suddenly, and that's the shock that can be with two people 797 00:51:29,513 --> 00:51:32,193 working at a mill or two people sleeping in bed. 798 00:51:32,193 --> 00:51:32,933 Yes. 799 00:51:32,933 --> 00:51:35,333 (Olric) Notice what is being said here. 800 00:51:35,333 --> 00:51:41,093 In this passage, Jesus is not saying that you should not work. 801 00:51:41,093 --> 00:51:43,173 This is daily work that they are doing. 802 00:51:43,173 --> 00:51:47,293 The problem is, is that these two passages, 40 and 41, 803 00:51:47,293 --> 00:51:50,793 are in the context of Jesus saying that, 804 00:51:50,793 --> 00:51:55,813 "My coming will be a surprise," not a secret, 805 00:51:55,813 --> 00:51:57,473 just a surprise, 806 00:51:57,473 --> 00:51:58,673 because it will be loud, 807 00:51:58,673 --> 00:52:00,093 it will be visible. 808 00:52:00,093 --> 00:52:05,113 But the surprise is, it will come at a time when people least expect it 809 00:52:05,113 --> 00:52:07,913 because many folks, as He's saying here, 810 00:52:07,913 --> 00:52:09,673 will be going about their daily work... 811 00:52:09,673 --> 00:52:10,648 (Tricia Lee) Eating, drinking. 812 00:52:10,648 --> 00:52:14,509 (Olric) ...doing all this stuff without getting themselves ready. 813 00:52:14,509 --> 00:52:17,688 (Derek) You know, there are many sincere Christians 814 00:52:17,688 --> 00:52:20,589 who may believe in a Secret Rapture of the saints 815 00:52:20,589 --> 00:52:21,808 and then another chance, 816 00:52:21,808 --> 00:52:26,128 and certainly we may not have everything right about Scripture, 817 00:52:26,128 --> 00:52:28,908 and we know if we love Jesus, and we've accepted His salvation, 818 00:52:28,908 --> 00:52:31,508 that whenever He comes we'll be ready, right? 819 00:52:31,508 --> 00:52:34,148 So we're not saved by correct understanding. 820 00:52:34,148 --> 00:52:36,808 The danger is that people would put off 821 00:52:36,808 --> 00:52:40,628 until tomorrow the commitment they need to make today 822 00:52:40,628 --> 00:52:43,968 and say, "Well, maybe when they go I can make another chance," 823 00:52:43,968 --> 00:52:46,709 and that's, of course, the deception 824 00:52:46,709 --> 00:52:49,688 because the Bible say, "Today, if you hear His voice, 825 00:52:49,688 --> 00:52:51,288 do not harden your heart." 826 00:52:51,288 --> 00:52:52,148 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 827 00:52:52,148 --> 00:52:54,229 Well, let's read another Scripture one chapter over, 828 00:52:54,229 --> 00:52:58,828 Matthew chapter 25, verses 31 through 34, 829 00:52:58,828 --> 00:53:01,708 and I will ask Simiso to read that for us, 830 00:53:01,708 --> 00:53:04,788 Matthew 25:31-34. 831 00:53:04,788 --> 00:53:06,389 It will give us a little bit more insight 832 00:53:06,389 --> 00:53:08,528 about what happens when the Lord comes 833 00:53:08,528 --> 00:53:10,428 and this idea of being taken. 834 00:53:10,428 --> 00:53:16,909 (Simiso) Matthew 25:31-34, I'm reading from the New King James Version: 835 00:53:51,988 --> 00:53:53,408 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 836 00:53:53,408 --> 00:53:56,548 When Jesus comes, His coming is not a secret. 837 00:53:56,548 --> 00:53:59,848 It may be a surprise to some who are going about their everyday lives 838 00:53:59,848 --> 00:54:01,308 not watching, not being ready, 839 00:54:01,308 --> 00:54:03,168 but it's His judgment that determines 840 00:54:03,168 --> 00:54:04,908 who's on the left, who's on the right, 841 00:54:04,908 --> 00:54:08,268 who's taken to be with Him when He returns. 842 00:54:08,268 --> 00:54:11,369 Again, Jesus knew this, and that's why 843 00:54:11,369 --> 00:54:14,169 He pleaded and begged because He knew 844 00:54:14,169 --> 00:54:15,608 that the choices we make today, 845 00:54:15,608 --> 00:54:17,288 the choices they made in that day, 846 00:54:17,288 --> 00:54:18,648 were what would determine 847 00:54:18,648 --> 00:54:20,448 whether they would be on the right hand 848 00:54:20,448 --> 00:54:22,089 or on the left hand, 849 00:54:22,089 --> 00:54:26,069 whether they'd be taken back Home with Him. 850 00:54:26,069 --> 00:54:26,928 (Derek) And those who are left... 851 00:54:26,928 --> 00:54:27,908 I think this is really important; 852 00:54:27,908 --> 00:54:29,708 you've been emphasizing the need for a decision. 853 00:54:29,708 --> 00:54:34,348 We read that where the body is, 854 00:54:34,348 --> 00:54:36,048 there the vultures will gather. 855 00:54:36,048 --> 00:54:37,808 As we study Scripture, 856 00:54:37,808 --> 00:54:42,308 those who are left are not left to continue on, 857 00:54:42,308 --> 00:54:45,748 but they are destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming, 858 00:54:45,748 --> 00:54:48,489 and that's why we need to make our decision today. 859 00:54:48,489 --> 00:54:49,788 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 860 00:54:49,788 --> 00:54:51,468 Well, let's wrap up our study 861 00:54:51,468 --> 00:54:54,428 in learning what it means to watch and be ready 862 00:54:54,428 --> 00:54:57,288 and how we should act when we know that the Lord is coming. 863 00:54:57,288 --> 00:54:59,248 Jason, would you read for us 864 00:54:59,248 --> 00:55:04,048 verses 42 through 51 of Matthew 24? 865 00:55:04,048 --> 00:55:06,708 (Jason) I'll be reading from the New King James Version, 866 00:55:06,708 --> 00:55:10,448 Matthew chapter 24, verses 42 through 51: 867 00:56:12,148 --> 00:56:13,208 (Tricia Lee) Oh, mercy. 868 00:56:13,208 --> 00:56:17,248 Olric, quickly, how can we be ready for Jesus' Second Coming? 869 00:56:17,248 --> 00:56:20,808 (Olric) Simple, get ourselves ready 870 00:56:20,808 --> 00:56:24,128 spiritually first through our commitment to Jesus Christ, 871 00:56:24,128 --> 00:56:27,228 and use that commitment to reach others. 872 00:56:27,228 --> 00:56:28,508 (Tricia Lee) Amen, amen. 873 00:56:28,508 --> 00:56:30,248 Thank you for this wonderful study, 874 00:56:30,248 --> 00:56:33,609 and let's continue to thank God that He reveals to us the things that will come 875 00:56:33,609 --> 00:56:35,508 in the future through His Word, amen. 876 00:56:35,508 --> 00:56:36,708 (Derek) Thank you, Tricia Lee. 877 00:56:36,708 --> 00:56:37,888 What an amazing study, 878 00:56:37,888 --> 00:56:41,008 and thank you for joining us for Hope Sabbath School today. 879 00:56:41,008 --> 00:56:43,708 Jesus wants you to be ready. 880 00:56:43,708 --> 00:56:46,668 He wants you to know peace and joy today, 881 00:56:46,668 --> 00:56:49,948 even in the midst of the difficulties around you. 882 00:56:49,948 --> 00:56:53,788 I want to pray that you'd make that commitment today, 883 00:56:53,788 --> 00:56:55,568 just as Olric said, today, 884 00:56:55,568 --> 00:56:57,869 that you'll trust Christ as your Savior 885 00:56:57,869 --> 00:57:01,188 while we have this wonderful opportunity. 886 00:57:01,188 --> 00:57:02,048 Let's pray. 887 00:57:02,048 --> 00:57:04,848 Our Father in Heaven, we don't want to take for granted 888 00:57:04,848 --> 00:57:08,268 the great privilege of learning the truth about Jesus 889 00:57:08,268 --> 00:57:10,928 and accepting Him as our Savior 890 00:57:10,928 --> 00:57:12,408 while there is still time. 891 00:57:12,408 --> 00:57:16,448 I pray for each one who hears this prayer today, 892 00:57:16,448 --> 00:57:20,368 that we may make our calling and election sure 893 00:57:20,368 --> 00:57:24,288 by trusting Jesus as our Savior and soon-coming King. 894 00:57:24,288 --> 00:57:27,508 And God, I thank you that you'll also use us 895 00:57:27,653 --> 00:57:29,853 to share that Good Word, that Word of hope 896 00:57:29,853 --> 00:57:31,553 with those around us, 897 00:57:31,553 --> 00:57:33,753 in Jesus' name, amen. 898 00:57:33,753 --> 00:57:34,853 (Team) Amen. 899 00:57:34,853 --> 00:57:37,413 (Derek) While we're looking for that glorious appearing, 900 00:57:37,413 --> 00:57:39,553 we'll see Him come, we'll hear Him, 901 00:57:39,553 --> 00:57:41,993 we'll hear a shout that will wake the dead. 902 00:57:41,993 --> 00:57:44,613 It's going to be a glorious reunion. 903 00:57:44,613 --> 00:57:46,173 Won't you determine today 904 00:57:46,173 --> 00:57:49,593 that you'll be part of the Redeemed for all eternity, 905 00:57:49,593 --> 00:57:51,733 and won't you also make the commitment 906 00:57:51,733 --> 00:57:54,273 that Jesus wants you to share that Good News 907 00:57:54,273 --> 00:57:58,253 so that others can be with us on that glorious day. 908 00:57:58,253 --> 00:57:59,013 Go out, 909 00:57:59,013 --> 00:58:01,153 make a difference to the lives of those around you. 910 00:58:01,153 --> 00:58:29,033 ♪ theme music ♪