Stephen Bohr — Thoughts on Matthew 24, Part 3

Summary

In this engaging talk, Stephen Bohr explores the third part of a series on Matthew 24, focusing on its implications for past and future events. With an emphasis on symbology and dual fulfilment, Bohr parallels historical events, like the destruction of Jerusalem, to prophesized end times. He stresses the importance of understanding the sequence laid out in Matthew 24, emphasizing the significance of events such as false prophets and tribulations experienced then and now. Bohr discusses societal turmoil, familial betrayals, and the endurance required of believers, encouraging attendees to actively study and understand their faith amid crises. His compelling narrative draws connections between biblical prophecy and contemporary issues, leaving listeners with a foreboding yet hopeful outlook on the unfolding divine plan.

Highlights

• Stephen Bohr draws parallels between Jerusalem’s fall and end-time events 🔄.
• Current global issues mirror prophesied biblical tribulations 📜.
• Christian responsibility to be prepared and knowledgeable emphasized 💪.
• The role of false prophets and societal unrest critically examined 👀.
• Endurance in faith is key amidst modern-day crisis 🗝️.

Key Takeaways

• Matthew 24’s prophecies have dual fulfilments - past and future 🌍.
• Societal chaos is both a present and prophesied sign of the end times 🔥.
• Believers may face betrayal from family and friends 😢.
• Understanding biblical prophecy aids in spiritual preparedness 📖.
• Faith and endurance are vital as the divine plan unfolds 🙏.

Overview

Stephen Bohr captivates his audience with a compelling exploration of Matthew 24, dissecting its prophecies with intricate detail and fervor. He masterfully connects historical events, like the fall of Jerusalem, with anticipated eschatological occurrences, utilizing a dual-fulfilment approach. This narrative illuminates patterns that help decrypt today's worldly challenges through a biblical lens, guiding believers to prepare spiritually.

The discussion navigates troubling yet intriguing topics such as societal chaos, false prophets, and the deep roots of betrayal. Bohr emphasizes that familial and social breakdowns are not only part of historical narratives but are also evident in present times, underscoring the cyclical nature of these predicaments. As disasters and unrest become more widespread, the talk highlights the crucial need for faith fortification and theological understanding.

Stephen Bohr calls his audience to action, urging them to equip themselves with biblical knowledge and maintaining robust faith in anticipation of Christ's second coming. He touches on the importance of understanding that biblical adversity prepares believers for challenges and divine judgement. Bohr's strategic emphasis on endurance and preparation seeks to strengthen individual resolve, encouraging individuals to steer through contemporary confusions with hope and resilience.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 03:30: Opening Hymn The chapter begins with a correction and clarification on the hymn number that is to be sung, changing from 490 to 290, with a focus on the hymn 'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus'.
• 03:30 - 07:30: Hymn - Redeemed The chapter explores themes of redemption and reflects on the struggles of the soul. It presents a sense of hope and light in times of darkness, suggesting that there is a guiding force or light for those who seek it, symbolized by looking at the sea.
• 07:30 - 13:30: Announcements and Prayer In the chapter titled 'Announcements and Prayer,' the focus is on spiritual enrichment and guidance, encouraging individuals to turn their focus towards Jesus. The narrative suggests that by focusing on the spiritual, the concerns of the earthly realm become less significant.
• 13:30 - 19:00: Introduction and Personal Anecdote The chapter begins with an introduction that sets the stage for a personal anecdote. The narrator reflects on the contrast between worldly concerns and spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the transcendence of spiritual light. This theme is illustrated through the mention of following a divine figure from death into everlasting life. The narrative suggests a journey from temporal to eternal existence, implying a path that others can follow as well.
• 19:00 - 22:00: Review of Previous Session The chapter titled 'Review of Previous Session' contains lyrics or references to the song 'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,' emphasizing victory and focusing on Jesus' face.
• 22:00 - 25:00: Dual Fulfillment of Matthew 24 this chapter explores the dual fulfillment of the prophecies in Matthew 24, emphasizing the spiritual growth and transformation that occurs when one focuses on divine glory and grace. It highlights the reliability of the word and the importance of belief in achieving fulfillment.
• 25:00 - 30:00: End-Time Events and Ellen White's Writings The chapter explores the concept of end-time events as described in religious texts, particularly focusing on Ellen White's contributions. It draws a connection between salvation and the metaphor of death, urging readers to find solace and guidance in religious teachings. The notion of fixing one's eyes on divine or spiritual truths is emphasized as a means of navigating challenging times, highlighting the importance of steadfast faith and understanding of scripture.
• 30:00 - 36:00: Latter Rain and Persecution The chapter 'Latter Rain and Persecution' begins with a reflection on the divine nature and radiant presence of a savior. It suggests that the more one focuses on the spiritual and eternal aspects of life, represented by the 'things of Earth' growing 'strangely dim,' the more one perceives the depth and grace of the divine presence, referred to as 'his GL and Grace.' This theme is intertwined with a call to worship through hymn number 338, suggesting a communal and musical approach to experiencing and understanding this spiritual truth. This sets the tone for exploring the themes of spiritual awakening (Latter Rain) and the challenges that may accompany such revelations (Persecution).
• 36:00 - 43:00: Natural Disasters and Climate Change Chapter Title: Natural Disasters and Climate Change. This chapter provides an exploration of the various natural disasters associated with climate change, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. It examines the increasing frequency and intensity of these events as global temperatures rise and polar ice caps melt. The chapter also discusses the impact of these disasters on human populations, infrastructure, and ecosystems, alongside potential strategies for mitigation and adaptation. There is an emphasis on the interconnectedness of natural systems and the cascading effects that one climate-induced disaster can have on others.
• 43:00 - 49:00: Family Betrayal and Persecution The chapter 'Family Betrayal and Persecution' delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and eternal belonging despite familial conflicts and persecution. It reflects on the idea of being 'redeemed by the blood of the Lamb,' symbolizing a spiritual rescue and solace found in divine mercy, which grants an everlasting identity and hope beyond earthly struggles. The repetitive emphasis on being 'redeemed' underscores a transformative journey through adversity led by faith, highlighting the concept of being a child of divine promise and protection regardless of life's trials.
• 49:00 - 56:00: Faithfulness and Witnessing This chapter explores the themes of faithfulness and witnessing through the perspective of redemption by the blood of the Lamb. The act of proclamation and the permanence of redemption are emphasized, illustrated by personal reflections on one's Blessed Redeemer.
• 56:00 - 62:00: False Prophets and Apostasy The chapter 'False Prophets and Apostasy' delves into the themes of redemption and unwavering faith. The overarching message revolves around the speaker's continuous praise and expression of joy, driven by the theme of divine love. This is symbolized through music, as the notion of being 'redeemed by the blood of the Lamb' is reiterated. The chapter underscores the enduring victory of faith and divine love in the face of false teachings and spiritual deviation.
• 62:00 - 70:00: Endurance and Preaching the Gospel The chapter discusses the themes of endurance and devotion in preaching the Gospel, emphasizing the joy and responsibility of being 'redeemed' and proclaiming it. It reflects on the assurance of seeing the beauty and light of the King (referencing God or Jesus) eternally, highlighting a sense of belonging ('his child and forever I am') and commitment to the divine mission.
• 70:00 - 81:00: Closing Remarks and Hymn The chapter titled 'Closing Remarks and Hymn' includes a reflective and spiritual ending to the book. It focuses on themes of guidance, redemption, and gratitude. The narrative expresses appreciation for a divine presence that provides protection and joy, symbolized through the imagery of light and songs. The repetition of the word 'redeem' emphasizes a profound sense of salvation and connection to the divine, likely through the imagery of the Lamb, which is a common symbol in spiritual contexts.

Stephen Bohr — Thoughts on Matthew 24, Part 3 Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 let's turn to hymn number 490 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus I'm sorry 290 did I say 490 290 that's better
• 00:30 - 01:00 Soul are you wey and troubl no light in the darkness you see there's light for un look at the sea
• 01:00 - 01:30 saor and light more abundant and Free Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow
• 01:30 - 02:00 strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace through death into life Everlasting he passed and we follow him there oh
• 02:00 - 02:30 no more of dominion for more than conquerors we are Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face
• 02:30 - 03:00 then the things of Earth will grow strangely D in the light of his glory and grace his word shall not fail you he Pro believe him and all will be
• 03:00 - 03:30 well then go to a room that is dying his perfect salvation to death Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his word
• 03:30 - 04:00 wonderful face then the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his GL and Grace don't we have a wonderful savior let's turn to hymn number 338 read red
• 04:00 - 04:30 deemed redeemed how I love
• 04:30 - 05:00 to Proclaim it Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb redeemed through his infinite Mercy his child and forever I am [Music] redeem redeemed redeemed
• 05:00 - 05:30 by the blood of the Lamb redeem to I love to Proclaim it it shall and forever I am I think of my Blessed Redeemer I think of
• 05:30 - 06:00 him all the day long I sing for I canot keep silent his love is the theme of my song [Music] Redeemed redeemed redeem by the BL of the Lamb
• 06:00 - 06:30 redeemed how I love to Proclaim it his child and forever I am I know I shall see in his Beauty the king then whose Lighty
• 06:30 - 07:00 light who lingly guarded my footsteps and giveth me songs in the night redeem redeemed redeem by the part of the Lamb redeem
• 07:00 - 07:30 to I love to Proclaim it his child and forever I am thank you Andrea welcome everybody again just a couple things I want you to know that the program that you may have seen last Sabbath on the bulletin has changed a little bit tomorrow there's going to be two two afternoon uh
• 07:30 - 08:00 presentations um by Pastor Steve bore so plan for that and I also want let you know that we will be taking up a special offering for some TV at this church service hour tomorrow so plan for that too again thank you for coming tonight and let's have a quick word of prayer before we start right now Father in Heaven I thank you for bringing us all safely through the week thank you for this wonderful evening can come together to hear the message
• 08:00 - 08:30 brought again we pray as well father for Pastor Steve bour as he speaks tonight uh give him Clarity of mind and speech and open our hearts and Minds to hear and understand we pray for your Holy Spirit to be here we ask this in jesus' name amen
• 08:30 - 09:00 well good evening do you have a nice day today some of you did
• 09:00 - 09:30 well every day in Fresno I ride my bike 5 miles in the morning not a stationary bike but outside and I walk in the evening 3 miles so I didn't want to totally get out of the routine so I went for a walk this morning at 9° uh in Fresno the coldest that I've ridden this year is 34° but was beautiful out there uh I
• 09:30 - 10:00 saw hundreds of turkeys wild turkeys crossing the road in front of me uh they weren't they weren't phased by my presence at all you know I think they're probably used to having people around um I'm always looking right and left to see if I see a cougar or a bear although the Bears are probably hibernating but uh it was very exhilarating couple of miles and uh got some fresh air in my
• 10:00 - 10:30 lungs I had a great time beautiful the sun was just coming up fantastic well it's good to see you all it's good to see my friend uh Steve Walberg here um Steve uh is a friend from way back I won't tell you how far back and you're very fortunate to have him nearby right around the corner half an hour from here um he has a very good Ministry f fantastic
• 10:30 - 11:00 Ministry and I would encourage everyone to support his ministry I know you do you're right around the corner um at secret on seal we encourage uh people to uh support all good Ministries there's plenty of support to go around and uh so it's nice to have you here Steve thanks for coming all the way down uh to be here this evening well we've had our prayer
• 11:00 - 11:30 for those of you who have the study notes share them with the person next to you if you can we're going to begin on page 55 of the study notes and uh what we're going to do uh tonight tomorrow for Sabbath school tomorrow for the worship service uh is that we are going to study the next three chapters chapter 5 6 and 7
• 11:30 - 12:00 and then in the afternoon we're going to deal with when and why does Satan personate the second coming of Christ you know there's two two views in the Adventist Church one is that uh the personation takes place before the close of probation others believe that it takes place after the close of probation I personally believe it's after and I'm going to share a multiple reasons I what I believe to be overwhelming
• 12:00 - 12:30 evidence that it's after the close of probation uh that Satan will uh personate Christ and give people the impression that Christ has come for the second time so I hope that you make plans to stay tomorrow we have four sessions tomorrow um I actually personally requested number four because there were only going to be three because I want to cover as much material in the study notes that we can
• 12:30 - 13:00 uh so let's go to page 55 for those of you who were here last night do you remember that we studied uh the events that took place leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem Matthew 24 beginning with verse one and ending uh at verse uh 14 and we dealt a little bit with the abomination of desolation as well and uh the fact that those who fled the city were Sabbath Keepers so actually to verse 20 now this
• 13:00 - 13:30 evening we are going to begin talking about the end time fulfillment of Matthew 24 and uh what I want to do is review first of all what we studied uh last night we went through several events that led up to the destruction of Jerusalem and I'm going to review those uh specific points uh in Matthew chapter 24 in verse
• 13:30 - 14:00 4 Jesus says and um take heed that no one deceives you for many will come in my name saying I am Christ and will deceive many was that fulfilled leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem yes but it is going to be fulfilled again then Jesus spoke of Wars rumors of wars Nation against Nation
• 14:00 - 14:30 Kingdom against Kingdom pestilences famine earthquakes and tumults or riots that all of those took place leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem according to what we studied last night now what was Satan's plan in causing all of these things ultimately to blame God's people and that's what we found in verse n the stealth plan was to blame God's
• 14:30 - 15:00 people and because they blame God's people you have tribulation remember we talked about tribulation the word is unqualified It's Not Great Tribulation it's tribulation did God's people go through tribulation leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem yeah we read that uh they had to flee the city and they couldn't take anything with them
• 15:00 - 15:30 so that was the tribulation which uh we're going to see is a symbolic of the little time of trouble at the end of time and then we notice that as a result of the flight as a result of persecution and tribulation many fa by the wayside they were scandalized they said oh no I'm not going to be I'm not going
• 15:30 - 16:00 to be fleeing so in other words this is what what we might call the shaking when the tribulation came and then we notice that the enemies of God's people were primarily whom family members and friends turned on those who were faithful we also notice that uh God's faithful followers witnessed and Paul is
• 16:00 - 16:30 an example before Kings presidents and magistrates to give witness for their faith then we notice also that the Holy Spirit gave wisdom to those who were witnessing before the Kings and the presidents and the magistrates we also notice that leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem there were false prophets that prophesied
• 16:30 - 17:00 peace peace everything is going to be well then we also notice that because of the transgression of the law the love of many grew cold and then we also notice that were there was a need for endurance for patience he who endures till the end will be saved and then we spoke about um The Gospel going to the whole world the world of that
• 17:00 - 17:30 time and that's verse 14 then we talked about the abomination of desolation and we notice that the abomination of desolation divided the inhabitants of Jerusalem in two groups those that stayed were destroyed those who left were saved so in other words the abomination of desolation separated so to speak the righteous from the unrighteous and we
• 17:30 - 18:00 notice that the abomination of desolation was the Roman Legions that surrounded the city nailed their standards in the ground the standards had an eagle a Sunburst surrounding it the eagle facing right arrows in its Talons and when the faithful inside the city saw that sign
• 18:00 - 18:30 the the Abomination that was going to lead to Desolation by the way the Roman armies were worshiping their standards practicing false worship to the Sun God Mithra those inside that saw the sign they fled and they left everything behind they fled to desolate places and then the last point that we covered is that
• 18:30 - 19:00 those who fled the city were Sabbath Keepers does it help to read that verse in context in the midst of the flight and the tribulation leaving everything behind those who went through this tribulation were Sabbath Keepers pray that your flight not be in Winter or on the Sabbath so that's what we studied last
• 19:00 - 19:30 night but we need to understand that everything that we studied last night has a dual application in other words it is fulfilled twice the first time is the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem the second time is the events leading up to the Desolation or destruction of the world you remember how Matthew 24
• 19:30 - 20:00 begins two questions when will the things be and what will be the sign of the end of the world two questions that the disciples asked Jesus and Jesus when he answered he answered he combined the both events in other words that destruction of Jerusalem was a shadow or a type of what will happen at the End of Time globally
• 20:00 - 20:30 I want to read this statement from thoughts from the Mount of blessing page 120 and 121 where Ellen White gives us the principle she's amplifying uh the two question thing that I've mentioned this is what she wrote the ruin of Jerusalem was a symbol of the final ruin that shall overwhelm the world see two points there the destruction of
• 20:30 - 21:00 Jerusalem ruin of Jerusalem was a symbol of the final ruin that shall overwhelm overwhelm the world the prophecies that received a partial fulfillment what did Matthew 24 receive a partial fulfillment in the overthrow of Jerusalem have a more direct application to the last
• 21:00 - 21:30 days pretty clear isn't it the statement continues we are now standing on the threshold of great and solemn events a crisis is before us such as the world has never witnessed so so it's very important for us to study what led up to the destruction of Jerusalem because that gives us a shadow it gives us a symbol a
• 21:30 - 22:00 small scale illustration of the sequence event of events that are going to lead to the ruin of the world you know there's the first 20 verses and by the way tomorrow we're going to study about the Great Tribulation see it's qualified now see the first word time tribulation there's going to be martyrs because they'll kill some of you it says there
• 22:00 - 22:30 but then there's going to be a Great Tribulation which is the Tribulation the time of Jacob's trouble after the close of probation are you with me now the amazing thing is I don't know if any of you have a copy of the book last day events which is a compilation of quotations from the writings of Ellen White and what is remarkable is
• 22:30 - 23:00 that the order of those chapters there it's a compilation they've taken from the writings of Ellen White in many different places the order of events in the book Last Day Events is the identical order of the events in Matthew 24 everything in its order that is in Matthew 24 is found in the same order in the book last day event
• 23:00 - 23:30 that's remarkable because really it shows that Ellen White is not adding to the Bible Ellen White is simply following the sequence that we find in the Bible and she's expanding what is already contained in scripture Ellen White does not add to scripture she expands scripture if we look hard enough we'll find what she says in the Bible so I'm thankful that God has given us an
• 23:30 - 24:00 expansion helps us understand better helps us get a clearer picture of exactly what is going to happen now let me ask you in verse four it speaks about false christs are there individuals today who claim to be Christ I'll mention three I went to the internet today and I found a whole bunch of them they're not all Christians some are in India some over in South America but
• 24:00 - 24:30 I'll mention three Jim Jones David Kesh Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda that's the way you pronounced it in Spanish it's a Puerto Rican who had his headquarters in Miami on his Pulpit was SSS which is 666 because the stigma is the six the stigma
• 24:30 - 25:00 doesn't exist in the Greek alphabet anymore it's it's ancient but the stigma is the number six because in Greek letters are equivalent to numbers so on his Pulpit he had 666 and he encouraged his followers to put a tattoo on their foreheads with the number 666 and I found multiple individuals in
• 25:00 - 25:30 the world today that are claiming to be Christ which by the way means the anointed one so that has been fulfilled and is being fulfilled now let's talk about I'm going to use Ellen White a lot tonight because last night we dealt with scripture the sequence in scripture now we're going to take a look at how Ellen White follows the same sequence that we find in scripture let's ask the question what about wars pestilences
• 25:30 - 26:00 earthquakes famine and tumults well I want to read you a statement here from early writings page 33 I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath God has children in other churches who don't don't see the Sabbath they don't know about it and therefore they don't keep it but they serve God
• 26:00 - 26:30 according to the knowledge that they have see god holds us accountable not for the light that we have but for the use we make of the light that we have and God will not hold accountable someone that never had the opportunity of knowing that the Sabbath is the day of rest but once a person knows then they're accountable for obeying what God says so she says I saw that God had
• 26:30 - 27:00 children who do not see and keep the Sabbath they have not rejected the light upon it and at the commencement of the time of trouble so notice she mentions the time of trouble at the commencement of the time of trouble we were filled with the Holy Ghost by the way this is this time of trouble is the little time of trouble not the big time of trouble it's the
• 27:00 - 27:30 unqualified word tribulation so it says we were filled with the Holy Ghost by the way that's the latter Reign the final message that God gives to the World As We went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully that's the loud cry so they receive the Holy Ghost that's the latter rain to proclaim the loud cry which is the Sabbath message that calls God's faithful people to come
• 27:30 - 28:00 out of the churches that are Babylon she continues this enraged the churches and nominal Adventists Adventists in name only as they could not refute the Sabbath Truth at this time God's chosen all saw clearly that we had the truth and they came out came out out of where of Babylon came
• 28:00 - 28:30 out and she continues saying came out and endured the persecution with us see this is the Tribulation that is mentioned in verse 9 and then notice what she says I saw sword famine pestilence is that Matthew
• 28:30 - 29:00 24 mhm and great confusion in the land tumults the wicked thought that we had brought the judgments upon them oh so so now uh there's going to be a turning against God's people and they rose up and took counsel to rid us the Earth of us thinking that
• 29:00 - 29:30 then the evil would be stayed so who is blamed for what is happening what for the sword famine pestilence and the confusion God's people are blamed now somebody wrote to Ellen White about this statement where she says at the commencement of the time of trouble we were filled with the Holy Ghost and we went to proclaim the Sabbath and they said Ellen what you
• 29:30 - 30:00 wrote that when the when when the time of Trouble Comes probation has closed and therefore what good will it do with the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the Sabbath and invite people to come out so Ellen White had to write back to this person to explain what she referred to when she spoke about the time of trouble this is not the Great triv tribulation of verse 21 this is the Tribulation of verse
• 30:00 - 30:30 9 where some of God's people will perish why will they perish because people are going to blame them are you catching the picture now notice what she wrote this is early writings Pages 85 and 86 the commencement of that time of trouble here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall be begin to be poured out that's after probation Clos but to a
• 30:30 - 31:00 short period just before they are poured out while Christ is in the sanctuary so is Jesus still interceding in this time of trouble yes at that time while the work of Salvation is closing trouble will be coming on the earth and the Nations will be angry yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the
• 31:00 - 31:30 third Angel at that time you notice at that time the latter rain or refreshing from the presence of the Lord will come to give power to the loud Cry of the third Angel and prepare the Saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out are you catching the picture now she's talking about the future but this happened once in the
• 31:30 - 32:00 past let me ask you were many of the Christians uh martyred between the time that Christ came to this earth and the time when Jerusalem was destroyed beginning with stepen many others died they were blamed for example for the uh for the burning of Rome Nero said as those Christians and many of them were in prisoned and they were
• 32:00 - 32:30 killed now let me read you some statements about the reason why God's people will be persecuted at the end of time we just noticed that Ellen White describes uh in this statement sword famine pestilence and great confusion in the land now I'm going to read a couple of statements that are very interesting this is Last Day Events page 24 in the last scenes of this Earth history war will
• 32:30 - 33:00 rage there will be pestilence plague and famine does that sound like Matthew 24 the Waters of the deep will overflow their boundaries it's kind of like the tsunami in Japan and life will be destroyed by fire and
• 33:00 - 33:30 flood what happened in North Carolina recently flood what's happening in Los Angeles Fire but she mentions the same signs that we find in Matthew 24 now who's causing all of these things this turmoil in society these pestilences and famine and earthquakes and disasters who's causing them Satan is causing
• 33:30 - 34:00 them but who is Satan going to blame you're going to blame God and his people now Ellen White amplifies the disasters that are going to come upon the Earth it's not only earthquakes and famines and uh tumult in society she adds natural disasters to the list which are taking place these days great controversy
• 34:00 - 34:30 589 it is Satan's object to incite the Nations to war against one another for he can thus divert their M the minds of the people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God while appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies he will bring disease that would be pestilence wouldn't it he will bring disease and
• 34:30 - 35:00 disaster until populous cities what is a populous city not Spokane Chicago Los Angeles New York that one too so while appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladi he will bring disease and disaster until populous cities are
• 35:00 - 35:30 reduced to ruin and desolation we have haven't reached that point quite yet even now he is at work in accidents and calamities by sea and by land in great conflagrations a conflagration is a fire that no one can put out in Fierce tornadoes in terrific hail storms in tempests floods Cyclones tidal
• 35:30 - 36:00 waves and earthquakes in every place and in a thousand forms Satan is exercising his power he sweeps away the ripening Harvest and famine and distress follow he imparts to the air a deadly taint and thousands perish by the pestilence are you seeing the same words in Matthew 24 and then she C she predicts this we
• 36:00 - 36:30 haven't seen anything yet these visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous so we haven't seen anything compared to what's coming you know we can talk about the pestilence that came with covid-19 you know I believe that the reason why Satan caused covid-19 when I say so
• 36:30 - 37:00 Satan Satan uses individuals Satan Works through people I'm not saying that he did it directly but he works through instruments he works through the little horn he works for the Beast that has horns like a lamb and but it's the devil who's doing it he's using human instruments I believe that the reason why Satan caused covid-19 was an experiment to see how much people will allow themselves to be
• 37:00 - 37:30 controlled because they're afraid it was his experiment and the experiment worked out pretty well so we have the blame game now I want you to notice how Ellen White ends this statement she says they're going to be more frequent and disastrous and then we find this and then The Great Deceiver will persuade men
• 37:30 - 38:00 that those who serve God are causing these evils is that similar to Matthew 24 Wars rumors of wars Nation against Nation Kingdom against Kingdom earthquakes pestilences and famines social unrest and then it says and then they are going to persecute you for my name's sake and some of you they will kill by the way will there be martyrs
• 38:00 - 38:30 during the little time of trouble there will be martyrs during the little time of trouble she continues the class that has provoked the displeasure of heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God's Commandments is a Perpetual reproof to transgressors we're following the same order as Matthew 24 aren't we in the book Last Day Events page
• 38:30 - 39:00 129 Ellen White wrote Satan puts his interpretation upon events and they think as he would have them that the calamities which fill the land are the result of Sunday breaking thinking to appease the wrath of God these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance you think that that has anything to do with the abomination of
• 39:00 - 39:30 desolation H by the way the story of Elijah is going to be repeated on a global scale do you know that Jesus that that Malachi prophesied that before Jesus came he would send Elijah it's not Elijah in person it is a movement that is going to proclaim the same message that Elijah
• 39:30 - 40:00 proclaimed who was blamed in the Days of Elijah for the calamities do you think there was famine in the Days of Elijah hunger it didn't rain for three and a half years folks do you think that people stole whatever they could from someone else in terms of food absolutely think there was
• 40:00 - 40:30 violence yes and who did Israel blame God's Own people blame the prophet they said if we can find him and get rid of him things will calm down does that sound familiar same thing's going to happen according to Matthew 24 there's a lot of discussion these days
• 40:30 - 41:00 about climate change the causes of climate change scientists share their theories about the causes of the global disasters however the reasons that they give are misguided the two greatest climate changes in the history of the world were number won the flood in Noah's day and it's because everyone was
• 41:00 - 41:30 using too many air conditioners because they were getting too much oil out of the ground because they were using gas stoves no the Bible says that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and every intent of the heart of man was only evil continually that's why the flood came but they blame
• 41:30 - 42:00 Noah the second greatest climate change was the Days of Elijah didn't rain for three and a half years who' they blame Elijah you want to know whether you're on the right side at the end of time if you're persecuted you're on the right side if you're persecuting you're on the wrong side it's that simple let me read you a statement from Ellen
• 42:00 - 42:30 White she understood that science was going to try to explain scientifically all these disasters but she gives a real reason this is in testimonies for the church volume 6 page 408 the restraining spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world what's happening God is withdrawing his Spirit from the world yeah and notice what the result is
• 42:30 - 43:00 hurricanes storms tempests fire and flood disasters by sea and land follow each other in quick succession now listen carefully science seeks to explain all these what does science try to explain hurricanes storms temp is fire and flood and disasters everything
• 43:00 - 43:30 everything is blamed on climate change these days but now notice what she writes these signs thickening around us telling of a near approach of the Son of God are attributed to any other than the true cause what does science do it attributed all these it attributes all these things to what is not the real cause what is the real cause the Lord is
• 43:30 - 44:00 withdrawing a spirit from the world because the world doesn't want it she continues men cannot discern The Sentinel Angels restraining the Four Winds that they shall not blow until the Servants of God are sealed and now comes a chilling part of the statement she says but when God shall bid his angels loose the winds by the winds by the way the word winds means chaos everything falling
• 44:00 - 44:30 apart but when God shall bid his angels loose the winds there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture you think things are bad today You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet ELO white states that when God withdraws his Spirit from the earth when he loses the winds Satan will have full control over the finally impenitent can
• 44:30 - 45:00 you imagine living in a world where Satan is in full control of the wicked we can't even imagine it now who's going to be accusing God's people especially what did we find in in scripture remember let's go to Mark chapter 13 The Parallel passage to Matthew 24 Mark
• 45:00 - 45:30 13 and let's read verse 12 Mark 13:12 you can read the previous verses they're following the sequence it says in verse 12 now brother will betray brother to death and a father his child and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to
• 45:30 - 46:00 death you say I can't believe that Ellen White states that the heart of man can be very cruel when it is devoid of the spirit of God so who are going to be the accusers of God's people with all those worldly people those Wicked people no many family members and Friends will turn on God's people that they'll
• 46:00 - 46:30 apostatize Ellen White wrote In the book Last Day Events page 150 and 151 friends will prove treacherous and will betray us relatives deceived by the enemy will think they do God's service in opposing us and putting forth the utmost efforts to bring us into hard places hoping that we will deny our
• 46:30 - 47:00 faith this reminds me of John chapter 16 Jesus predicted this in John 16 verses 1 and two let's go there for a moment John 16: 1 and two you're saying pastor boy this is depressing yeah but the good news is how the story ends he who
• 47:00 - 47:30 endures Until the End will be saved am that's a good news God's people finally will be delivered those who are attached to Christ those who have a strong relationship with Christ notice John 16 verse1 Jesus said to his disciples these things I have spoken to you that you should not be made to stumble so that you don't lose your faith abandon the faith they will put you out of the synagogues
• 47:30 - 48:00 today we call them churches yes the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God's service they'll say God is angry because Sunday isn't kept he wants everybody to go to church on Sunday we're going to talk about that more tomorrow but you see the problem is the Bible says it's Sabbath the reason why things are going downhill
• 48:00 - 48:30 at the end of time is because individuals are trampling upon the law of God the fourth Commandment is remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy it's not the first day of the week it's the seventh day of the week you say who cares God is particular you know the final test is going to be the same as the first test in the Garden of Eden the only difference is that in the Garden of Eden God used a
• 48:30 - 49:00 tree to test whether they would be obedient at the end of time he will use a day to test people to see if they're obedient but behind the tree and the day is whose authority will you obey behind the issue of the day is whose authority are you going to follow you know if Adam and Eve wanted to respect the authority of God they would
• 49:00 - 49:30 not abst they would abstain from the tree at the End of Time the same is true whoever wants to respect the authority and obey God is going to keep the day that God established somebody once came to me he says so you Adventist you believe that God is going to God is going to test the whole world by a day I said what's the problem he tested adony with a tree God gives all kinds of tests in scripture to see if his people will
• 49:30 - 50:00 obey him so notice we already read Mark chapter 13 now for those of you who have study notes we're on page 60 at the top of the page those who are true to God will be menaced denounced prescribed they will be betrayed both by parents and Brethren and King folk and friends even to death She's quoting Luke
• 50:00 - 50:30 21:16 which is a parallel chapter to Matthew 24 in Mark 13 and then she speaks about the faithfulness of those who are betrayed in great Cy 612 she wrote family Connections Church relations are powerless to stay them now truth is more precious than all besides not withstanding the age gencies combined against the truth a large number take their stand upon the Lord's
• 50:30 - 51:00 Side that's going to happen at the end of time just like it happened leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem do you remember that um the faithful had to stand before rulers and magistrates is that going to happen again let me read you a few statements here testimonies to ministers volum 6 page 128 and 129 we shall have to stand before
• 51:00 - 51:30 magistrates to answer for our allegiance to the law of God to make known the reasons of our faith and the youth should understand these things see the youth they have young minds they have clear crisp clear Minds as older folks you know we don't have as Clarity of thought as they do Satan especially wants the
• 51:30 - 52:00 youth because he knows that they have the energy and they have they have the mental capacity to really grasp these things very simply here's another one fundamentals of Christian education page 217 many will have to stand in the legislative courts some will have to stand before Kings and before the Learned of the Earth to answer for their faith those who have
• 52:00 - 52:30 only a superficial understanding of truth will not be able clearly to expound the scriptures and give definite reasons for their faith we have to study folks we have to know what we believe and we have to know how to defend what we believe because someday we're going to have to give a reason for our faith you're not going to be able to say but just a second I'll go get a DVD from Pastor B's min Ministry you know I remember that Steve
• 52:30 - 53:00 Wahlberg has a book on the Sabbath I'll go get the book no we have to be able to defend the faith ourselves but for that we have to what we have to study the last statement I want to read on this particular point is Last Day Events page 209 it does not seem possible to us now that any should have to stand alone but if God has ever spoken by me
• 53:00 - 53:30 the time will come when we shall be brought before councils and before thousands for his name's sake and each one will have to give the reason of his faith then will come the severest criticism upon every position that has been taken for the truth we need then to study the word of God that we may know
• 53:30 - 54:00 why we believe the doctrines we Advocate remember that those who had to witness were empowered by the Holy Spirit are God's people theying the little time of trouble going to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the Sabbath more fully absolutely notice this statement manuscript releases Volume 8 page 87 those who receive Christ as a
• 54:00 - 54:30 personal savior will stand the test of trial in these last days the Lord Jesus now Ellen White is going to actually refer to the Gospel of Luke the Lord Jesus will give the disciples a tongue and wisdom that their adversaries can neither gain say nor resist do you know where she gets that from from a parallel passage to Matthew 24 in Luke 21:15 let's read it Luke 21
• 54:30 - 55:00 and verse 15 see she's following the same order of Matthew 24 in her writings she's not adding to the Bible she's expanding upon the sequence she's speaking about the final fulfillment of Matthew chapter 24 Luke chap 21 and verse 15
• 55:00 - 55:30 says for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist that's what we just read in her statement she continues those who could not by reasoning overcome satanic delusions will bear an affirmative testimony that will baffle supposedly learned men words will come from the lips of the
• 55:30 - 56:00 unlearned with such con convincing power and wisdom that conversions will be made to the truth thousands will be converted under their testimony is the door probation still open when this holy spirit is poured out what is it called in the Bible the latter Reign what empowered the disciples to preach the gospel to the whole world leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem the holy spirit that was poured out on the day of
• 56:00 - 56:30 Pentecost so there's going to be another Pentecost Ellen White says that the last Pentecost will be similar to the first are some going to forsake the faith when this trial comes sadly yes many are going to be offended many are going to stumble we read it in Matthew chap
• 56:30 - 57:00 24 it's also found in Luke chapter 7: 23 we read John 16: 1 and 2 Ellen White wrote In the book great controversy page 608 this is really a sad statement she's speaking about Adventists forsaking the faith as the storm approaches a large class how
• 57:00 - 57:30 many a large class who have professed faith in the third Angel's message must they be Adventist is there any any uh anyone in the world who uh preaches a third Angel's message other than the Adventist no as the storm approaches a large class who have profess fa professed faith in the third Angel's message but have not been Sanctified through obedience to the
• 57:30 - 58:00 truth abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition sad men of talent and pleasing address who once rejoiced in the truth employ their powers to deceive and mislead Souls they become the bitterest enemies of their former bre Breen when Sabbath keepers are brought
• 58:00 - 58:30 before courts we just noticed that to answer for their faith these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them H review and Herald December 20 1898 whenever persecution takes place
• 58:30 - 59:00 The Spectators make decisions either for or against Christ because of persecution many will be offended the principles of the truth cut directly across their practice and they will stumble and fall apostatizing from the faith they once advocated many who have professed to love of the truth will then show that they have no vital connection with the
• 59:00 - 59:30 True Vine they will be cut away as branches that bear no fruit and will be bound up with unbelievers scoffers and mockers that's in Matthew 24 then many will be offended and then verse 11 Matthew 24 verse 11 speaks about false prophets do you know the characteristic the main characteristic of the false prophets that led up to the destruction
• 59:30 - 60:00 of Jerusalem they preached peace peace everything's okay you know the temple is going to stand we are God's people God is going to protect us they preached peace peace when there was no peace is there going that going to happen at the End of Time
• 60:00 - 60:30 absolutely desire AG of 631 false prophets did rise speaking about Jerusalem deceiving the people and leading great numbers into the desert magicians and Sorcerers claiming miraculous power drew the people after them into the mountain solitudes but this prophecy was spoken also for the last days not only back then manuscript 11
• 60:30 - 61:00 1906 these false prophets will have to be met they will make an effort to deceive many by Leading them to accept false theories many scriptures will be misapplied in such a way that deceptive theories will apparently be based upon the words that God has spoken they're going to misuse scripture precious truths will be appropriated to substantiate and establish error the false prophets who claim to be
• 61:00 - 61:30 taught of God will take beautiful scriptures that have been given to Adorn the truth and will use them as a robe of righteousness to cover false and dangerous theories and even some of those who in times past the Lord has honored will depart so far from the truth as to Advocate misleading theories regarding many phases of Truth including the sanctuary question is the love of many going to wax cold
• 61:30 - 62:00 you know the the King James X wax cold but really the word wax means to grow Matthew 24 says that because of iniquity the love of many will grow cold let me ask you something can something grow cold that wasn't hot before no of course not so in other words some
• 62:00 - 62:30 people whose Faith was hot their faith is going to go what cold now it's interesting that it says in verse 12 because of iniquity the love of many will grow cold that word iniquity is very interesting in Greek it's the Greek word anom it's the identical word word that is translated in 1 John 3:4 transgression of the
• 62:30 - 63:00 law so it's very proper to translate and because of the transgression of the law the love of many will grow cold and of course if friends and relatives are going to turn against God's people their Love is Growing cold because they've stumbled because they have abandoned the faith last Day events page 173 see alen what is following the same sequence and because this prophecy
• 63:00 - 63:30 has a two-fold fulfillment to the end it's perfectly prop proper for her to do it she states there will be a shaking of the seeve the chaff Must In Time be separated from the wheat and then she quotes this verse because iniquity abounds the love of many waxes cold it is the very time when the genuine will be the
• 63:30 - 64:00 strongest in Last Day Events page 27 she wrote I was shown that the spirit of the Lord is being withdrawn from the earth God will soon refuse his keeping power to all who continue to disregard his Commandments by the way let me stop there for a moment we are not saved because we keep the Commandments that's legalism the idea that oh if you
• 64:00 - 64:30 keep the Commandments then God is going to save you no because then salvation would be you you would be earning salvation Salvation is by grace through faith but the fruit is obedience what do kids do when they love their parents what is the evidence that they love their parents they obey them
• 64:30 - 65:00 right Jus said if you love me you will keep my Commandments the Apostle Paul said love is the fulfilling of the law to put a conflict between law and Grace is misguided because when you understand Grace what Jesus came he lived a perfect life he suffered he died so he could save you from your sins it will be a
• 65:00 - 65:30 delight to serve such a savior right because you love him you don't earn his love by obedience but because you love him you obey let me ask you when you when when you put your car and drive let's say it's a back wheeel Drive here you need a a front-wheel drive but let's suppose that it's a back wheeel
• 65:30 - 66:00 drive when when the weather is good and the road is clear which Wheels move first the back wheels or the front wheels most people say well if it's a re drive it's a back wheels no they don't the instant that the back wheels move the front wheels follow the back wheels are Faith and the front wheels are Works Faith
• 66:00 - 66:30 Works Hebrews 11 is the faith chapter of the Bible and have you ever noticed that everyone who is mentioned in Hebrews 11 is doing something they're not Faith isn't simply something that happens in your brain it's something that translate from your brain to action Abel offered Noah built Abraham took his son to sacrifice him
• 66:30 - 67:00 Moses left they're all doing something because faith is an action word let me ask you what's more important when you have a when you have a rowboat the right ore or the left ore yes if you have only the right or you're going to make sure to the left if you have the left door you're going to make circles to the
• 67:00 - 67:30 right you need both a faith that works and then your life your spiritual life progresses let me ask you something little experiment that I'm just digressing right now because I don't want you to give the impression that because God's people are going to be obeying the Lord even to the point of of being willing to be persecuted and to die like the three young men in the valley of dura oh you
• 67:30 - 68:00 know that were there were some kind of Martyrs that uh that are legalist no no no no everything has to do with love for the Lord I want somebody to come and take one side off of this sheet of paper take off just one side anybody anybody courageous to do it you can't take off one side see faith and
• 68:00 - 68:30 works and that's why James said the Apostle Paul says we're not saved by fa by works but then James who is also in the Bible says uh faith without works is dead so it's not either or it's both together out of love for the Lord how did get how did I get off on that tangent okay the statement Last Day Events page 27 I was shown that the spirit of the Lord is being withdrawn from the earth God will
• 68:30 - 69:00 soon refuse his keeping power to all who continue to disregard his Commandments obviously because they don't love him because their love has grown cold the reports of fraudulent transactions murders and crimes of every kind are coming to us daily iniquity is becoming such so common a thing that it is no it no longer shocks the senses as it once
• 69:00 - 69:30 did the devotional book lift him up page 3:10 the Lord Jesus on the Mount of Al plainly stated that and now she's going to quote that verse that because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold he speaks of a class who have fallen from a high state of spirituality see because the previous verses have said the their love gross cold they became offended and now she says they've fallen from a high
• 69:30 - 70:00 state of spirituality let such utterances as these come home with solemn searching power to our hearts where is the fervor the Devotion to God that corresponds to the greatness of the truth that we believe we claim to believe the love of the world the love of some darling sin has weaned the heart from the love
• 70:00 - 70:30 of prayer and of meditation or sacred things a formal round of religious Services is kept up but where is the love of Jesus spirituality is dying but the good news is that God is going to have a people that are not going their faith is their love is not going to grow
• 70:30 - 71:00 cold they're not going to stumble they are going to endure until the end that's the next verse are you seeing the sequence what once happened leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in Israel is going to happen globally at the end of time he who endures till the end will be saved I like the way the NIV translates
• 71:00 - 71:30 that verse he who remains faithful till the end will be saved it's the word hoop meno and then this is the last point that we're going to deal with tonight tomorrow we're going to begin with verse 14 see we're only doing to verse 14 the end time application of verse 14 what about the preaching of the Gospel did the preaching of the Gospel go to the whole world leading up to the
• 71:30 - 72:00 destruction of Jerusalem we studied that last night right all of the known world at that time heard the Gospel According to the Apostle Paul now there's a similarity between Matthew 24:4 if you go with me there Matthew 24:14 and Revelation 14:
• 72:00 - 72:30 6 so let's read Matthew CH 24 and verse 12 where it says and this Gospel of the Kingdom so first of all you have the gospel will be what preached that's the second point where in all the world as a witness to All
• 72:30 - 73:00 Nations and then the end will come now there's a similar Connection in Revelation 14 verse 6 that's this is the end time application Revelation 14 verse 6 same elements preaching the gospel and the end coming to Every Nation it says this the last message to the world
• 73:00 - 73:30 then I saw another Angel flying in the midst of Heaven having what also you have the gospel aspect having the Everlasting gospel to what oh that's also Matthew 24 to preach to whom where to those who dwell on the earth to Every Nation tribe tongue and people did Jesus say that the disciples were going to preach to all go ye teach All
• 73:30 - 74:00 Nations yes but at the end time the message is global worldwide now you say now wait a minute so you're saying that that prophecy is going to be fulfilled again the preaching of the Gospel that reached the whole world at that time is going to reach really the whole world at the End of Time the answer is yes let me just read you and by the way the end will come immediately after the
• 74:00 - 74:30 Three Angels message you have Jesus sitting on the cloud and he's coming to the Earth the end comes now let me read two statements in closing the great controversy 356 the message of Salvation has been preached in all ages but this message Revelation 14:6 is a part of the Gospel which could not which could be proclaimed only in the last
• 74:30 - 75:00 days for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come you see the disciples could not preach the hour of his judgment has come because that began in 1844 so Revelation 14:6 goes beyond is broader than what Matthew 24:14 has to say and let me just read this last statement about the preaching of the Gospel in the past repeating in the future in the prophecy of Jerusalem's
• 75:00 - 75:30 destruction Christ said because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold however he that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved and this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then shall the End come she is quoting Matthew 24 correct now notice this this prophecy
• 75:30 - 76:00 will again be fulfilled the abounding iniquity of that day Finds Its counterpart in this generation so with the prediction in regard to the preaching of the Gospel before the fall of Jerusalem Paul writing by the Holy Spirit declared that the gospel was preached and now he quotes to every creature which is under Heaven Colossians 2 ver 20 uh 1:23 and then she says so
• 76:00 - 76:30 now as back then so now before the coming of the son of man the Everlasting gospel is to be preached to Every Nation Kindred and tongue and people Revelation 14:6 so what do you think is Matthew 24 relevant for today or is it only relevant for the people who lived leading up to the destruction
• 76:30 - 77:00 of Jerusalem it is very relevant for today because what happened locally back then will take place globally and is taking place globally at the end of time now tomorrow Lord willing we are going to look at the abomination of desolation we're going to study verse 14 and then the second time we're going
• 77:00 - 77:30 to talk about the Great Tribulation um what is the abomination of desolation at the end of time it must be something that people can see it must have something to do with worship correct and maybe it has something to do with a son so don't miss the next exciting
• 77:30 - 78:00 episode tomorrow what time tomorrow at 9:30 we'll study lesson six page 67 and then in the second study we will do the following chapter did you understand what we studied tonight is it is is it important yes it's crucially important at this time in human history
• 78:00 - 78:30 how about we sing a song you want to sing you've been sitting for a long time so let's have the song leader come forward and uh because I don't want to lead because if I lead everybody's going to leave which one did you one a second second coming here okay let's see
• 78:30 - 79:00 here why don't we just do lift up the trumpet let's see what page that is pardon me 23 213 okay and we've been sitting a long time so why don't we stand that'll help you get fired up
• 79:00 - 79:30 lift up the trumpet and Loud let it ring Jesus is coming again cheer upil gums with joyful and sing Jesus is coming
• 79:30 - 80:00 again coming again coming again Jesus is coming again heo hillt Ro claim M your Plains Jesus is coming again come coming in glory the lamb that was
• 80:00 - 80:30 sling Jesus is coming again coming again coming again Jesus is coming again heing of her tell the th Wonder thr Jesus is coming again Tempest and World winds the Anam
• 80:30 - 81:00 prong Jesus is coming again come in again come in again Jesus is coming again nations are angry by this we do
• 81:00 - 81:30 know Jesus is coming again knowledge increases men run to and from Jesus is coming again com in again come in again Jesus is coming
• 81:30 - 82:00 again and now father as we end this service we want to thank you for giving us a picture of what is happening what will soon happen so we can live in peace and not worry because that we know that you will walk with us through the shadow of the valley of death amen we ask that you will bless us and keep us as we return to our homes thank you for the privilege of living in such a
• 82:00 - 82:30 beautiful place we ask that you will give us a good night's rest and give us a day tomorrow that is filled with your blessings we pray this in the precious and holy name of Jesus amen amen amen