WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:23.820 So, if you know the Gospel of Matthew, it ends around AD333 and we're in 2020. The Gospel of Matthew ends in 33 AD when Jesus was raised from the dead. 00:00:23.820 --> 00:00:29.879 ! He says, at the end of the Gospel, to his disciples, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:00:30.820 --> 00:00:38.939 Go into all the worlds and declare the Gospel. Make disciples of the nations. And the book of Acts picks up that story. 00:00:40.159 --> 00:00:48.600 And the early church enjoys great success, doesn't it? Thousands flocked at church in response to the message. 00:00:48.840 --> 00:00:55.500 Even some of the temple priests who we've seen fighting against Jesus in these chapters, they became Christians. 00:00:55.500 --> 00:01:06.560 But it soon changes. Acts 4, the city turns against the early Christians and the preaching of Jesus and the resurrection. 00:01:07.739 --> 00:01:18.740 Acts 7, they take one of the church leaders and they stone him to death. Acts 8, persecution breaks out and many Christians are forced to flee the city of Jerusalem. 00:01:18.739 --> 00:01:24.819 And they go to Judea and to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. 00:01:26.019 --> 00:01:33.780 In the next 30 years, there was sporadic and random persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:40.280 And it only became systematic when Emperor Nero became Emperor in 54 AD. 00:01:41.640 --> 00:01:46.680 You may know from history that in 64 AD there was a great fire in Rome. 00:01:47.620 --> 00:01:53.140 Some historians say that Nero wanted to build himself a bigger place and Nero blamed the Christians. 00:01:53.140 --> 00:02:00.439 And he begins to bluntly and brutally execute followers of Jesus for sport and entertainment. 00:02:01.480 --> 00:02:02.739 That's 64 AD. 00:02:03.799 --> 00:02:09.379 During the 60s, many leaders of the temple in Jerusalem decided to revolt against Rome. 00:02:10.699 --> 00:02:16.379 So in 66, Nero sends his generals to crush the revolt. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:18.420 To subdue Israel. 00:02:19.340 --> 00:02:20.159 It took four years. 00:02:20.159 --> 00:02:24.219 Before they could finally destroy all opposition. 00:02:24.919 --> 00:02:27.120 And in doing so, they destroyed the temple. 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:28.579 And the city. 00:02:29.879 --> 00:02:32.479 The final siege of Jerusalem was five months. 00:02:32.919 --> 00:02:34.280 And it was an absolute siege. 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:37.240 It was horrifying in its detail. 00:02:37.659 --> 00:02:39.859 And in its cruelty on both sides. 00:02:40.199 --> 00:02:41.759 And we have eyewitness accounts. 00:02:42.379 --> 00:02:44.579 Primarily from the Roman historian Josephus. 00:02:45.379 --> 00:02:47.060 Who was with the Roman troops. 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:49.000 Even though he was Jewish. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:50.500 Because his parents lived in Jerusalem. 00:02:51.400 --> 00:02:53.719 And he became the chief negotiator for Rome. 00:02:53.759 --> 00:02:55.699 And when the city finally fell. 00:02:56.240 --> 00:02:57.080 In 70 AD. 00:02:57.500 --> 00:02:58.879 The Romans destroyed the temple. 00:02:59.819 --> 00:03:01.979 They razed the city to the ground. 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:04.480 And that temple has never been rebuilt. 00:03:05.759 --> 00:03:08.120 And that final siege began at Passover. 00:03:08.120 --> 00:03:11.640 And you might remember that at Passover time. 00:03:12.360 --> 00:03:15.480 Jews from all over the world came to Jerusalem. 00:03:16.360 --> 00:03:18.480 And so Jerusalem was swollen with numbers. 00:03:19.280 --> 00:03:20.939 As well as with people from the countryside. 00:03:21.360 --> 00:03:22.800 Seeing the Roman troops. 00:03:23.039 --> 00:03:25.080 And seeking refuge in the city. 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:28.800 And Josephus writes a couple of hundred pages on this. 00:03:28.879 --> 00:03:30.560 And I don't want to encourage you to read it. 00:03:30.640 --> 00:03:31.460 It is just awful. 00:03:31.460 --> 00:03:34.700 He tells us that during that siege. 00:03:34.820 --> 00:03:36.340 There were over a million Jews killed. 00:03:36.980 --> 00:03:39.780 Including a hundred thousand who were taken to Rome. 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:41.780 And were made slaves. 00:03:42.379 --> 00:03:43.340 Many were executed. 00:03:44.860 --> 00:03:46.500 So you today can go to Rome. 00:03:46.740 --> 00:03:48.200 And you can see the Titus Arch. 00:03:49.319 --> 00:03:52.260 And you can see the picture of the slaves entering Rome. 00:03:52.520 --> 00:03:54.939 And the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. 00:03:55.260 --> 00:03:57.600 Was utterly devastating to the Jews. 00:03:57.920 --> 00:03:59.219 It is hard to explain this. 00:03:59.219 --> 00:04:03.500 The temple was as important as the Garden of Eden. 00:04:04.580 --> 00:04:07.740 It was as important as the tabernacle in the wilderness. 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:12.400 It was the physical symbol of the presence of God. 00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:15.180 Where God made his presence dwell on earth. 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:17.720 And it was unimaginable to the Jews. 00:04:18.180 --> 00:04:19.819 That God would abandon his temple. 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:23.000 We've done it once before in the book of Ezekiel. 00:04:25.620 --> 00:04:27.579 But after the attack of 66. 00:04:27.579 --> 00:04:29.839 When the attack began in 66 AD. 00:04:30.279 --> 00:04:32.500 The Christians in Jerusalem began to see the signs. 00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:35.339 They began to see what was going to happen. 00:04:36.800 --> 00:04:38.500 And as a body they left the city. 00:04:39.659 --> 00:04:41.419 They travelled across the Jordan Valley. 00:04:41.779 --> 00:04:42.939 Up to the hill town of Pala. 00:04:43.219 --> 00:04:44.199 And most of them. 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:45.459 The vast majority of them. 00:04:45.779 --> 00:04:48.519 Escaped the worst of the destruction of Jerusalem. 00:04:48.719 --> 00:04:49.240 And the temple. 00:04:49.240 --> 00:04:51.939 And the reason they escaped. 00:04:52.060 --> 00:04:53.199 Was because of Matthew 24. 00:04:54.800 --> 00:04:55.860 And as it was read. 00:04:55.920 --> 00:04:56.740 I'm sure you picked up. 00:04:56.860 --> 00:04:58.439 It's not the easiest passage in the Bible. 00:04:59.340 --> 00:05:01.939 And I don't pretend to understand it all today. 00:05:03.400 --> 00:05:04.259 But you will know. 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:05.699 If you've been with us for the last few weeks. 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:07.060 That Jesus has been in the temple. 00:05:07.220 --> 00:05:08.379 From chapter 21. 00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:10.879 Preaching and healing. 00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:13.240 He's faced vicious hostility. 00:05:13.240 --> 00:05:13.960 Hostility. 00:05:15.019 --> 00:05:16.560 And now in 24 verse 1. 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:17.639 You have the chilling words. 00:05:17.740 --> 00:05:18.280 Can you see them? 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:21.319 You can easily miss them. 00:05:21.780 --> 00:05:22.879 24 verse 1. 00:05:23.259 --> 00:05:24.340 The first four words. 00:05:24.600 --> 00:05:26.300 Jesus left the temple. 00:05:28.199 --> 00:05:29.439 He's been in the temple. 00:05:29.759 --> 00:05:31.079 But for the last time. 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:31.639 He's ever seen. 00:05:31.639 --> 00:05:32.439 He has connection with us. 00:05:33.319 --> 00:05:34.519 He walks away. 00:05:35.040 --> 00:05:36.100 From the temple of God. 00:05:37.120 --> 00:05:38.519 He abandons the temple. 00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:39.680 And the disciples. 00:05:39.920 --> 00:05:41.040 As they are walking away. 00:05:41.140 --> 00:05:41.760 They point out. 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:42.760 Isn't it beautiful? 00:05:42.920 --> 00:05:44.220 Aren't these buildings magnificent? 00:05:45.160 --> 00:05:46.600 And they're not really tracking with Jesus. 00:05:49.100 --> 00:05:50.060 And it is magnificent. 00:05:50.280 --> 00:05:51.420 We know the stones. 00:05:51.720 --> 00:05:52.620 The original stones. 00:05:52.700 --> 00:05:53.800 Were up to 20 metres wide. 00:05:55.040 --> 00:05:55.740 And Jesus says. 00:05:55.800 --> 00:05:57.560 Every single stone will be torn down. 00:05:58.280 --> 00:05:59.200 And there will be nothing left. 00:05:59.200 --> 00:06:00.920 And the disciples can hardly believe it. 00:06:02.180 --> 00:06:04.100 And so they ask Jesus two questions. 00:06:05.200 --> 00:06:06.160 And the two questions. 00:06:06.280 --> 00:06:07.420 Drive the next two chapters. 00:06:07.560 --> 00:06:08.220 Of Matthew's Gospel. 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:10.460 The first question drives. 00:06:10.459 --> 00:06:11.239 This week's passage. 00:06:11.799 --> 00:06:13.019 And then the second question. 00:06:13.180 --> 00:06:15.379 Will drive what we look at next. 00:06:16.299 --> 00:06:17.779 So the first question is there. 00:06:18.019 --> 00:06:18.819 Can you see it? 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:20.019 It's there. 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:20.779 They say. 00:06:21.099 --> 00:06:21.719 Tell us. 00:06:22.019 --> 00:06:22.699 Verse 3. 00:06:22.859 --> 00:06:23.899 When will these things be? 00:06:25.279 --> 00:06:26.259 That's the first question. 00:06:26.879 --> 00:06:28.079 When does the temple come down? 00:06:29.179 --> 00:06:31.259 The second question is in verse 3. 00:06:31.859 --> 00:06:32.799 And tell us. 00:06:33.199 --> 00:06:34.519 What will be the sign. 00:06:34.959 --> 00:06:36.019 Of your coming. 00:06:36.479 --> 00:06:37.459 At the end of the age. 00:06:37.459 --> 00:06:40.500 So question 1. 00:06:40.639 --> 00:06:42.060 Is when will the temple come down? 00:06:42.899 --> 00:06:43.579 Question 2. 00:06:43.639 --> 00:06:44.779 Is future focused? 00:06:45.599 --> 00:06:46.479 When will your coming be? 00:06:48.560 --> 00:06:49.479 So the first question. 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:50.419 Is a short timeline. 00:06:51.279 --> 00:06:51.859 Second question. 00:06:51.939 --> 00:06:52.740 Is a long timeline. 00:06:54.740 --> 00:06:55.599 And in that passage. 00:06:55.959 --> 00:06:57.099 As I just said today. 00:06:57.179 --> 00:06:57.979 He takes question 1. 00:06:57.980 --> 00:07:02.460 From verses 1 to 35. 00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:03.960 Deal with the first question. 00:07:04.400 --> 00:07:06.420 And from verse 36 onwards. 00:07:06.720 --> 00:07:08.819 Deals with the second question. 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:11.939 So verses 1 to 35. 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:14.020 Deal with the fall of the temple. 00:07:14.540 --> 00:07:15.780 And what I've just described to you. 00:07:15.840 --> 00:07:16.740 Will happen in 70 AD. 00:07:17.740 --> 00:07:19.680 And the second question. 00:07:20.079 --> 00:07:22.220 Is to deal with verses 36 onwards. 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:24.079 Jesus says. 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:25.540 I'll give you the signs of the times. 00:07:25.620 --> 00:07:26.139 On the temple. 00:07:27.439 --> 00:07:28.460 Before my second coming. 00:07:29.280 --> 00:07:29.740 He says. 00:07:29.819 --> 00:07:30.439 Nobody knows. 00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:30.960 Later on. 00:07:31.840 --> 00:07:32.600 Nobody knows. 00:07:32.980 --> 00:07:33.240 That. 00:07:34.280 --> 00:07:35.480 Not even like me. 00:07:36.620 --> 00:07:37.240 And your task. 00:07:37.340 --> 00:07:38.579 Is not to plot out. 00:07:38.660 --> 00:07:39.240 A timeline. 00:07:39.480 --> 00:07:40.079 Or a schedule. 00:07:40.259 --> 00:07:40.780 Or a calendar. 00:07:41.259 --> 00:07:42.379 Your task. 00:07:42.439 --> 00:07:43.100 Is to be ready. 00:07:43.240 --> 00:07:43.939 For my second coming. 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:44.400 We'll look at that. 00:07:44.439 --> 00:07:44.980 In two weeks time. 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:46.879 Now there's lots of people. 00:07:47.100 --> 00:07:48.420 Who've read Matthew 24. 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:50.480 And they want to use it. 00:07:50.520 --> 00:07:51.819 As kind of a future predictor. 00:07:52.600 --> 00:07:53.640 To nail down. 00:07:53.780 --> 00:07:54.680 Jesus predictions. 00:07:55.240 --> 00:07:56.540 And they use this passage. 00:07:56.540 --> 00:07:57.280 To do that. 00:07:57.460 --> 00:07:58.439 And that is a mistake. 00:07:59.660 --> 00:08:00.620 And so you can go. 00:08:00.620 --> 00:08:01.420 I don't want you to do this. 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:02.060 But I'm away sometimes. 00:08:02.200 --> 00:08:02.620 I watch it. 00:08:02.660 --> 00:08:03.480 Like Christian TV. 00:08:04.120 --> 00:08:05.540 And they go through events. 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:07.580 And they look at what's happening. 00:08:07.580 --> 00:08:08.160 In the world. 00:08:08.300 --> 00:08:09.220 And they find some. 00:08:09.640 --> 00:08:10.040 Obscure. 00:08:10.160 --> 00:08:11.040 Old Testament. 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:11.720 Verse. 00:08:12.020 --> 00:08:12.740 And they say. 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:14.080 This is what's happening. 00:08:14.079 --> 00:08:15.599 This is fulfillment. 00:08:16.379 --> 00:08:17.079 How exciting. 00:08:18.599 --> 00:08:19.379 And I think. 00:08:19.539 --> 00:08:20.479 That is understandable. 00:08:20.599 --> 00:08:20.819 I think. 00:08:20.899 --> 00:08:21.800 We want to make sense. 00:08:21.839 --> 00:08:22.379 Of the world. 00:08:22.459 --> 00:08:23.579 When it seems out of control. 00:08:23.959 --> 00:08:24.979 But Jesus says. 00:08:25.539 --> 00:08:27.719 And when it comes to predicting things. 00:08:28.099 --> 00:08:29.240 Do not do it. 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:30.399 Don't do it. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:33.360 But in our passage. 00:08:33.480 --> 00:08:34.899 Jesus does warn those. 00:08:35.419 --> 00:08:36.419 Who are alive. 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:37.059 About the coming. 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:37.620 And the destruction. 00:08:37.740 --> 00:08:38.159 Of the temple. 00:08:38.659 --> 00:08:39.419 In 70 AD. 00:08:39.539 --> 00:08:40.159 So they might escape. 00:08:40.199 --> 00:08:41.179 Look down at verse 34. 00:08:41.319 --> 00:08:41.679 For a moment. 00:08:41.679 --> 00:08:43.559 He says. 00:08:43.559 --> 00:08:44.459 In verse 34. 00:08:45.939 --> 00:08:46.399 Truly. 00:08:47.439 --> 00:08:48.500 I say to you. 00:08:49.179 --> 00:08:50.019 This generation. 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:51.399 Will not pass away. 00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:53.339 Until these things. 00:08:53.539 --> 00:08:54.019 Take place. 00:08:55.319 --> 00:08:56.339 So everything that. 00:08:56.500 --> 00:08:57.099 Jesus says. 00:08:57.399 --> 00:08:57.779 Up to. 00:08:58.159 --> 00:08:59.159 Verse 34. 00:08:59.879 --> 00:09:00.639 Will happen. 00:09:00.779 --> 00:09:01.599 In that generation. 00:09:01.739 --> 00:09:02.639 Leading up to 70 AD. 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:04.179 Okay. 00:09:04.239 --> 00:09:04.679 He says to me. 00:09:04.679 --> 00:09:04.839 Paul. 00:09:04.919 --> 00:09:05.079 This. 00:09:05.599 --> 00:09:06.439 How on earth. 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:07.019 Is this relevant. 00:09:07.019 --> 00:09:07.599 To us today. 00:09:08.599 --> 00:09:09.659 How is it relevant. 00:09:09.759 --> 00:09:10.359 About the fall. 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:10.899 Of the temple. 00:09:10.899 --> 00:09:11.559 In Jerusalem. 00:09:12.019 --> 00:09:13.179 Why are we even reading it. 00:09:14.059 --> 00:09:15.120 For lots of reasons. 00:09:15.559 --> 00:09:16.259 But here's two of them. 00:09:17.259 --> 00:09:18.500 All of Jesus words. 00:09:18.659 --> 00:09:19.740 Have a surplus meaning. 00:09:21.220 --> 00:09:21.840 That means. 00:09:21.959 --> 00:09:22.899 They reach out. 00:09:22.959 --> 00:09:24.340 Beyond their immediate context. 00:09:25.819 --> 00:09:27.039 And right after verse 34. 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:27.860 You'll see. 00:09:28.139 --> 00:09:28.840 That Jesus says. 00:09:28.919 --> 00:09:29.459 Heaven and earth. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:30.059 Will pass away. 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:30.840 But my words. 00:09:30.899 --> 00:09:32.079 Will never pass away. 00:09:32.459 --> 00:09:33.019 There's something. 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:33.459 Living. 00:09:33.459 --> 00:09:34.259 And eternal. 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:35.679 And life giving. 00:09:35.799 --> 00:09:36.519 About Jesus words. 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:37.039 Which makes them. 00:09:37.159 --> 00:09:37.779 Eternally relevant. 00:09:39.120 --> 00:09:40.120 And the second reason. 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:40.679 That they're important. 00:09:40.759 --> 00:09:41.179 For you and I. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:41.860 To understand. 00:09:42.440 --> 00:09:43.000 Is that the. 00:09:43.480 --> 00:09:44.639 Destruction of the temple. 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:45.840 In 70 AD. 00:09:46.200 --> 00:09:47.060 Is related. 00:09:47.279 --> 00:09:48.060 To the second coming. 00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:49.080 It's a picture. 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:51.360 It's a trailer. 00:09:52.480 --> 00:09:53.659 It's a snapshot. 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:55.919 Of judgment. 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:57.659 On the old order of Jerusalem. 00:09:58.659 --> 00:09:59.500 Of Judaism. 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:01.740 And it's a guarantee. 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:03.580 That the second coming. 00:10:03.580 --> 00:10:04.100 Of Jesus. 00:10:04.700 --> 00:10:05.879 Will take place. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:08.100 That when Jesus died. 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:08.919 On the cross. 00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:10.139 God tore. 00:10:10.700 --> 00:10:11.939 The curtain in the temple. 00:10:12.200 --> 00:10:13.519 From top to bottom. 00:10:14.139 --> 00:10:14.740 And he's saying. 00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:15.740 There can be no. 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:17.100 There must be no barrier. 00:10:17.299 --> 00:10:18.659 Between us and God. 00:10:18.740 --> 00:10:19.820 Because of Jesus Christ. 00:10:20.939 --> 00:10:21.399 Jesus. 00:10:21.559 --> 00:10:21.779 Who works. 00:10:21.899 --> 00:10:24.039 The bodily presence of God. 00:10:24.200 --> 00:10:25.539 In his fullness. 00:10:25.840 --> 00:10:26.919 There's no need. 00:10:27.019 --> 00:10:28.539 For a physical temple. 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:29.220 Anymore. 00:10:30.279 --> 00:10:31.460 Because when Jesus. 00:10:31.460 --> 00:10:32.580 Rose from the dead. 00:10:32.700 --> 00:10:33.799 God began to build. 00:10:33.799 --> 00:10:34.840 A new temple. 00:10:34.840 --> 00:10:36.360 A new temple. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:37.519 Of those people. 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:38.960 Who call him Lord. 00:10:40.280 --> 00:10:41.399 And that is believers. 00:10:41.399 --> 00:10:43.000 From every tribe. 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:43.519 And town. 00:10:43.639 --> 00:10:44.100 And nation. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:45.480 Who call on the name. 00:10:45.500 --> 00:10:46.139 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:10:46.720 --> 00:10:48.200 And are brought. 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:49.080 Into his family. 00:10:49.379 --> 00:10:50.259 They are the temple. 00:10:50.320 --> 00:10:50.800 Of God. 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:53.360 We are the dwelling place. 00:10:53.360 --> 00:10:54.379 Of God the Holy Spirit. 00:10:54.440 --> 00:10:55.320 That is who we are. 00:10:57.040 --> 00:10:57.860 And I think the fact. 00:10:57.980 --> 00:10:59.160 That God left. 00:10:59.160 --> 00:10:59.780 The temple. 00:10:59.920 --> 00:11:01.120 For another 37 years. 00:11:01.180 --> 00:11:02.160 Is a mark of his kindness. 00:11:03.700 --> 00:11:04.340 So that. 00:11:04.340 --> 00:11:04.960 Those people. 00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:05.500 In Jerusalem. 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.820 Would come to repentance. 00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:08.220 And join the true temple. 00:11:09.899 --> 00:11:11.379 And so we come to this passage today. 00:11:11.519 --> 00:11:12.780 And there's lots of sorrow. 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:14.680 And anguish. 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:16.280 And deep distress. 00:11:16.560 --> 00:11:17.680 But I hope what you'll see. 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:18.440 As we look at it. 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:19.420 Is Jesus' message. 00:11:19.420 --> 00:11:20.259 Is not hopeless. 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:21.320 Or despairing. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:23.820 It is just the opposite. 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:26.240 But the deeper the darkness. 00:11:26.480 --> 00:11:27.519 The more brightly shines. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:28.560 The victory of God. 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:28.619 God. 00:11:30.059 --> 00:11:31.599 Because when things do look. 00:11:31.799 --> 00:11:33.019 Bleak and black. 00:11:33.459 --> 00:11:34.259 God's kingdom. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:35.279 Is moving forward. 00:11:35.419 --> 00:11:36.299 In ways that you and I. 00:11:36.359 --> 00:11:36.919 Can't imagine. 00:11:37.959 --> 00:11:39.139 So there's three sections. 00:11:39.319 --> 00:11:41.000 And Jesus gives us three points here. 00:11:42.239 --> 00:11:43.099 And in each section. 00:11:43.179 --> 00:11:44.259 He tells us what to do. 00:11:44.579 --> 00:11:46.599 Jesus is completely realistic. 00:11:47.599 --> 00:11:48.579 About the suffering. 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:49.439 And distress. 00:11:49.579 --> 00:11:50.039 That is coming. 00:11:50.039 --> 00:11:52.399 And then he shines. 00:11:52.399 --> 00:11:53.740 The victory of God. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:54.139 On that. 00:11:54.240 --> 00:11:55.319 And he tells you what to do. 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:58.019 That it might overpower. 00:11:58.179 --> 00:11:58.980 It has got the power. 00:11:59.079 --> 00:11:59.939 To overpower distress. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:00.719 Three headings. 00:12:00.860 --> 00:12:01.620 And they're complicated. 00:12:01.819 --> 00:12:02.500 Long headings. 00:12:02.860 --> 00:12:03.099 Alright. 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:04.759 Number one. 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:05.819 Verses four to eight. 00:12:06.079 --> 00:12:06.939 Don't panic. 00:12:08.679 --> 00:12:09.679 Don't panic. 00:12:10.959 --> 00:12:11.879 The sufferings. 00:12:11.959 --> 00:12:13.259 Are part of the birth. 00:12:13.379 --> 00:12:14.439 Of a new world. 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:16.439 Don't panic. 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:17.179 The sufferings. 00:12:17.279 --> 00:12:18.219 Are part of the birth. 00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:19.599 Of a new world. 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:20.639 Nurses. 00:12:21.439 --> 00:12:21.839 Nurses. 00:12:21.939 --> 00:12:22.639 Are great to have. 00:12:22.679 --> 00:12:23.279 In church life. 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:24.459 Because they don't panic. 00:12:25.679 --> 00:12:27.079 And midwifery nurses. 00:12:27.339 --> 00:12:28.319 Are the best nurses. 00:12:28.480 --> 00:12:28.759 To have. 00:12:28.899 --> 00:12:29.219 Because. 00:12:29.439 --> 00:12:29.899 In church life. 00:12:29.959 --> 00:12:31.319 Because they really don't panic. 00:12:32.079 --> 00:12:33.620 The one thing you don't want. 00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:34.079 Do you. 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:35.719 When you're giving birth. 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:37.219 Is a panicky. 00:12:37.579 --> 00:12:38.059 Midwife. 00:12:38.579 --> 00:12:38.860 Do you. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:41.059 You don't want. 00:12:41.199 --> 00:12:41.819 Your husband. 00:12:42.199 --> 00:12:42.980 Flapping around. 00:12:43.199 --> 00:12:43.559 Panicking. 00:12:43.799 --> 00:12:44.719 Nobody wants. 00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:45.240 Panic. 00:12:45.339 --> 00:12:46.179 In the labour room. 00:12:46.819 --> 00:12:47.039 Okay. 00:12:48.579 --> 00:12:49.919 On the maternity board. 00:12:50.839 --> 00:12:51.699 Because panicking. 00:12:51.699 --> 00:12:51.740 Panicking. 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:52.599 Doesn't help anyone. 00:12:52.599 --> 00:12:53.019 Does it. 00:12:55.419 --> 00:12:56.740 And in the midst of distress. 00:12:56.939 --> 00:12:57.459 And anguish. 00:12:57.599 --> 00:12:58.360 You don't want somebody. 00:12:58.459 --> 00:12:58.939 Who's anxious. 00:12:59.099 --> 00:12:59.839 And alarmed. 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:01.500 Jesus. 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:02.179 Is very. 00:13:02.319 --> 00:13:03.319 Very realistic. 00:13:03.439 --> 00:13:03.699 Today. 00:13:03.779 --> 00:13:04.539 About the pain. 00:13:05.199 --> 00:13:05.899 In the world. 00:13:06.079 --> 00:13:06.439 Do you remember. 00:13:06.519 --> 00:13:07.379 He's the man of sorrow. 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:08.299 So look at verse 6. 00:13:08.360 --> 00:13:08.659 With me. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:09.740 He says this. 00:13:10.079 --> 00:13:10.620 He says. 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:12.120 In verse 24. 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:12.860 Verse 6. 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:16.139 And you will hear of wars. 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:17.120 And rumours of wars. 00:13:17.480 --> 00:13:18.419 So see to it. 00:13:18.580 --> 00:13:19.620 That you're not alarmed. 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:20.320 Don't panic. 00:13:21.440 --> 00:13:22.519 For this must take place. 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:26.159 For the end is not yet. 00:13:28.560 --> 00:13:30.300 The nation will rise against nation. 00:13:30.440 --> 00:13:31.180 Kingdom against kingdom. 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:32.080 There will be famines. 00:13:32.419 --> 00:13:33.000 And earthquakes. 00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:33.680 In various places. 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:34.500 But all these. 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:35.180 Are but the beginning. 00:13:35.259 --> 00:13:36.240 Of birth pains. 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:38.980 All of that happened. 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:39.840 Before 70 AD. 00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:42.060 All of these. 00:13:42.139 --> 00:13:42.659 Are the beginning. 00:13:42.779 --> 00:13:43.820 Of birth pains. 00:13:44.340 --> 00:13:44.659 And so. 00:13:44.840 --> 00:13:46.620 Jesus has not just come. 00:13:47.740 --> 00:13:48.899 To give us. 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:49.980 As individuals. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:50.899 New birth. 00:13:50.980 --> 00:13:52.060 That is a wonderful thing. 00:13:53.139 --> 00:13:54.360 But that is not just. 00:13:54.460 --> 00:13:55.399 What Jesus came to do. 00:13:56.620 --> 00:13:57.820 He has come to give new birth. 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:58.759 To creation. 00:14:00.360 --> 00:14:01.440 To an entirely. 00:14:01.820 --> 00:14:02.539 New world. 00:14:02.659 --> 00:14:03.779 It is bigger than you. 00:14:03.899 --> 00:14:04.220 And me. 00:14:04.320 --> 00:14:04.779 And Jesus. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:07.799 Because. 00:14:08.100 --> 00:14:08.779 Since Adam and Eve. 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:09.360 Were evicted. 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:10.060 From the garden. 00:14:10.180 --> 00:14:10.879 There has been. 00:14:11.080 --> 00:14:12.220 And there continues to be. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.620 Natural disasters. 00:14:13.820 --> 00:14:14.600 And human suffering. 00:14:14.960 --> 00:14:15.500 And wars. 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:16.159 And brutality. 00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:18.539 And there will be that. 00:14:18.580 --> 00:14:19.820 Not just up to 70 AD. 00:14:19.960 --> 00:14:21.120 But until it's coming again. 00:14:21.460 --> 00:14:22.440 Until Jesus comes. 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:23.240 To judge the living. 00:14:23.299 --> 00:14:23.899 And the dead. 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:27.019 But in some way. 00:14:27.060 --> 00:14:28.480 That we don't fully understand. 00:14:29.139 --> 00:14:29.919 The sufferings. 00:14:29.919 --> 00:14:31.000 That you and I endure. 00:14:31.139 --> 00:14:31.879 In this world. 00:14:32.220 --> 00:14:33.240 Are part of the birth. 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:34.060 Of the new creation. 00:14:35.299 --> 00:14:36.120 So tune back. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:36.740 With me if you will. 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:37.980 To Matthew chapter 19. 00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:38.899 Okay. 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:40.500 Matthew chapter 19. 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:44.000 And Peter says to Jesus. 00:14:44.120 --> 00:14:45.240 In Matthew chapter 19. 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:46.139 And verse 27. 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:48.879 Peter says. 00:14:49.340 --> 00:14:50.279 And see. 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:50.820 Jesus. 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:52.259 We have left everything. 00:14:52.679 --> 00:14:54.299 And followed you. 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:55.299 We have given up everything. 00:14:55.360 --> 00:14:55.960 To follow you. 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:59.000 And what does Jesus say? 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:01.139 Jesus says. 00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:02.460 To those who have left everything. 00:15:02.580 --> 00:15:03.159 And followed you. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.500 We want them. 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.079 Until we have. 00:15:04.339 --> 00:15:04.740 Jesus says. 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:05.480 Truly I say to you. 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:06.500 In the new world. 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.779 In the new world. 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.699 When the son of man. 00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:12.039 Will sit on his glorious throne. 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:13.240 You will have followed me. 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:14.199 We will have 12 tribes. 00:15:14.279 --> 00:15:15.639 Judging the 12 tribes of Israel. 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:17.899 And so the birth pains. 00:15:18.019 --> 00:15:19.139 That Jesus is speaking about. 00:15:19.379 --> 00:15:20.339 In chapter 24. 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:22.059 This new birth. 00:15:22.139 --> 00:15:23.159 That Jesus speaks about. 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:24.279 It's not evolution. 00:15:25.339 --> 00:15:26.139 It's not evolution. 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:27.199 From one stage. 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:28.039 To another. 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:29.480 It's a radical. 00:15:29.759 --> 00:15:31.159 Remaking of the new creation. 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:33.439 There will be a new heavens. 00:15:33.559 --> 00:15:34.299 And a new earth. 00:15:34.699 --> 00:15:36.500 And everyone that has followed Jesus. 00:15:36.699 --> 00:15:38.339 Who has made any sacrifice. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:39.039 For him. 00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:41.199 Will be part of that new creation. 00:15:42.559 --> 00:15:43.360 And will be blessed. 00:15:43.439 --> 00:15:44.539 With unspeakable blessing. 00:15:46.019 --> 00:15:47.219 And in the new world. 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:48.759 That is what he goes on to say. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:50.779 He says. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:52.199 It will be new. 00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:53.819 So don't be alarmed. 00:15:53.820 --> 00:15:58.520 From Syria. 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.700 To Somalia. 00:16:00.900 --> 00:16:02.220 From the coronavirus. 00:16:02.920 --> 00:16:04.440 To the catastrophic fires. 00:16:04.520 --> 00:16:05.340 In Australia. 00:16:05.720 --> 00:16:07.000 From climate change. 00:16:07.080 --> 00:16:08.800 To your own cancer diagnosis. 00:16:09.300 --> 00:16:10.300 Jesus says to you. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:12.740 Do not be alarmed. 00:16:16.920 --> 00:16:18.460 The pain is real isn't it? 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:22.780 It can feel overwhelming. 00:16:23.820 --> 00:16:30.780 But don't be alarmed. 00:16:32.660 --> 00:16:33.300 As in Tesco's. 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:34.440 In the Hangalein. 00:16:34.640 --> 00:16:35.300 Not Hangalein. 00:16:35.460 --> 00:16:35.600 Yeah. 00:16:36.060 --> 00:16:36.660 Hoover Billing. 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:37.020 Yes sir. 00:16:37.340 --> 00:16:38.480 There's no China rolling. 00:16:38.960 --> 00:16:41.620 At the Hoover Billing. 00:16:41.700 --> 00:16:43.860 There's no tissues. 00:16:44.400 --> 00:16:45.160 In Tesco's. 00:16:45.780 --> 00:16:47.980 There's no hand sanitizer. 00:16:48.140 --> 00:16:48.300 Why? 00:16:48.440 --> 00:16:49.700 Because people are panicking. 00:16:49.840 --> 00:16:50.000 Aren't they? 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:51.640 People are panicking. 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:56.539 Don't panic Jesus says. 00:16:58.699 --> 00:17:00.600 You need not shake. 00:17:02.319 --> 00:17:06.480 Because all these things are bringing about something that is eternal and secure. 00:17:06.480 --> 00:17:10.039 These are the birth pains of a new world. 00:17:10.099 --> 00:17:12.440 And I know that some of you feel absolutely overwhelmed. 00:17:12.839 --> 00:17:14.759 And some of us ought to feel more overwhelmed. 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:19.279 And we need to help one another here in bearing one another's burdens. 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:23.319 But we must point one another to God. 00:17:23.379 --> 00:17:24.279 And what God is doing. 00:17:24.379 --> 00:17:25.700 God has not lost control. 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:28.759 God is not surprised this week. 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:29.599 By this epidemic. 00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:33.599 These are the beginnings of the birth pangs. 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:35.899 Of a new world. 00:17:37.899 --> 00:17:40.279 So do not panic. 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:43.359 The sufferings follow the birth pangs of a new world. 00:17:43.460 --> 00:17:43.920 Second point. 00:17:44.599 --> 00:17:46.039 22 verses 9 to 14. 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:48.460 Don't let your love cool down. 00:17:50.119 --> 00:17:51.899 Don't let your love cool down. 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.019 Because of the triumph of the gospel. 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:56.119 Don't let your love cool down. 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:58.039 Because of the triumph of the gospel. 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:00.660 Jesus shifts. 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:02.160 From trouble outside. 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:05.359 The church to trouble inside the church. 00:18:06.639 --> 00:18:08.119 And in verses 9 to 13. 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:11.799 There are three sentences with three verbs. 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:12.859 So let's do some grammar. 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:13.179 Alright. 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:16.839 And the emphasis in each verse on the last one. 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.199 Okay. 00:18:17.479 --> 00:18:18.179 Three verbs. 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:19.099 Three sentences. 00:18:19.379 --> 00:18:19.979 Three verbs. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:21.639 And the emphasis is on the last one. 00:18:21.659 --> 00:18:22.299 Let's look. 00:18:22.419 --> 00:18:22.539 Alright. 00:18:22.859 --> 00:18:23.419 So verse 9. 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:24.239 You with me? 00:18:24.899 --> 00:18:25.519 Verse 9. 00:18:25.599 --> 00:18:26.319 What's the first one? 00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:28.099 They'll deliver you up. 00:18:28.599 --> 00:18:29.159 That's number 1. 00:18:30.219 --> 00:18:30.959 Number 2. 00:18:31.099 --> 00:18:31.699 Verse 9. 00:18:32.179 --> 00:18:33.119 They'll put you to death. 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:34.899 Number 3. 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:37.799 They'll be hated by all nations for my sake. 00:18:38.419 --> 00:18:39.219 Deliver you up. 00:18:39.399 --> 00:18:40.219 Put to death. 00:18:40.699 --> 00:18:41.539 Hated by all nations. 00:18:41.699 --> 00:18:42.179 Verse 10. 00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:43.459 Stick with me. 00:18:43.679 --> 00:18:44.519 They'll fall away. 00:18:47.459 --> 00:18:49.679 They'll betray one another and hate one another. 00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:51.279 And here's the third one. 00:18:52.479 --> 00:18:55.119 Many false prophets will arise. 00:18:55.119 --> 00:19:02.139 Let me just look at that again. 00:19:02.219 --> 00:19:04.399 Let me look at verse 10. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:06.939 Many will fall away and betray one another. 00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:09.399 And the last one with the emphasis is hate one another. 00:19:09.959 --> 00:19:10.559 Verse 11. 00:19:11.219 --> 00:19:12.479 Many prophets will arise. 00:19:13.159 --> 00:19:14.119 Lead many astray. 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:15.099 Lawless has increased. 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.839 And the last one is verse 12. 00:19:16.839 --> 00:19:20.119 The love of many will grow cold. 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:22.619 Do you see the pattern? 00:19:23.159 --> 00:19:23.459 Hate. 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:24.740 Hate. 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:25.959 Love grows cold. 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.539 That's the pattern. 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:28.419 There's the emphasis. 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:28.919 Hate. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:29.639 Hate. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:31.019 Love grows cold. 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:34.319 What's the essence of New Testament Christianity? 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:39.819 The essence of the Christian faith is a burning love for the Lord Jesus. 00:19:41.079 --> 00:19:41.759 And for one another. 00:19:43.819 --> 00:19:46.180 And because we know the love of God for us. 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:49.599 We are not conformed to the outlook of those around us. 00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:53.179 The world can only live by what it sees. 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:56.519 And we live by the love of Jesus Christ. 00:19:56.599 --> 00:19:59.480 We live by the eternal word of Jesus Christ. 00:19:59.579 --> 00:20:00.359 But it's so difficult. 00:20:01.699 --> 00:20:05.240 To fan into flame that love in the face of persecution. 00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:11.599 And particularly in the face of persecution from those who used to love Jesus Christ. 00:20:11.699 --> 00:20:12.919 But have now turned aside from him. 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:18.159 I think we need to see that when people walk away. 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:20.380 From the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:22.240 They don't become neutral. 00:20:23.620 --> 00:20:25.040 They're not in no man's land. 00:20:26.700 --> 00:20:29.740 What happens when somebody walks away from the people of God. 00:20:29.880 --> 00:20:30.759 And from the gospel. 00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:34.800 They gradually become hostile. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:39.100 Their former love grows cold. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.640 And it burns low. 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:42.759 And it turns to scorn. 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:44.400 Scorn and to ridicule. 00:20:44.600 --> 00:20:45.200 And then betrayal. 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:50.080 And they take it out on those whose love continues to burn. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:53.240 And this is so important to us. 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:57.420 You will never stand firm without love for Christ. 00:20:59.220 --> 00:21:03.779 We'll never want to share Christ with others without love. 00:21:03.779 --> 00:21:07.379 We'll never pray desperately. 00:21:08.639 --> 00:21:12.180 And so we need to strengthen ourselves in the love of Jesus Christ. 00:21:13.639 --> 00:21:16.619 And in the midst of the terrible stuff going on in the early church. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:19.319 And today terrible stuff that is going on. 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:21.139 What is God doing? 00:21:22.200 --> 00:21:23.960 Well verses 13 and 14. 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:24.700 Can you see that? 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:29.079 He is saving the one who endures to the end. 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:33.720 And he is using them to show the love of the gospel. 00:21:33.899 --> 00:21:34.799 And bring the kingdom to war. 00:21:34.859 --> 00:21:35.919 Look at verse 13. 00:21:36.399 --> 00:21:39.240 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:44.240 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world. 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:47.139 As a testimony to all nations. 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.859 And then the end will come. 00:21:48.859 --> 00:21:51.899 And you say. 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:52.500 Ah ha ha ha. 00:21:52.639 --> 00:21:53.479 Verse 14. 00:21:54.139 --> 00:21:56.059 Obviously it's talking about the second coming isn't it? 00:21:58.579 --> 00:21:59.539 You might think that. 00:22:00.779 --> 00:22:03.000 And certainly there are mission agencies out there. 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:06.039 That have taken verse 14 to mean. 00:22:06.379 --> 00:22:09.379 Jesus won't come back until we've reached every language group. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.919 So give your money to us. 00:22:11.479 --> 00:22:13.939 And we'll take the gospel to every nation. 00:22:14.959 --> 00:22:16.139 And then Jesus will come back. 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:16.220 Now. 00:22:17.400 --> 00:22:19.280 It's not the way the New Testament sees it at all. 00:22:20.320 --> 00:22:22.300 He is still talking about the fall of the temple. 00:22:24.040 --> 00:22:25.240 And later on in the New Testament. 00:22:25.380 --> 00:22:26.620 The apostle Paul writes this. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:28.480 To the Romans in 55 AD. 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:31.520 He says my gospel has been made known to all nations. 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:32.300 Got it? 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:36.060 According to the command of the eternal God. 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:39.820 In AD 62 he writes to the Colossians. 00:22:39.820 --> 00:22:43.960 And he says this gospel has come to you as indeed in all the world. 00:22:44.080 --> 00:22:45.300 And is bearing fruit and increasing. 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:49.440 So before 70 AD. 00:22:49.860 --> 00:22:53.180 The gospel had permeated and gone right to the ends of the empire. 00:22:53.300 --> 00:22:54.580 Before the destruction of the temple. 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:56.560 That's the story of the book of Acts. 00:23:00.040 --> 00:23:02.420 And because God is building another temple. 00:23:02.540 --> 00:23:03.500 A spiritual temple. 00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:06.100 Underneath all the confusing events. 00:23:06.680 --> 00:23:09.700 Underneath all the terrible suffering outside. 00:23:10.100 --> 00:23:12.680 Underneath all the betrayal inside the church. 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:13.600 Here it is. 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:16.039 The gospel of the kingdom is moving forward in triumph. 00:23:18.259 --> 00:23:20.140 And I find that very very encouraging. 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:24.039 It was encouraging for the first Christians. 00:23:24.320 --> 00:23:24.940 When they read this. 00:23:25.060 --> 00:23:26.299 And I think it's encouraging for us. 00:23:28.080 --> 00:23:30.500 Because God's response to false teaching. 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:31.660 And to apathy. 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:32.940 And to betrayal. 00:23:33.400 --> 00:23:34.480 And giving way. 00:23:34.880 --> 00:23:35.519 And persecution. 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:38.660 Is to give his people a greater boldness for witness. 00:23:40.379 --> 00:23:42.119 A greater love for one another. 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:46.639 And the ongoing growth and triumph of the gospel. 00:23:47.960 --> 00:23:49.079 We've seen it in history. 00:23:50.379 --> 00:23:51.700 We're seeing it in China. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:54.759 We're seeing it in Iran. 00:23:55.840 --> 00:23:57.700 And pray that we would see it in the UK. 00:23:58.420 --> 00:24:01.299 Don't let your love for him cool down. 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:05.460 Fan into flame that love for God. 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.440 And for one another. 00:24:07.880 --> 00:24:08.900 Because endurance. 00:24:09.140 --> 00:24:10.360 If it comes from love. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.500 Well it is connected. 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:13.660 To telling others in evangelism isn't it? 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:15.240 They're not separate from each other. 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:17.799 We know don't we. 00:24:17.859 --> 00:24:19.400 If we stand grimly. 00:24:20.759 --> 00:24:21.779 For the truth. 00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:23.259 We will never attract anyone. 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:26.940 But if we stand joyfully. 00:24:28.140 --> 00:24:28.980 And firmly. 00:24:30.819 --> 00:24:32.059 And lovingly. 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:33.859 For the message of God. 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:36.099 It will defy you. 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:36.920 All those difficulties. 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:38.539 Inside and outside of the church. 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:41.079 And Jesus says here. 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:42.059 The gospel will. 00:24:44.019 --> 00:24:44.460 Triumph. 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:49.319 He is capable of saving us. 00:24:50.120 --> 00:24:50.559 Completely. 00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:51.839 Okay. 00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:52.759 You with me so far? 00:24:54.039 --> 00:24:55.120 That was the easy part. 00:24:56.319 --> 00:24:56.640 And so. 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:57.880 Here's the tricky part. 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:58.099 Okay. 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:00.299 Verse 15 to 31. 00:25:00.500 --> 00:25:01.960 The focus becomes more narrow. 00:25:02.140 --> 00:25:02.920 And more broad. 00:25:05.019 --> 00:25:05.960 And so in verse 16. 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:07.380 Can you see he's speaking to those. 00:25:07.559 --> 00:25:08.339 Who are specifically in India. 00:25:08.440 --> 00:25:09.460 Can we open the door? 00:25:09.660 --> 00:25:10.920 It's hot in here isn't it? 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:12.359 Let's do that. 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:13.380 Let's open the door. 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:14.099 That would be great. 00:25:14.099 --> 00:25:15.379 Get a bit of air in here. 00:25:16.659 --> 00:25:17.599 That'll keep you awake. 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:19.299 So. 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:20.579 In verses 16. 00:25:20.679 --> 00:25:21.319 He's speaking to those. 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:21.899 Specifically. 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:22.799 Or in Judea. 00:25:24.139 --> 00:25:25.759 And then in verses 29 and 30. 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:27.259 He's speaking cosmically. 00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:29.299 Of the rule of the son of man. 00:25:30.399 --> 00:25:32.419 In language that is highly symbolic. 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:33.400 So here's my third point. 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:33.580 Alright. 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:34.560 My third point is this. 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:35.759 Watch and pray. 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:38.080 Because of the triumph. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.460 And the rule of the son of man. 00:25:40.600 --> 00:25:41.660 Watch and pray. 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:43.660 Because of the triumph. 00:25:43.820 --> 00:25:44.880 And rule of the son of man. 00:25:47.060 --> 00:25:47.920 The disciples ask. 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:49.380 When's the temple going to come down? 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:54.480 And the clearest part of the answer is there in verses 15 and 16. 00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:56.880 When Jesus says. 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:57.760 Can you read it with me? 00:25:57.820 --> 00:25:58.340 He says. 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:01.560 So when you see the abomination of the desolation. 00:26:02.080 --> 00:26:04.180 Spoken of by the prophet Daniel. 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:06.900 Standing in the holy place. 00:26:06.900 --> 00:26:08.140 Let the reader understand. 00:26:08.520 --> 00:26:11.080 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:14.879 The abomination of desolation. 00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:16.879 What is that? 00:26:18.679 --> 00:26:21.980 I heard a mother describe her teenage son's room as that recently. 00:26:23.439 --> 00:26:24.359 It's not that. 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:28.720 It's a devastating phrase. 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:30.579 It's kind of sacrilege. 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:32.099 Horrifying sacrilege. 00:26:32.199 --> 00:26:34.879 It's a direct quote from a verse in the Old Testament. 00:26:35.939 --> 00:26:37.679 It's meant to be horrifying. 00:26:39.439 --> 00:26:40.399 It's a verse from Daniel. 00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:41.360 Where God promises. 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:44.620 In the disobedience. 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:45.900 Of his people. 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:47.420 He'll clear the sacrifices. 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:49.880 And he will set up something horrifying in his place. 00:26:51.320 --> 00:26:52.220 And when Matthew says. 00:26:52.280 --> 00:26:52.940 Let the reader understand. 00:26:53.019 --> 00:26:53.920 He's not speaking about you. 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:56.500 He's talking about the person who was reading this out publicly. 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:59.600 They didn't have Bibles on their laps. 00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:02.480 And there wasn't any private reading. 00:27:02.580 --> 00:27:03.700 Without it being read aloud. 00:27:04.060 --> 00:27:06.340 So Matthew is saying to the public reader. 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:07.480 Take a moment. 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.940 And go back to Daniel. 00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:11.720 And explain to the people who are hearing you. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.080 What this is all about. 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.240 And we'll do that in a minute. 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:18.779 So this abomination of desolation in the holy place. 00:27:20.120 --> 00:27:22.680 Israel has already seen a form of this fulfillment. 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:25.779 So 67 BC. 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:26.400 You look in history. 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:27.680 A Greek king came through. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.820 And he conquers Jerusalem. 00:27:29.180 --> 00:27:30.600 And on the top of the altar. 00:27:31.060 --> 00:27:31.500 In Jerusalem. 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:32.539 He sets up his own altar. 00:27:34.180 --> 00:27:36.779 And he tries to maximally offend the locals. 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:39.420 He put pigs on it. 00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:42.320 So offensive to Jews. 00:27:43.279 --> 00:27:45.860 And in the whole lead up to 70 AD. 00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:49.380 There's been instances where people sat things on the altar. 00:27:49.640 --> 00:27:53.560 And shed blood in a way that was so offensive to the people of the Jews. 00:27:53.559 --> 00:27:55.599 And Jesus is saying. 00:27:55.679 --> 00:27:57.200 When you see these signs. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:59.039 He's saying to the Christians. 00:27:59.139 --> 00:28:00.019 When you see this happening. 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:00.579 Run. 00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:02.179 And they did. 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:05.460 They ran because they believed verse 25. 00:28:06.899 --> 00:28:08.819 They believed that Jesus had told them beforehand. 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:09.779 Beforehand. 00:28:11.159 --> 00:28:13.740 So then why does Jesus go all apocalyptic. 00:28:14.379 --> 00:28:14.779 Cosmic. 00:28:14.899 --> 00:28:15.759 In 29 and 31. 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:19.720 I think it's because he wants them to understand. 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:21.460 The power and the significance. 00:28:21.919 --> 00:28:23.519 Of his resurrection and ascension. 00:28:24.939 --> 00:28:26.559 And it's here that I'm worried I might lose you. 00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:28.960 The three or four of you that are still listening. 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:31.480 So here's the word. 00:28:31.539 --> 00:28:32.399 It's a Greek word this morning. 00:28:32.500 --> 00:28:32.599 Alright. 00:28:33.700 --> 00:28:35.039 And the word is perusia. 00:28:36.200 --> 00:28:37.759 It's often translated as coming. 00:28:39.819 --> 00:28:42.159 And when the disciples ask their second question. 00:28:42.159 --> 00:28:43.700 In verse 3. 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:44.399 They're asking. 00:28:44.619 --> 00:28:46.639 What will be the sign of your perusia? 00:28:46.939 --> 00:28:48.399 What will be the sign of your coming? 00:28:49.639 --> 00:28:51.359 It's a technical term. 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:52.679 For the second coming. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:53.779 Of Jesus. 00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:56.259 It's not the normal word for coming. 00:28:57.200 --> 00:28:58.679 It means the presence of a king. 00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.980 It means a royal visit. 00:29:01.159 --> 00:29:02.639 When will Jesus arrive. 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:04.139 To judge the living and the dead. 00:29:04.379 --> 00:29:06.759 And Jesus himself uses that word in verse 27. 00:29:06.859 --> 00:29:07.980 If you just look at that verse. 00:29:08.819 --> 00:29:11.000 For as the lightning comes from the east. 00:29:11.099 --> 00:29:12.579 And shines as far as the west. 00:29:12.939 --> 00:29:15.139 So is the perusia of the son of man. 00:29:16.379 --> 00:29:17.980 And the point of verse 27. 00:29:18.139 --> 00:29:19.559 Is that Jesus' second coming. 00:29:19.939 --> 00:29:21.919 Will be entirely different. 00:29:22.159 --> 00:29:23.319 From the fall of Jerusalem. 00:29:24.659 --> 00:29:25.740 His second coming. 00:29:25.859 --> 00:29:26.659 His perusia. 00:29:26.859 --> 00:29:27.859 Will be instantaneous. 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:30.319 It will be immediately visible. 00:29:30.659 --> 00:29:31.879 When Jesus comes again. 00:29:31.939 --> 00:29:32.619 You won't miss it. 00:29:32.679 --> 00:29:33.720 It will be glorious. 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:34.720 And global. 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:38.140 But now in verses 29 to 30. 00:29:38.360 --> 00:29:40.180 Jesus uses a different word for coming. 00:29:42.079 --> 00:29:43.819 Because he's speaking about something different. 00:29:44.600 --> 00:29:46.160 Let me read those verses to you. 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:49.540 Immediately after the tribulation. 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:50.519 The trouble of those days. 00:29:50.720 --> 00:29:51.800 The sun will be dark. 00:29:51.820 --> 00:29:52.940 And the moon will not give its light. 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:54.400 And the stars will fall from heaven. 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.380 And the powers of heaven will be shaken. 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:59.180 And then will appear in heaven. 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:01.720 The sign of the son of man. 00:30:02.759 --> 00:30:04.860 And then all the tribes of the earth will mourn. 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:06.500 And they will see the son of man. 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:08.540 Coming on the clouds of heaven. 00:30:08.540 --> 00:30:09.640 With power and great glory. 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:10.960 This coming is not perusia. 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:14.440 He's coming on the clouds with power. 00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:16.360 And great glory. 00:30:17.460 --> 00:30:18.960 And when Jesus uses this language. 00:30:19.140 --> 00:30:20.860 He's not speaking about the second coming. 00:30:21.340 --> 00:30:22.420 He's speaking about. 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.860 And here's the amazing thing. 00:30:23.940 --> 00:30:24.700 If you're still with me. 00:30:25.039 --> 00:30:26.559 He's speaking about his resurrection. 00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:27.559 And his ascension. 00:30:28.900 --> 00:30:31.059 Because he's not coming to his father. 00:30:31.579 --> 00:30:32.279 He's coming. 00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:33.440 He's not coming to earth. 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:34.900 He's coming to his father in heaven. 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:37.660 So keep a finger in Matthew 24. 00:30:37.860 --> 00:30:38.640 We're nearly done. 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:39.519 We're not far from being done. 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:41.259 But come with me to Daniel chapter 7. 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:41.839 Alright. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:45.940 Come with me to Daniel chapter 7. 00:30:49.240 --> 00:30:50.639 And let me try and show you this. 00:30:51.940 --> 00:30:54.599 Daniel 7 and verses 13 and 14. 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:57.960 And here's what Daniel says. 00:30:58.039 --> 00:30:58.799 He has a vision. 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:01.720 And in Daniel 7 and verses 13 and 14. 00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:02.099 He says. 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:04.839 I saw in the night visions. 00:31:06.359 --> 00:31:07.339 It's picture language. 00:31:07.339 --> 00:31:10.539 And behold with the clouds of heaven. 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:12.000 There came like a son of man. 00:31:12.619 --> 00:31:14.240 And he came. 00:31:15.679 --> 00:31:17.059 To the ancient of days. 00:31:17.899 --> 00:31:19.000 Let me just show you that again. 00:31:19.439 --> 00:31:20.779 And behold with the clouds of heaven. 00:31:20.879 --> 00:31:21.539 That's quite important. 00:31:22.179 --> 00:31:23.359 It's a very important phrase. 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.259 There came. 00:31:25.439 --> 00:31:26.119 It's the coming. 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:26.879 What's the coming like? 00:31:26.939 --> 00:31:28.839 It's like the coming of the son of man. 00:31:29.059 --> 00:31:30.000 And who does he come to? 00:31:30.179 --> 00:31:31.699 He comes to the ancient of days. 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:32.480 Who is God. 00:31:32.480 --> 00:31:34.160 And he was presented before him. 00:31:35.299 --> 00:31:35.799 And to him. 00:31:37.160 --> 00:31:39.839 And to him was given dominion. 00:31:40.620 --> 00:31:41.339 And glory. 00:31:41.480 --> 00:31:41.860 And a kingdom. 00:31:42.099 --> 00:31:43.900 That all the nations and languages should serve him. 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:45.980 And his dominion is an everlasting dominion. 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:47.220 Which shall not pass away. 00:31:47.579 --> 00:31:49.500 And his kingdom is one that shall not be destroyed. 00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:53.480 And so Jesus picks that up here. 00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:53.860 Alright. 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:57.400 And it's not Jesus coming to earth. 00:31:57.400 --> 00:31:59.259 It is Jesus coming to his father. 00:31:59.480 --> 00:32:00.779 In heaven at the ascension. 00:32:00.779 --> 00:32:04.019 And so when you come to the New Testament. 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:06.039 Jesus comes first as a baby. 00:32:07.399 --> 00:32:09.779 And he is promised that he will come again. 00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:11.819 One day to judge the living and the dead. 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:14.160 But when he rose from the dead. 00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:15.539 And he ascended into heaven. 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:18.899 He comes to the father. 00:32:19.220 --> 00:32:21.200 And he is seated at the right hand of the father. 00:32:21.420 --> 00:32:23.559 And God gives him all authority in heaven and earth. 00:32:24.639 --> 00:32:26.039 And that resurrection. 00:32:26.920 --> 00:32:28.139 And ascension of Jesus. 00:32:28.819 --> 00:32:30.440 Is the most massive reversal. 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.480 The world has ever seen. 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:33.860 And it's got implications. 00:32:33.860 --> 00:32:36.320 So massive and vast. 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.980 That they can only be described. 00:32:38.140 --> 00:32:40.240 In symbolic apocalyptic language. 00:32:41.820 --> 00:32:43.660 In the death and resurrection. 00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:44.920 And ascension of Jesus. 00:32:45.220 --> 00:32:46.799 God is rehanging the sun. 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:48.759 And the moon and the stars. 00:32:48.840 --> 00:32:50.220 He is resetting them in place. 00:32:50.700 --> 00:32:51.720 He is pressing reset. 00:32:51.720 --> 00:32:56.079 So that now they serve and bow down. 00:32:57.980 --> 00:32:58.819 Before God. 00:32:59.740 --> 00:33:01.400 And God's promise to us this morning. 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:04.640 Is that God is putting all things under the feet of Jesus. 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.920 That's what's going on in our world. 00:33:05.920 --> 00:33:08.960 And so amidst all the suffering. 00:33:09.080 --> 00:33:09.660 And the darkness. 00:33:09.840 --> 00:33:10.519 And the difficulties. 00:33:10.800 --> 00:33:11.580 And the coronavirus. 00:33:12.240 --> 00:33:14.200 God is now putting everything under Jesus' feet. 00:33:15.580 --> 00:33:18.420 And his new creation is coming more and more. 00:33:18.600 --> 00:33:20.279 Because more people are hearing the gospel. 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:20.920 Men and women. 00:33:21.039 --> 00:33:22.360 Boys and girls from all the world. 00:33:24.539 --> 00:33:27.539 And that is why it's not possible to combine Jesus to a temple. 00:33:27.539 --> 00:33:32.139 Since he has definitively rejected the temple. 00:33:33.099 --> 00:33:33.940 Verse 28. 00:33:34.059 --> 00:33:35.740 The temple is nothing more than a corpse. 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:39.500 You see there's much much more isn't there. 00:33:39.720 --> 00:33:41.659 To the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus. 00:33:41.819 --> 00:33:43.200 Just from his defeat of death. 00:33:44.599 --> 00:33:47.039 It's the triumphant enthronement of the son of man. 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:51.799 And so when he came on the clouds to his father. 00:33:51.899 --> 00:33:53.599 And I know this is apocalyptic stuff. 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:55.399 I know it's cosmic stuff we're talking about. 00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:56.579 But what it means. 00:33:56.579 --> 00:33:58.419 Is it means for you and I. 00:33:58.500 --> 00:33:59.759 That Jesus has the final word. 00:34:00.779 --> 00:34:01.379 For us. 00:34:02.919 --> 00:34:04.639 Because heaven and earth will pass away. 00:34:05.299 --> 00:34:07.839 And everything that seems most permanent in your life. 00:34:07.919 --> 00:34:08.519 And my life. 00:34:08.739 --> 00:34:09.900 Including our life. 00:34:11.480 --> 00:34:12.440 Will pass away. 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:13.539 But he will never pass away. 00:34:15.860 --> 00:34:17.860 And it means that our world and our life. 00:34:17.940 --> 00:34:20.340 Cannot be explained by just our. 00:34:21.059 --> 00:34:21.940 Own terms. 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:25.119 It is Jesus' word alone. 00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:26.719 That holds the key to the past. 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:27.859 And to the future. 00:34:28.039 --> 00:34:28.619 And to the present. 00:34:28.739 --> 00:34:30.219 Because his kingdom rules over all. 00:34:31.480 --> 00:34:32.739 And will rule over all. 00:34:32.799 --> 00:34:33.980 And it's not a kingdom of violence. 00:34:34.759 --> 00:34:36.639 It's not a kingdom of brutality or death. 00:34:36.679 --> 00:34:37.739 It's a kingdom of grace. 00:34:37.819 --> 00:34:38.759 And a kingdom of goodness. 00:34:39.900 --> 00:34:41.380 In the person of Jesus Christ. 00:34:42.739 --> 00:34:44.420 And the one who holds the future. 00:34:44.519 --> 00:34:45.380 Of our lives. 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:46.059 And our world. 00:34:46.179 --> 00:34:46.920 In his hands. 00:34:46.920 --> 00:34:47.839 Well in his hands. 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:49.019 There are male marks in them. 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:51.599 And there is no suffering. 00:34:51.739 --> 00:34:52.699 That he doesn't understand. 00:34:52.940 --> 00:34:54.019 That he doesn't enter into. 00:34:54.780 --> 00:34:55.719 There is no pain. 00:34:55.800 --> 00:34:56.619 That he's not overcome. 00:34:56.940 --> 00:34:57.940 Or cannot overcome. 00:35:01.380 --> 00:35:02.519 And more than overcome. 00:35:02.679 --> 00:35:04.139 That he can remake. 00:35:04.679 --> 00:35:05.679 In the rebirth. 00:35:06.719 --> 00:35:07.659 Of this world. 00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:10.360 And I know we feel weak. 00:35:11.360 --> 00:35:12.840 And I know we feel our difficulties. 00:35:12.840 --> 00:35:17.019 But God is bringing to birth. 00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:17.640 A new world. 00:35:18.800 --> 00:35:19.980 And he's using you. 00:35:20.140 --> 00:35:20.700 And I. 00:35:20.860 --> 00:35:21.880 As his chosen ones. 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:22.720 To give witness. 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.420 To the greatness. 00:35:23.600 --> 00:35:24.140 Of his glory. 00:35:25.039 --> 00:35:26.720 And he knows the outcome. 00:35:27.660 --> 00:35:29.280 And he's told us the outcome. 00:35:29.440 --> 00:35:30.900 And it is completely worth it. 00:35:31.000 --> 00:35:32.860 So do not panic. 00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:35.300 And be steady. 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:38.100 And stir up your love. 00:35:39.280 --> 00:35:40.660 And watch and pray. 00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:43.500 And so tomorrow morning. 00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:44.139 When you get up. 00:35:44.219 --> 00:35:44.779 And you pray. 00:35:44.899 --> 00:35:45.739 You remind yourself. 00:35:45.839 --> 00:35:46.460 He rules. 00:35:47.619 --> 00:35:48.779 And you're part of his purpose. 00:35:50.239 --> 00:35:51.659 And even though heaven and earth. 00:35:51.779 --> 00:35:52.359 Will pass away. 00:35:52.460 --> 00:35:53.940 His words will never pass away. 00:35:54.239 --> 00:35:55.899 And 70 AD confirms it. 00:35:57.299 --> 00:35:59.000 But even more importantly than that. 00:35:59.059 --> 00:35:59.739 His resurrection. 00:36:00.059 --> 00:36:00.819 And his ascension. 00:36:00.960 --> 00:36:01.500 Confirm it. 00:36:01.619 --> 00:36:03.139 And so we wait with patience. 00:36:04.359 --> 00:36:05.599 We wait together. 00:36:06.739 --> 00:36:07.699 Knowing that one day. 00:36:07.699 --> 00:36:08.319 This world. 00:36:08.519 --> 00:36:09.000 Will become. 00:36:09.699 --> 00:36:10.639 The kingdom of ours. 00:36:10.659 --> 00:36:11.039 Our Lord. 00:36:11.179 --> 00:36:11.839 And of his Christ. 00:36:12.859 --> 00:36:13.659 And he shall reign. 00:36:13.779 --> 00:36:14.719 Forever and ever. 00:36:15.319 --> 00:36:15.759 And ever. 00:36:16.759 --> 00:36:17.199 Amen.