WEBVTT

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 Welcome to Christ the King Church again.

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 My name is Billy Nye. I'm one of the pastors here.

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 It's my privilege to bring God's Word to you.

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 Children, you may be dismissed.

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 One of these days I'll get that.

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 Mike has the advantage of having a little bit more of the rhythm.

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 I like to learn the rhythm better.

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 If you'd open your Bibles with me to Matthew 24.

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 Matthew 24.

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 Anybody like war movies?

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 I like war movies.

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 Not shoot them up in blood and guts as much,

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 but one of my favorites is a movie called Master and Commander.

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 Anybody seen it?

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 It's a great, great movie.

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 It's a classic tale of the HMS Surprise,

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 a British man of war,

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 and its mission is during the Napoleonic Wars, 1812,

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 and its mission is to pursue an elusive French warship.

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 We got it, we got it.

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 Building suspense.

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 Its mission is to pursue an elusive French warship

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 around the Southern Hemisphere,

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 and it's a wonderful tale.

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 And one of the most memorable of the weather-beaten

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 and war-hardened crew of this fine vessel

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 is Abel Seaman Joe Place.

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 And probably one of the most memorable things

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 about Abel Seaman Joe Place

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 is what's tattooed on his fingers.

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 Right across his leathery phalanges

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 are the letters H-O-L-D-F-A-S-T.

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 Hold fast.

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 Hold fast.

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 It's a command.

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 It's an appropriate command for a seaman.

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 Hold that rope fast, sailor,

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 or your sail is compromised.

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 Hold fast at your station,

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 or you betray your comrades.

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 Hold fast until you reach your desired haven.

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 Brothers and sisters,

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 in the passage we're going to look at this morning

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 in Matthew 24,

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 our Lord Jesus,

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 our Master and Commander,

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 is telling us, His people,

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 to hold fast.

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 Hold fast.

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 Endure.

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 Be faithful.

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 Until He comes.

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 In fact, the next several Sundays

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 before the Advent season,

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 as a church,

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 in this month to come,

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 we're going to be seeing

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 what Matthew 24 and 25

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 tell us about that day.

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 On that day.

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 That's where our eyes should be fixed.

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 And this is Jesus telling His people

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 how to live until that day.

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 So we're kicking off

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 this little mini-series today.

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 Today.

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 These two chapters

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 are often referred to

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 as the Olivet Discourse,

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 named after the place

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 where Jesus gave this teaching,

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 which is the Mount of Olives,

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 a little hill

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 just to the east

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 of the city of Jerusalem.

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 It is the fifth

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 and final

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 large block

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 of teaching

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 in the book of Matthew,

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 and that's not on accident.

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 Matthew designed

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 his gospel

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 to be a

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 miniature

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 of the five books

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 of the Torah

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 representing Jesus

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 as the new Moses.

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 And this is his fifth

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 and final address

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 to his disciples

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 before his crucifixion.

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 There's a lot going on

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 in these chapters,

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 but the emphasis

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 is unmistakable.

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 Hold fast.

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 Hold fast.

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 Live faithfully

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 until the end,

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 until He comes.

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 Live faithfully

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 in the last days.

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 days.

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 Now maybe you might

00:03:52.920 --> 00:03:53.900
 hear that phrase,

00:03:54.120 --> 00:03:55.180
 the last days,

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 and you might get

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 a little bit of a

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 queasy feeling

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 in your tummy.

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 I remember being

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 about eight years old,

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 and a prophecy specialist

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 came to my church

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 and gave some pretty fiery

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 and scary sermons

00:04:09.840 --> 00:04:11.540
 about how all these

00:04:11.540 --> 00:04:12.400
 recent headlines

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 were fulfilling prophecies

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 that were pointing

00:04:15.160 --> 00:04:15.680
 to the fact that

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 the rapture was happening

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 very soon.

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 I was nervous.

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 I don't know,

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 like, living in the last days,

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 that's kind of freaky.

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 But if that's you,

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 Jesus doesn't want you

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 to be nervous.

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 Maybe you hear that phrase,

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 the last days,

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 and you get excited.

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 You love studying eschatology.

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 Eschatology is a fancy word

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 for the study of the end times

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 or the last days.

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 This topic is fascinating.

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 The Bible has a lot

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 to say about it,

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 but it can also be

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 a lightning rod

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 for Christian disagreement

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 and division.

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 Opinions can be held

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 very strongly

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 on the specifics

00:04:55.480 --> 00:04:57.540
 of what this interpretation

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 of this passage might mean.

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 But Jesus,

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 just as he doesn't want us

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 to be nervous,

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 he doesn't want us

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 to be divided either.

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 He wants us

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 to eagerly anticipate

00:05:08.500 --> 00:05:09.240
 his return

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 and be faithful

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 in the meantime.

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 And that's what

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 we're going to hear today.

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 This passage is in the Bible

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 to tell us

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 that Jesus wants us

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 to hold fast.

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 Jesus is our risen

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 and returning king

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 and he is expecting us,

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 his people,

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 to hold fast

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 through the prolonged

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 and painful

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 last days

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 until he comes.

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 He is calling us,

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 his church,

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 to live faithfully for him

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 in a prolonged season

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 of waiting for him

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 to return.

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 And the Bible calls

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 that period

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 the last days.

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 So let's walk

00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:48.860
 through this passage together.

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 Let's unpack

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 what Jesus was saying

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 then to his disciples

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 and what he is saying

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 now to us today.

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 And as we go,

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 I want us to be thinking

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 in terms of

00:05:59.080 --> 00:06:00.860
 four don't be's

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 and one be.

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 Four don't be's

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 and one be.

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 Jesus is going to give us

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 four calls.

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 Don't be

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 and be.

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 So here we go.

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 The first don't be

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 is found in the first two verses.

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 Sorry, first three verses.

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 Let me read them

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 aloud.

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 This is God's word.

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 Jesus left the temple

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 and was going away

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 when his disciples

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 came to point out to him

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 the buildings of the temple.

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 But he said to them,

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 you see all these,

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 do you not?

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 Truly I say to you,

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 there will not be left here

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 one stone upon another

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 that will not be

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 thrown down.

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 And as he sat

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 on the Mount of Olives,

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 the disciples came to him

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 privately saying,

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 tell us,

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 when will these things be

00:06:48.959 --> 00:06:50.399
 and what will be

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 the sign of your coming

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 and the end

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 of the age?

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 Jesus is giving us

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 the first don't be.

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 It's this.

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 Don't be distracted.

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 distracted.

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 Don't be distracted.

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 The first thing you notice

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 in these verses

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 is that Jesus

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 left the temple.

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 This is significant.

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 If we look back

00:07:14.579 --> 00:07:15.699
 to the last few verses

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 of chapter 23,

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 we're going to see

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 Jesus promising

00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:20.920
 judgment on Jerusalem

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 because they rejected

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 him as Messiah.

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 But he's pronouncing

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 judgment through tears.

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 He's weeping

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 in the last few verses

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 of chapter 23.

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 He's weeping

00:07:34.139 --> 00:07:35.280
 for the rejection

00:07:35.280 --> 00:07:36.460
 of his people,

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 of him.

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 And as he begins

00:07:41.980 --> 00:07:43.560
 to walk away,

00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:45.579
 his symbolic leaving

00:07:45.579 --> 00:07:46.240
 of the temple

00:07:46.240 --> 00:07:47.720
 is pointing

00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:49.379
 to his rejection

00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:51.000
 of what the temple

00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:51.579
 stood for.

00:07:52.540 --> 00:07:53.400
 An empty shell

00:07:53.400 --> 00:07:54.019
 of religion

00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:54.920
 that is preoccupied

00:07:54.920 --> 00:07:55.560
 with itself

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 and not

00:07:57.079 --> 00:07:58.300
 with what God

00:07:58.300 --> 00:07:59.319
 has sent them

00:07:59.319 --> 00:08:00.379
 as the true

00:08:00.379 --> 00:08:01.460
 and living presence

00:08:01.460 --> 00:08:02.519
 of God among them.

00:08:02.519 --> 00:08:03.719
 No longer in a place,

00:08:03.919 --> 00:08:04.839
 no longer in a building,

00:08:05.339 --> 00:08:06.060
 but in a person.

00:08:06.959 --> 00:08:07.959
 The new temple

00:08:07.959 --> 00:08:08.979
 of God

00:08:08.979 --> 00:08:10.039
 is walking away

00:08:10.039 --> 00:08:11.159
 from the old temple

00:08:11.159 --> 00:08:12.139
 of God.

00:08:12.839 --> 00:08:14.060
 Jesus is now

00:08:14.060 --> 00:08:16.439
 the full presence

00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:17.240
 of God

00:08:17.240 --> 00:08:18.259
 with his people,

00:08:18.439 --> 00:08:19.519
 which the old temple

00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:20.680
 used to symbolize.

00:08:21.039 --> 00:08:21.560
 But now,

00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:23.199
 he is with his people.

00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:23.919
 He is God

00:08:23.919 --> 00:08:24.459
 with us.

00:08:24.500 --> 00:08:24.819
 And now,

00:08:24.899 --> 00:08:25.879
 he is walking away

00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:27.439
 from that empty shell

00:08:27.439 --> 00:08:28.379
 that, as one author

00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:28.759
 put it,

00:08:28.799 --> 00:08:29.639
 has no future

00:08:29.639 --> 00:08:31.259
 except destruction.

00:08:32.360 --> 00:08:33.240
 So as Jesus

00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:34.019
 turns his back

00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:34.679
 on the temple,

00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:36.139
 his disciples

00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:38.000
 keep looking at it.

00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:40.759
 They draw his attention

00:08:40.759 --> 00:08:41.720
 to its significance,

00:08:42.379 --> 00:08:43.620
 to its magnificence.

00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:45.080
 And no wonder,

00:08:45.179 --> 00:08:45.860
 it was the pride

00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:46.279
 and joy

00:08:46.279 --> 00:08:47.360
 of every Jew

00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:48.100
 of the day.

00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:49.539
 It was a massive structure.

00:08:50.179 --> 00:08:50.980
 Where it wasn't

00:08:50.980 --> 00:08:52.039
 overlaid with gold,

00:08:52.100 --> 00:08:52.679
 it was coated

00:08:52.679 --> 00:08:53.679
 with white marble.

00:08:54.139 --> 00:08:54.939
 You couldn't look

00:08:54.939 --> 00:08:56.080
 at this building.

00:08:56.080 --> 00:08:57.100
 It was glorious,

00:08:57.280 --> 00:08:57.840
 especially when

00:08:57.840 --> 00:08:59.139
 the sun hit it.

00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:00.920
 Notice what Jesus

00:09:00.920 --> 00:09:02.240
 says in verse 2.

00:09:02.860 --> 00:09:03.220
 Basically,

00:09:03.340 --> 00:09:03.820
 he's saying,

00:09:04.020 --> 00:09:04.740
 you see these buildings?

00:09:05.540 --> 00:09:05.820
 Yes,

00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:06.320
 they're beautiful,

00:09:06.520 --> 00:09:07.340
 but don't let

00:09:07.340 --> 00:09:08.580
 this impressive

00:09:08.580 --> 00:09:09.360
 flashiness

00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:11.200
 distract you.

00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:12.960
 The current age

00:09:12.960 --> 00:09:14.160
 is fundamentally

00:09:14.160 --> 00:09:15.420
 opposed to me

00:09:15.420 --> 00:09:16.680
 and to my kingdom.

00:09:17.280 --> 00:09:18.520
 Now you see it,

00:09:18.920 --> 00:09:20.320
 but soon and very soon

00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:20.900
 you won't.

00:09:21.980 --> 00:09:23.320
 Adjust your vision

00:09:23.320 --> 00:09:24.780
 to God's

00:09:24.780 --> 00:09:26.360
 eternal perspective.

00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:27.700
 Physically,

00:09:27.840 --> 00:09:28.320
 this edifice

00:09:28.320 --> 00:09:29.080
 is beautiful,

00:09:29.300 --> 00:09:30.540
 but it is destined

00:09:30.540 --> 00:09:31.840
 for judgment

00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:32.820
 and destruction.

00:09:33.000 --> 00:09:33.879
 All these magnificent

00:09:33.879 --> 00:09:35.360
 stones will be

00:09:35.360 --> 00:09:36.080
 toppled.

00:09:36.520 --> 00:09:37.460
 Not one will be

00:09:37.460 --> 00:09:38.300
 left on top

00:09:38.300 --> 00:09:39.120
 of another.

00:09:39.260 --> 00:09:39.680
 And by the way,

00:09:39.720 --> 00:09:40.820
 Jesus was spot on here.

00:09:41.640 --> 00:09:42.680
 About 40 years later,

00:09:42.760 --> 00:09:43.520
 the Jews rebelled

00:09:43.520 --> 00:09:44.160
 against Rome

00:09:44.160 --> 00:09:45.200
 and the Emperor

00:09:45.200 --> 00:09:46.140
 Titus personally

00:09:46.140 --> 00:09:46.580
 came over

00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.520
 with a massive army

00:09:47.520 --> 00:09:48.920
 and leveled the city,

00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:49.880
 including the temple,

00:09:50.580 --> 00:09:51.440
 in 70 AD.

00:09:51.440 --> 00:09:54.360
 A day of reckoning

00:09:54.360 --> 00:09:55.540
 was drawing near.

00:09:56.400 --> 00:09:57.360
 It's on the horizon.

00:09:59.340 --> 00:10:00.160
 And Jesus is asking

00:10:00.160 --> 00:10:00.760
 his disciples,

00:10:01.280 --> 00:10:02.160
 do you see it?

00:10:03.920 --> 00:10:04.940
 And it was.

00:10:05.140 --> 00:10:06.100
 It was on the horizon

00:10:06.100 --> 00:10:06.740
 for the Jews

00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:07.640
 40 years later,

00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:09.860
 as it is also

00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:11.420
 for us.

00:10:12.060 --> 00:10:13.540
 As we'll see more clearly

00:10:13.540 --> 00:10:14.580
 in the next few weeks,

00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:15.880
 the destruction of Jerusalem

00:10:15.880 --> 00:10:16.840
 in AD 70

00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:19.180
 serves as a forerunner,

00:10:19.179 --> 00:10:20.579
 a taste,

00:10:20.699 --> 00:10:21.239
 a sample

00:10:21.239 --> 00:10:22.719
 of the ultimate

00:10:22.719 --> 00:10:23.839
 eternal judgment

00:10:23.839 --> 00:10:25.019
 that is to come

00:10:25.019 --> 00:10:26.299
 upon the whole world.

00:10:26.939 --> 00:10:27.759
 In verse 3,

00:10:28.179 --> 00:10:28.779
 his disciples

00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:29.419
 come to him

00:10:29.419 --> 00:10:30.259
 and ask him

00:10:30.259 --> 00:10:31.539
 a question.

00:10:32.079 --> 00:10:33.159
 And they ask it

00:10:33.159 --> 00:10:34.139
 from their particular

00:10:34.139 --> 00:10:34.779
 perspective.

00:10:35.079 --> 00:10:35.759
 We have to keep that

00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:36.519
 in mind as we look

00:10:36.519 --> 00:10:36.899
 at this.

00:10:38.099 --> 00:10:38.959
 They come to him

00:10:38.959 --> 00:10:39.620
 and they ask him,

00:10:39.819 --> 00:10:41.139
 when will these things,

00:10:41.239 --> 00:10:42.039
 that is the destruction

00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:42.539
 of Jerusalem,

00:10:42.879 --> 00:10:43.139
 be?

00:10:43.839 --> 00:10:44.359
 And then,

00:10:44.459 --> 00:10:45.500
 what will be the sign

00:10:45.500 --> 00:10:46.399
 of your coming

00:10:46.399 --> 00:10:47.659
 and the end of the age?

00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:48.480
 Three things,

00:10:48.579 --> 00:10:49.000
 the destruction

00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:49.579
 of Jerusalem,

00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:51.779
 Jesus' coming,

00:10:51.959 --> 00:10:52.799
 and the end of the age.

00:10:52.980 --> 00:10:54.219
 The disciples see those

00:10:54.219 --> 00:10:56.379
 as a whole end times package.

00:10:56.659 --> 00:10:57.139
 They're looking

00:10:57.139 --> 00:10:57.939
 at the horizon

00:10:57.939 --> 00:10:59.120
 Jesus has pointed them to,

00:10:59.439 --> 00:11:00.179
 telling them not to be

00:11:00.179 --> 00:11:01.600
 distracted with the current age.

00:11:01.799 --> 00:11:02.299
 And they're like,

00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:02.579
 okay,

00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:03.360
 when is that going

00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:03.759
 to happen?

00:11:04.679 --> 00:11:05.899
 They see those things

00:11:05.899 --> 00:11:06.899
 tied together.

00:11:07.019 --> 00:11:08.279
 They can't separate out

00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:08.899
 the destruction

00:11:08.899 --> 00:11:09.480
 of Jerusalem

00:11:09.480 --> 00:11:10.539
 from the end of the world

00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:11.139
 from Jesus'

00:11:11.620 --> 00:11:12.459
 triumphant return.

00:11:12.460 --> 00:11:16.879
 If you've ever driven west

00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:17.940
 to the Rocky Mountains,

00:11:18.540 --> 00:11:19.780
 as you're driving,

00:11:20.420 --> 00:11:21.820
 you start to see mountains.

00:11:22.080 --> 00:11:22.879
 They're on the horizon.

00:11:24.400 --> 00:11:25.460
 But it's hard to distinguish

00:11:25.460 --> 00:11:26.920
 the nearer foothills

00:11:26.920 --> 00:11:29.560
 from the further out

00:11:29.560 --> 00:11:31.379
 mountain snow-capped peaks.

00:11:33.300 --> 00:11:34.860
 But as you get closer,

00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:37.200
 you begin to draw near

00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:38.200
 and you see distance

00:11:38.200 --> 00:11:40.259
 between the smaller

00:11:40.259 --> 00:11:41.560
 and nearer foothills.

00:11:41.559 --> 00:11:42.339
 There are mountains,

00:11:42.500 --> 00:11:43.539
 but they're foothills

00:11:43.539 --> 00:11:44.839
 compared to the massive

00:11:44.839 --> 00:11:45.639
 peaks beyond.

00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:48.699
 For the disciples,

00:11:48.939 --> 00:11:50.099
 as Jesus is pointing them

00:11:50.099 --> 00:11:51.959
 along the same line of sight

00:11:51.959 --> 00:11:53.419
 on the horizon,

00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:54.359
 it's hard for them

00:11:54.359 --> 00:11:54.939
 to distinguish

00:11:54.939 --> 00:11:56.059
 the near event,

00:11:56.479 --> 00:11:57.439
 the destruction of Jerusalem,

00:11:57.799 --> 00:11:58.059
 judgment,

00:11:58.579 --> 00:11:59.919
 from the far event,

00:12:00.559 --> 00:12:01.259
 the end of the age.

00:12:03.019 --> 00:12:04.000
 They perceive them

00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:04.799
 as the same event.

00:12:05.839 --> 00:12:06.979
 But as Jesus is going

00:12:06.979 --> 00:12:07.759
 to make pretty clear

00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:08.659
 in the rest of the package,

00:12:08.739 --> 00:12:09.279
 he's going to start

00:12:09.279 --> 00:12:10.539
 to separate those two out.

00:12:11.559 --> 00:12:12.719
 They're a lot alike

00:12:12.719 --> 00:12:13.459
 and they're along

00:12:13.459 --> 00:12:14.599
 the same line of sight.

00:12:14.699 --> 00:12:15.439
 They're both judgment,

00:12:15.579 --> 00:12:16.559
 but one is temporary

00:12:16.559 --> 00:12:17.319
 and close

00:12:17.319 --> 00:12:18.699
 and the other is eternal

00:12:18.699 --> 00:12:19.659
 and further away.

00:12:20.419 --> 00:12:21.639
 But both are judgment.

00:12:22.779 --> 00:12:23.399
 And Jesus wants

00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:24.059
 his disciples

00:12:24.059 --> 00:12:25.379
 now

00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:27.679
 to take this coming day

00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:28.339
 of reckoning

00:12:28.339 --> 00:12:29.299
 very seriously.

00:12:29.539 --> 00:12:30.399
 For at that time,

00:12:30.459 --> 00:12:31.199
 it was the destruction

00:12:31.199 --> 00:12:31.759
 of Jerusalem

00:12:31.759 --> 00:12:33.000
 that was on its way

00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:33.500
 very quickly.

00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:34.379
 For us,

00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:35.779
 it is the end of the age

00:12:35.779 --> 00:12:36.879
 that is on its way

00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:38.059
 just as quickly.

00:12:38.059 --> 00:12:40.459
 For the original readers

00:12:40.459 --> 00:12:41.059
 of Matthew,

00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:43.879
 the historical events

00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:44.500
 of the destruction

00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:45.039
 of Jerusalem

00:12:45.039 --> 00:12:46.059
 were very close

00:12:46.059 --> 00:12:47.619
 within a decade or so

00:12:47.619 --> 00:12:48.879
 and they desperately

00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:49.819
 needed to listen

00:12:49.819 --> 00:12:51.959
 to what Jesus had to say

00:12:51.959 --> 00:12:53.539
 so that they could avoid

00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:54.259
 the coming judgment.

00:12:54.479 --> 00:12:55.199
 And for us,

00:12:55.319 --> 00:12:56.559
 the events of the coming

00:12:56.559 --> 00:12:57.619
 eternal judgment

00:12:57.619 --> 00:12:59.059
 that is on the horizon

00:12:59.059 --> 00:13:01.679
 is also close.

00:13:02.759 --> 00:13:03.859
 Jesus wants our attention

00:13:03.859 --> 00:13:05.399
 on that day.

00:13:05.579 --> 00:13:06.399
 He doesn't want us

00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:07.220
 to be distracted.

00:13:08.819 --> 00:13:09.559
 The reformer,

00:13:09.620 --> 00:13:10.059
 Martin Luther,

00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:11.059
 is often credited

00:13:11.059 --> 00:13:11.699
 with saying,

00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:12.819
 there are only two days

00:13:12.819 --> 00:13:13.559
 on my calendar.

00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:14.439
 Today

00:13:14.439 --> 00:13:15.720
 and that day.

00:13:17.379 --> 00:13:18.279
 Jesus wants

00:13:18.279 --> 00:13:19.259
 to put his hands

00:13:19.259 --> 00:13:19.840
 on our shoulders

00:13:19.840 --> 00:13:20.860
 and turn us

00:13:20.860 --> 00:13:21.939
 to face the light

00:13:21.939 --> 00:13:23.319
 of that day.

00:13:24.419 --> 00:13:25.059
 So let's allow

00:13:25.059 --> 00:13:25.779
 Jesus' words

00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:26.500
 to kind of shock

00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:27.039
 our system

00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:27.939
 into the right frame

00:13:27.939 --> 00:13:28.459
 of mind

00:13:28.459 --> 00:13:30.360
 and live in light

00:13:30.360 --> 00:13:31.319
 of eternity.

00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:32.279
 Don't be distracted

00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:33.179
 with the here and now.

00:13:33.639 --> 00:13:35.139
 Focus on that day.

00:13:35.299 --> 00:13:36.379
 He is coming.

00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:37.120
 Soon.

00:13:38.379 --> 00:13:39.720
 The second don't be

00:13:39.720 --> 00:13:40.740
 is found

00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:41.319
 in the beginning

00:13:41.319 --> 00:13:42.419
 of Jesus' response

00:13:42.419 --> 00:13:44.299
 in verses 4 and 5.

00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:45.340
 Let's look at them together.

00:13:49.039 --> 00:13:49.840
 Jesus answers

00:13:49.840 --> 00:13:50.360
 their question.

00:13:50.459 --> 00:13:50.939
 He says,

00:13:51.100 --> 00:13:51.899
 See that no one

00:13:51.899 --> 00:13:52.699
 leads you astray.

00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:54.299
 For many will come

00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:54.860
 in my name

00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:55.240
 saying,

00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:56.519
 I am the Christ

00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:57.879
 and they will lead

00:13:57.879 --> 00:13:59.740
 many astray.

00:14:00.419 --> 00:14:01.139
 You can probably guess

00:14:01.139 --> 00:14:01.679
 what the first,

00:14:01.860 --> 00:14:02.179
 the second,

00:14:02.319 --> 00:14:02.559
 first,

00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:03.059
 sorry,

00:14:03.059 --> 00:14:03.539
 second,

00:14:03.779 --> 00:14:04.659
 don't be is,

00:14:05.039 --> 00:14:07.359
 don't be led astray.

00:14:08.059 --> 00:14:10.219
 Don't be led astray.

00:14:11.479 --> 00:14:12.479
 Don't you just love it

00:14:12.479 --> 00:14:13.659
 when you ask somebody

00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:14.079
 a question

00:14:14.079 --> 00:14:15.079
 and they totally

00:14:15.079 --> 00:14:15.500
 don't give you

00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:15.799
 the answer

00:14:15.799 --> 00:14:16.379
 they're looking for?

00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:18.320
 That's what Jesus

00:14:18.320 --> 00:14:19.279
 just did for his disciples.

00:14:19.399 --> 00:14:19.840
 They are looking

00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:21.519
 for a very specific answer.

00:14:21.840 --> 00:14:23.240
 When and what sign?

00:14:23.700 --> 00:14:24.519
 When is this happening

00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:25.580
 and how are we going

00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:26.159
 to know when it's

00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:26.820
 about to happen?

00:14:27.439 --> 00:14:28.600
 But Jesus does not

00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:29.379
 answer that question.

00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:31.539
 He says,

00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:33.299
 Don't be led astray.

00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:34.620
 Don't let anyone

00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:35.320
 deceive you.

00:14:36.659 --> 00:14:37.240
 Now Jesus is not

00:14:37.240 --> 00:14:38.120
 trying to annoy them

00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:39.580
 by giving them

00:14:39.580 --> 00:14:40.159
 the answer

00:14:40.159 --> 00:14:41.039
 they're not looking for.

00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:41.899
 He's trying to set

00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:43.120
 their priorities straight.

00:14:44.439 --> 00:14:45.099
 They don't need

00:14:45.099 --> 00:14:45.639
 to be concerned

00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:46.279
 about timing.

00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:48.099
 That is the father's business.

00:14:49.159 --> 00:14:50.099
 They need to be focused

00:14:50.099 --> 00:14:51.139
 on how to live

00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:52.240
 while he's away.

00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:53.639
 And Jesus'

00:14:53.819 --> 00:14:54.659
 utmost concern

00:14:54.659 --> 00:14:55.519
 is for their

00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:56.899
 unswerving devotion

00:14:56.899 --> 00:14:57.719
 to him

00:14:57.719 --> 00:14:58.519
 and him

00:14:58.519 --> 00:14:59.379
 only.

00:15:00.819 --> 00:15:01.759
 There are many

00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.459
 imposters

00:15:02.459 --> 00:15:03.159
 and deceivers

00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.959
 that are coming,

00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:04.620
 he says.

00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:05.980
 They're going to claim

00:15:05.980 --> 00:15:07.059
 an intimate connection

00:15:07.059 --> 00:15:07.799
 with me.

00:15:08.099 --> 00:15:08.799
 They're going to claim

00:15:08.799 --> 00:15:10.259
 that I am him

00:15:10.259 --> 00:15:11.559
 or that they are

00:15:11.559 --> 00:15:12.519
 associated with me

00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:13.259
 closely.

00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:13.679
 They'll say,

00:15:13.819 --> 00:15:14.620
 I am the Christ.

00:15:15.960 --> 00:15:16.559
 If you jump down

00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:17.299
 to verse 11,

00:15:17.439 --> 00:15:18.360
 Jesus circles back

00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:19.120
 to this theme

00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:21.179
 and says,

00:15:23.080 --> 00:15:23.980
 Many false prophets

00:15:23.980 --> 00:15:24.700
 will rise

00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:25.860
 and lead many

00:15:25.860 --> 00:15:26.759
 astray.

00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:27.419
 So we've got

00:15:27.419 --> 00:15:28.899
 Christ imposters,

00:15:29.659 --> 00:15:30.399
 people coming

00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:31.439
 in Christ's name

00:15:31.439 --> 00:15:32.240
 and we also have

00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:32.919
 false teachers,

00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:33.720
 false prophets.

00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:35.279
 And notice the

00:15:35.279 --> 00:15:36.279
 repetition of the

00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:37.240
 word many.

00:15:38.799 --> 00:15:39.740
 Many will come

00:15:39.740 --> 00:15:41.100
 and lead many

00:15:41.100 --> 00:15:41.840
 astray.

00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:43.060
 This is not

00:15:43.060 --> 00:15:45.019
 a minor caution.

00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:45.620
 This is not

00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:46.419
 fine print

00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:47.779
 in his instruction

00:15:47.779 --> 00:15:48.480
 to his disciples.

00:15:48.600 --> 00:15:48.980
 He's saying,

00:15:49.340 --> 00:15:50.000
 Watch out.

00:15:50.820 --> 00:15:51.440
 Watch out

00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:52.299
 for these guys.

00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.840
 You need to be

00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:54.440
 on your guard.

00:15:54.840 --> 00:15:56.060
 Hordes of people

00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:57.180
 are going to be

00:15:57.180 --> 00:15:57.740
 deceived

00:15:57.740 --> 00:15:58.560
 and led astray

00:15:58.560 --> 00:15:59.740
 into eternal

00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:00.379
 destruction

00:16:00.379 --> 00:16:01.340
 because of

00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:02.680
 the influence

00:16:02.680 --> 00:16:03.340
 of these guys.

00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:06.240
 If you take

00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:07.159
 National Geographic,

00:16:07.299 --> 00:16:07.799
 you would have read

00:16:07.799 --> 00:16:08.939
 back in the month

00:16:08.939 --> 00:16:09.539
 of August

00:16:09.539 --> 00:16:10.799
 that there are,

00:16:11.259 --> 00:16:12.279
 they ran an article

00:16:12.279 --> 00:16:13.779
 on five men

00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:14.959
 who are alive

00:16:14.959 --> 00:16:15.919
 today who claim

00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.819
 to be Jesus.

00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:19.120
 Sounds silly.

00:16:19.579 --> 00:16:20.159
 It's real.

00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:22.299
 They have followers

00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:22.639
 too,

00:16:23.039 --> 00:16:23.839
 from a few dozen

00:16:23.839 --> 00:16:24.759
 to five thousand.

00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:26.959
 These guys can be

00:16:26.959 --> 00:16:28.359
 found in Japan,

00:16:28.599 --> 00:16:29.099
 Siberia,

00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:29.579
 Brazil,

00:16:29.819 --> 00:16:30.219
 Zambia,

00:16:30.299 --> 00:16:30.979
 and South Africa.

00:16:31.359 --> 00:16:32.240
 And this isn't new.

00:16:33.219 --> 00:16:33.759
 People have been

00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:34.599
 posing as Jesus

00:16:34.599 --> 00:16:35.299
 for centuries.

00:16:35.299 --> 00:16:36.159
 And Jesus is saying,

00:16:36.519 --> 00:16:37.819
 Don't be led astray.

00:16:38.699 --> 00:16:39.459
 Don't follow

00:16:39.459 --> 00:16:40.639
 a charismatic personality

00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:41.740
 because he or she

00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.519
 is convincing

00:16:42.519 --> 00:16:44.099
 and making good promises.

00:16:44.599 --> 00:16:46.719
 You follow me.

00:16:49.099 --> 00:16:50.159
 And even if there

00:16:50.159 --> 00:16:50.659
 aren't folks

00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:51.159
 that are coming

00:16:51.159 --> 00:16:51.779
 right out

00:16:51.779 --> 00:16:52.459
 and saying

00:16:52.459 --> 00:16:53.120
 that they are

00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:53.679
 the Christ,

00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:54.259
 there are some

00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:55.759
 slick teachers

00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:56.699
 and preachers

00:16:56.699 --> 00:16:58.679
 whose poisonous message

00:16:58.679 --> 00:16:59.339
 goes down

00:16:59.339 --> 00:17:00.439
 sweet and smooth

00:17:00.439 --> 00:17:01.539
 and they are

00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:02.759
 leading many,

00:17:03.339 --> 00:17:04.019
 millions,

00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:04.819
 astray.

00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:06.579
 These teachers

00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:07.480
 promise relief

00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.259
 from suffering.

00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:09.519
 They promise

00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:10.579
 power from on high

00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:11.539
 to make quick fixes.

00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:13.559
 They are quick

00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:14.180
 to capitalize

00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:15.099
 on people's

00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:15.920
 basic fears

00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:16.839
 and needs

00:17:16.839 --> 00:17:17.579
 and desires

00:17:17.579 --> 00:17:18.879
 to gain following

00:17:18.879 --> 00:17:20.240
 and to pad

00:17:20.240 --> 00:17:20.700
 their pockets.

00:17:22.299 --> 00:17:22.740
 And they are

00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.740
 much like the hypocrites

00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.639
 that Jesus denounced

00:17:24.639 --> 00:17:25.200
 last week

00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:26.119
 in Matthew 23

00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:28.359
 for slamming

00:17:28.359 --> 00:17:28.740
 the door

00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.319
 of the kingdom

00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:30.200
 in people's faces.

00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:33.059
 they love

00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:33.440
 to point

00:17:33.440 --> 00:17:34.100
 to themselves

00:17:34.100 --> 00:17:35.440
 not to God.

00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:37.039
 So,

00:17:37.920 --> 00:17:38.680
 brothers and sisters,

00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:39.860
 be careful

00:17:39.860 --> 00:17:40.620
 what you listen to.

00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:42.180
 Compare what you

00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:42.880
 hear to the word

00:17:42.880 --> 00:17:43.240
 of God.

00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:44.299
 Test the spirits

00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:45.660
 as 1 John 4 says.

00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:46.940
 If the message

00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:47.840
 you're listening to

00:17:47.840 --> 00:17:49.180
 is more therapeutic

00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:50.400
 than it is

00:17:50.400 --> 00:17:51.420
 convicting of sin,

00:17:51.880 --> 00:17:52.380
 watch out.

00:17:52.380 --> 00:17:54.620
 If it seems

00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:55.500
 like sugar water

00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:57.340
 goes down sweet

00:17:57.340 --> 00:17:58.260
 but it doesn't

00:17:58.260 --> 00:17:59.200
 feel like meat,

00:17:59.760 --> 00:18:00.360
 watch out.

00:18:01.220 --> 00:18:02.080
 Don't be deceived.

00:18:02.620 --> 00:18:03.160
 If it's more

00:18:03.160 --> 00:18:03.840
 about you

00:18:03.840 --> 00:18:04.660
 triumphing

00:18:04.660 --> 00:18:05.180
 over your

00:18:05.180 --> 00:18:06.160
 present circumstances

00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:07.080
 more than

00:18:07.080 --> 00:18:08.180
 you delighting

00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:08.680
 in God

00:18:08.680 --> 00:18:09.220
 when your

00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:09.900
 present circumstances

00:18:09.900 --> 00:18:10.580
 are hard,

00:18:11.360 --> 00:18:11.940
 watch out.

00:18:13.320 --> 00:18:14.180
 Test the spirits.

00:18:14.320 --> 00:18:15.100
 Be a discerning

00:18:15.100 --> 00:18:15.500
 Christian.

00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.480
 Drink down

00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:17.460
 the word of God.

00:18:17.600 --> 00:18:18.400
 Open up your Bible

00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:19.140
 and read it.

00:18:19.280 --> 00:18:19.960
 Consume it

00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:21.660
 so that the truth

00:18:21.660 --> 00:18:22.640
 of God gets lodged

00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:23.120
 at the core

00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:23.660
 of who you are

00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:24.580
 and you are not

00:18:24.580 --> 00:18:25.160
 deceived.

00:18:26.080 --> 00:18:27.519
 Don't be led astray.

00:18:28.440 --> 00:18:29.580
 He is coming soon.

00:18:31.580 --> 00:18:32.380
 His third

00:18:32.380 --> 00:18:33.000
 don't be

00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.940
 is found

00:18:33.940 --> 00:18:34.700
 in verses 6

00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:35.140
 through 8.

00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:36.560
 Let's read them

00:18:36.560 --> 00:18:36.920
 together.

00:18:40.040 --> 00:18:41.000
 And you will hear

00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:41.740
 of wars

00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:42.500
 and rumors

00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:43.180
 of wars.

00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:44.840
 See that you

00:18:44.840 --> 00:18:45.660
 are not alarmed

00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:47.420
 for this must

00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:48.340
 take place

00:18:48.340 --> 00:18:49.080
 but the end

00:18:49.080 --> 00:18:50.100
 is not yet.

00:18:50.660 --> 00:18:51.340
 Nation will

00:18:51.339 --> 00:18:51.980
 rise against

00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.359
 nation

00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:52.859
 and kingdom

00:18:52.859 --> 00:18:53.500
 against kingdom

00:18:53.500 --> 00:18:54.000
 and there will

00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:54.599
 be famines

00:18:54.599 --> 00:18:55.119
 and earthquakes

00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:56.240
 in various places.

00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:58.079
 All these

00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:59.119
 are but the

00:18:59.119 --> 00:18:59.500
 beginning

00:18:59.500 --> 00:19:01.019
 of the birth

00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:01.679
 pains.

00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:04.799
 Jesus' third

00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:05.379
 don't be

00:19:05.379 --> 00:19:05.899
 is

00:19:05.899 --> 00:19:07.299
 don't be

00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.299
 alarmed.

00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:09.919
 Don't be

00:19:09.919 --> 00:19:10.959
 alarmed.

00:19:12.879 --> 00:19:14.000
 I have to confess

00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.599
 I'm a bit of a

00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.199
 news junkie.

00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:16.919
 This is a weakness

00:19:16.919 --> 00:19:17.419
 of mine.

00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.419
 I like to check

00:19:18.419 --> 00:19:18.799
 the news.

00:19:19.619 --> 00:19:20.299
 If you look

00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:20.720
 at the news

00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:21.119
 at all

00:19:21.119 --> 00:19:22.559
 it's hard

00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:23.000
 not to be

00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:23.359
 alarmed

00:19:23.359 --> 00:19:23.740
 at stuff

00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:24.039
 that you

00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:24.299
 hear.

00:19:25.559 --> 00:19:26.220
 North Korea,

00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:27.819
 Las Vegas,

00:19:28.680 --> 00:19:28.980
 ISIS,

00:19:29.680 --> 00:19:29.960
 Russia,

00:19:30.639 --> 00:19:31.220
 earthquakes in

00:19:31.220 --> 00:19:31.619
 Mexico,

00:19:32.180 --> 00:19:32.799
 hurricanes down

00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:33.220
 south,

00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:34.000
 etc.

00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:35.019
 etc.

00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:36.919
 But what

00:19:36.919 --> 00:19:37.740
 Jesus tells us

00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.419
 here is an

00:19:38.419 --> 00:19:39.039
 antidote

00:19:39.039 --> 00:19:40.759
 to the

00:19:40.759 --> 00:19:41.720
 end times

00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:42.599
 frenzy that

00:19:42.599 --> 00:19:43.359
 Christians can

00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:44.000
 get in

00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:44.980
 if we start

00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:45.379
 to see

00:19:45.379 --> 00:19:46.419
 political turmoil

00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:47.440
 or natural

00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:48.220
 disasters or

00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:48.820
 other troubling

00:19:48.820 --> 00:19:49.500
 things in the

00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:50.060
 headlines and

00:19:50.060 --> 00:19:50.720
 wonder if

00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:51.680
 it's now the

00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:51.940
 time.

00:19:53.740 --> 00:19:54.779
 He tells us

00:19:54.779 --> 00:19:55.460
 very clearly

00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.759
 in verse 6

00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.740
 see to it

00:19:57.740 --> 00:19:58.220
 that you

00:19:58.220 --> 00:19:58.900
 are not

00:19:58.900 --> 00:19:59.660
 alarmed.

00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:00.860
 Don't be

00:20:00.860 --> 00:20:01.220
 moved.

00:20:02.340 --> 00:20:03.100
 Don't be

00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:03.580
 disturbed.

00:20:04.620 --> 00:20:05.300
 Why not?

00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:06.259
 When the rest

00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:07.240
 of society is

00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:08.480
 distressed by

00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.720
 nuclear weapons

00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:10.640
 that are in

00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:11.180
 North Korea,

00:20:11.360 --> 00:20:12.100
 political issues

00:20:12.100 --> 00:20:12.600
 at home and

00:20:12.600 --> 00:20:12.980
 abroad,

00:20:13.460 --> 00:20:13.860
 earthquakes,

00:20:14.019 --> 00:20:14.340
 hurricanes,

00:20:14.339 --> 00:20:15.359
 why shouldn't

00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:15.959
 Christians be

00:20:15.959 --> 00:20:16.480
 freaking out

00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:16.899
 about these

00:20:16.899 --> 00:20:17.159
 things,

00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:17.759
 wondering if

00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:18.199
 the end is

00:20:18.199 --> 00:20:18.439
 near?

00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:20.659
 Look at

00:20:20.659 --> 00:20:21.159
 verse 6.

00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:22.259
 This is such

00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:22.659
 a comforting

00:20:22.659 --> 00:20:23.000
 verse.

00:20:24.079 --> 00:20:25.319
 This must

00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:27.059
 take place,

00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:28.519
 but the end

00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:28.980
 is not yet.

00:20:30.079 --> 00:20:30.419
 Man, this

00:20:30.419 --> 00:20:31.240
 fantastic sentence

00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:32.619
 tells us a lot.

00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:34.179
 First, it tells

00:20:34.179 --> 00:20:35.919
 us God is in

00:20:35.919 --> 00:20:36.599
 control.

00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:39.019
 These things

00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:40.019
 are necessary.

00:20:40.379 --> 00:20:41.259
 They must take

00:20:41.259 --> 00:20:42.039
 place because

00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:43.379
 they are a part

00:20:43.379 --> 00:20:44.240
 of God's

00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.660
 sovereign plan.

00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:47.960
 No tectonic

00:20:47.960 --> 00:20:49.359
 plates shift

00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:50.700
 apart from

00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:51.180
 his sovereign

00:20:51.180 --> 00:20:51.559
 hand.

00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:53.079
 The wind and

00:20:53.079 --> 00:20:53.720
 the waves are

00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:54.720
 under his

00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:56.059
 sovereign sway.

00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:56.660
 Trump,

00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:57.620
 Putin,

00:20:58.180 --> 00:20:58.759
 Kim Jong-un,

00:20:59.019 --> 00:20:59.640
 Theresa May,

00:21:00.039 --> 00:21:00.720
 and every other

00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:01.779
 influential political

00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:02.519
 ruler on the

00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:03.420
 planet can't get

00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:04.220
 out of bed in

00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:04.980
 the morning aside

00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:05.620
 from God's

00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:06.799
 sovereign command.

00:21:08.579 --> 00:21:09.720
 The living God

00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.900
 is taking history

00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:12.359
 to his

00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:14.059
 desired end.

00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:15.579
 in his way

00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.880
 and his

00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:17.259
 timing.

00:21:18.120 --> 00:21:18.599
 God is in

00:21:18.599 --> 00:21:18.960
 control.

00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:19.579
 These things

00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:20.700
 must take

00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.099
 place.

00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.240
 But not only

00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:23.980
 does it tell us

00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:24.519
 that these things

00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:25.140
 are under God's

00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:25.819
 sovereign control,

00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:27.480
 it also tells us

00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:27.920
 that these

00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:28.880
 political and

00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:29.859
 natural disturbances

00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.960
 are evidence

00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:32.500
 elements of the

00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:33.500
 spiritual conflict

00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:35.180
 that is raging

00:21:35.180 --> 00:21:35.819
 between the

00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.579
 kingdom of God

00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:37.980
 and the domain

00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:38.579
 of darkness

00:21:38.579 --> 00:21:39.740
 at this very

00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.120
 moment.

00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.779
 When Jesus

00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.860
 died and

00:21:42.860 --> 00:21:43.660
 rose and

00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:44.279
 ascended on

00:21:44.279 --> 00:21:44.960
 high to

00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:45.660
 reign at God's

00:21:45.660 --> 00:21:46.140
 right hand,

00:21:46.620 --> 00:21:47.640
 his undefeatable

00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:48.720
 kingdom was

00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:49.680
 inaugurated.

00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:49.759
 need.

00:21:52.400 --> 00:21:53.380
 But though he

00:21:53.380 --> 00:21:53.759
 will be

00:21:53.759 --> 00:21:54.380
 triumphant,

00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:55.779
 his enemies

00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.440
 are not yet

00:21:56.440 --> 00:21:56.900
 under his

00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:57.160
 feet.

00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:58.640
 Hence,

00:21:58.960 --> 00:21:59.860
 there is

00:21:59.860 --> 00:22:01.039
 political and

00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:02.320
 natural turmoil.

00:22:03.320 --> 00:22:04.019
 The kingdom

00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.900
 is now,

00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:05.420
 brothers and

00:22:05.420 --> 00:22:05.700
 sisters.

00:22:06.100 --> 00:22:06.799
 It is here,

00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:08.320
 but it is also

00:22:08.320 --> 00:22:09.220
 not fully here.

00:22:10.720 --> 00:22:11.720
 The good news

00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:12.220
 of the kingdom

00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.680
 is still advancing

00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:14.759
 through the

00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:16.039
 proclamation of

00:22:16.039 --> 00:22:16.740
 the good news

00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.680
 of a crucified

00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:18.519
 and risen

00:22:18.519 --> 00:22:19.359
 king.

00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.180
 And when the

00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.359
 end finally

00:22:22.359 --> 00:22:22.779
 comes,

00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.259
 when the

00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.660
 triumphant

00:22:23.660 --> 00:22:24.839
 king returns,

00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:25.799
 the enemy

00:22:25.799 --> 00:22:26.859
 and all of

00:22:26.859 --> 00:22:27.460
 his friends

00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:28.460
 will be put

00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.819
 under his

00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:30.359
 feet.

00:22:31.880 --> 00:22:32.799
 We, as his

00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.240
 people, we

00:22:33.240 --> 00:22:33.720
 know this.

00:22:34.700 --> 00:22:35.420
 We know that

00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:36.079
 we are locked

00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:36.660
 in an epic

00:22:36.660 --> 00:22:38.380
 conflict in

00:22:38.380 --> 00:22:39.000
 which the war

00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.660
 is won,

00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:40.880
 but the battle

00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:41.960
 is still raging.

00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.140
 When the

00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:44.759
 allies invaded

00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.640
 Europe on D-Day

00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:46.400
 on June 6,

00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:48.120
 1944, the

00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.759
 war was over.

00:22:49.840 --> 00:22:51.320
 Hitler knew

00:22:51.320 --> 00:22:51.840
 that he was

00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:52.300
 done for,

00:22:52.400 --> 00:22:53.100
 or at least

00:22:53.100 --> 00:22:53.600
 his generals

00:22:53.600 --> 00:22:53.940
 did.

00:22:54.860 --> 00:22:55.400
 It was only

00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:55.880
 a matter of

00:22:55.880 --> 00:22:56.180
 time.

00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.000
 But the end

00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:58.540
 of the war

00:22:58.540 --> 00:22:59.280
 was still

00:22:59.280 --> 00:23:00.300
 11 bloody

00:23:00.300 --> 00:23:01.320
 months away.

00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:03.820
 Millions more

00:23:03.820 --> 00:23:04.360
 would die

00:23:04.360 --> 00:23:05.100
 because Hitler

00:23:05.100 --> 00:23:06.400
 was a madman

00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:07.620
 and he would

00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:08.640
 sell every

00:23:08.640 --> 00:23:09.740
 German life

00:23:09.740 --> 00:23:10.440
 for his

00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:12.000
 insane cause

00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:12.759
 and he fought

00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:13.759
 fiercely.

00:23:15.040 --> 00:23:15.800
 Our enemy

00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:16.299
 is fighting

00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:16.839
 a desperate

00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.579
 war that

00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:17.919
 he has

00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:18.220
 already

00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:18.859
 lost.

00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:20.659
 And yet the

00:23:20.659 --> 00:23:21.279
 conflict will

00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:21.700
 only get

00:23:21.700 --> 00:23:22.379
 fiercer as

00:23:22.379 --> 00:23:22.819
 the end

00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:24.119
 draws nearer.

00:23:24.919 --> 00:23:25.599
 Because in

00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:26.099
 the words of

00:23:26.099 --> 00:23:26.700
 a great hymn,

00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:27.539
 he knows his

00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.220
 end is

00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:28.639
 sure.

00:23:29.639 --> 00:23:30.299
 And then,

00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:31.259
 one day,

00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.379
 our captain

00:23:32.379 --> 00:23:33.079
 will come.

00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:34.899
 in the

00:23:34.899 --> 00:23:35.220
 meantime,

00:23:35.859 --> 00:23:36.139
 we don't

00:23:36.139 --> 00:23:36.480
 need to

00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.199
 be alarmed.

00:23:38.199 --> 00:23:38.659
 We stay

00:23:38.659 --> 00:23:39.539
 engaged in

00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.240
 the conflict,

00:23:40.419 --> 00:23:40.839
 faithful,

00:23:41.399 --> 00:23:41.980
 unmoved,

00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:43.039
 discerning,

00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:44.220
 unflinching.

00:23:45.359 --> 00:23:46.179
 We know that

00:23:46.179 --> 00:23:46.659
 these are just

00:23:46.659 --> 00:23:47.199
 the beginning

00:23:47.199 --> 00:23:47.899
 of the labor

00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:48.439
 pains.

00:23:48.919 --> 00:23:49.379
 They start

00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:49.879
 slow,

00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:51.599
 they get more

00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:51.919
 and more

00:23:51.919 --> 00:23:52.299
 painful,

00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.039
 more and more

00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:53.500
 intense,

00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:54.240
 and we're not

00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.859
 sure when the

00:23:54.859 --> 00:23:55.339
 end's going

00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:55.799
 to come.

00:23:57.419 --> 00:23:58.159
 So we know

00:23:58.159 --> 00:23:58.659
 these are just

00:23:58.659 --> 00:23:59.099
 the beginning

00:23:59.099 --> 00:23:59.579
 of the labor

00:23:59.579 --> 00:23:59.919
 pains.

00:23:59.920 --> 00:24:02.420
 So like

00:24:02.420 --> 00:24:02.740
 the weather

00:24:02.740 --> 00:24:03.320
 GIs,

00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.700
 we press

00:24:04.700 --> 00:24:05.060
 forward.

00:24:06.120 --> 00:24:06.440
 We are

00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.019
 unalarmed.

00:24:07.279 --> 00:24:07.720
 God is in

00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.120
 control.

00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:08.940
 Our enemy's

00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:09.480
 end is

00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:09.720
 sure.

00:24:10.140 --> 00:24:10.539
 Our king

00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:11.080
 has conquered

00:24:11.080 --> 00:24:11.779
 and he's

00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:12.420
 coming soon.

00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:15.860
 The last

00:24:15.860 --> 00:24:16.600
 don't be is

00:24:16.600 --> 00:24:16.920
 found in

00:24:16.920 --> 00:24:17.420
 verses 9

00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:18.039
 through 12.

00:24:19.860 --> 00:24:20.580
 Verses 9

00:24:20.580 --> 00:24:21.060
 through 12,

00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:21.380
 and I'll

00:24:21.380 --> 00:24:21.720
 warn you,

00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.080
 these are

00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:23.300
 probably the

00:24:23.300 --> 00:24:23.900
 most depressing.

00:24:28.100 --> 00:24:28.720
 Then they

00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.200
 will deliver

00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:29.820
 you up

00:24:29.819 --> 00:24:30.599
 to tribulation

00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:31.039
 and put

00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:31.319
 you to

00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:31.599
 death.

00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:32.819
 And you

00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.159
 will be

00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:33.619
 hated by

00:24:33.619 --> 00:24:34.159
 all nations

00:24:34.159 --> 00:24:34.519
 for my

00:24:34.519 --> 00:24:34.859
 name's

00:24:34.859 --> 00:24:35.099
 sake.

00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:36.559
 And then

00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:37.039
 many will

00:24:37.039 --> 00:24:37.679
 fall away

00:24:37.679 --> 00:24:38.279
 and betray

00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:38.839
 one another

00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:39.379
 and hate

00:24:39.379 --> 00:24:39.899
 one another.

00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.119
 And many

00:24:41.119 --> 00:24:41.899
 false prophets

00:24:41.899 --> 00:24:42.700
 will arise

00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:43.179
 and lead

00:24:43.179 --> 00:24:44.159
 many astray.

00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:45.240
 And because

00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:45.839
 lawlessness

00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:46.379
 will be

00:24:46.379 --> 00:24:47.019
 increased,

00:24:47.639 --> 00:24:48.200
 the love

00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:48.639
 of many

00:24:48.639 --> 00:24:49.279
 will grow

00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.319
 cold.

00:24:53.639 --> 00:24:54.460
 The last

00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:54.939
 don't be

00:24:54.939 --> 00:24:55.720
 is don't

00:24:55.720 --> 00:24:57.220
 be surprised.

00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:58.899
 Don't be

00:24:58.899 --> 00:24:59.419
 surprised.

00:24:59.819 --> 00:25:01.839
 Jesus

00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.439
 doesn't want

00:25:02.439 --> 00:25:02.939
 his disciples

00:25:02.939 --> 00:25:03.339
 to be

00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:03.960
 surprised

00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.579
 by two

00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:04.960
 things.

00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:06.359
 Opposition

00:25:06.359 --> 00:25:07.319
 from without

00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:09.039
 and treachery

00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:09.819
 from within.

00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.220
 His disciples

00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:12.859
 will face

00:25:12.859 --> 00:25:13.460
 opposition

00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:14.399
 from without

00:25:14.399 --> 00:25:15.619
 and treachery

00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:16.500
 from within.

00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:17.039
 And he

00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.339
 does not

00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:17.659
 want us

00:25:17.659 --> 00:25:17.899
 to be

00:25:17.899 --> 00:25:18.500
 surprised.

00:25:19.139 --> 00:25:19.480
 Look at

00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.059
 verse 9.

00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.000
 They,

00:25:21.339 --> 00:25:21.879
 quote unquote,

00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:22.339
 notice it's

00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.099
 rather a vague

00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:24.439
 they are

00:25:24.439 --> 00:25:24.799
 going to

00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.299
 deliver you

00:25:25.299 --> 00:25:25.599
 up the

00:25:25.599 --> 00:25:26.099
 tribulation

00:25:26.099 --> 00:25:26.459
 and put

00:25:26.459 --> 00:25:26.719
 you to

00:25:26.719 --> 00:25:26.980
 death.

00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:27.459
 You will

00:25:27.459 --> 00:25:27.819
 be hated

00:25:27.819 --> 00:25:28.259
 by all

00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:28.639
 nations.

00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.259
 Man,

00:25:30.219 --> 00:25:30.579
 that's some

00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:31.439
 stiff opposition.

00:25:32.579 --> 00:25:33.039
 Why all

00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:33.939
 this persecution

00:25:33.939 --> 00:25:34.480
 and hate

00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.299
 from all

00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:35.859
 nations?

00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:38.559
 for my

00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:39.299
 namesake.

00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:41.879
 If they

00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:42.119
 hated

00:25:42.119 --> 00:25:42.539
 Jesus,

00:25:42.699 --> 00:25:43.079
 which they

00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:43.359
 did,

00:25:43.879 --> 00:25:44.379
 they will

00:25:44.379 --> 00:25:44.979
 hate his

00:25:44.979 --> 00:25:45.279
 people.

00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.319
 If they

00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:46.719
 mocked

00:25:46.719 --> 00:25:47.039
 Jesus,

00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:47.639
 which they

00:25:47.639 --> 00:25:47.899
 did,

00:25:48.379 --> 00:25:49.219
 they will

00:25:49.219 --> 00:25:50.099
 mock his

00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.399
 people.

00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:50.839
 If they

00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:51.159
 killed

00:25:51.159 --> 00:25:51.559
 Jesus,

00:25:51.719 --> 00:25:52.099
 which they

00:25:52.099 --> 00:25:52.459
 did,

00:25:52.799 --> 00:25:53.199
 they will

00:25:53.199 --> 00:25:54.259
 kill his

00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:54.639
 people.

00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:55.859
 Jesus

00:25:55.859 --> 00:25:56.459
 tells us

00:25:56.459 --> 00:25:57.119
 no less.

00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:58.719
 Don't be

00:25:58.719 --> 00:25:59.199
 surprised.

00:25:59.200 --> 00:26:01.880
 Listen to

00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:02.220
 Peter,

00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:03.559
 in 1 Peter,

00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:04.120
 right about

00:26:04.120 --> 00:26:05.120
 this,

00:26:05.279 --> 00:26:06.059
 years after

00:26:06.059 --> 00:26:06.500
 he heard

00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.039
 Jesus speak

00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:07.640
 these words,

00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:08.299
 and not too

00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:08.720
 long before

00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:09.380
 he himself

00:26:09.380 --> 00:26:10.519
 met his

00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.180
 bloody end.

00:26:12.340 --> 00:26:12.660
 Beloved,

00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.220
 do not be

00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:14.039
 surprised at

00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:14.600
 the fiery

00:26:14.600 --> 00:26:15.299
 trial when

00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:15.660
 it comes

00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.140
 upon you

00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:16.620
 to test

00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:16.860
 you,

00:26:17.140 --> 00:26:17.380
 as if

00:26:17.380 --> 00:26:17.680
 something

00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:18.319
 strange

00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:18.779
 were happening

00:26:18.779 --> 00:26:19.200
 to you,

00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:20.460
 but rejoice

00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.900
 insofar as

00:26:21.900 --> 00:26:22.539
 you share

00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:23.539
 Christ's

00:26:23.539 --> 00:26:24.259
 sufferings,

00:26:24.360 --> 00:26:24.860
 that you

00:26:24.860 --> 00:26:25.360
 may also

00:26:25.360 --> 00:26:26.080
 rejoice and

00:26:26.080 --> 00:26:26.539
 be glad

00:26:26.539 --> 00:26:27.160
 when his

00:26:27.160 --> 00:26:28.180
 glory is

00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:28.720
 revealed.

00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:29.759
 He's

00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:30.039
 saying,

00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:31.279
 if you

00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.519
 face

00:26:31.519 --> 00:26:31.940
 opposition

00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:32.180
 for

00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:32.500
 being,

00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:33.700
 belonging

00:26:33.700 --> 00:26:34.120
 to Jesus

00:26:34.120 --> 00:26:34.559
 now,

00:26:35.140 --> 00:26:35.480
 you will

00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:35.920
 receive

00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:36.380
 glory

00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:36.720
 because

00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:36.840
 you

00:26:36.840 --> 00:26:36.960
 will

00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:37.200
 belong

00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:37.340
 to

00:26:37.340 --> 00:26:37.559
 Jesus

00:26:37.559 --> 00:26:37.880
 then.

00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:39.860
 Let

00:26:39.860 --> 00:26:40.160
 your

00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:40.779
 hardship

00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:41.420
 now

00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:42.319
 cause

00:26:42.319 --> 00:26:42.440
 you

00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:42.620
 to

00:26:42.620 --> 00:26:42.980
 endure

00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:44.299
 for

00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:44.440
 the

00:26:44.440 --> 00:26:44.620
 hope

00:26:44.620 --> 00:26:44.720
 of

00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:44.819
 the

00:26:44.819 --> 00:26:45.039
 glory

00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:45.200
 that

00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:45.299
 you

00:26:45.299 --> 00:26:45.440
 will

00:26:45.440 --> 00:26:45.900
 experience

00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:46.259
 then.

00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:49.860
 We're

00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:50.080
 in a

00:26:50.080 --> 00:26:50.259
 little

00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:50.860
 privileged

00:26:50.860 --> 00:26:51.279
 bubble

00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:51.519
 of

00:26:51.519 --> 00:26:51.980
 security

00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:52.340
 right

00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:52.620
 now.

00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:54.460
 Our

00:26:54.460 --> 00:26:54.920
 time

00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:55.140
 here

00:26:55.140 --> 00:26:55.259
 in

00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:55.700
 America

00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:55.980
 for

00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:56.100
 the

00:26:56.100 --> 00:26:56.380
 past

00:26:56.380 --> 00:26:56.940
 couple

00:26:56.940 --> 00:26:57.220
 hundred

00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:57.660
 years

00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.019
 has

00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:58.519
 been

00:26:58.519 --> 00:26:59.440
 nice.

00:27:00.639 --> 00:27:00.980
 But our

00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:01.440
 brothers and

00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:01.720
 sisters

00:27:01.720 --> 00:27:02.720
 in Nigeria,

00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.119
 Turkey,

00:27:05.339 --> 00:27:05.900
 North Korea,

00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:06.700
 South Sudan,

00:27:06.859 --> 00:27:07.240
 Iran,

00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.000
 Saudi Arabia,

00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.539
 Pakistan,

00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:09.480
 and so many

00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.220
 other places

00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:11.759
 suffer in a

00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:13.480
 variety of

00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:14.500
 ways for

00:27:14.500 --> 00:27:15.180
 his name's

00:27:15.180 --> 00:27:15.440
 sake.

00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:18.200
 Jesus does

00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:18.660
 not want us

00:27:18.660 --> 00:27:18.900
 to be

00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:19.379
 surprised.

00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:20.759
 We'll face

00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:22.019
 opposition and

00:27:22.019 --> 00:27:22.960
 it will be

00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:23.759
 fierce.

00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.900
 so let's

00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:25.339
 pray for

00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:25.460
 our

00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:25.819
 brothers and

00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.039
 sisters

00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:26.500
 around the

00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:26.660
 world

00:27:26.660 --> 00:27:27.079
 who face

00:27:27.079 --> 00:27:27.359
 that.

00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.119
 I'm sure

00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:29.279
 there are

00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:29.440
 many

00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:29.819
 brothers and

00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:30.220
 sisters in

00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:30.720
 Nepal that

00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.119
 are facing

00:27:31.119 --> 00:27:31.500
 things

00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:31.859
 similar.

00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.339
 And let's

00:27:35.339 --> 00:27:35.640
 pray that

00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:36.000
 God would

00:27:36.000 --> 00:27:36.500
 cause us

00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.299
 to persevere

00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:38.200
 no matter

00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.779
 what comes.

00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:40.799
 But to be

00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:41.039
 honest,

00:27:41.119 --> 00:27:41.539
 that's not the

00:27:41.539 --> 00:27:42.140
 hardest part

00:27:42.140 --> 00:27:42.559
 about this

00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:42.900
 passage,

00:27:42.980 --> 00:27:43.200
 is it?

00:27:43.980 --> 00:27:44.519
 It's not

00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:45.140
 the opposition

00:27:45.140 --> 00:27:46.220
 from the

00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:46.579
 outside,

00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.960
 it's treachery

00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:48.779
 from within.

00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:50.819
 Jesus is

00:27:50.819 --> 00:27:51.200
 telling us

00:27:51.200 --> 00:27:51.480
 in verse

00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:51.940
 10 that

00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:52.559
 many will

00:27:52.559 --> 00:27:53.340
 fall away,

00:27:53.660 --> 00:27:54.360
 betray one

00:27:54.360 --> 00:27:54.680
 another,

00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.460
 and hate

00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:55.960
 one another.

00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:57.240
 There will

00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:58.019
 be treachery

00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.519
 among the

00:27:58.519 --> 00:27:58.920
 family.

00:27:59.559 --> 00:27:59.799
 And Jesus

00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.259
 doesn't want

00:28:00.259 --> 00:28:00.580
 us to be

00:28:00.580 --> 00:28:01.059
 surprised.

00:28:02.559 --> 00:28:02.940
 And notice

00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:03.220
 what the

00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:03.799
 triggers are

00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:04.240
 for this

00:28:04.240 --> 00:28:04.700
 treachery.

00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:05.779
 In verse

00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.360
 10, it's

00:28:06.360 --> 00:28:06.880
 a response

00:28:06.880 --> 00:28:07.220
 to the

00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:07.559
 heat of

00:28:07.559 --> 00:28:08.059
 opposition.

00:28:09.220 --> 00:28:09.660
 Persecution

00:28:09.660 --> 00:28:09.940
 is a good

00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:10.220
 way to

00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:10.620
 sift out

00:28:10.620 --> 00:28:10.980
 believers

00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.440
 who aren't

00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:11.779
 genuine.

00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:13.059
 When you

00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:13.880
 catch flack

00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:14.600
 for being

00:28:14.600 --> 00:28:15.080
 a Christian,

00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:15.600
 all of a

00:28:15.600 --> 00:28:15.980
 sudden your

00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.600
 commitment is

00:28:16.600 --> 00:28:16.920
 tested.

00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.140
 Fear is a

00:28:18.140 --> 00:28:18.440
 powerful

00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:19.059
 motivator.

00:28:20.840 --> 00:28:21.440
 It's easy

00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:21.940
 to criticize,

00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:22.660
 but if

00:28:22.660 --> 00:28:23.220
 we were

00:28:23.220 --> 00:28:23.580
 about to

00:28:23.580 --> 00:28:23.960
 lose our

00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:24.320
 job,

00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.180
 or our

00:28:25.180 --> 00:28:25.900
 social standing,

00:28:26.120 --> 00:28:26.299
 or our

00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:26.660
 family,

00:28:26.820 --> 00:28:27.019
 or our

00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:27.420
 possessions,

00:28:27.620 --> 00:28:28.080
 or home,

00:28:28.259 --> 00:28:28.740
 or our

00:28:28.740 --> 00:28:29.100
 life,

00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:29.920
 because of

00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:30.480
 our association

00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:30.860
 with Jesus,

00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:31.200
 what would

00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:31.519
 we do?

00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:32.820
 It helps

00:28:32.820 --> 00:28:33.860
 us test

00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:34.440
 our resolve

00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:34.900
 to follow

00:28:34.900 --> 00:28:35.180
 him.

00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.240
 So it's

00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:37.759
 the heat

00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:38.299
 of opposition

00:28:38.299 --> 00:28:38.779
 causes

00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:39.279
 betrayal,

00:28:39.680 --> 00:28:39.960
 but also

00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.559
 verse 11,

00:28:40.940 --> 00:28:41.480
 false teaching

00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:41.960
 does too.

00:28:43.320 --> 00:28:43.660
 There's our

00:28:43.660 --> 00:28:44.220
 false teaching

00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:44.559
 again.

00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:45.640
 Many will

00:28:45.640 --> 00:28:46.100
 betray the

00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:46.640
 faith because

00:28:46.640 --> 00:28:47.200
 they are led

00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:47.720
 astray,

00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:49.500
 rejecting Jesus

00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:50.019
 as Lord,

00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:50.420
 and the

00:28:50.420 --> 00:28:50.940
 community of

00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:51.480
 believers as

00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:51.840
 family.

00:28:52.519 --> 00:28:53.059
 Don't be led

00:28:53.059 --> 00:28:53.380
 astray,

00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:53.900
 and don't be

00:28:53.900 --> 00:28:54.779
 surprised when

00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:55.440
 many are.

00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:57.680
 Look at

00:28:57.680 --> 00:28:58.160
 verse 12.

00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:58.640
 Here's another

00:28:58.640 --> 00:28:58.960
 trigger.

00:28:59.400 --> 00:28:59.900
 This might have

00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:00.400
 more to do with

00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:00.840
 our current

00:29:00.840 --> 00:29:01.620
 situation right

00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:01.960
 now than

00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.580
 anything else.

00:29:03.820 --> 00:29:04.100
 Another

00:29:04.100 --> 00:29:04.680
 treachery

00:29:04.680 --> 00:29:05.200
 trigger is

00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:05.700
 the moral

00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:06.559
 decay of

00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.140
 society.

00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:09.100
 The increase

00:29:09.100 --> 00:29:10.400
 of lawlessness

00:29:10.400 --> 00:29:14.240
 will cause

00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:14.900
 the love of

00:29:14.900 --> 00:29:15.360
 many to

00:29:15.360 --> 00:29:16.620
 grow cold.

00:29:18.620 --> 00:29:19.299
 Brothers and

00:29:19.299 --> 00:29:19.660
 sisters, we

00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.140
 don't follow

00:29:20.140 --> 00:29:20.880
 Jesus in a

00:29:20.880 --> 00:29:21.259
 vacuum.

00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:23.100
 We are

00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:23.820
 surrounded by

00:29:23.820 --> 00:29:24.580
 our culture,

00:29:25.100 --> 00:29:25.800
 and our

00:29:25.800 --> 00:29:27.160
 culture values

00:29:27.160 --> 00:29:27.840
 more than

00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:28.560
 anything else

00:29:28.560 --> 00:29:29.259
 right now in

00:29:29.259 --> 00:29:29.759
 the 21st

00:29:29.759 --> 00:29:30.280
 century in

00:29:30.280 --> 00:29:30.480
 the United

00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:31.640
 States, the

00:29:31.640 --> 00:29:32.540
 autonomy of

00:29:32.540 --> 00:29:33.200
 the individual

00:29:33.200 --> 00:29:33.759
 self.

00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:36.540
 Having cut

00:29:36.540 --> 00:29:37.280
 ourselves loose

00:29:37.280 --> 00:29:37.980
 from God's

00:29:37.980 --> 00:29:39.140
 glory and

00:29:39.140 --> 00:29:39.820
 his good

00:29:39.820 --> 00:29:41.340
 law, we

00:29:41.340 --> 00:29:42.060
 must worship

00:29:42.060 --> 00:29:42.940
 something else,

00:29:43.380 --> 00:29:44.240
 and self is a

00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:45.140
 wonderful substitute,

00:29:45.400 --> 00:29:45.840
 or so it

00:29:45.840 --> 00:29:46.180
 seems.

00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:47.720
 So isn't it

00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:48.280
 wonderful to be

00:29:48.280 --> 00:29:48.640
 able to do

00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:49.180
 what's right

00:29:49.180 --> 00:29:49.680
 in my own

00:29:49.680 --> 00:29:50.259
 eyes without

00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:51.259
 anyone saying

00:29:51.259 --> 00:29:51.640
 otherwise?

00:29:53.300 --> 00:29:53.580
 And the

00:29:53.580 --> 00:29:54.180
 pressures of

00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:55.120
 living in a

00:29:55.120 --> 00:29:55.880
 society that

00:29:55.880 --> 00:29:57.020
 worships self

00:29:57.020 --> 00:29:58.880
 can force us

00:29:58.880 --> 00:29:59.500
 who follow

00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.500
 Jesus to

00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:01.200
 make a choice.

00:30:02.020 --> 00:30:02.640
 Will my

00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:03.759
 love for the

00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.200
 crucified,

00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:05.620
 risen, and

00:30:05.620 --> 00:30:07.020
 returning king

00:30:07.020 --> 00:30:08.759
 burn fervently

00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:10.120
 in the midst of

00:30:10.120 --> 00:30:11.100
 such pressure of

00:30:11.100 --> 00:30:11.759
 loving self?

00:30:12.120 --> 00:30:13.680
 Or will it

00:30:13.680 --> 00:30:14.020
 sputter,

00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:15.860
 fizzle,

00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:17.319
 grow cold

00:30:17.319 --> 00:30:18.679
 because it

00:30:18.679 --> 00:30:19.079
 has found

00:30:19.079 --> 00:30:20.199
 self to be

00:30:20.199 --> 00:30:20.839
 an acceptable

00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:22.240
 substitute for

00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:22.559
 the living

00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:22.879
 God?

00:30:24.979 --> 00:30:25.759
 Brothers and

00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.279
 sisters, this

00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:27.019
 is a crucial

00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:27.919
 question that

00:30:27.919 --> 00:30:28.919
 we must ask

00:30:28.919 --> 00:30:29.539
 ourselves,

00:30:30.099 --> 00:30:31.139
 especially in

00:30:31.139 --> 00:30:31.979
 2017.

00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:34.179
 Is a love

00:30:34.179 --> 00:30:35.299
 for this world

00:30:35.299 --> 00:30:36.379
 causing my

00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:37.559
 love for my

00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:38.500
 returning king

00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.299
 and my love

00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:39.939
 for my brothers

00:30:39.939 --> 00:30:40.679
 and sisters in

00:30:40.679 --> 00:30:42.139
 Christ to

00:30:42.139 --> 00:30:42.759
 grow cold?

00:30:42.759 --> 00:30:46.660
 Jesus doesn't

00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:47.200
 want us to be

00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:47.740
 surprised.

00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:49.119
 He doesn't

00:30:49.119 --> 00:30:49.900
 want us among

00:30:49.900 --> 00:30:51.440
 the many who

00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:51.859
 will fall

00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:53.180
 away, be

00:30:53.180 --> 00:30:54.299
 led astray,

00:30:54.940 --> 00:30:55.599
 or whose love

00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:56.660
 will grow cold.

00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:58.519
 He is coming

00:30:58.519 --> 00:30:59.019
 soon.

00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:00.619
 And that leads

00:31:00.619 --> 00:31:01.940
 us to our

00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:03.039
 final command

00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:03.599
 from Jesus,

00:31:03.879 --> 00:31:04.460
 which is his

00:31:04.460 --> 00:31:05.259
 one and only

00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:06.140
 be.

00:31:07.359 --> 00:31:07.740
 We've heard

00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.379
 four don't

00:31:08.379 --> 00:31:08.779
 be's.

00:31:09.400 --> 00:31:10.259
 Here is his

00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:10.960
 be.

00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:14.120
 Be faithful.

00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:17.220
 Be faithful.

00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:17.680
 Look at

00:31:17.680 --> 00:31:18.500
 verses 13 and

00:31:18.500 --> 00:31:18.880
 14.

00:31:20.340 --> 00:31:21.000
 But the one

00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:22.140
 who endures to

00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:23.920
 the end will

00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:25.819
 be saved.

00:31:26.920 --> 00:31:27.620
 And this

00:31:27.620 --> 00:31:28.360
 gospel of the

00:31:28.360 --> 00:31:29.079
 kingdom will be

00:31:29.079 --> 00:31:30.000
 proclaimed throughout

00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:31.039
 the whole world as

00:31:31.039 --> 00:31:32.120
 a testimony to all

00:31:32.120 --> 00:31:33.200
 nations, and

00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:34.500
 then the end

00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.460
 will come.

00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:38.180
 The first thing

00:31:38.180 --> 00:31:39.039
 that should pop

00:31:39.039 --> 00:31:39.880
 for us as we

00:31:39.880 --> 00:31:40.299
 look at these

00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:41.460
 verses is the

00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:42.919
 shift from plural

00:31:42.919 --> 00:31:43.839
 to singular.

00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:44.440
 Did you check

00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:44.799
 that out?

00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:45.779
 All through this

00:31:45.779 --> 00:31:46.299
 passage there have

00:31:46.299 --> 00:31:46.839
 been so many

00:31:46.839 --> 00:31:47.319
 plurals.

00:31:47.740 --> 00:31:48.559
 Many will come.

00:31:48.919 --> 00:31:49.440
 Many will be

00:31:49.440 --> 00:31:49.960
 led astray.

00:31:50.139 --> 00:31:50.819
 Many will fall

00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:51.059
 away.

00:31:51.220 --> 00:31:51.759
 Many false

00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:52.180
 prophets.

00:31:52.599 --> 00:31:53.099
 The love of

00:31:53.099 --> 00:31:53.839
 many will grow

00:31:53.839 --> 00:31:54.279
 cold.

00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:56.059
 But the one,

00:31:56.619 --> 00:31:58.319
 but the one

00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:59.799
 who endures to

00:31:59.799 --> 00:32:01.879
 the end will be

00:32:01.879 --> 00:32:02.359
 saved.

00:32:02.419 --> 00:32:02.819
 He's not saying

00:32:02.819 --> 00:32:03.259
 there's only going

00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.879
 to be one who

00:32:03.879 --> 00:32:04.139
 endures.

00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:05.139
 He's saying you,

00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:06.659
 individual, personal

00:32:06.659 --> 00:32:07.859
 disciple of mine,

00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.119
 endure.

00:32:09.119 --> 00:32:10.759
 Hold fast.

00:32:11.399 --> 00:32:12.299
 He wants to grab

00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:13.619
 each disciple's face

00:32:13.619 --> 00:32:14.399
 in his hands and

00:32:14.399 --> 00:32:16.000
 say, hold fast.

00:32:17.119 --> 00:32:17.579
 Endure.

00:32:18.719 --> 00:32:19.500
 Endure through

00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:19.979
 deception.

00:32:20.299 --> 00:32:20.819
 Endure through

00:32:20.819 --> 00:32:21.279
 temptation.

00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.299
 Endure through

00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.839
 persecution.

00:32:23.199 --> 00:32:23.879
 Endure through the

00:32:23.879 --> 00:32:24.339
 treachery.

00:32:24.719 --> 00:32:25.379
 Endure through the

00:32:25.379 --> 00:32:25.799
 lawlessness.

00:32:26.119 --> 00:32:27.459
 Endure, and you

00:32:27.459 --> 00:32:29.259
 will be saved.

00:32:29.399 --> 00:32:30.359
 Be faithful.

00:32:34.279 --> 00:32:35.000
 When he says,

00:32:35.199 --> 00:32:36.500
 will be saved,

00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:37.259
 by the way, he's

00:32:37.259 --> 00:32:37.799
 not saying that

00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:38.960
 endurance earns

00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.640
 salvation.

00:32:41.059 --> 00:32:41.960
 Salvation from

00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:43.599
 sin, being made

00:32:43.599 --> 00:32:45.480
 righteous by God's

00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.339
 grace in Jesus,

00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:48.220
 is faith.

00:32:48.759 --> 00:32:50.059
 Faith is the way

00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:51.240
 in which we are

00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:52.180
 saved by latching

00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:53.259
 on to God's grace

00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:53.839
 through faith.

00:32:54.680 --> 00:32:55.680
 We know that.

00:32:56.000 --> 00:32:56.640
 That's one of the

00:32:56.640 --> 00:32:57.099
 things that we

00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:57.559
 celebrate.

00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.980
 However, those who

00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:02.279
 are truly saved,

00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:04.720
 will endure.

00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:08.559
 in the words of

00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:09.519
 one writer, true

00:33:09.519 --> 00:33:11.339
 Christians stick.

00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:14.200
 They endure.

00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:15.539
 They persevere.

00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:17.779
 One of the signs of

00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:19.740
 you truly being a

00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.779
 disciple of Jesus,

00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:22.759
 being truly saved,

00:33:22.960 --> 00:33:24.259
 is that you're

00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:24.600
 enduring.

00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:26.440
 And one sense that

00:33:26.440 --> 00:33:26.880
 to be very

00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:27.720
 encouraging for us.

00:33:29.100 --> 00:33:30.160
 And they will be

00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:30.860
 saved from the

00:33:30.860 --> 00:33:31.519
 judgment that is

00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:31.779
 coming.

00:33:31.779 --> 00:33:33.639
 And when the

00:33:33.639 --> 00:33:34.619
 end comes, when

00:33:34.619 --> 00:33:36.339
 Christ returns, the

00:33:36.339 --> 00:33:37.559
 work of salvation

00:33:37.559 --> 00:33:39.920
 will be full circle.

00:33:41.099 --> 00:33:42.359
 As Peter says,

00:33:43.259 --> 00:33:44.099
 set your hope

00:33:44.099 --> 00:33:45.119
 fully on the

00:33:45.119 --> 00:33:45.839
 grace that will be

00:33:45.839 --> 00:33:46.639
 brought to you at

00:33:46.639 --> 00:33:48.119
 the revelation of

00:33:48.119 --> 00:33:48.980
 Jesus Christ.

00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:49.859
 Did you catch

00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:50.180
 that?

00:33:51.059 --> 00:33:51.579
 There will be

00:33:51.579 --> 00:33:52.879
 grace brought to

00:33:52.879 --> 00:33:54.619
 you when he

00:33:54.619 --> 00:33:55.039
 returns.

00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:58.159
 On that day, we

00:33:58.159 --> 00:33:59.440
 will see him face

00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:01.799
 to face, and the

00:34:01.799 --> 00:34:03.700
 last grace will be

00:34:03.700 --> 00:34:04.480
 given.

00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:06.700
 Resurrection life,

00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.679
 fullness of joy in

00:34:08.679 --> 00:34:09.300
 his presence.

00:34:09.679 --> 00:34:10.420
 That's what we're

00:34:10.420 --> 00:34:11.619
 enduring for.

00:34:13.219 --> 00:34:14.279
 That's what we're

00:34:14.279 --> 00:34:15.139
 aiming at.

00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:18.699
 Seeing him, standing

00:34:18.699 --> 00:34:20.259
 in his presence, in

00:34:20.259 --> 00:34:21.440
 his unshielded glory

00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:23.420
 without fear or shame

00:34:23.420 --> 00:34:24.599
 and delighting in

00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:25.039
 his goodness

00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:25.400
 forever.

00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:26.139
 That's what we

00:34:26.139 --> 00:34:27.180
 want to endure to

00:34:27.180 --> 00:34:28.420
 the end for.

00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:31.000
 It's not a stiff

00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:31.880
 upper lip kind of

00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:32.159
 endurance.

00:34:32.380 --> 00:34:33.079
 It's a I can't

00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:33.680
 wait for that

00:34:33.680 --> 00:34:34.099
 endurance.

00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:37.579
 So be faithful.

00:34:38.099 --> 00:34:38.980
 Remain true and

00:34:38.980 --> 00:34:39.720
 devoted to your

00:34:39.720 --> 00:34:40.980
 Lord Jesus no

00:34:40.980 --> 00:34:41.700
 matter what it

00:34:41.700 --> 00:34:42.440
 costs you.

00:34:43.480 --> 00:34:44.059
 Set your hope

00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:45.240
 fully on the joy

00:34:45.240 --> 00:34:46.059
 of beholding him

00:34:46.059 --> 00:34:47.559
 on that day.

00:34:47.840 --> 00:34:48.579
 But not only does

00:34:48.579 --> 00:34:49.400
 our Lord call us to

00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:50.119
 be faithful and

00:34:50.119 --> 00:34:51.260
 endure, he also

00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:51.900
 calls us to be

00:34:51.900 --> 00:34:52.559
 faithful to the

00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:52.840
 mission.

00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:54.039
 He's given us as

00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:54.480
 a church.

00:34:55.760 --> 00:34:56.840
 Look at verse 14.

00:34:57.600 --> 00:34:58.240
 He's calling us to

00:34:58.240 --> 00:35:00.200
 advance under fire.

00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:02.340
 The gospel of the

00:35:02.340 --> 00:35:02.860
 kingdom will be

00:35:02.860 --> 00:35:03.620
 proclaimed throughout

00:35:03.620 --> 00:35:04.480
 the whole world as a

00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.300
 testimony to all

00:35:05.300 --> 00:35:06.620
 nations and then the

00:35:06.620 --> 00:35:08.380
 end will come.

00:35:09.640 --> 00:35:11.700
 The good news of

00:35:11.700 --> 00:35:13.880
 Jesus who vanquished

00:35:13.880 --> 00:35:15.240
 our enemies of sin,

00:35:15.600 --> 00:35:16.680
 death, and Satan is

00:35:16.680 --> 00:35:17.820
 going forth and will

00:35:17.820 --> 00:35:18.920
 continue to go forth

00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:19.840
 throughout the whole

00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:21.660
 world just as it did in

00:35:21.659 --> 00:35:22.920
 the first century and

00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.759
 has for the last

00:35:23.759 --> 00:35:24.119
 20.

00:35:24.819 --> 00:35:25.779
 When his disciples

00:35:25.779 --> 00:35:27.019
 heard that phrase,

00:35:27.179 --> 00:35:27.920
 the whole world,

00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:29.000
 they probably thought

00:35:29.000 --> 00:35:30.420
 the inhabited Roman

00:35:30.420 --> 00:35:31.940
 world, which were the

00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:32.839
 limits of the known

00:35:32.839 --> 00:35:33.599
 civilization.

00:35:34.259 --> 00:35:34.699
 And when they were

00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:35.420
 empowered by the Holy

00:35:35.420 --> 00:35:36.539
 Spirit at the day of

00:35:36.539 --> 00:35:37.739
 Pentecost, they went.

00:35:38.259 --> 00:35:39.579
 They advanced under

00:35:39.579 --> 00:35:40.039
 fire.

00:35:41.399 --> 00:35:43.879
 Some of them made it to

00:35:43.879 --> 00:35:44.219
 India.

00:35:44.399 --> 00:35:45.279
 Thomas was martyred in

00:35:45.279 --> 00:35:46.319
 India according to

00:35:46.319 --> 00:35:46.719
 tradition.

00:35:47.359 --> 00:35:48.339
 That's beyond the scope

00:35:48.340 --> 00:35:49.140
 of the Roman Empire.

00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:52.579
 According to tradition,

00:35:52.720 --> 00:35:53.539
 Simon the Zealot made

00:35:53.539 --> 00:35:54.200
 it to the coast of

00:35:54.200 --> 00:35:55.200
 West Africa and Britain

00:35:55.200 --> 00:35:56.260
 before they crucified

00:35:56.260 --> 00:35:56.579
 him.

00:35:58.640 --> 00:35:59.600
 Throughout the pages of

00:35:59.600 --> 00:36:00.360
 church history, you will

00:36:00.360 --> 00:36:01.960
 read story after story of

00:36:01.960 --> 00:36:03.240
 the church advancing the

00:36:03.240 --> 00:36:04.019
 gospel of the kingdom

00:36:04.019 --> 00:36:05.380
 under fire.

00:36:05.559 --> 00:36:07.579
 1,400 years ago after,

00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:09.600
 sorry, 1,400 years after

00:36:09.600 --> 00:36:12.059
 these guys lived, another

00:36:12.059 --> 00:36:13.380
 man of God was used to

00:36:13.380 --> 00:36:15.100
 dust off the true gospel

00:36:15.100 --> 00:36:16.340
 of grace after false

00:36:16.340 --> 00:36:17.620
 teaching had corrupted it

00:36:17.620 --> 00:36:19.460
 for a prolonged season.

00:36:19.720 --> 00:36:20.900
 500 years ago this

00:36:20.900 --> 00:36:23.220
 Tuesday, a man nailed

00:36:23.220 --> 00:36:24.760
 95 theses to the door

00:36:24.760 --> 00:36:25.440
 of the Wittenberg

00:36:25.440 --> 00:36:27.079
 Church in Germany and

00:36:27.079 --> 00:36:27.980
 ignited the Protestant

00:36:27.980 --> 00:36:29.180
 Reformation, which was a

00:36:29.180 --> 00:36:30.340
 tidal wave of truth that

00:36:30.340 --> 00:36:32.000
 we're still writing today.

00:36:32.320 --> 00:36:33.620
 The gospel of the kingdom

00:36:33.620 --> 00:36:35.079
 continues to be preached,

00:36:35.240 --> 00:36:36.900
 continues to advance under

00:36:36.900 --> 00:36:37.660
 fire.

00:36:37.820 --> 00:36:38.680
 And that's what Jesus is

00:36:38.680 --> 00:36:40.320
 calling us to do today.

00:36:42.100 --> 00:36:43.620
 One day the witness to the

00:36:43.620 --> 00:36:44.980
 nations will be complete,

00:36:44.980 --> 00:36:46.619
 and then the end will

00:36:46.619 --> 00:36:46.900
 come.

00:36:48.099 --> 00:36:49.059
 That may be this

00:36:49.059 --> 00:36:50.840
 generation, it may be many

00:36:50.840 --> 00:36:51.719
 generations off.

00:36:53.820 --> 00:36:55.440
 But whether the end comes

00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:58.940
 soon or far away, he is

00:36:58.940 --> 00:37:01.119
 calling us to be faithful to

00:37:01.119 --> 00:37:04.039
 the end, to endure, and to

00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:04.980
 advance under fire.

00:37:05.659 --> 00:37:06.980
 We're not to be distracted

00:37:07.740 --> 00:37:10.139
 with this current age, not

00:37:10.139 --> 00:37:12.699
 led astray, not alarmed when

00:37:12.699 --> 00:37:15.439
 the world goes topsy-turvy, not

00:37:15.439 --> 00:37:16.919
 surprised when we face

00:37:16.919 --> 00:37:19.019
 opposition or treachery, but

00:37:19.019 --> 00:37:20.259
 faithful to the end.

00:37:22.859 --> 00:37:24.460
 Before we respond to God's

00:37:24.460 --> 00:37:25.679
 word in prayer and song, I

00:37:25.679 --> 00:37:26.599
 want us to consider three

00:37:26.599 --> 00:37:27.179
 questions.

00:37:29.339 --> 00:37:31.000
 This will help us to adjust

00:37:31.000 --> 00:37:33.279
 our lives in light of this

00:37:33.279 --> 00:37:33.639
 word.

00:37:33.839 --> 00:37:36.079
 First is this, am I living my

00:37:36.079 --> 00:37:38.759
 life in the light of that day?

00:37:38.760 --> 00:37:42.100
 Am I living my life in the

00:37:42.100 --> 00:37:43.880
 light of that day?

00:37:44.460 --> 00:37:46.180
 If you're a believer, then in

00:37:46.180 --> 00:37:47.220
 one sense, yes, you are,

00:37:47.280 --> 00:37:48.100
 because you've placed your

00:37:48.100 --> 00:37:49.800
 ultimate hope and trust in

00:37:49.800 --> 00:37:50.620
 Jesus.

00:37:51.660 --> 00:37:53.100
 But we also get distracted.

00:37:53.940 --> 00:37:55.420
 We get overwhelmed, we get

00:37:55.420 --> 00:37:57.420
 fearful, and our life can be

00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:59.940
 functionally ruled by earthly

00:37:59.940 --> 00:38:01.760
 and temporary concerns of

00:38:02.340 --> 00:38:03.700
 today, not that day.

00:38:05.260 --> 00:38:06.620
 When you might be stuck in the

00:38:06.619 --> 00:38:09.880
 mire of sin, you need to do

00:38:09.880 --> 00:38:11.299
 what Hebrews 12 calls you to

00:38:11.299 --> 00:38:13.519
 do, which is to cast off the

00:38:13.519 --> 00:38:15.400
 sin that easily entangles and

00:38:15.400 --> 00:38:17.599
 run the race ahead of you, set

00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:18.960
 before you with perseverance,

00:38:19.980 --> 00:38:21.920
 fixing your eyes on Jesus.

00:38:23.199 --> 00:38:24.759
 If you have not put your full

00:38:24.759 --> 00:38:27.599
 trust in this living God for

00:38:27.599 --> 00:38:29.159
 the forgiveness of your sins,

00:38:29.639 --> 00:38:31.500
 then consider this day in light

00:38:31.500 --> 00:38:32.139
 of that day.

00:38:33.319 --> 00:38:35.219
 Respond to the living words of

00:38:35.219 --> 00:38:35.459
 Jesus.

00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:37.099
 I'd love to pray with you

00:38:37.099 --> 00:38:38.759
 afterwards, talk to somebody

00:38:38.759 --> 00:38:40.019
 next to you, ask them how you

00:38:40.019 --> 00:38:41.179
 can respond to that today.

00:38:42.299 --> 00:38:43.779
 The second question is this.

00:38:45.839 --> 00:38:47.980
 Am I discouraged, fearful,

00:38:48.819 --> 00:38:51.859
 confused, or surprised by the

00:38:51.859 --> 00:38:53.459
 difficulty of living in these

00:38:53.459 --> 00:38:54.059
 last days?

00:38:54.859 --> 00:38:56.639
 Am I confused, fearful,

00:38:56.839 --> 00:38:59.500
 discouraged, surprised in the

00:38:59.500 --> 00:39:00.959
 difficulty of these last days?

00:39:00.960 --> 00:39:05.039
 That's easy for us to be in that

00:39:05.039 --> 00:39:05.480
 place.

00:39:06.280 --> 00:39:09.860
 Let's let Jesus' realism give us a

00:39:09.860 --> 00:39:12.460
 wartime mentality of how we need

00:39:12.460 --> 00:39:13.800
 to live in these last days.

00:39:14.619 --> 00:39:16.480
 Our King is calling us to advance

00:39:16.480 --> 00:39:17.460
 when the bullets are flying.

00:39:18.420 --> 00:39:19.820
 We should not be surprised,

00:39:20.019 --> 00:39:22.420
 alarmed, fearful, confused, or

00:39:22.420 --> 00:39:22.900
 discouraged.

00:39:23.019 --> 00:39:23.940
 Doesn't mean it won't be hard.

00:39:24.300 --> 00:39:25.400
 Doesn't mean there won't be tears

00:39:25.400 --> 00:39:26.220
 and disappointments.

00:39:27.300 --> 00:39:28.199
 Doesn't mean it will not be

00:39:28.199 --> 00:39:30.259
 painful, but Jesus wants to call

00:39:30.259 --> 00:39:31.679
 his words to mind to give us

00:39:31.679 --> 00:39:32.000
 hope.

00:39:32.279 --> 00:39:34.199
 The one who endures to the end

00:39:34.199 --> 00:39:35.119
 will be saved.

00:39:36.799 --> 00:39:41.199
 Lastly, do I feel the urgency of

00:39:41.199 --> 00:39:41.659
 this mission?

00:39:42.519 --> 00:39:45.179
 Do I feel the urgency of the

00:39:45.179 --> 00:39:45.439
 mission?

00:39:47.480 --> 00:39:49.159
 Jesus is calling us as a church to

00:39:49.159 --> 00:39:50.679
 advance under fire.

00:39:51.939 --> 00:39:53.460
 So what is our response to his

00:39:53.460 --> 00:39:53.759
 command?

00:39:53.760 --> 00:39:57.220
 Do we feel the urgency of the

00:39:57.220 --> 00:39:59.100
 moment that he is coming soon?

00:39:59.240 --> 00:40:00.880
 That many are without the witness

00:40:00.880 --> 00:40:01.660
 of the gospel?

00:40:02.120 --> 00:40:05.060
 Are we giving considerably of our

00:40:05.060 --> 00:40:07.160
 time, of our energy, of our prayer

00:40:07.160 --> 00:40:11.000
 to the mission of the witness of the

00:40:11.000 --> 00:40:12.760
 good news to all people?

00:40:14.100 --> 00:40:15.680
 He isn't laying a guilt trip on us.

00:40:15.900 --> 00:40:17.560
 He's giving us our marching orders.

00:40:18.180 --> 00:40:20.280
 So let's respond with faith and

00:40:20.280 --> 00:40:22.880
 boldness to the urgency of the call.

00:40:22.880 --> 00:40:23.920
 He is coming soon.

00:40:24.800 --> 00:40:25.800
 Come, Lord Jesus.

00:40:26.160 --> 00:40:26.700
 Let's pray.

00:40:33.700 --> 00:40:36.900
 Father, help us to respond to this

00:40:36.900 --> 00:40:42.519
 truth with right wartime mentality,

00:40:42.880 --> 00:40:46.360
 that you are coming soon, that we

00:40:46.360 --> 00:40:47.360
 should not be alarmed.

00:40:47.360 --> 00:40:49.900
 Lord, help us, Father, not to be

00:40:49.900 --> 00:40:50.500
 surprised.

00:40:51.840 --> 00:40:53.160
 Help us to be faithful.

00:40:54.840 --> 00:40:56.940
 God, give endurance where endurance

00:40:56.940 --> 00:40:57.380
 is needed.

00:40:57.539 --> 00:40:59.260
 Give courage where courage is needed.

00:41:00.000 --> 00:41:02.240
 Give faith where faith is needed.

00:41:03.160 --> 00:41:04.240
 Attend to your people now.

00:41:04.900 --> 00:41:06.000
 In Christ's name, amen.

00:41:06.980 --> 00:41:08.380
 Sharpe

00:41:08.380 --> 00:41:17.820
 God, tell him

00:41:17.820 --> 00:41:19.380
 aötitude

00:41:19.380 --> 00:41:20.019
 of the truth.

00:41:20.019 --> 00:41:20.559
 Am king of

00:41:20.559 --> 00:41:20.820
 kingdom,

00:41:20.820 --> 00:41:21.619
 Lord,

00:41:21.619 --> 00:41:22.219
 Jesus,

00:41:22.219 --> 00:41:23.619
 when he comes to

00:41:23.619 --> 00:41:24.179
 the truth along with

00:41:24.179 --> 00:41:24.420
 is this

00:41:26.860 --> 00:41:27.539
 the truth

00:41:27.539 --> 00:41:28.440
 is this

00:41:28.440 --> 00:41:29.619
 the truth

00:41:29.619 --> 00:41:29.980
 that you

00:41:30.480 --> 00:41:31.000
 hope

00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:31.639
 is

00:41:31.639 --> 00:41:31.739
 the fact