“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.” Matthew 24:40-41 NLT Many people have used this passage to suggest a secret rapture, where people will suddenly just disappear and be taken … Continue reading –>
The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all Christian hopes; it is the fulfillment of all that we have been promised. Without it—what? We would rot in the ground after death just as everyone else does. Without the Second Coming and all that it entails, everything else about our faith becomes a lie, … Continue reading –>
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 The Pharisees and religious rulers were standing in the way of salvation. Matthew 23 is a scathing condemnation of the most revered men in Jewish society. The reverence, respect and fear of these men touched all areas … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Teachings of Jesus About the Last Days” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ response here in Matthew 24 was in regard to “the sign of Your coming” (Matt. 24:3, NKJV); that is, of Christ’s coming to reign. What other warning does Jesus give in the context of events before His return, and how has this been seen through history? Matt. 24:23-26. Here’s Jesus, from a worldly perspective … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 24:15-22. What is Jesus talking about here? Again, what kind of picture does He present in response to the questions asked Him? “The abomination of desolation” is generally understood as some kind of sacrilege or desecration of what is holy. Jesus is obviously talking about the destruction of Jerusalem, which would come in … Continue reading –>
Blind Guides. Here is a picture of lapis luzili. What significance can we place on this beautiful gem in the offering of the covenant between God and His people? (See the lesson guide.) How astonished do you think the top leaders of the new nation were to behold God? How did they respond? How long did their … Continue reading –>
After Jesus rebuked the specific Jewish leaders who rejected Him, John 12:20-26 records a fascinating request. Christ is told about Gentiles who wanted “to see Jesus” (NKJV). Yet, these Gentiles first make their request to Jews who are faithful to Jesus. Before long, something similar would happen on a much larger scale: while some Jews … Continue reading –>
It was Jesus Himself who had led the children of Israel into Jerusalem, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. On eagle’s wings He had carried them out of Egypt and brought them to Himself. “‘Out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be … Continue reading –>
A survey of people in America taken a few years ago reveals a strong reaction to perceived hypocrisy in its Christian churches. A whopping 72% of people who believe in God, but who don’t attend church, said the church is full of hypocrites! Jesus noted that the leaders of the church of His time were hypocritical, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Exod. 19:5-6; Matthew 23; John 12:20-26; Matthew 24; 1 Thess. 4:16. Memory Text:“‘And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted’” (Matthew 23:12, NKJV). The second coming of Jesus is the climax of the Christian faith. The First Advent of Jesus and His death … Continue reading –>
When the “remnant” is brought to view in Revelation, our attention is directed to God’s intent that the movement be defined by a specific theological construct: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony … Continue reading –>
