Participants:
Series Code: SSP
Program Code: SSP210039S
|
00:01 Hello, friends, I'm Jill Morikone,
00:02 and welcome to 3ABN Sabbath School Panel, 00:04 Rest in Christ. 00:06 I can't believe we're at lesson number 13. 00:08 The last lesson of this quarter, 00:11 this title is The Ultimate Rest. 00:13 I want to encourage you to grab your Bible and your notebook 00:16 and a pen or pencil to take notes 00:19 and especially your Adult Bible Study Guide. 00:21 If you don't have your own copy, 00:23 you can always go to your local Seventh-day Adventist Church 00:25 and ask them for a copy 00:27 or you can go to ABSG.Adventist.org 00:32 and you can download your own copy 00:34 and study with us for this edition 00:36 of 3ABN Sabbath School Panel. 01:08 We are at the end of our journey of this quarter 01:11 as we look at The Ultimate Rest. 01:13 Of course, last week we studied the life of Jonah, 01:16 the reluctant ungracious prophet. 01:19 And we looked at how God worked redemptively in his own heart 01:23 as well as the people of Nineveh. 01:25 This week we look at The Ultimate Rest. 01:29 Wanna introduce my family, your family to you right now. 01:33 To my left Pastor Ryan Day, glad you're here. 01:34 Amen. 01:36 I'm glad to be here and excited about today's lesson, 01:38 gonna be diving into Matthew 24, 01:40 talking about the soon coming of Jesus. 01:42 Amen. 01:43 To your left, Pastor John Lomacang, 01:45 glad you're here. 01:46 And one of my specialties and one that I love very much, 01:49 the everlasting gospel of Revelation Chapter 14. 01:53 Yay, that's perfect for you. Absolutely. 01:55 Shelley Quinn, so glad you're here, my sister. 01:58 Oh, me too. Mine is RIP, rest in peace. 02:01 Amen. 02:03 Last but not least Pastor John Dinzey, glad you're here. 02:06 Thank you. 02:07 It's a privilege Thursday will be rejoice in the Lord always. 02:10 Amen. Okay. 02:11 Before we go any further, 02:13 we want to go to the Lord in prayer. 02:14 Pastor John, would you pray for us? 02:16 Sure. 02:17 Gracious Father, our loving Lord, 02:19 You have sustained us from week to week, 02:21 as we have walked through these very blessed lessons, 02:25 the practical aspects of things that we need as a people. 02:29 And we do pray that as we 02:31 finalize this quarter that 02:33 Your Spirit will continue to guide 02:34 our hearts and minds. 02:36 Thank You for the work that has been done, 02:37 the preparatory work but now send Your Spirit to unite us. 02:40 Yes. 02:41 And may all the glory and honor go only to you, 02:42 we pray in Christ's name. 02:44 Amen. Amen. 02:46 You know, life is a battle. 02:48 We are engaged in the Great Controversy, 02:50 the battle between good and evil, 02:52 between Christ and Satan. 02:54 It began in heaven. 02:56 It began actually when Satan thought 02:58 he would be like the Most High, he would ascend, 03:01 he would become like God, he thought only of himself. 03:04 And his war, as we're told in Revelation Chapter 12, 03:07 broke out in heaven, and Satan was defeated. 03:11 And he was cast down to this earth. 03:13 And we saw this great controversy battle 03:15 begin to play out in earth with Adam and Eve. 03:19 And when they partook of the forbidden fruit, 03:22 it plunged this world into the battle 03:25 between good and evil. 03:26 I'm so thankful that Christ Jesus came to pay 03:30 the penalty to free us from the penalty of sin 03:33 and from the power of sin. 03:36 He came to redeem us from the curse of the law, 03:38 to free us from the dominion of Satan, 03:40 to grant us the gift of eternal life, to redeem us 03:43 and buy us back from the land of the enemy. 03:46 He came to cleanse us from any trace of sin, 03:49 restoring us the image of Jesus, 03:52 reconcile us back to the Father. 03:55 The great controversy as it's being played out 03:57 as a lesson brought out in two different aspects. 04:01 It's played out on a global scale 04:03 between Christ and Satan. 04:04 And that battle is taking place before the entire universe. 04:08 But it's also played out on a personal scale 04:11 between Christ and Satan that's in the battlefield 04:13 of your heart, 04:15 and the battlefield of my heart. 04:17 We all have a decision to make in this great controversy. 04:21 Who will our master be? 04:24 As we look forward to that ultimate rest? 04:25 Let's read our memory text. 04:27 1 Corinthians 2:9. 04:30 1 Corinthians 2:9, 04:32 "As it is written: 04:33 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, 04:36 nor have entered into the heart of man the things 04:39 which God has prepared for those who love Him.'" 04:44 On Sundays lesson, we look at A Vision Of The End. 04:46 Turn with me to the Book of Revelation. 04:48 We're going to look at Revelation Chapter 1, 04:51 and Revelation Chapter 21. 04:54 You know, John, the beloved disciple was the youngest 04:57 of Jesus' disciples when he walked this earth. 05:00 But at this time, He's the oldest. 05:02 He's the surviving apostle of the rest. 05:05 The others, of course, 05:06 have been martyred for their faith. 05:08 He's exiled to the island of Patmos. 05:11 And the young church at this time is facing intense 05:14 persecution from without, 05:16 and they're facing heresy from within. 05:19 And John gets this vision, this Revelation of Jesus. 05:24 Revelation, the Book of Revelation is all about Jesus. 05:28 It's about His character and His love and His death, 05:30 resurrection and ascension, His heavenly sanctuary 05:34 and throne room. 05:35 His plan of redemption for fallen humanity, 05:38 His plan for the future, 05:39 His soon return the home be inheritance of the saints. 05:44 We see His power in His glory and His honor 05:47 and His victory, and His outworking 05:50 of the plan of redemption, 05:52 and the final eradication of sin, 05:55 and the ultimate rest, the ultimate home for you 05:59 and I the redeemed. 06:01 So in John 1:9, he writes, 06:04 "I, John, both your brother 06:06 and companion in the tribulation 06:08 and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, 06:11 was on the island that is called 06:12 Patmos for the word of God 06:14 and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." 06:17 John, as we see in the next few verses 06:19 sees a vision of Jesus. 06:21 He's instructed to write what he sees, 06:24 and send it to the seven churches of Asia. 06:28 So let's look just a moment at John's vision of Jesus. 06:31 Jesus shows up in the sanctuary. 06:34 That's right. 06:35 Revelation 1:12, 06:37 "Then I turn to see the voice that spoke with me. 06:39 And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands. 06:43 This, of course, is an allusion to the lampstands in the 06:46 Old Testament sanctuary. 06:48 And, of course, the seven lampstands 06:50 also represent the seven churches. 06:52 Christ is in the sanctuary, Christ is with His people. 06:57 In the midst of these difficult intense persecution 07:00 and intense times of heresy from within the church, 07:03 Christ is with His people. 07:05 But He doesn't just show up in the sanctuary. 07:07 He shows up dressed like an Old Testament priest. 07:11 We see that in verse 13, Revelation 1:13," 07:14 And in the midst of the seven lampstands, 07:15 One like the Son of Man," the Son of Man was Jesus' 07:19 favorite self-designation. 07:21 In the Gospels of Mark and Luke, 07:24 He calls Himself many times the Son of Man. 07:28 How is He clothed? 07:29 With a garment down to the feet. 07:32 Now only a priest or a judge would wear these long robes, 07:37 and he was girded about the chest with a golden band. 07:40 If you read Exodus 28, 07:42 you see what the Old Testament high priest wore 07:45 and the description of that, 07:47 and you'll see that the Leviticus, 07:48 Levitical priests were robed like this. 07:53 We see verse 14, 07:54 Jesus doesn't just show up in the sanctuary, 07:56 and He doesn't just show up 07:58 dressed like an Old Testament high priest. 08:01 He shows up with wisdom. 08:03 His head and hair were white like wool, 08:06 as white as snow. 08:08 Now, that doesn't mean you and I would think 08:09 if someone has white hair, maybe that means they're old. 08:11 But that doesn't mean old, that means wisdom. 08:15 It shows honor, respect, veneration, wisdom. 08:19 In fact, it's the same description 08:21 we see the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9, 08:23 that judgment scene, 08:26 where the hair of his head in that case was white, 08:29 like pure wool. 08:32 Now Jesus doesn't just show up with wisdom, 08:34 He shows up and searches us. 08:36 What does it say? 08:37 His head and hair were white like wool, 08:39 as white as snow, and his eyes like a flame of fire. 08:43 In Revelation 19, 08:44 we see Christ coming on a white horse, 08:48 and His eyes are like a flame of fire. 08:51 Our God is a consuming fire, purging away sin and dross. 08:56 Our God is all knowing, 08:58 possessing knowledge of the inmost secrets of men, 09:01 as well as coming future events. 09:04 And then Jesus shows up with brightness 09:06 and glory and power, 09:08 His face shining 09:10 with a countenance like of the sun. 09:12 Who is He? 09:13 Who is this Jesus who showed up? 09:15 If you just look at the Book of Revelation, 09:18 you see that He is the faithful witness. 09:20 He is the first begotten of the dead. 09:22 He is the prince of the kings of the earth. 09:25 He's the Son of man, he who lives in was dead, 09:28 He holds the seven stars. 09:30 He walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. 09:33 He's the Son of God. 09:35 He is who searches the reigns and the hearts. 09:38 He that has the seven stars, 09:40 He that is holy and true that He that the key of David. 09:44 He that shuts and no man opens. 09:46 He is the amen, the faithful and true witness, 09:49 the beginning of the creation of God, 09:51 the Lord the Lion of the tribe of Judah, 09:53 the Root of David, the Lamb as it had been slain, 09:57 King of kings and Lord of lords. 09:59 He is faithful and true the Word of God. 10:02 He's the rider of the white horse. 10:03 He is the Christ, the Lord God of the holy prophets, 10:06 the Bright and Morning Star. 10:08 He's the Alpha and the Omega, 10:10 He's the beginning and the end. 10:11 He is the first and the last. 10:13 That is the Jesus that shows up in the Book of Revelation, 10:16 and He shows up for you and for me. 10:19 Revelation shows the final triumph of Christ over Satan. 10:23 In this great controversy, sin is defeated, 10:27 Christ wins. 10:29 Death is no more. 10:31 We see that in Revelation 21. 10:32 Let's look at that, Revelation 21:1-4. 10:37 "I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth, 10:40 for the first heaven 10:41 and the first earth had passed away. 10:44 There was no more sea. 10:46 Then I, John, saw the holy city, 10:48 New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 10:52 prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 10:55 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 10:57 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 11:00 He would dwell with them, they shall be His people. 11:03 God Himself will be with them, and be their God. 11:07 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." 11:11 Amen. 11:12 There will be no more death, no more sorrow, 11:14 no more crying. 11:16 There will be no more pain, for the former things 11:19 they have passed away.'" 11:21 You feel like you're living in a world of turmoil, 11:24 a world that the great controversy 11:25 is raging in your own heart, 11:27 or the hearts of your family members 11:29 or church or community. 11:31 There's coming a time, there will be ultimate rest. 11:36 The new earth is a place to rest. 11:38 There be no more sin, no more sickness, 11:40 no more suffering, no more sorrow, 11:42 no more separation. 11:44 There's going to be no more destruction, 11:46 no more devastation, no more despair, 11:49 no more despondencies, no more difficulties, 11:52 no more death. 11:54 There's gonna be no more trials, 11:56 no more torment, no more trouble, 11:59 no more tests, no more tears, because the former things 12:04 have passed away, because the Lord Jesus has won 12:08 the great controversy. 12:10 And all it takes is you and I to reach our hand out 12:13 and say yes, I want to be part of your group of people, God. 12:17 Yes, I want You to come in, and to cleanse and to restore 12:20 and to change and to transform. 12:22 I want to spend eternity with you. 12:24 I am putting my will on the side of Jesus. 12:29 And what will happen in that day, 12:31 I love this quote, 12:33 "The great controversy is ended. 12:36 Sin and sinners are no more. 12:39 The entire universe is clean. 12:43 One pulse of harmony and gladness 12:45 beats through the vast creation. 12:47 From Him who created all, 12:49 flow life and light and gladness, 12:52 throughout the realms of illimitable space. 12:56 From the minutest atom to the greatest world, 13:00 all things, animate 13:02 and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty 13:05 and perfect joy, declare that God is love." 13:11 Do you know this God? 13:12 Have you made this God Lord and Savior of your life? 13:17 You see, Satan wants to twist the character of God, 13:20 and make you think that God is a God of hate, 13:23 that God is a God of death, 13:25 that God is a God of punishment, 13:27 but our God is a God of love. 13:30 And someday soon when Jesus comes again, 13:34 this world that we live in will be no more. 13:37 These struggles that we go through 13:40 will happen no more. 13:42 Jesus is coming again. 13:44 And we have the privilege 13:46 of spending eternity with a God of love. 13:49 Hallelujah. Amen. 13:52 Praise the Lord. Thank you so much. 13:54 I love that quote that you just read. 13:55 I believe that was the last line 13:57 of Great Controversy. 13:58 Last paragraph, 13:59 and it's interesting that conflict series 14:01 begins with God is love and it ends with God is love. 14:05 And our God of love wants us to be prepared 14:07 and ready for His soon return. 14:09 And that's what Monday's lesson is all about. 14:12 It's entitled The Countdown. That's exciting. 14:15 The countdown because if we're going to be ready, 14:17 we need to make sure that we're ready. 14:19 And Jesus has not left any stone unturned. 14:21 He makes, He made sure that He put all 14:23 the details in there so that we might be ready. 14:27 And so we're going to be going to the Book 14:28 of Matthew Chapter 24. 14:30 So that's going to be where we're going 14:31 if you want to turn with me in your Bibles. 14:33 And obviously Jesus is, 14:36 He's going to deliver His final, 14:38 I guess, prophetic farewell address to His disciples atop 14:41 the Mount of Olives. 14:43 He has just left the temple. 14:45 And the Bible says that He goes to the top 14:46 of the Mount of Olives, 14:48 and He meets with His disciples privately. 14:51 And we're going to pick up there in Matthew 24:3, 14:54 notice what the Bible says, 14:55 "Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, 14:57 the disciples came to Him privately, saying, 14:59 'Tell us, when will these things be? 15:02 And what will be the sign of Your coming, 15:05 and the end of the age?'" 15:07 They want to know, Lord, You've told us 15:09 that You're going to be leaving, 15:10 and that You're going to return, 15:11 but how will we know. 15:13 Because ultimately, as this, 15:14 as this whole study is entitled, 15:16 Rest in Christ, we're not going to really experience 15:19 the ultimate rest until Jesus comes back to give us 15:22 that eternal rest in Him in which we can be with Him, 15:25 and in His presence for all eternity. 15:28 And so what Jesus is about to do in Matthew 24, 15:30 is He's about to present this powerful, 15:33 very detailed panoramic timeline 15:36 that stretches from His day all the way down to the end 15:40 of the world to the second coming of Jesus. 15:42 And so we know very well, 15:44 especially as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, 15:46 that there's going to be coming this time of trouble. 15:49 And the Book of Daniel talks about this, 15:50 this time of trouble that never has been nor ever will be. 15:53 And Jesus wants us to be prepared for that, 15:57 which immediately precedes His coming. 15:59 And we want to make sure that we're prepared for all of that, 16:01 and therefore, that's why we have these powerful 16:03 prophetic chapters, such as Matthew Chapter 24, 16:06 the great Olivet Discourse. 16:08 We're going to pick up in verse 4, again. 16:10 Matthew Chapter 24, beginning with verse 4, 16:12 and we're going to read through verse 8. 16:14 Notice what Jesus starts with. 16:15 It says, "And Jesus answered and said to them: 16:18 'Take heed that no one deceives you." 16:22 I find that interesting that that was his very first word. 16:24 It's almost like his thesis 16:25 sentence for everything that he's about to cover. 16:27 Because you're going to see this issue come back up over 16:29 and over through that prior to the second coming of Jesus, 16:32 if we might enter into that eternal, 16:35 perfect, ultimate rest, 16:36 we need to make sure that we are safeguarded, 16:39 and that we are not going to be deceived. 16:40 So He starts with, let no one deceive you. 16:43 And then He goes on to say, 16:45 "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' 16:48 and will deceive not few, but many, the majority. 16:52 And will hear of wars, 16:54 He says and you will hear of wars, and rumors of wars. 16:57 See that you are not troubled, for all these things 16:59 must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 17:03 For nation will rise against nation, 17:05 and kingdom against kingdom. 17:06 And there will be famines, pestilences, 17:09 and earthquakes in various places." 17:11 And then this is a fascinating verse here, verse 8, he says, 17:14 "All of these things that he's just mentioned, 17:16 are just the beginning of sorrows." 17:18 Now you may not get catch the fullness 17:20 of this until you go a little bit deeper, 17:22 and study the word for sorrows there. 17:24 It's the word in the Greek, it's pronounced odin, 17:27 odin which means birth pangs. 17:30 It means childbirth, it can be translated childbirth. 17:33 So what is Jesus saying? 17:34 All these things that I've just mentioned, 17:36 nations rising against nation, wars and then rumors of wars, 17:39 pestilences, earthquakes in various places, famines, 17:41 all of these things, is this is just the beginning. 17:44 You had these things for so long, 17:45 but how will you know I'm coming soon? 17:48 He says, it's gonna be just like a woman 17:49 who is experiencing birth pains. 17:51 And I have never in my life ever met a woman 17:53 who gave birth, who was just sitting on the couch 17:55 one day, and then all of a sudden looked down 17:57 and said, "Oh, what's this baby doing here?" 18:00 There were some warning signs 18:01 along the way that that baby's coming, right? 18:03 And that's exactly what Jesus is giving us here, 18:05 right here in Matthew 24. 18:07 He says, I'm coming soon. 18:08 And I want to give My children 18:10 whom I love dearly, that eternal rest with Me 18:12 where they can be with Me for all eternity, 18:14 but you need to be prepared, 18:15 you need to be aware of what is coming. 18:17 And so what will happen 18:19 leading up to the second coming in this great tribulation 18:22 time period that is spoken of. 18:24 Let's read on, we're right here in verse 23. 18:26 We're gonna skip down to verse 23. 18:28 So that's Matthew 24, beginning with verse 23. 18:31 It says, "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, 18:33 here is the Christ!' or 'There!' 18:35 Do not believe it. 18:37 For false christs and false prophets will arise 18:39 and show great signs and wonders," 18:41 there it is again, "to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 18:46 See, He says, I have told you beforehand. 18:49 Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' 18:52 Do not go out, or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' 18:55 Do not believe it. 18:57 For as the lightning comes from the east 18:59 and flashes even to the west, 19:01 so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." 19:04 That is a powerful, just image to take in. 19:07 Because a lot of people think that that is describing 19:10 the swiftness of His coming 19:11 and I do believe that 19:13 it's going to be swift and quick, 19:14 but not so swift and quick 19:15 that people are going to miss it like 19:17 some people try to say in this left behind theory 19:19 and ideology, you will see the Son of Man coming. 19:21 In fact, I love this because I can 19:23 imagine this I grew up in the south, 19:25 and I've even seen this once or twice since 19:27 I've been here in Southern Illinois. 19:28 If you've ever seen a southern lightning storm, 19:31 you don't even have to be looking 19:33 directly at that lightning storm 19:35 that may be coming out 19:36 of the west or northwest or whatever direction, 19:39 you can have your back. 19:40 There was times in the south 19:41 going up in northeastern Arkansas, 19:43 I would have my entire back turn away from or turn toward 19:47 the lightning storm looking away from it. 19:50 But I would still see 19:51 the powerful effects from that lightning storm 19:53 as it would dance across the sky. 19:55 I would see its effects all across the sky. 19:57 What Jesus is saying here is you're not going to miss it. 19:59 Because My coming will be that visible, 20:01 it will be that grand. 20:03 Let's go on to verse 29. 20:05 He says, "Immediately 20:06 after the tribulation of those days, 20:07 the sun will be darkened, 20:09 and the moon will not give its light, 20:10 and the stars will fall from the heaven, 20:12 and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 20:15 You will know He's coming, because there will be some 20:18 very clear amazing signs in the atmosphere, 20:21 and from the stars, and from the heavens 20:23 and from the sun, 20:25 you're going to know Jesus says, 20:26 when you see these things happening, 20:27 these miraculous signs, 20:29 you will know that My coming is near, 20:30 that happens right before the appearing of Jesus. 20:33 How do we know that? 20:34 Read verse 30, it says, 20:36 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, 20:38 and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, 20:40 and they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds 20:42 of heaven with power and great glory. 20:45 And He will send His angels with a great sound 20:47 of a trumpet, and they will gather 20:49 His elect from the four winds, 20:51 from one end of heaven to the other." 20:53 This is gonna be an awesome event. 20:56 This is going to be the greatest event 20:57 ever to happen on this planet. 20:59 You got people that gather, you know, for the NBA finals, 21:02 and, you know, the Super Bowl, 21:04 and you know, every four years, 21:06 the Olympics happen where billions 21:07 of people on this planet are tuning in. 21:08 Let me tell you something, 21:10 there's not an event in the history of mankind 21:11 that's going to be as great as this right here, my friend. 21:14 Jesus says, "I'm on my way, 21:15 I'm coming very soon, and I want you to be prepared." 21:18 That's what Matthew 24 is all about. 21:20 That's what the Book of Revelation is all about. 21:22 That's what the great prophetic 21:23 and apocalyptic Book of Daniel is all about, 21:26 to prepare God's people for His soon return. 21:28 And make no mistake about it. 21:30 Jesus says, look, all of these things may happen. 21:32 But let me tell you what it's gonna be like 21:33 prior to and leading up to the second coming of Jesus. 21:36 Matthew 24:37-39, he says, 21:39 "But as the days of Noah were, 21:41 so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 21:44 For as the days before the flood, 21:46 they were eating and drinking, 21:48 marrying and giving in marriage, 21:50 until the day that Noah entered the ark, 21:52 and did not know until the flood came 21:54 and took them all away, so also will the coming 21:59 of the Son of Man be." 22:00 There's going to be a sense in which 22:02 people are going to be thinking, 22:03 as Paul would say, peace and safety. 22:05 But when they say peace and safety, 22:07 then sudden destruction comes upon them as labor pains. 22:10 There it is, again, that same word odin, 22:12 labor pains upon a pregnant woman, 22:14 and they shall no not escape. 22:16 My friends, Jesus is coming soon. 22:18 That's right. And what is our part? 22:20 That's the question. 22:22 What should we be doing? 22:23 What is our part to make sure that we can 22:25 prepare for this soon arrival of the Son of God? 22:28 Matthew 24. 22:30 I'm going to start with verse 12. 22:31 We're going to read to verse 14. 22:32 This is powerful. Notice what Jesus says. 22:35 He says, "And because lawlessness 22:36 will abound, the love of many will grow cold." 22:41 One, one major part is that when we reflect 22:43 the love and character of Jesus Christ, 22:45 we put love back into this dark world. 22:48 It is our job to reflect the character of Jesus. 22:50 It's our job to share the love of Jesus 22:53 with every single person around us. 22:55 If we were going to enter into His rest, 22:57 we need to share God's love with all of the world. 23:00 But He goes on to say in verse 13, 23:02 "But he who endures to the end shall be saved." 23:05 Are you enduring? 23:07 Are you prepared for the soon return of Jesus? 23:09 Because those who endure to the end shall be saved, 23:11 those who persevere to the end shall be saved. 23:15 Paul fought the good fight, he ran the course, 23:18 he ran the race, he finished the race. 23:20 Are you doing that as well? 23:22 That's what Jesus is talking about here. 23:23 We have to persevere. 23:24 And then in verse 14, 23:26 "And this gospel of the kingdom 23:27 will be preached in all the world 23:29 as a witness to the nations, 23:31 and then the end will come to all the nations." 23:34 We're talking about the everlasting gospel, 23:37 and I'm not gonna speak too much on that, 23:39 because that's what Pastor Lomacang 23:40 is going to speak on in just a moment. 23:41 But how can we be prepared? 23:43 How can we make sure that 23:44 we're prepared for Jesus' soon return? 23:47 My friends, we need to be preaching the gospel. 23:48 We need to be living the gospel 23:50 out in our lives before the world 23:52 and that's what Jesus is saying here. 23:53 He's saying, I will come back 23:55 when you manifest and live out the gospel 23:57 and preach the gospel to all this lost and dying world. 24:00 Amen. 24:02 Thank you so much, Pastor Ryan. 24:03 We're gonna take a break, we'll be right back. 24:10 Ever wish you could watch a 3ABN 24:12 Sabbath School Panel again, or share it on Facebook, 24:15 Instagram or Twitter? 24:17 Well, you can by visiting 3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com 24:22 A clean design makes it easy to find the program 24:25 you're looking for. 24:27 There are also links to the Adult Bible Study Guide 24:30 so you can follow along. 24:32 Sharing is easy. 24:33 Just click share and choose your favorite social media. 24:36 Share a link, save a life for eternity. 24:41 Welcome back to lesson 13, The Ultimate Rest. 24:44 We're gonna kick it over to Pastor 24:45 John Lomacang in Tuesday's lesson. 24:47 Wow, I tell you, mine is Marching Orders. 24:51 I could hear the hallelujah chorus 24:53 in my head as I think about this topic, 24:55 the Marching Orders. 24:57 We on Tuesday 24:58 and we are going to be talking about the Everlasting Gospel. 25:02 It comes from the Greek word aionios, 25:04 meaning everlasting 25:06 since the world began eternal and forever. 25:09 So the final message of the three angels 25:12 is one that was planted 25:13 when the Lord gave the commission. 25:16 He says, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, 25:19 between thy seed and her seed. 25:21 He forecasted 25:22 the ultimate victory from the Garden of Eden. 25:26 And the great controversy played itself out and, 25:29 brethren, the good news is we're at the last 25:31 of the seven churches. 25:33 This is the last of the four kingdoms 25:36 of Daniel 7 and Daniel Chapter 2. 25:38 We are living on the cusp of eternity. 25:41 And the everlasting gospel 25:43 is the marching orders of this hour. 25:45 Think about the environment we live. 25:48 And we are confronted by an indiscriminate 25:51 contagion called sin. 25:53 We live in a society that puts its irresponsible 25:56 behavior on full display. 25:58 It is in this context that God says 26:00 the everlasting gospel has relevance. 26:03 Calamity and disease are Satan's tools preparing 26:05 the world for its final end. 26:07 There is an irresistible, 26:09 fearful anxiety that is hovering over humanity. 26:13 It is in this context that the Lord says 26:15 proclaim the everlasting gospel. 26:17 But notice the context of lesson his marching orders, 26:20 meaning, we're not church members, 26:22 we're soldiers. 26:23 We are not members that are a part of a club 26:26 of people that identify with the same gospel. 26:28 We are standing on the whole armor of God. 26:31 And Paul said in his attitude, in his final farewell, 26:34 I have fought a good fight. 26:36 We must contend for the faith. 26:38 And a part of that final commission 26:40 is the proclamation of the everlasting gospel. 26:42 We live in a world where fires are unquenchable. 26:45 And all of life's accomplishments 26:46 can go up in an instant. 26:48 But the Lord is saying, as the world is coming down, 26:51 the gospel should be going up. 26:52 And Revelation 14:6-12 26:55 gives us a picture of this everlasting gospel, 26:58 which is the preamble of our eternal victory. 27:01 Let's look at that together. 27:02 Revelation 14:6-12. 27:05 "And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, 27:09 having the everlasting gospel," 27:11 the aionios, the gospel that began that has no end 27:15 until all of its components are complete, 27:18 "having the everlasting gospel, to preach to those 27:21 who dwell on the earth," to who? 27:23 "To every nation, every tribe, every tongue, 27:26 every people saying with a," what kind of voice? 27:29 "Loud voice." What is he saying? 27:33 "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour 27:36 of His judgment is come and worship Him 27:40 who made heaven and earth, 27:42 the sea and the springs of waters or the fountains 27:44 of waters," as the King James Version says. 27:47 "And then another angel," verse 8, 27:49 "followed, saying, 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen." 27:54 Babylon is already fallen in the eyes of God, 27:56 soon Babylon will be fallen in the eyes of humanity. 28:00 How does the Bible describe Babylon? 28:02 That great city, 28:03 the city of antiquity that is now 28:05 a symbolic organization, a symbolic coalition, 28:09 standing building its tower based on works, 28:12 trying to succumb, trying not to succumb 28:15 to the final movement of the gospel. 28:16 But here's the good news. 28:18 When we proclaim the gospel, Jesus says, 28:20 the gates of hell cannot withstand, 28:22 it cannot prevail against it. 28:24 So keep on standing firm, and what is that message? 28:27 Why is that city great? Why is it coming down? 28:30 Because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath 28:33 of her fornication. 28:35 "Then a third angel, follow them," in verse 9 28:36 of Revelation 14, 28:38 saying with a what kind of voice? 28:39 "Loud voice, 'If anyone worships 28:42 the beast and his image, 28:44 and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 28:48 he himself shall also drink of the wine 28:50 of the wrath of God which is poured out 28:52 full strength into the cup of his indignation. 28:57 He shall be tormented with fire 28:59 and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, 29:02 and in the presence of the Lamb." 29:05 But this is the part that ties into the rest aspect 29:08 of our lesson. 29:09 In verse 11, 29:11 "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever, 29:15 and they have no rest day or night, 29:18 who worship the beast and his image, 29:20 and whoever receives the mark of his name. 29:23 Here is the patience of the saints, 29:26 here are they who keep the commandments 29:28 of God and the what? 29:30 Faith of Jesus. 29:31 Now let me qualify something very carefully. 29:33 When the Bible says forever and ever, 29:35 that is as long as sinful humanity exists, 29:39 but sinful humanity cannot exist forever and ever, 29:42 because the Bible says the wages of sin is death, 29:45 but the gift of God is eternal life 29:47 in Christ Jesus our Lord. 29:49 So when it talks about the smoke of their torment 29:50 ascending up forever and ever. 29:52 As long as there is something to burn that smoke will ascend, 29:56 but Malachi says one day 29:57 we will trample on the wicked because they will be ashes unto 30:02 the soles of our feet on the day 30:04 that the Lord does this. 30:06 So, don't think that the wicked have anything 30:08 eternal because here's the Bible. 30:10 He who has the Son has life. That's right. 30:13 He who does not have the Son does not have life. 30:15 The wicked don't have the Son, 30:17 therefore they cannot have life. 30:20 When the Bible talks about marching orders, 30:21 to whom are the marching orders given? 30:23 Go to Revelation 12:17. 30:25 Go there with me quickly, to whom are the marching 30:29 orders given? 30:30 Well, the marching orders are given to those that 30:33 the devil are upset about. 30:34 That's right. 30:35 He wouldn't be upset about anybody 30:37 who did not have some kind of antidote 30:40 against his deception. 30:42 And I love the fact that 30:43 the Bible gives this picture, Ryan. 30:45 You see the woman in Revelation and the woman in Genesis. 30:48 In Genesis, 30:49 the devil was able to seduce her 30:51 by his beguilement, 30:52 he was able to lead her into deception. 30:54 But this woman has a new husband now. 30:57 And when he comes to her to discuss a relationship, 31:01 she says, oh, wait a minute, not this time. 31:03 Not this time. 31:04 And so, because she turns him down. 31:07 The Bible says, and the dragon is in rage, 31:10 or dragon is expressing his wrath against the woman. 31:15 And he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, 31:18 who are they? 31:19 Who keep the commandments of God and have 31:20 the testimony of Jesus Christ? 31:22 So, why is he upset? 31:24 My brethren, the three angels' messages 31:28 is a proclamation revealing Satan's final movements. 31:32 And the devil is upset 31:33 with those who are proclaiming this everlasting gospel, 31:37 who are proclaiming the marching orders of heaven, 31:40 who are proclaiming a message that will not fail, 31:44 but that will result in the rescue of millions. 31:49 How do I know that? 31:50 You see the first and the third message 31:52 will proclaim with a loud voice? 31:55 When does the second message elevate to a loud voice? 32:00 Revelation Chapter 18. Here it is. 32:02 When does it elevate to a loud voice, 32:05 to a fever pitch. 32:07 The Bible says in Revelation 18:4. 32:13 And I heard another voice from heaven. 32:16 And by the way, let's go to verse 2. 32:20 "And he cried mightily with a loud voice saying, 32:23 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,' 32:26 and has become the habitation of demons, 32:29 and a prison for every foul spirit, 32:31 and the cage for every unclean and hated bird.'" 32:34 And here's why it has to increase. 32:36 You see, from the time that the systems 32:39 of Babylon began to be developed, 32:41 all the movements that claim to have an allegiance to God's 32:45 Word, but decides to turn away from the Word 32:47 of God to tradition, from the Word of God 32:50 to the commandments of men, 32:51 from the day of God to the day of man, 32:54 from the truth of God's Word 32:55 to the error of humanity, 32:57 to those things that are solid, to those things that are shaky 33:01 and cause people to have teachers that having, 33:03 have itching ears. 33:04 And we're living in a day and age where religion 33:07 has been so diluted, that God is saying, 33:10 when you proclaim this final message, 33:12 please proclaim it with a loud voice. 33:15 Why is he doing that? 33:16 And here's the assurance. 33:19 I'm gonna go back to Matthew 24. 33:20 Here's the assurance that 33:22 the marching orders will not fail. 33:24 Matthew 24:14, 33:26 "And this gospel of the kingdom 33:29 will be preached in all the world 33:32 as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come." 33:36 Why is the Lord proclaiming this message so vehemently? 33:40 Why is He so concerned about every nation, 33:42 every kindred, every tongue, every people? 33:45 Here's the reason why. 33:46 There are sincere Christians in every walk of life, 33:50 and many of them have not heard the everlasting gospel. 33:52 Many preachers are not even proclaiming 33:55 the three angels' messages. 33:56 But the Lord says in John 10:16, wait a minute, 34:00 how can they come out unless somebody calls them out? 34:03 John 10:16, "And other sheep I have, 34:06 which are not of this fold, them also I must bring in, 34:10 they will hear My voice." 34:11 How? 34:13 Because it's going to be proclaimed with a loud voice. 34:15 "And they will be one fold and one shepherd." 34:17 And in that day, Isaiah 2:3 says this, 34:21 "Many people shall come and say, 34:23 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, 34:28 to the house of the God of Jacob, 34:29 He will teach us His ways, 34:32 and we shall walk in his paths. 34:35 For out of Zion shall go forth the law, 34:39 and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.'" 34:41 But how's that going to happen? 34:42 Isaiah 60, "Arise and shine, for your light has come, 34:46 and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 34:48 So here's the key. 34:50 If you proclaim the gospel, 34:51 you will be a soldier marching forward 34:53 and the glory of God will be seen in your life. 34:57 Hallelujah. 34:58 Oh, you guys are on fire altar. 35:01 And my lesson is Wednesday's Rest in Peace. 35:04 You know, for centuries, 35:06 we have been awaiting Christ's return. 35:10 And it won't be long 35:12 I believe before He fulfills 35:15 His promise of John 5:28-29. 35:19 Let's begin there. 35:20 John 5:28-29. 35:23 This is Jesus speaking. 35:25 And he says, 35:26 "Do not marvel at this, for the hour 35:29 is coming in which all 35:33 who are in their graves will hear His voice, 35:39 and they will come forth, 35:42 those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, 35:46 those who have done evil, 35:49 to the resurrection of condemnation. 35:53 Now, wait a minute, 35:55 where are people when Jesus returns? 35:58 In the grave. The dead are in the grave. 36:00 Okay, let's look at this. 36:01 This contradicts the popular teaching that as soon 36:05 as one dies, they go to heaven, 36:08 and they're up there with Jesus. 36:10 I was taught, your spirit went to heaven. 36:14 You were up there, came back with him reunited, 36:17 you went back into the grave. 36:19 It was a convoluted teaching. 36:20 But here's what I want to tell you. 36:22 That teaching is built upon 36:26 a false premise that we have immortal soul. 36:30 The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:16, 36:33 God alone is immortal. 36:35 It says, "He who alone has immortality, 36:40 dwelling inapproachable or unapproachable like. 36:45 God is an infinite being with no beginning, no end. 36:48 His self-existence. He is eternal. 36:51 The Bible mentions man's soul over 1600 times, 36:56 not once, 36:58 is it associated with immortality. 37:02 Not one scripture in the Bible 37:05 says that man has an immortal soul. 37:08 As a matter of fact, you know, 37:10 when Bible believers, those who have faith in Christ, 37:14 you know, when we put on immortality? 37:17 At the last trump. That's right. 37:18 When Jesus returns 37:20 and let me prove that, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, 37:24 Paul is speaking to Christians. 37:26 He says, "Behold, I tell you a mystery." 37:28 That's right. 37:30 "We shall not all sleep," 37:31 that is a Bible metaphor for death, 37:33 "but we shall all be changed in the moment in the twinkling 37:36 of an eye, at the last trumpet," 37:39 that's when we're changed, "for the trumpet will sound 37:42 and the dead will be raised incorruptible 37:46 and we shall change, for this corruption 37:49 must put on incorruption." 37:51 Now, by the way, he is speaking only to Christians, 37:56 the ones who are going to raise and put on immortality, 37:59 the only ones that are given. 38:01 God so loved the world, 38:03 He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed in Him 38:06 would not perish, but have everlasting life. 38:10 So this is that first 38:11 resurrection of the righteous that Jesus was talking about. 38:15 And Paul says in verse 53, 38:17 "This corruptible must put on incorruption, 38:19 this mortal must put on immortality. 38:22 So when this has happened, 38:24 and this mortal has put on immortality, 38:27 then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 38:30 'Death is swallowed up in victory. 38:33 O death, where is your sting? 38:37 Hades, where is your victory?'" 38:41 God who alone is immortal 38:44 is going to grant us immortal life. 38:46 The saved will put on immortality 38:50 at the last trumpet. 38:51 Now, Jesus compares someone 38:56 the person's condition between death 39:00 and resurrection to an unconscious sleep. 39:04 Let's look at that John 11:11-14. 39:07 John 11:11, 39:11 "Then after these things, He, Jesus said, 39:14 and after that, He said to them, 39:17 'Our friend Lazarus sleeps, 39:21 but I go that I may wake him up.' 39:24 And then His disciples said, 'Oh, Lord, 39:26 if he sleeps he'll get well.' 39:29 However, Jesus spoke of his death, 39:32 but they thought that he was speaking about 39:34 taking rest in sleep. 39:37 Then Jesus said to them plainly, 39:39 'Lazarus is dead.'" 39:40 See, in both the Old Testament 39:42 and the New Testament, it refers to death 39:47 as a sleep. 39:48 In fact, the word in the Greek can be translated 39:52 as ordinary sleep, asleep, 39:54 sleep, die or to be dead. 39:58 But throughout the Bible like David, 40:01 what does it talk about David in the other 40:03 Old Testament kings, they are sleeping 40:05 with their fathers. 40:07 When Stephen was martyred and stoned to death, 40:10 Luke wrote, he fell asleep. 40:13 So it's interesting. 40:16 You see, you go to old graves yards 40:19 and you see RIP, rest in peace. 40:23 You know, for a Christian, 40:26 when a Christian dies, 40:29 they sleep in Jesus, 40:32 the very next conscious moment that they have. 40:36 There's no real passing of time for them. 40:38 They're asleep. 40:40 And the next thing they know they hear Jesus' voice 40:42 and they come up out of the grave to see His face. 40:46 What does the Bible say happens when we die? 40:49 Just, I'm gonna go through this real quickly, 40:52 so you can write down the reference. 40:54 Okay. Ecclesiastes 9:5. 40:56 Ecclesiastes 9:5 says, 40:59 "The dead know nothing." 41:02 Like a sleep, the dead are unconscious. 41:05 That's right. Ecclesiastes 9:10. 41:08 Like sleep they are resting. 41:10 It says, "There is no work or device or knowledge 41:12 of wisdom in the grave where you're going. 41:14 Psalm 146:4 says, 41:17 "Like sleep, there's no conscious thought. 41:20 You lie unconscious in the grave. 41:22 He said, his spirit departs, he returns to the earth. 41:25 That very day his plans perish." 41:27 Psalm 115:17 said, 41:29 "The dead do not praise the Lord. 41:32 Job 14:12 says, 41:35 "That you sleep till you are awaken, he said, 41:37 so man lies down 41:39 and does not rise till the heavens are no more." 41:44 They will not awake nor be aroused from their sleep. 41:48 Not till that last trumpet. 41:49 And then Daniel 12:1-2, 41:52 this is during the prophesied time of trouble, 41:55 just before Christ's return. 41:56 And at Christ's return, Daniel says, 41:59 "At that time, your people shall be delivered, 42:02 everyone who is found written in the book, 42:05 this is the book of life. 42:06 And he says, 'Many of those who sleep in the dust 42:11 of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, 42:16 just like Jesus said, they'll come forward, 42:18 those who are righteous to everlasting life." 42:21 And then Daniel said, "Some to shame 42:23 and everlasting contempt." 42:25 Isn't that what Jesus just said in John 5:28-29. 42:29 So death is a sleep from which there will be a wakening. 42:35 But I've got to read this. 42:37 Christ's second coming is the culmination of all 42:41 of our hopes, is it not? 42:43 And it's not just ours, but it's for the hope 42:47 of all who have died in the Lord 42:50 since centuries passed. 42:51 Let's look at Hebrews 11:13-16. 42:56 Hebrews 11:13. And it says, 42:59 These speaking of Abel, and Enoch, and Noah, 43:02 and Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, 43:03 and Sarah, they've just gone through. 43:06 It said, "These all died in faith 43:08 not having received the promises." 43:10 Did you get that? 43:11 "They died in faith, 43:13 but they haven't received the promise, 43:14 but having seen them afar off, 43:17 they were assured of them, embraced them, 43:19 and confessed that they were strangers 43:21 and pilgrims on the earth. 43:23 For those who say such things 43:24 declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 43:28 And truly, 43:30 if they had called to mind that country 43:32 from which they'd come out, 43:34 they would have had opportunity to return. 43:36 But they desired a better place, 43:39 that is, a heavenly country. 43:41 Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, 43:43 for He has prepared a city for them." 43:45 Their faith was approved by God, 43:48 they became heirs of righteousness. 43:50 Hebrews 11 even says, 43:52 Noah was an heir of righteousness, 43:55 their faith was patient, 43:57 and they endured great hardships, 44:00 because they believe 44:02 God's promise of a better life in a heavenly Jerusalem. 44:06 And it says that they've not yet 44:08 received that gift of eternal life. 44:11 They're looking for that city that's got to come down 44:13 from heaven, the one where Jesus said, 44:15 I've gone to prepare a place for you, 44:18 but they're not going to get there ahead of anybody else. 44:21 We're not going to get there ahead of them. 44:23 Listen to this. 44:24 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. 44:27 Paul says, "I do not want you to be ignorant, 44:30 brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, 44:33 lest you sorrow as others 44:35 who have no hope, 44:36 for if we believe that Jesus died 44:37 and rose again, even so God will bring 44:40 with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 44:44 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, 44:46 that we who are alive 44:48 and remained until the coming of the Lord 44:51 will by no means precede those who are asleep." 44:56 We don't see Him before they get raised up. 44:59 Listen, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven 45:01 with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, 45:04 with a trumpet of God 45:05 and the dead in Christ will rise first. 45:07 Then we who are alive 45:08 and remain shall be caught up to gather 45:11 with Him in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, 45:15 and thus we shall always be with the Lord. 45:19 Therefore, comfort one another with these words." 45:21 Amen. Amen. 45:24 Wow. Praise the Lord. 45:25 I was enjoying every one of these presentations, 45:28 praise God. 45:30 And I want to invite you to now go to Thursday, 45:34 we are covering Rejoice in the Lord Always. 45:38 A little change of tune from what's been discussed so far, 45:41 but let's 45:43 go into James 1:2-4. 45:47 Notice what the Bible says, "My brethren, 45:51 count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 45:56 knowing that the testing of your faith 45:58 produces patience. 46:00 But let patience have its perfect work, 46:02 that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." 46:06 We are in a great controversy between good and evil. 46:10 And as we are living every single day of our lives, 46:15 trials and difficulties will come our way. 46:18 But remember that the quarterly 46:23 is entitled Rest in Christ. 46:26 Yeah. 46:28 So as we face these difficulties, 46:30 we should remember that we have rest in Christ. 46:33 He can help us get through the worst of situations, 46:38 the worst of problems. 46:39 So that's why the Thursday's 46:42 lesson focuses on 46:44 Philippians 4:4-7. 46:48 Listen to verse 4. 46:52 "Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I will say rejoice!" 46:58 This is Paul who said 46:59 I have learned in whatsoever state 47:02 I am here, therefore to be content. 47:04 That's right. 47:05 Paul faced a difficult life. 47:07 He knew what it was to be persecuted himself. 47:11 He was a persecutor. 47:12 He persecuted himself, also beaten several times, 47:16 but he learned to rejoice in the Lord always. 47:19 Now this, this word rejoice 47:22 is not the first time it shows up in Philippians. 47:25 It was already presented 47:27 rejoice in the Lord in 3:1. 47:32 But how do we rejoice in the Lord always is knowing 47:37 what Jesus said in John 16:33. 47:41 What did Jesus say in John 16:33? 47:44 He spoke about things that were happening, 47:46 that were going to happen. 47:47 He said, "These things 47:49 I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. 47:54 In the world, you will have tribulation, 47:57 but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 48:01 So as we go through difficulties, 48:03 know that this is not our final home. 48:08 Jesus has promised a better home. 48:10 That's what He said. 48:13 Let not your heart be troubled. 48:15 You believe in God, believe also in Me. 48:17 In my Father's house are many mansions. 48:20 If it were not so, I would have told you. 48:22 I go to prepare a place for you." 48:24 Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. 48:28 And he says that when I come again, 48:30 I will receive you to myself 48:32 that where I am there you may be also, 48:35 talking about the rest that He wants to give us. 48:40 We're not done with Philippians Chapter 4. 48:42 Let's go to verse 5. 48:43 It says, "Let your gentleness be known to all men, 48:46 the Lord is at hand." 48:48 Here again, we see a reference 48:51 to the coming of Christ 48:52 because you know Christ is coming. 48:55 Don't worry, don't be overstressed 48:56 about things that you're going to be facing because all, 49:00 these things must happen. 49:02 But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world, 49:05 rest in Christ. 49:06 It says, "Be anxious for nothing, 49:09 but in everything by prayer and supplication, 49:11 with thanksgiving let your request 49:13 be made known to God." 49:15 So this part be anxious for nothing doesn't mean oh, 49:18 whatever, you know, 49:19 that I'm just going to be a couch potato, 49:21 won't worry about anything. 49:23 No, it's talking about, 49:25 don't let things stress you out, 49:26 don't worry, be overly concerned about things. 49:30 God is in control. 49:33 But notice that it says by prayer, 49:34 but in everything by prayer and supplication, 49:37 two terms here used, prayer for general things, 49:42 supplications, when you have a great need, 49:45 present this need to the Lord. 49:47 It shows more of an urgency when you have a great need. 49:51 But it says, "You present 49:52 these things with thanksgiving." 49:55 And we all have something to be thankful for. 49:59 We have the blessed hope. 50:00 It says, "Let your request be made known to God." 50:03 Why would you make your request be known to God? 50:05 Because He says, "Ask that you may receive. 50:08 Ask that your joy may be full." 50:10 Let's go to verse 7. 50:14 Notice it says, it says this, beautiful, 50:18 "And the peace of God, 50:21 which surpasses all understanding, 50:24 will guard your hearts 50:26 and minds through Christ Jesus." 50:30 As we face this world, 50:32 we have the assurance that Jesus gave us, 50:35 I will be with you always, even to the end of the world. 50:39 Rest in Christ, this whole quarterly, 50:43 this whole, every single lesson has been about rest in Christ. 50:48 And we must find that whatever our situation is, 50:51 we can rest in Christ. 50:53 We're going to face difficult times. 50:54 There may be times of sorrow, 50:56 there may be times of want, but Christ is with us. 51:00 He has promised to be with us until the end of the world. 51:04 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, 51:07 "For our light affliction, 51:10 which is but for a moment is working for us 51:14 a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 51:20 The things we go through, if we're in, 51:22 if we place ourselves in the hands of the Lord, 51:24 the things we go through will only work for our benefit, 51:28 for our good. 51:29 Romans 8:28, 51:30 "And we know that all things 51:33 work together for good to them that love God, 51:36 to them that are the called according to His purpose." 51:39 Before ending, 51:41 I have to go to Matthew 11:28-30, 51:44 we're talking about rest in Christ, 51:46 and He offers rest. 51:48 As we end this lesson number 13, 51:52 remember that Christ offers you rest. 51:56 Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, 51:58 all you who labor and are heavy laden, 52:02 and I will give you rest. 52:04 This invitation of Christ is open to you today. 52:09 He promises rest, rest in Christ. 52:12 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me. 52:17 I am gentle and lowly in heart, 52:20 and you will find rest for your souls." 52:23 Study the life of Christ. 52:25 Notice how He faced difficulties. 52:28 Notice how He faced trial and temptation. 52:31 He said, "It is written." 52:32 We can take many lessons from the life of Christ. 52:36 The Bible says that rising up a great while before day, 52:40 He went to a place apart to pray. 52:43 Learn off... 52:46 Learn from Jesus, learn off of the life of Jesus, 52:49 and He is willing to teach us individually and personally. 52:53 That's why He makes the invitation, come to Me. 52:56 This is something present for us as well. 52:59 Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, 53:00 for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 53:02 and you will find rest for your souls. 53:04 And you may remember that Sister Shelley 53:06 made the illustration 53:07 of a giant elephant compared to a... 53:10 Did you say a bit ant? Sugary ant. 53:14 Yes, because Jesus 53:16 is all powerful for us to take His yoke upon us. 53:22 It's like He's carrying the load, 53:24 but we cooperate with Him. 53:25 It is a cooperation with Christ. 53:28 That happens because as we have already heard, 53:31 He who has begun a good work in us will complete it. 53:35 Notice how it says, "Learn of me, 53:38 for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will..." 53:42 It's not you may, 53:43 you might find rest for your souls. 53:44 No, "You will find rest for your souls. 53:48 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 53:52 Take the yoke of Christ. 53:54 Learn from Him, and you will find rest. 53:57 Rest in Christ. 53:59 I hope you have captured this message. 54:01 And as we have gone through each one of these 13 lessons 54:05 and the beautiful message that we have 54:06 heard today from each one of the participants, 54:09 brings to us the great joy of the blessed coming 54:13 of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 54:15 He will soon come 54:18 and we must do our part to be ready. 54:21 But while that kind of time comes, 54:23 we have a blessing that I would like to read to you 54:26 from the book Desire of Ages, page 331, 54:30 spilling over into page 332. 54:33 Notice, "As through Jesus we enter into rest, 54:39 heaven begins here. 54:42 We respond to His invitation, Come, learn of Me, 54:46 and in thus coming we begin the life eternal. 54:49 Heaven is a ceaseless 54:51 approaching to God through Christ. 54:54 The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, 54:58 the more and still more of glory will be opened to us, 55:02 and the more we know of God, 55:03 the more intense will be our happiness. 55:08 As we walk with Jesus in this life, 55:10 we may be filled with His love, satisfied with His presence. 55:16 All that human nature can bear, we may receive here." 55:19 Heaven begins on earth, 55:22 begin living in heaven today with Jesus. 55:26 Amen. 55:27 Thank you all so much, my heart is full. 55:30 I'm so grateful for who our God is. 55:33 And the rest that He freely extends to each one of us. 55:38 Want to give you all one last 55:39 opportunity this quarter to share a final thought. 55:42 Pastor Ryan? Amen. 55:44 My lesson was all about the coming of Jesus, 55:46 the soon second coming of Jesus, 55:47 and I referenced 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5. 55:50 I would like to read verses 4 through 6 here, 55:52 just as a reminder. 55:54 It says, "But you, brethren, are not in darkness, 55:56 so that this Day," 55:57 speaking of the second coming of Jesus, 55:59 "that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 56:01 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. 56:03 You are not of the night nor of darkness. 56:06 Therefore let us not sleep, 56:08 as others do, but let us watch and be sober." 56:12 That's right. Thank you, Ryan. 56:14 And the marching orders are very clearly 56:16 outlined in Isaiah 9:2. 56:19 And the result of the marching orders 56:21 are here depicted. 56:23 "The people who walked in darkness 56:26 have seen a great light. 56:28 Those who dwell in the land of the shadows of death, 56:31 upon them a light has shined." 56:33 Only as you commit your life to Christ, 56:36 can you receive the marching orders, 56:38 and allow your life to be a place 56:40 where the light of God is continuing to shine. 56:44 You know, we're surrounded by sorrow and sighing, 56:46 and I've had 12 people in my inner circle 56:49 die within eight months. 56:52 But I don't mourn for them. 56:53 I know they're resting in peace, 56:55 and it'll be a short sleep, and the next conscious thought, 56:58 they will see Jesus. 57:00 Who we grieve for are those who are left behind. 57:03 Amen. Amen. 57:04 You know, as we were preparing for this lesson, 57:06 I was reminded of a song. 57:08 I'm not gonna sing it, maybe Pastor Ryan 57:09 or Pastor Lomacang will sing it. 57:11 It is soon and very soon, we are going to see the Lord. 57:16 Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. 57:19 Amen. Amen. 57:21 Thank you all so much, 57:22 Pastor Johnny, Shelley, Pastor John, 57:23 Pastor Ryan, for your study of the Word of God, 57:27 and for your heart for God 57:29 and for being part of the 3ABN family. 57:31 Just such a privilege to study together. 57:34 We thank you for being a part of the 3ABN family. 57:37 My closing scripture for you is Romans 10:13, it says, 57:41 "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 57:45 How shall they call on whom they have not believed? 57:48 And how shall they believe of whom they have not heard? 57:51 And how shall they hear without a preacher?" 57:53 When you have experienced Jesus rest for yourself, 57:57 God calls you to go and tell someone else 58:00 what you have experienced. 58:01 Join us next quarter 58:03 as we begin a brand new quarter, 58:05 Present Truth in Deuteronomy. |
Revised 2021-09-24