WEBVTT 00:00:00.300 --> 00:00:06.280 Going through the book of Mark here this morning, but you know as we think in just a few days we're going to celebrate 00:00:06.280 --> 00:00:12.540 what you might say is that first phase of God's redemptive plan. I mean we celebrate 00:00:12.540 --> 00:00:15.160 as God sent forth his son 00:00:15.160 --> 00:00:23.100 there and as we celebrate Christmas, that's what we celebrate is the coming of the Savior. 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:27.320 And so as we begin to celebrate that, that's part of God's 00:00:27.320 --> 00:00:33.600 redemptive plan was to send forth a son that would go to the cross and to pay the price for our sin. 00:00:34.119 --> 00:00:38.219 And the arrival of Jesus into the world as a babe in Bethlehem 00:00:38.219 --> 00:00:43.820 really brought into that reality of what God had promised and what was 00:00:43.820 --> 00:00:47.960 before and that was going to be done and accomplished. 00:00:48.679 --> 00:00:51.920 And today we're going to be looking at to realize that what we celebrate 00:00:51.920 --> 00:00:57.060 and what was done is also beneficial because it gives us assurance 00:00:57.060 --> 00:01:02.020 of what was already done. God gives us assurance he's going to continue to do 00:01:02.020 --> 00:01:05.820 and he will accomplish all that he has set out. 00:01:06.100 --> 00:01:08.760 All that he has established in his word 00:01:08.760 --> 00:01:13.520 he will do. And so if you found this morning in Mark chapter 13 00:01:13.520 --> 00:01:17.280 let's stand together and honor the reading of the word of God. 00:01:17.359 --> 00:01:19.480 We'll pick up here in verse 28 00:01:19.480 --> 00:01:22.579 here and it says, 00:01:22.579 --> 00:01:24.800 Now learn a parable of the fig tree. 00:01:25.340 --> 00:01:28.020 When her branch is yet tender and put it forth leaves, 00:01:28.079 --> 00:01:29.780 ye know that summer is near. 00:01:30.540 --> 00:01:34.159 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, 00:01:34.640 --> 00:01:37.040 know that it is nigh even at the doors. 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:42.820 Verily I say unto you that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done. 00:01:42.819 --> 00:01:49.619 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 00:01:50.059 --> 00:01:50.719 Let's pray. 00:01:50.819 --> 00:01:52.599 Heavenly Fathers, we come before you this morning. 00:01:52.679 --> 00:01:54.639 Lord, we're thankful for your word. 00:01:54.739 --> 00:01:57.439 We're thankful for your promises that you've given to us. 00:01:57.879 --> 00:02:01.479 Lord, that we can rest in them, that we can know for sure 00:02:01.479 --> 00:02:03.439 that those things are going to come to pass. 00:02:03.500 --> 00:02:04.259 It will be done. 00:02:05.179 --> 00:02:09.599 Lord, help us to always keep that in our forefront of our minds 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:12.079 that what you have said is true. 00:02:12.699 --> 00:02:14.579 And that we're not only it's going to come to pass, 00:02:14.680 --> 00:02:18.900 but Lord, also the reality of even salvation of what you've said 00:02:18.900 --> 00:02:21.319 is what will be accomplished. 00:02:21.639 --> 00:02:24.280 Lord, for all those who call upon you. 00:02:24.379 --> 00:02:27.240 And Lord, we pray just have your hand upon each heart, each life here today. 00:02:27.699 --> 00:02:30.699 Lord, might be encouraged and strengthened from the truth of your word. 00:02:30.759 --> 00:02:34.459 Lord, that we know that these things will be done. 00:02:34.459 --> 00:02:36.919 And Lord, we just give you all the praise in Jesus name. 00:02:37.719 --> 00:02:38.120 Amen. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:38.900 You may be seated. 00:02:39.599 --> 00:02:42.560 You know, as we look here and consider even this time of year, 00:02:42.620 --> 00:02:45.299 we think about the promises that God has given to us. 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:48.000 I mean, we celebrate really a promise. 00:02:48.139 --> 00:02:51.919 Christmas is a fulfillment of God's promise that he gave to us. 00:02:52.439 --> 00:02:54.639 You know, all the way back in Genesis chapter 3, 00:02:54.799 --> 00:02:58.620 God promised to provide one that would overcome the serpent. 00:02:58.780 --> 00:03:00.780 A savior would be of the seed of the woman, 00:03:00.780 --> 00:03:05.000 and which later Isaiah prophesied of how it was going to come about. 00:03:05.159 --> 00:03:08.120 You know, we talked about in Isaiah 7, 14, where it says, 00:03:08.120 --> 00:03:11.080 Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign. 00:03:11.080 --> 00:03:16.120 And behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel. 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:18.939 You know, that's a promise that he made. 00:03:19.060 --> 00:03:24.140 That's when we celebrate Christmas, we're celebrating a promise that God's already fulfilled. 00:03:24.139 --> 00:03:27.199 We're celebrating what he said, that it was done. 00:03:27.199 --> 00:03:28.339 It was accomplished. 00:03:28.739 --> 00:03:34.439 You know, even the very lineage in the birthplace of Jesus was a promise that was declared to us. 00:03:34.539 --> 00:03:37.459 You know, Micah chapter 5 in verse 2 says, 00:03:37.460 --> 00:03:55.200 You know, we see these things being foretold, and then we see them accomplished. 00:03:55.740 --> 00:03:57.860 In Galatians 4, it talks about that. 00:03:57.920 --> 00:03:59.780 In Galatians 4 and verse 3, it says, 00:03:59.780 --> 00:04:22.240 I mean, consider the promises in Galatians 4 basically declares this. 00:04:22.240 --> 00:04:25.800 He says, what God said was going to happen, did. 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:38.920 God's first phase of his redemptive plan was to send forth his son with a purpose in the form of a servant to die upon the cross that he might pay the price for our sins. 00:04:39.699 --> 00:04:41.900 Jesus said, hey, all that was done. 00:04:42.220 --> 00:04:43.560 All that was accomplished. 00:04:44.160 --> 00:04:46.420 You know, we need to see the details here. 00:04:46.680 --> 00:04:51.080 Even as Jesus, he came forth as a humble child and servant. 00:04:51.079 --> 00:04:55.979 And now he's going to declare, you know, we read here a little earlier in Mark in verse 26, he says, 00:04:56.300 --> 00:05:00.060 Hey, rest assured, guys, I'm going to come in power and I'm going to come in glory. 00:05:01.539 --> 00:05:06.539 I want you to know today that it's very important to know and to understand very clearly. 00:05:06.699 --> 00:05:10.519 When he says he's going to come in power and glory, that's exactly what's going to happen. 00:05:11.500 --> 00:05:15.339 We can rest assured in it, not because of just what is said, 00:05:15.339 --> 00:05:20.679 but he says, my promises have already proven to you that what I say is going to come to pass. 00:05:21.060 --> 00:05:22.659 We can have it in confidence. 00:05:24.019 --> 00:05:27.339 You know, you know, sometimes we just have to take somebody's word for it. 00:05:27.359 --> 00:05:34.959 But, you know, the great thing is in the generation we live, we have God's word and we see God's promises that have already been fulfilled, 00:05:35.799 --> 00:05:37.939 that have already been laid out before us. 00:05:37.939 --> 00:05:43.219 I mean, I'm thankful that we have God's word, that we might know for sure what God has said, 00:05:43.500 --> 00:05:46.560 how God has laid out his plan before us. 00:05:46.839 --> 00:05:52.379 I mean, you think of some of the Old Testament saints, it talks about in the Bible that they, the faith of them. 00:05:52.480 --> 00:05:56.720 I mean, you think about the faith of Abraham, where God tells, it comes to him and says, 00:05:56.800 --> 00:06:00.060 Hey, get you forth out of the land into a place I'm going to show you. 00:06:01.659 --> 00:06:03.680 You don't know about you, but that's a tough one. 00:06:03.680 --> 00:06:07.100 You had to trust God. 00:06:07.220 --> 00:06:10.400 Today we have much more assurance than Abraham had. 00:06:11.459 --> 00:06:15.600 We have a reality of history recorded for us that God is faithful, 00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:18.680 that God has shown forth those things to us. 00:06:19.180 --> 00:06:25.920 And we understand that these prophecies that God would have his power and his glory were declared also, 00:06:26.079 --> 00:06:29.199 you know, look back in the Old Testament for a moment, go to Isaiah chapter 9. 00:06:29.199 --> 00:06:33.740 Because when we look at Isaiah 9, I want you to see here and grasp this. 00:06:33.839 --> 00:06:37.779 Notice here in Isaiah chapter 9 and verse 6, it says this, 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:40.759 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. 00:06:42.259 --> 00:06:44.579 And then you have kind of a break there in that verse. 00:06:46.539 --> 00:06:48.339 Because the son has been given. 00:06:50.060 --> 00:06:51.680 Jesus Christ has come. 00:06:52.379 --> 00:06:54.519 But one day he's going to come in power and glory. 00:06:55.159 --> 00:06:58.060 He's going to do all that and perform all those things. 00:06:58.060 --> 00:06:59.180 Notice what it says. 00:06:59.660 --> 00:07:05.040 And the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, 00:07:05.079 --> 00:07:08.019 the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. 00:07:08.740 --> 00:07:09.620 Now notice this. 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:12.800 Of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end. 00:07:12.840 --> 00:07:15.459 Upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:20.480 to order it into establishment with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even forever. 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:25.120 The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 00:07:26.500 --> 00:07:27.620 It's going to be done. 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:33.220 You know, just as the details of Jesus' arrival was foretold in detail, 00:07:33.579 --> 00:07:36.000 so is his return in power and glory. 00:07:36.780 --> 00:07:42.060 You know, Jesus had described to his disciples what was going to happen before his triumphant return. 00:07:42.199 --> 00:07:44.680 You know, as we've gone through the Gospel of Mark, 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:50.160 we've seen here in chapter 13 that Jesus is telling them some highlights of what's going to happen. 00:07:50.160 --> 00:07:55.180 Now we know some of those highlights aren't the best news. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:57.820 Tribulation and troubles and sorrows. 00:07:59.380 --> 00:08:00.860 Things that are going to take place. 00:08:00.920 --> 00:08:01.960 There's going to be deceivers. 00:08:02.600 --> 00:08:05.540 There's going to be all those things that come about. 00:08:05.640 --> 00:08:11.700 But Jesus described to the disciples what was going to happen before his triumphant return. 00:08:11.699 --> 00:08:17.099 And I want you to know that God says that his return is not going to be mysterious. 00:08:18.019 --> 00:08:20.379 You're not going to doubt what's going to happen at the moment. 00:08:21.079 --> 00:08:23.139 It says he's going to break forth in glory. 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.699 The clouds will reveal him. 00:08:24.959 --> 00:08:29.279 I want you to know that when Jesus comes again, there's not going to need a news report. 00:08:30.339 --> 00:08:33.279 There'll be no need because it'll be clear and it'll be obvious. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:39.120 There won't need to be something declared to let you know what happens. 00:08:39.199 --> 00:08:41.539 You will know that it has taken place. 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:48.919 Because here we find in Mark chapter 13, we know that Jesus is describing the tribulation. 00:08:49.360 --> 00:08:53.139 Also known as we looked a few weeks ago here at the time of Jacob's trouble. 00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:56.860 You know, he relates this time period. 00:08:56.959 --> 00:09:00.740 He's talking to them as how God's going to deal with the Jews. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:07.700 He tells them when you see these things come to pass, know that his return is soon. 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:12.840 So as he comes here and presents this to them, he begins here. 00:09:12.899 --> 00:09:15.180 Look at verse 28 of our text here this morning. 00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:19.220 Because we see here he says, now learn the parable of the fig tree. 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:23.180 Learn the parable of the fig tree. 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:27.940 Jesus describes to the disciples as they sat there on the Mount of Olives. 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:33.280 You know, sometimes I think we kind of lose some of the emphasis from the Word of God 00:09:33.280 --> 00:09:37.780 because we don't really picture in our minds sometimes. 00:09:37.940 --> 00:09:43.920 But the Mount of Olives was known for having fig trees upon it also. 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:49.740 As they would have been sitting there, they tell us that there would have been figs intermixed along there. 00:09:49.820 --> 00:09:54.900 And they tell us that the disciples would have been very familiar with this picture. 00:09:54.899 --> 00:10:01.059 I mean, you think earlier as they went into Jerusalem, alongside the road was a fig tree that Jesus cursed. 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:04.679 Figs, they were familiar with figs. 00:10:04.819 --> 00:10:10.199 And we understand that Jesus knew what was the presentation he wanted. 00:10:10.299 --> 00:10:13.519 He knew they understood because that's the purpose of a parable. 00:10:14.079 --> 00:10:16.259 He says, learn the parable of the fig tree. 00:10:16.259 --> 00:10:20.980 Because a parable is something that, it takes something from real life. 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:25.779 It's a representation of something that you can grab a hold of from life or nature 00:10:25.779 --> 00:10:29.220 in which a moral is drawn for instruction. 00:10:29.419 --> 00:10:32.919 In other words, something that they could take and say, okay, I understand that. 00:10:33.019 --> 00:10:34.860 Therefore, I get a picture of how to know this. 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:38.419 We use those same things all the time. 00:10:38.500 --> 00:10:39.559 You know, you relate things. 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:41.860 You know, it's kind of like this or that. 00:10:41.860 --> 00:10:46.580 And you say, okay, now I understand how that works because a parable is that. 00:10:46.659 --> 00:10:50.360 It's kind of a parallel to help us understand what's going on. 00:10:50.399 --> 00:10:52.940 So he says, notice the parable of the fig tree. 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:55.460 Pay attention to the parable of the fig tree. 00:10:55.980 --> 00:11:00.840 It's something that will be understood because as Jesus is there, this is springtime. 00:11:01.060 --> 00:11:05.139 And we know it's springtime because the Passover is just right around the corner here. 00:11:07.180 --> 00:11:08.720 Passover happens in the spring. 00:11:08.720 --> 00:11:14.040 We see this coming together and we see the announcement. 00:11:14.259 --> 00:11:16.480 Notice here in the scripture what he says. 00:11:16.560 --> 00:11:22.840 He says, when her branch is yet tender and put forth leaves, ye know that summer is near. 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:28.440 He says, hey guys, you know it's springtime and you know how the figs put on their figs 00:11:28.440 --> 00:11:29.759 and then the leaves come. 00:11:31.259 --> 00:11:32.860 You've seen it your whole life. 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:37.639 You understand that when you see it, you say, hey, summer is right around the corner. 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:39.960 You know, I relate this to kind of us today, you know. 00:11:40.100 --> 00:11:45.279 When you see the trees starting to bud, at least most years, you know, sometimes trees in Nebraska get confused. 00:11:45.519 --> 00:11:47.539 Is it really spring or is it not spring? 00:11:47.679 --> 00:11:49.179 I mean, sometimes they can get confused. 00:11:49.419 --> 00:11:53.699 But generally speaking, what does the trees, when they begin to bud, what comes to mind? 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:57.600 Spring is almost here. 00:11:57.600 --> 00:12:02.519 You start to get that idea put in by nature. 00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:06.100 You know, when the trees start budding, that spring is almost here. 00:12:06.200 --> 00:12:12.180 Jesus says, hey, when you see the fig trees put on leaves, guys, you know very clearly that summer's nigh. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:18.759 He says these signs are what's going to reveal that my return is near. 00:12:18.920 --> 00:12:21.180 These things will be done. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:22.800 These things will be accomplished. 00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:28.339 It was a simple parable, a simple instruction and application. 00:12:30.319 --> 00:12:35.000 You know, sometimes we need to be careful because sometimes people will take parables in the Scripture 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:37.259 and they'll start adding all sorts of things into them. 00:12:38.839 --> 00:12:44.000 I want you to always be careful because don't add something the Scripture doesn't say is there. 00:12:44.179 --> 00:12:49.079 Because you'll get a wrong conclusion if you put things in place that aren't there. 00:12:50.179 --> 00:12:52.519 Let me give you an example just from this passage. 00:12:52.519 --> 00:12:58.559 If you read prophecy, people take this passage and say, well, Israel was put back in 1948, 00:12:58.840 --> 00:13:00.799 so there's a fig tree and it's blossoming. 00:13:01.159 --> 00:13:05.460 It's like that might sound good, but it's not in the Scripture. 00:13:05.939 --> 00:13:07.659 No place is that tied in. 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:14.720 Be careful to never tie something to a parable that the Bible doesn't tie to the parable. 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:18.860 We understand the importance of that, of the context of Scripture. 00:13:18.860 --> 00:13:21.679 Here Jesus is just giving them a simple instruction. 00:13:21.679 --> 00:13:29.179 When one sees the signs of the end, both those given in Daniel, remember he relates back to see the times, 00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:32.859 to see what Daniel had foretold, the timetable. 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:40.620 Because the next thing that, when Jesus was saying this, the next thing on Daniel's timetable was the Messiah being cut off. 00:13:40.959 --> 00:13:42.859 Jesus was soon to go to the cross. 00:13:42.860 --> 00:13:47.899 Jesus was preparing his disciples for what was to come. 00:13:48.360 --> 00:13:52.399 But he said, guys, know that this will all come to pass. 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:59.060 To know the time of his return will be near when you see these prophecies begin to be fulfilled. 00:13:59.440 --> 00:14:01.800 Because as a question, he was answering for them. 00:14:01.799 --> 00:14:07.659 He was answering them, when shall we see, what are the signs of your coming? 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:09.099 What's the sign of the end? 00:14:10.599 --> 00:14:17.579 Well, when the tribulation is upon this world, it's a sign that the end is near. 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:22.940 Because you've begun another set time that God has lined out. 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:27.120 When we know these things, because when it comes to prophecy, 00:14:27.480 --> 00:14:30.360 it's important to put it in the right timetable. 00:14:30.680 --> 00:14:32.440 Put it on God's timetable. 00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:34.660 To know what God has said. 00:14:34.740 --> 00:14:37.020 The lesson here is when the signs are unfolding, 00:14:37.560 --> 00:14:40.200 in that terrible time known as the tribulation, 00:14:40.700 --> 00:14:43.920 those that know, they ought to be looking for his coming. 00:14:43.919 --> 00:14:46.679 Verse 29, it says this, it says, 00:14:46.839 --> 00:14:50.759 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:54.719 know that it is nigh even at the doors. 00:14:55.219 --> 00:14:57.159 In other words, know in like manner, 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:59.319 just as you can look at the tree and say, 00:14:59.419 --> 00:15:01.699 hey, the fig is putting on its leaves. 00:15:02.079 --> 00:15:03.679 Summer is going to be right here. 00:15:03.839 --> 00:15:06.979 When you see these things, these signs I've declared, 00:15:07.099 --> 00:15:08.279 when the world sees them, 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:12.959 they can know that Jesus is at the door. 00:15:13.919 --> 00:15:18.479 I want you to know that Jesus tells them how this is going to come to be. 00:15:19.019 --> 00:15:21.379 Because when these things are, he says, 00:15:21.679 --> 00:15:24.139 be prepared for people to know, 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:29.519 to be prepared because his power and glory is coming and waiting to unfold. 00:15:30.659 --> 00:15:32.419 Because the end is set. 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:36.240 Just as the first part was established when Jesus came, 00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:40.539 everything he did when it came to his birth was lined out and foretold. 00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:45.080 The timing, the place, the who, the what, 00:15:45.139 --> 00:15:47.060 I mean, everything was put forth. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:51.500 It was declared very clearly in like manner. 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:55.100 I want you to know that Jesus lays out what the end is going to be. 00:15:55.100 --> 00:16:03.080 He lays it out for us to declare those things before us of how those things are going to come to be. 00:16:03.320 --> 00:16:04.779 The end is set. 00:16:05.040 --> 00:16:08.759 Just as the first part was done, the last part is going to be done. 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:15.500 It's going to be accomplished because Daniel does give us a timeline of what we know has happened, 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:18.360 but also a timeline for what is to come. 00:16:18.899 --> 00:16:20.960 You say, preacher, why do you hang on Daniel? 00:16:21.080 --> 00:16:22.460 Well, Jesus hung on Daniel. 00:16:23.180 --> 00:16:26.400 What Daniel prophesied, he said, pay attention to what Daniel wrote. 00:16:26.660 --> 00:16:29.200 When it comes to prophecy, I'll take Jesus' word for it. 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:32.320 He says to look to Daniel, and Daniel has a timeline, 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:38.040 and it was that we understand that the Messiah was cut off when Jesus Christ went to the cross 00:16:38.040 --> 00:16:39.700 and died for our sin. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:46.400 The very Messiah, God with us, Emmanuel, came and died on the cross. 00:16:47.540 --> 00:16:49.700 That word cut off means to be killed. 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:52.860 Jesus died for our sins. 00:16:53.040 --> 00:16:54.180 That was God's plan. 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:58.080 It was a purpose, and he said it will be done. 00:16:58.400 --> 00:16:58.660 Why? 00:16:58.800 --> 00:17:01.320 Because he cares about you. 00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:03.900 He did the first because he cared about you. 00:17:04.600 --> 00:17:07.819 What he fulfills in the future is because he cares about you. 00:17:09.200 --> 00:17:11.559 Why does he give a warning of what's to come? 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:14.059 The pending judgment of accountability. 00:17:14.340 --> 00:17:15.380 Why does God tell us that? 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:16.140 Because he cares. 00:17:16.500 --> 00:17:18.799 God doesn't want you to have to stand in judgment. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:23.500 God says, I've done all this that you might be able to come unto me. 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:27.059 That I'll take your condemnation. 00:17:27.159 --> 00:17:28.399 I'll take all your sin. 00:17:28.659 --> 00:17:33.960 I'll take all the things that are burdens of your life and put them upon himself. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:41.519 But Jesus died there upon the cross, and when he rose again, it ushered in something different. 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:46.259 He came and fulfilled all those things, but when he rose again, it ushered in. 00:17:46.440 --> 00:17:51.860 I believe from Scripture, what Paul talks about is the dispensation of the grace of God. 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:56.579 You know, Ephesians chapter 3 and verse 2 says, 00:17:56.719 --> 00:18:02.159 If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you word. 00:18:02.379 --> 00:18:06.039 I want you to know that we live in what we can call the age of grace. 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:08.679 I'm thankful to be born in the age of grace. 00:18:08.959 --> 00:18:11.719 We are so blessed to be born in the age of grace. 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:16.839 What advantages we have is amazing. 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:22.880 Like I said, when I read through the Old Testament, and I look at some of the Old Testament saints, 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:27.319 and I'm thinking, when Hebrews talks about their faith, I'm like thinking, man, they had some faith. 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:29.440 To trust God above all. 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:32.140 Some of it, they didn't even know how it was going to play out. 00:18:32.140 --> 00:18:35.520 But to say, I'm going to trust God. 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:36.759 God will be faithful. 00:18:36.940 --> 00:18:38.140 I mean, read through the book of Job. 00:18:38.520 --> 00:18:39.740 Job didn't have all this. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:44.120 He didn't know how it was all going to work out, but he said, no matter how it works out, I'm going to trust God. 00:18:44.440 --> 00:18:50.259 If Job could have that kind of faith in his day, how much more should we have today knowing what we know? 00:18:50.560 --> 00:18:55.759 The confidence we can have, the knowing what was done, that God's going to accomplish it. 00:18:56.040 --> 00:19:00.160 But Jesus here is talking to this dispensation that's going to close. 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:02.460 He says, guys, there's going to be another transition. 00:19:03.120 --> 00:19:08.279 This dispensation will draw to a close when Christ draws his saints out of the world. 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:14.720 I want you to understand, the next thing on the timetable, if you're a believer, is not tribulation. 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:17.380 He says to be looking for his coming. 00:19:20.060 --> 00:19:22.400 We'll see next week as we finish this. 00:19:22.420 --> 00:19:23.220 He says, watch! 00:19:24.540 --> 00:19:27.200 In Matthew, he says, occupy till I come. 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:31.380 I want you to see this morning very clearly what Jesus is doing. 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:38.380 He says that you can know the time that these things are going to be done, to be aware of the sign of the times. 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:44.259 Because one day, the believer is going to be caught up, and it's going to usher in what Jesus is speaking about here. 00:19:44.519 --> 00:19:49.200 A time that if it wasn't for the days being shortened, there would be no survivors. 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:52.200 You know, you read through the tribulation in Revelation. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:58.539 You know, the book of Revelation, when you read through, there's an interesting, because you have parallel things happening. 00:19:58.860 --> 00:20:04.080 You have things happening in heaven, and they parallel things happening here on the earth. 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:05.700 The question is, where are you going to be? 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:09.220 Because if you're saved, if you've called upon him as Savior, you're going to be up here. 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:12.640 Because trust me, you don't want to be down here. 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:16.980 The description you find from the tribulation, I don't know why anybody would say, 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:19.740 Hey, I think God's going to send me through the tribulation. 00:20:19.839 --> 00:20:21.000 There's people who believe that. 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.360 Nowhere does it say that. 00:20:22.400 --> 00:20:23.720 It says we're going to be caught up. 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:26.839 We're going to be taken out. 00:20:28.599 --> 00:20:31.039 You know, we're not going to cover all that this morning. 00:20:31.140 --> 00:20:33.460 That's a whole other series of lessons. 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:37.299 But I want you to understand that when Jesus says this is going to take place, 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:39.460 and to know that it's going to take place, 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:43.180 because there's a surety of the times that we live. 00:20:43.240 --> 00:20:45.120 Look here in verse 30 with me this morning. 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:53.119 He says, Verily I say unto you that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done. 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:56.019 Simply this, Jesus says these things are going to happen. 00:20:57.500 --> 00:21:02.959 Rest assured, you know, know without a shadow of a doubt, 00:21:03.599 --> 00:21:06.219 there's no need to be wondering about it, 00:21:06.279 --> 00:21:13.259 because today I want you to know that we're witnessing what Jesus referred to earlier there in verse 8 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:15.099 as the beginning of sorrows. 00:21:15.379 --> 00:21:19.319 You know, there's a lot of things leading up to when Christ returns. 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:23.240 And there's a lot of things, I believe, are unfolding that are preparing the way. 00:21:23.579 --> 00:21:26.140 You think about a great deception during the tribulation, 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:28.379 that those here are going to be deceived. 00:21:30.839 --> 00:21:32.819 I don't know if anything, if you've been paying attention, 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:34.900 do you know how easy it is to deceive people today? 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:37.800 And how gullible some people are? 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:40.820 I believe sometimes they're gullible because they don't know what God said. 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:44.440 They're not measuring against the right things. 00:21:45.080 --> 00:21:48.180 They're not measuring against the things that they ought to measure it against. 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:50.780 But He says the beginning of sorrows, 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:53.200 and we see even those things today, 00:21:53.540 --> 00:21:54.820 those beginning of sorrows, 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:55.800 those birth pains, 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:57.700 those elements that are there. 00:21:57.700 --> 00:22:02.059 because Jesus standing before them there 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:05.740 was a walking, talking testimony of the surety of the God's Word. 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:09.340 Just as He came as a babe in the manger 00:22:09.340 --> 00:22:11.600 that we're about to celebrate in a couple of days, 00:22:12.440 --> 00:22:14.200 just as sure as that happened, 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:17.100 you can rest assured He's going to fulfill everything else. 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:21.340 We already know that it was sure, 00:22:21.420 --> 00:22:22.160 and He says these things, 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:23.900 just as these other things were done, 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:25.319 this will be done. 00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:28.619 He was fulfilling every way 00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:31.539 the testimony of the Scripture concerning Himself. 00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:36.019 When He revealed the signs and the times of the end, 00:22:36.099 --> 00:22:39.039 it also stands that it's going to come to pass. 00:22:39.179 --> 00:22:41.259 All these things will be done. 00:22:41.579 --> 00:22:43.000 You know, there have been many generations 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:45.099 that have passed since Jesus declared 00:22:45.099 --> 00:22:46.279 that it will come to pass. 00:22:47.659 --> 00:22:48.599 I want you to know, 00:22:48.659 --> 00:22:49.740 it may not be tomorrow, 00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:50.539 but rest assured, 00:22:50.639 --> 00:22:52.339 all these things will come to pass. 00:22:53.299 --> 00:22:54.839 All these things will happen. 00:22:55.319 --> 00:22:56.460 They'll be revealed. 00:22:56.939 --> 00:22:59.659 They will reveal the time at hand. 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:03.099 And Jesus gives His Word upon this matter. 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:05.639 Look back in our text there at verse 31 this morning. 00:23:06.919 --> 00:23:07.240 It says, 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:08.960 Heaven and earth shall pass away, 00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:12.119 but my Word shall not pass away. 00:23:13.819 --> 00:23:16.279 Jesus gives His Word on the matter. 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:19.960 It's the affirmation that the Word of God will stand. 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:23.579 It will stand even when the heavens and earth are no longer. 00:23:23.860 --> 00:23:26.120 You know, this is really a great contrasting verse. 00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:31.980 Because there's a lot of people who put their trust in heaven and earth. 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:34.100 They trust in the things that happen here. 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:37.579 They trust in all the things of this life. 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:40.819 They think, well, these things are going to always be. 00:23:41.220 --> 00:23:44.039 You know, you think about those that promote the false idea 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:46.200 that it's been millions and millions of years, 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:47.160 and people evolved. 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:48.180 What are they saying? 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:48.420 He says, 00:23:48.420 --> 00:23:54.380 My confidence is in all the things that I think of this nature and earth and space 00:23:54.380 --> 00:23:56.620 and all the science that I can muster. 00:23:58.940 --> 00:24:01.380 And they fail to realize what they're worshiping 00:24:01.380 --> 00:24:03.760 and what they're relying on is just the creation, 00:24:04.340 --> 00:24:05.260 not the Creator. 00:24:05.540 --> 00:24:06.920 We have to trust the Creator. 00:24:07.940 --> 00:24:10.100 The One who has set the timetable. 00:24:10.780 --> 00:24:12.840 When Jesus gives His Word on the matter, 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:17.560 we can just know that these things were going to happen 00:24:17.560 --> 00:24:20.140 just as all those things were given about His birth. 00:24:20.580 --> 00:24:23.820 Everything about His next appearance will also come to pass. 00:24:25.040 --> 00:24:27.220 Simply, if God has declared it, 00:24:27.420 --> 00:24:30.340 you can rest assured that it will be done. 00:24:31.380 --> 00:24:33.440 Because notice what Jesus puts on. 00:24:33.480 --> 00:24:34.640 He says, I'll give you my Word. 00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:41.100 My Word, which I find this statement rather declarative 00:24:41.100 --> 00:24:43.580 because consider what the Word of God talks about 00:24:43.580 --> 00:24:45.480 when it comes to Jesus. 00:24:47.020 --> 00:24:49.220 I mean, Jesus is the Word. 00:24:50.020 --> 00:24:50.960 John chapter 1 says, 00:24:50.960 --> 00:24:52.100 In the beginning was the Word, 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:54.019 and the Word was with God, 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:55.360 and the Word was God. 00:24:56.160 --> 00:24:57.380 So when Jesus says, 00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:59.200 My Word will not pass away, 00:24:59.279 --> 00:24:59.900 what's He saying? 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:02.480 The very words of God will not pass away. 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:05.180 Verse 14 of that same chapter tells us this, 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.180 And the Word was what? 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:09.220 Made flesh and dwelt among us. 00:25:10.220 --> 00:25:11.259 When Jesus said, 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:13.500 My Word will come to pass, 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:15.980 He wasn't speaking of just anybody. 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:17.940 He was speaking as God, 00:25:18.019 --> 00:25:19.339 the authority, the Creator. 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:21.940 He said, 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:23.360 These things are going to come to pass. 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:24.980 Jesus earlier declared 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:29.940 concerning the certainty of the Word. 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:30.620 You know, think about, 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:32.819 turn back to Matthew chapter 5 for a moment. 00:25:33.339 --> 00:25:34.660 Matthew chapter 5, 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:37.740 and Jesus makes it clear here for us. 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:38.079 He says, 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:40.940 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:43.279 I am not come to destroy, 00:25:43.420 --> 00:25:43.940 but to what? 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:45.700 Fulfill. 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.259 In other words, 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:48.259 to have it come to pass. 00:25:49.080 --> 00:25:50.920 These things that were foretold. 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:51.940 He says this, 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:53.220 Barely I say unto you, 00:25:53.320 --> 00:25:54.840 till heaven and earth pass, 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:57.019 one jot or one tittle 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:58.880 shall no wise pass from the law 00:25:58.880 --> 00:26:00.539 till all be fulfilled. 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:01.420 He said, 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:01.900 Hey guys, 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:03.720 everything contained in the law 00:26:03.720 --> 00:26:05.180 is going to be fulfilled. 00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:05.840 You know what? 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:07.860 Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law. 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:10.180 He provided the perfect sacrifice 00:26:10.180 --> 00:26:12.160 for sin. 00:26:13.880 --> 00:26:15.720 He perfectly fulfilled 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:17.039 everything that was required. 00:26:18.940 --> 00:26:20.840 He's the only one that could, 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:22.480 and the Word of God stands 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:24.920 even after this heaven and earth 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:26.200 is no more. 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:27.680 You know, 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:30.039 Psalm 119 verse 89 says, 00:26:30.039 --> 00:26:30.860 Forever, O Lord, 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:33.960 Thy Word is settled in heaven. 00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:36.420 You know, 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:37.600 there are those that question 00:26:37.600 --> 00:26:39.340 the surety of the Word of God, 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:41.199 even mocking the fact, 00:26:41.539 --> 00:26:43.259 and yet He's still going to fulfill it. 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:43.459 You know, 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.599 what we think about something 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:45.699 doesn't change the outcome. 00:26:46.099 --> 00:26:47.000 Look what Peter says. 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:47.799 Turn over to 2 Peter 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:48.819 for a moment this morning. 00:26:50.139 --> 00:26:51.720 2 Peter chapter 3. 00:26:52.899 --> 00:26:53.799 Because Peter here 00:26:53.799 --> 00:26:55.579 talks specifically, 00:26:56.099 --> 00:26:56.279 yeah, 00:26:57.119 --> 00:26:58.939 that's one of those fun words 00:26:58.939 --> 00:26:59.379 this morning, 00:26:59.599 --> 00:27:00.199 specifically. 00:27:00.679 --> 00:27:01.279 He says this, 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:02.480 that you may be mindful 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:03.240 of the words 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:04.399 which were spoken before 00:27:04.400 --> 00:27:05.540 by the holy prophets 00:27:05.540 --> 00:27:07.120 and of the commandment 00:27:07.120 --> 00:27:09.700 of us, 00:27:09.800 --> 00:27:10.440 the apostles 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.720 of the Lord and Savior. 00:27:11.820 --> 00:27:12.200 In other words, 00:27:12.240 --> 00:27:12.540 He says, 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:13.360 hey, 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:14.600 be paying attention 00:27:14.600 --> 00:27:15.660 because just as sure 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:17.180 as the Old Testament prophets, 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.720 the apostles, 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:19.180 He says, 00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:21.180 Jesus has given us authority 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:23.240 and we're speaking 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:24.160 not of our own 00:27:24.160 --> 00:27:25.220 but with His authority. 00:27:25.540 --> 00:27:26.519 He says this, 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:27.380 He said, 00:27:27.380 --> 00:27:30.560 knowing this first, 00:27:31.079 --> 00:27:31.859 that there shall come 00:27:31.859 --> 00:27:32.720 in the last days 00:27:32.720 --> 00:27:34.220 scoffers walking 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:35.940 after their own lusts 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:36.659 and saying, 00:27:37.139 --> 00:27:38.379 where is the promise 00:27:38.379 --> 00:27:39.559 of His coming? 00:27:39.899 --> 00:27:40.119 You know, 00:27:40.139 --> 00:27:41.279 today there's many people 00:27:41.279 --> 00:27:42.519 who scoff at the fact 00:27:42.519 --> 00:27:43.619 that Jesus is one day 00:27:43.619 --> 00:27:44.179 going to return. 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:47.079 We live in the same day 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:47.799 of scoffers. 00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:48.700 There have been scoffers 00:27:48.700 --> 00:27:49.899 through many generations 00:27:49.899 --> 00:27:51.399 because notice 00:27:51.399 --> 00:27:52.579 what they're basing it on 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.659 is for since the fathers 00:27:53.659 --> 00:27:54.159 fell asleep, 00:27:54.259 --> 00:27:55.359 all things continue 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:56.779 as they were 00:27:56.779 --> 00:27:57.460 from the beginning 00:27:57.460 --> 00:27:58.299 of creation. 00:27:58.819 --> 00:27:59.159 In other words, 00:27:59.200 --> 00:27:59.480 they say, 00:27:59.599 --> 00:27:59.720 hey, 00:27:59.720 --> 00:28:01.660 generations before us 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:02.460 lived through this. 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:04.120 I believe that I'm 00:28:04.120 --> 00:28:04.779 going to live through this 00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:05.460 and I'm going to believe 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.539 generations after us 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.140 are going to be here. 00:28:07.380 --> 00:28:08.600 And notice why they do it. 00:28:08.660 --> 00:28:09.880 It says because of 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:10.700 their own lusts, 00:28:10.720 --> 00:28:11.460 their own desire. 00:28:11.880 --> 00:28:12.759 They don't want to face 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.480 the fact that they're 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:14.180 going to be accountable 00:28:14.180 --> 00:28:15.019 to the Creator. 00:28:16.380 --> 00:28:18.339 Walking after their own lusts. 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.220 Let me put that 00:28:20.220 --> 00:28:22.100 in modern words for you 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:24.660 that we use today. 00:28:25.100 --> 00:28:26.180 When somebody's walking 00:28:26.180 --> 00:28:27.700 after their own lusts 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:28.660 is when somebody says, 00:28:28.920 --> 00:28:29.519 follow your heart. 00:28:30.460 --> 00:28:31.279 Because when you're 00:28:31.279 --> 00:28:32.100 following your heart, 00:28:32.180 --> 00:28:32.759 what are you seeking? 00:28:33.100 --> 00:28:33.940 My desires. 00:28:34.100 --> 00:28:35.140 My lust. 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:37.960 I want you to understand, 00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:39.960 lust is not just always 00:28:39.960 --> 00:28:40.700 what we play at. 00:28:40.759 --> 00:28:42.460 Lust is a strong desire 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:43.240 for anything. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:45.079 Lust is a desire. 00:28:46.120 --> 00:28:47.880 A deep desire for something. 00:28:48.180 --> 00:28:49.660 And lust can drive us 00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:51.039 to many things that sin. 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:54.279 Lust can drive us 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:54.960 to those things. 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:55.920 It begins within. 00:28:55.920 --> 00:28:56.120 Amen. 00:28:56.500 --> 00:28:57.640 But I want you to see here, 00:28:57.800 --> 00:28:58.980 why do they want to deny 00:28:58.980 --> 00:29:00.039 or not acknowledge 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:00.620 His coming? 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:01.440 Because they don't want 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:01.920 to be accountable. 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:02.480 They want to do 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:03.360 what they want to do. 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:05.900 And as believers, 00:29:06.080 --> 00:29:07.120 we ought not to desire 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:07.779 our own, 00:29:07.940 --> 00:29:09.900 but His will be accomplished 00:29:09.900 --> 00:29:11.200 because His will 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:12.060 will be done. 00:29:12.300 --> 00:29:13.820 He tells us and reminds us 00:29:13.820 --> 00:29:14.420 that this world 00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:15.560 is going to fade away, 00:29:16.120 --> 00:29:17.160 but His word 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:18.140 is going to stand. 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:20.560 Verse 31, 00:29:20.559 --> 00:29:21.339 Heaven and earth 00:29:21.339 --> 00:29:22.319 shall pass away. 00:29:22.659 --> 00:29:23.399 This world, 00:29:23.799 --> 00:29:24.339 one day, 00:29:24.440 --> 00:29:25.220 is going to dissolve. 00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:26.839 God makes it very clear 00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:27.480 that those things 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.500 of this world 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.379 are going to pass away. 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.919 Peter talks about it there 00:29:30.919 --> 00:29:33.500 in 2 Peter chapter 3. 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.740 He says that the earth 00:29:34.740 --> 00:29:35.779 is going to be dissolved 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:37.519 in a fervent heat. 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:40.259 It's going to go away. 00:29:42.179 --> 00:29:42.759 And you say, 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:44.079 well, why is it going away? 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:45.099 Well, we'll talk about that 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:45.639 in just a moment. 00:29:45.839 --> 00:29:47.000 Because even Isaiah 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:47.899 understood this 00:29:47.899 --> 00:29:48.899 as he prophesied. 00:29:48.900 --> 00:29:50.340 He says this in Isaiah 40, 00:29:50.420 --> 00:29:50.940 verse 8, 00:29:51.259 --> 00:29:52.360 The grass withereth, 00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:53.580 the flower fadeth, 00:29:53.860 --> 00:29:56.060 but the word of our God 00:29:56.060 --> 00:29:57.440 shall stand forever. 00:29:57.820 --> 00:29:58.960 Because the real question 00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:00.100 when it comes to this 00:30:00.100 --> 00:30:01.600 is where do you place 00:30:01.600 --> 00:30:02.320 your trust? 00:30:03.019 --> 00:30:04.500 Will you trust the creation 00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:05.640 more than the Creator? 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:07.480 You know, 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:08.420 these verses serve 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.259 to remind us 00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:10.000 that we need to take 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:11.040 the word of God 00:30:11.040 --> 00:30:12.060 seriously. 00:30:13.060 --> 00:30:14.640 What it says will happen 00:30:14.640 --> 00:30:15.280 will happen. 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:17.320 It's a call to believe it, 00:30:17.540 --> 00:30:18.880 not just in what is to come, 00:30:18.880 --> 00:30:20.760 but also in what is necessary 00:30:20.760 --> 00:30:21.660 presently 00:30:21.660 --> 00:30:23.820 to address our greatest need 00:30:23.820 --> 00:30:24.600 and that's sin. 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:27.060 The sin that separates us 00:30:27.060 --> 00:30:27.680 from God. 00:30:28.260 --> 00:30:30.360 The sin that prevents us 00:30:30.360 --> 00:30:32.440 from coming to God. 00:30:32.740 --> 00:30:33.740 That's separation. 00:30:34.360 --> 00:30:36.580 Because what God has done 00:30:36.580 --> 00:30:37.360 for us 00:30:37.360 --> 00:30:38.600 to deal with it, 00:30:38.700 --> 00:30:39.920 1 Corinthians 15 00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:41.140 tells us this 00:30:41.140 --> 00:30:42.300 in verses 3 and 4. 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:42.520 It says, 00:30:42.600 --> 00:30:43.460 For I delivered unto you 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:44.000 first of all 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:44.880 that which I also received. 00:30:44.880 --> 00:30:46.960 how that Christ died 00:30:46.960 --> 00:30:48.100 for our sins 00:30:48.100 --> 00:30:49.580 according to the Scripture 00:30:49.580 --> 00:30:51.460 and that He was buried 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:52.780 and He rose again 00:30:52.780 --> 00:30:53.440 the third day 00:30:53.440 --> 00:30:54.440 according to the Scriptures. 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.860 I want you to see 00:30:56.860 --> 00:30:58.000 that when Jesus came 00:30:58.000 --> 00:30:58.820 nothing happened 00:30:58.820 --> 00:31:00.340 that wasn't already foretold. 00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:02.980 That wasn't already presented 00:31:02.980 --> 00:31:03.760 the reality 00:31:03.760 --> 00:31:05.200 that He was going to come, 00:31:05.320 --> 00:31:06.140 He was going to die. 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:07.640 You can read Psalm 22 00:31:07.640 --> 00:31:09.580 declares that. 00:31:09.760 --> 00:31:10.840 Isaiah 53 00:31:10.839 --> 00:31:12.359 all present the fact 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:13.039 that the Messiah 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:13.859 was going to come 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:14.679 and suffer 00:31:14.679 --> 00:31:16.019 and take upon Himself 00:31:16.019 --> 00:31:17.179 our sin 00:31:17.179 --> 00:31:18.579 and place it upon Himself. 00:31:19.079 --> 00:31:19.679 All this 00:31:19.679 --> 00:31:20.480 that He was buried 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:21.199 and rose again 00:31:21.199 --> 00:31:21.779 the third day 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:22.779 according to the Scripture. 00:31:23.199 --> 00:31:24.740 All this was foretold. 00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:26.039 And only through Christ 00:31:26.039 --> 00:31:27.059 can one believe. 00:31:27.359 --> 00:31:27.980 Because if you trust 00:31:27.980 --> 00:31:28.819 in what this world 00:31:28.819 --> 00:31:29.619 has to offer, 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:31.399 the foundation is not sure. 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:32.399 The Bible says 00:31:32.399 --> 00:31:33.519 this world is going to dissolve 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:34.159 and go away. 00:31:34.459 --> 00:31:35.279 I encourage you to 00:31:35.279 --> 00:31:36.919 understand it is 00:31:36.919 --> 00:31:38.139 because it's going to get replaced. 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.519 It's not going to get refreshed. 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:40.819 It's not going to get remodeled. 00:31:41.159 --> 00:31:41.759 It's going to be new. 00:31:44.299 --> 00:31:46.559 You can read Revelation 21 and 22 00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:47.599 if you have any questions. 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:48.899 Revelation 21 00:31:48.899 --> 00:31:49.839 makes it very clear 00:31:49.839 --> 00:31:51.059 that He's going to make 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:51.819 a new heaven 00:31:51.819 --> 00:31:52.699 and a new earth. 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:55.480 New means new. 00:31:56.559 --> 00:31:56.939 Amen? 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.179 When we understand 00:31:58.179 --> 00:31:59.599 that we can trust Him, 00:31:59.799 --> 00:32:01.379 we can trust what He's doing. 00:32:01.579 --> 00:32:02.359 We can trust 00:32:02.359 --> 00:32:03.019 that His will 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:03.879 is going to be done. 00:32:04.199 --> 00:32:04.919 We can trust 00:32:04.919 --> 00:32:06.000 in what He has said. 00:32:06.240 --> 00:32:06.639 You know, today 00:32:06.639 --> 00:32:08.019 we need to just trust Him. 00:32:09.659 --> 00:32:10.740 Trust and believe 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:10.859 and belief 00:32:10.859 --> 00:32:12.000 go together. 00:32:12.339 --> 00:32:13.940 Because I want you to know 00:32:13.940 --> 00:32:14.740 that believing 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:16.519 is more than just 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.160 acknowledgement. 00:32:17.620 --> 00:32:18.660 When the Bible speaks 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:19.259 of believing, 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:20.440 it's more than just 00:32:20.440 --> 00:32:22.380 acknowledging something exists. 00:32:22.660 --> 00:32:23.339 People believe 00:32:23.339 --> 00:32:24.339 in all sorts of things 00:32:24.339 --> 00:32:25.140 that are not so. 00:32:25.420 --> 00:32:26.740 But we must believe 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:28.799 that Jesus is 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:30.660 who He says He is. 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:32.079 Look over to the Gospel of John 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:32.559 for a moment. 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:34.220 John chapter 3 00:32:34.220 --> 00:32:37.360 in verse 18. 00:32:37.660 --> 00:32:39.079 It's a great verse today 00:32:39.079 --> 00:32:40.279 that oftentimes people say, 00:32:40.400 --> 00:32:41.660 well, why is God so angry? 00:32:43.160 --> 00:32:43.900 Have you ever had somebody 00:32:43.900 --> 00:32:44.460 tell you that? 00:32:45.579 --> 00:32:47.100 Why is God going to judge me? 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:48.600 God gives you 00:32:48.600 --> 00:32:49.799 the explanation right here. 00:32:51.220 --> 00:32:51.860 He says, 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:53.000 He that believeth on Him 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:53.839 is not condemned, 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:55.100 but he that believeth not 00:32:55.100 --> 00:32:57.200 is condemned already. 00:32:57.200 --> 00:33:00.319 Our condemnation 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:01.500 is because of our sin. 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:04.460 It's what within us 00:33:04.460 --> 00:33:05.360 that separates us 00:33:05.360 --> 00:33:05.940 from God. 00:33:06.740 --> 00:33:07.380 And God says, 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.200 I love you enough 00:33:08.200 --> 00:33:08.740 to make a way 00:33:08.740 --> 00:33:09.700 to overcome that. 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:11.700 He said, 00:33:11.759 --> 00:33:12.559 I took you. 00:33:12.860 --> 00:33:13.420 He came 00:33:13.420 --> 00:33:14.039 and I said, 00:33:14.120 --> 00:33:15.440 I came to rescue you. 00:33:15.640 --> 00:33:16.880 I came to save you. 00:33:16.920 --> 00:33:17.200 Why? 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:18.759 Because you are already 00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:19.140 condemned. 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:22.440 You've condemned yourself 00:33:22.440 --> 00:33:23.840 because of your sin. 00:33:24.419 --> 00:33:24.919 Jesus says, 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:26.359 I've come to rescue you. 00:33:27.279 --> 00:33:27.699 He says, 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:28.579 already because 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.579 he hath not believed 00:33:29.579 --> 00:33:30.119 in the name 00:33:30.119 --> 00:33:31.159 of the only begotten 00:33:31.159 --> 00:33:31.919 Son of God. 00:33:32.459 --> 00:33:32.699 You know, 00:33:33.039 --> 00:33:34.199 Jesus is the one 00:33:34.199 --> 00:33:35.179 that makes the difference. 00:33:36.179 --> 00:33:37.579 It's only through Him 00:33:37.579 --> 00:33:38.559 that makes the difference 00:33:38.559 --> 00:33:39.379 and He's reminding 00:33:39.379 --> 00:33:40.299 His disciples, 00:33:40.879 --> 00:33:41.740 but my word 00:33:41.740 --> 00:33:43.619 shall not pass away. 00:33:44.019 --> 00:33:44.779 Jesus tells us 00:33:44.779 --> 00:33:45.759 that we're to believe 00:33:45.759 --> 00:33:49.000 not just in Him 00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:49.379 to say, 00:33:49.720 --> 00:33:50.259 I acknowledge. 00:33:50.379 --> 00:33:50.480 You know, 00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:51.000 this time of year 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:51.819 a lot of people will say, 00:33:52.099 --> 00:33:52.199 yeah, 00:33:52.299 --> 00:33:53.659 I believe that Jesus 00:33:53.660 --> 00:33:54.800 was born in a manger. 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:56.060 That's good. 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:58.100 That's a start. 00:33:59.019 --> 00:33:59.800 But it's much more 00:33:59.800 --> 00:34:00.380 to understand, 00:34:00.480 --> 00:34:01.360 I believe He died 00:34:01.360 --> 00:34:02.180 for my sin. 00:34:03.800 --> 00:34:04.640 That when He came 00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:05.680 as a babe in a manger, 00:34:05.820 --> 00:34:07.100 He came to fulfill 00:34:07.100 --> 00:34:08.139 perfectly all that 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.860 was required 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:12.220 to pay what I could not pay. 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:13.079 That's believing 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:14.780 in Jesus 00:34:14.780 --> 00:34:16.400 and on what Jesus did. 00:34:18.099 --> 00:34:18.960 Because we can't get 00:34:18.960 --> 00:34:19.860 to heaven on our own. 00:34:21.079 --> 00:34:21.780 Jesus wants them 00:34:21.780 --> 00:34:22.599 to know that all 00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:23.300 these things are going 00:34:23.300 --> 00:34:24.120 to come to pass. 00:34:24.380 --> 00:34:25.480 We can rest assured 00:34:25.480 --> 00:34:26.640 what Jesus says 00:34:26.640 --> 00:34:27.320 is going to be. 00:34:28.680 --> 00:34:30.039 That things are secure, 00:34:30.200 --> 00:34:31.880 that we can trust Him 00:34:31.880 --> 00:34:33.539 not only in this life 00:34:33.539 --> 00:34:34.560 because we trust Him 00:34:34.560 --> 00:34:35.960 for that which is to come 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:36.460 that He says 00:34:36.460 --> 00:34:37.320 is going to be accomplished. 00:34:38.920 --> 00:34:40.260 Those things are true 00:34:40.260 --> 00:34:40.880 and everyone 00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:42.280 will one day answer 00:34:42.280 --> 00:34:43.920 to Him. 00:34:44.720 --> 00:34:45.039 You know, 00:34:45.080 --> 00:34:45.640 the Bible says 00:34:45.640 --> 00:34:46.480 one day every knee 00:34:46.480 --> 00:34:47.120 will bow 00:34:47.120 --> 00:34:48.320 and every tongue confess. 00:34:48.700 --> 00:34:49.980 Revelation chapter 20 00:34:49.980 --> 00:34:51.480 talks about a great 00:34:51.480 --> 00:34:52.960 white throne judgment 00:34:52.960 --> 00:34:53.840 where all those 00:34:53.840 --> 00:34:55.559 who have rejected Christ 00:34:55.559 --> 00:34:58.619 will one day stand. 00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:00.219 But the good news is 00:35:00.219 --> 00:35:01.159 is that you can bow 00:35:01.159 --> 00:35:02.599 to Him today 00:35:02.599 --> 00:35:04.159 and become His child. 00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:05.440 What greater thing 00:35:05.440 --> 00:35:06.340 that we can have 00:35:06.340 --> 00:35:07.400 than what we have 00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:07.940 in Christ? 00:35:08.300 --> 00:35:08.519 You know, 00:35:08.559 --> 00:35:09.139 this is something 00:35:09.139 --> 00:35:10.280 oftentimes it's easy 00:35:10.280 --> 00:35:11.340 for people to put off 00:35:11.340 --> 00:35:12.000 until tomorrow. 00:35:12.380 --> 00:35:13.480 But tomorrow we don't know 00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:14.400 whether the opportunity 00:35:14.400 --> 00:35:15.179 will pass. 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:15.619 You know, 00:35:15.659 --> 00:35:16.559 next week as we look 00:35:16.559 --> 00:35:16.840 in here, 00:35:16.900 --> 00:35:18.139 I want you to know 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:18.920 that Jesus says 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:20.099 no man know at the hour. 00:35:20.380 --> 00:35:20.940 We don't know 00:35:20.940 --> 00:35:21.940 when this age is going 00:35:21.940 --> 00:35:22.699 to end 00:35:22.699 --> 00:35:24.019 and you ought to be prepared. 00:35:24.380 --> 00:35:24.519 You know, 00:35:24.559 --> 00:35:25.759 today I'd encourage you 00:35:25.759 --> 00:35:26.599 that this Christmas 00:35:26.599 --> 00:35:27.599 let it be accomplished 00:35:27.599 --> 00:35:28.259 in you 00:35:28.259 --> 00:35:29.699 what He has accomplished 00:35:29.699 --> 00:35:30.400 for you 00:35:30.400 --> 00:35:31.239 because Christ 00:35:31.239 --> 00:35:32.360 has provided a way 00:35:32.360 --> 00:35:33.519 for us. 00:35:34.299 --> 00:35:35.259 When He promises 00:35:35.259 --> 00:35:36.219 to save 00:35:36.219 --> 00:35:37.980 anyone that will believe 00:35:37.980 --> 00:35:38.759 that He is the one 00:35:38.759 --> 00:35:39.320 that came 00:35:39.320 --> 00:35:40.219 and paid the price 00:35:40.219 --> 00:35:41.019 for their sins, 00:35:41.079 --> 00:35:42.039 He says it will 00:35:42.039 --> 00:35:43.699 be done. 00:35:44.779 --> 00:35:45.539 That's when the Bible 00:35:45.539 --> 00:35:46.800 says whosoever shall call 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:47.320 upon the name 00:35:47.320 --> 00:35:47.719 of the Lord 00:35:47.719 --> 00:35:50.360 shall be saved. 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:54.719 It will be done. 00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:57.059 As heads are bowed 00:35:57.059 --> 00:35:57.739 and eyes are closed 00:35:57.739 --> 00:35:58.239 this morning, 00:35:59.500 --> 00:35:59.639 you know, 00:35:59.679 --> 00:36:00.539 consider for a moment 00:36:00.539 --> 00:36:01.219 I want you to just 00:36:01.219 --> 00:36:02.340 contemplate between you 00:36:02.340 --> 00:36:02.860 and the Lord. 00:36:03.179 --> 00:36:03.860 I think it's important 00:36:03.860 --> 00:36:05.340 anytime we look 00:36:05.340 --> 00:36:06.079 at God's Word 00:36:06.079 --> 00:36:06.779 to really consider 00:36:06.779 --> 00:36:07.699 how does this apply 00:36:07.699 --> 00:36:08.179 to me? 00:36:08.380 --> 00:36:09.119 How does it apply 00:36:09.119 --> 00:36:10.099 to me as a person? 00:36:10.440 --> 00:36:10.679 Today, 00:36:10.779 --> 00:36:11.519 what are you trusting? 00:36:11.820 --> 00:36:12.539 Are you trusting 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:13.099 in the Lord? 00:36:14.719 --> 00:36:15.320 Trusting in what 00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:16.080 He says is going 00:36:16.080 --> 00:36:16.519 to be done 00:36:16.519 --> 00:36:16.960 and what's going 00:36:16.960 --> 00:36:17.519 to be accomplished 00:36:17.519 --> 00:36:18.980 and how it's going 00:36:18.980 --> 00:36:19.519 to be accomplished? 00:36:19.860 --> 00:36:20.620 Are you trusting 00:36:20.620 --> 00:36:21.460 in other things? 00:36:21.760 --> 00:36:21.980 Today, 00:36:22.080 --> 00:36:22.700 I pray that you're 00:36:22.700 --> 00:36:25.260 trusting in Jesus 00:36:25.260 --> 00:36:26.140 Christ alone. 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.920 If you're not sure, 00:36:29.000 --> 00:36:29.960 I encourage you here 00:36:29.960 --> 00:36:30.640 in just a moment, 00:36:30.880 --> 00:36:31.340 if you'll come 00:36:31.340 --> 00:36:31.660 and let somebody 00:36:31.660 --> 00:36:32.640 show you from God's 00:36:32.640 --> 00:36:33.580 Word how you can know. 00:36:33.860 --> 00:36:34.340 It's not what 00:36:34.340 --> 00:36:35.320 Plains Baptist Church 00:36:35.320 --> 00:36:35.519 says, 00:36:35.559 --> 00:36:36.380 it's what God has said 00:36:36.380 --> 00:36:37.160 that makes a difference. 00:36:37.420 --> 00:36:37.640 Today, 00:36:37.720 --> 00:36:38.260 maybe you know 00:36:38.260 --> 00:36:39.019 that you're saved 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:41.480 but maybe there's 00:36:41.480 --> 00:36:42.080 some things that you 00:36:42.080 --> 00:36:42.740 need to deal with 00:36:42.740 --> 00:36:43.280 in your life 00:36:43.280 --> 00:36:44.000 because you're saying, 00:36:44.000 --> 00:36:44.679 God, I've given 00:36:44.679 --> 00:36:45.579 other priorities. 00:36:45.960 --> 00:36:46.579 If there is, 00:36:46.639 --> 00:36:47.320 won't you come 00:36:47.320 --> 00:36:49.159 to Him today? 00:36:49.920 --> 00:36:50.599 Heavenly Fathers, 00:36:50.679 --> 00:36:51.800 we just turn this time 00:36:51.800 --> 00:36:52.460 and opportunity 00:36:52.460 --> 00:36:54.639 to respond over to you. 00:36:54.719 --> 00:36:55.119 Lord, I pray 00:36:55.119 --> 00:36:55.800 that you save your hand 00:36:55.800 --> 00:36:56.559 upon each heart, 00:36:56.639 --> 00:36:57.559 each life here today. 00:36:58.940 --> 00:36:59.960 Lord, we can hide 00:36:59.960 --> 00:37:00.659 from one another, 00:37:00.760 --> 00:37:01.380 Lord, but we cannot 00:37:01.380 --> 00:37:02.179 hide from you. 00:37:03.280 --> 00:37:03.840 Lord, I pray 00:37:03.840 --> 00:37:04.320 that you just work 00:37:04.320 --> 00:37:05.079 in a mighty way 00:37:05.079 --> 00:37:06.039 even as we have 00:37:06.039 --> 00:37:06.559 an opportunity 00:37:06.559 --> 00:37:07.559 to really consider 00:37:07.559 --> 00:37:09.559 where we are 00:37:09.559 --> 00:37:10.119 with you. 00:37:11.159 --> 00:37:12.059 Lord, we ask it 00:37:12.059 --> 00:37:13.420 all in your precious name. 00:37:14.840 --> 00:37:15.079 Amen.