“The Ultimate Rest” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 13 Q3 2021

hello friends i'm jill morocconi and welcome to 3bn sabbah school panel rest in christ i can't believe we're at lesson number 13. the last lesson of this quarter this title is the ultimate rest i want to encourage you to grab your bible in your notebook and a pen or pencil to take notes and especially your adult bible study guide if you don't have your own copy you can always go to your local 7th avenue church and ask them for a copy or you can go to absg and you can download your own copy and study with us for this edition of three abn sabbah school panel [Music] [Laughter] [Music] do [Music] we are at the end of our journey of this quarter as we look at the ultimate rest of course last week we studied the life of jonah the reluctant ungracious prophet and we looked at how god worked redemptive redemptively in his own heart as well as the people of nineveh this week we look at the ultimate rest i want to introduce my family your family to you right now to my left pastor ryan day glad you're here amen i'm glad to be here and excited about today's lesson going to be diving into matthew 24 talking about the soon coming of jesus amen to your left pastor john lowe mccain glad you're here and one of my specialties and one that i love very much the everlasting gospel of revelation chapter 14. yay that's perfect for you absolutely shelly quinn so glad you're here my sister oh me too mine is r.i.p rest in peace oh amen last but not least pastor john denzel glad you're here thank you it's a privilege thursday will be rejoice in the lord always amen before we go any further we want to go to the lord in prayer pastor john would you pray for us sure gracious father loving lord you have sustained us from week to week as we have walked through these very blessed lessons the practical aspects of things that we need as a people and we do pray that as we finalize this quarter that your spirit will continue to guide our hearts and minds thank you for the work that's been done the preparatory work but now send your spirit to unite us yes and may all the glory and honor go only to you we pray in christ's name amen amen amen you know life is a battle we are engaged in the great controversy the battle between good and evil between christ and satan it began in heaven it began actually when satan thought he would be like the most high he would ascend he would become like god he thought only of himself and this war as we're told in revelation chapter 12 broke out in heaven and satan was defeated and he was cast down to this earth and we saw this great controversy battle begin to play out in earth with adam and eve and when they partook of the forbidden fruit it plunged this world into the battle between good and evil i'm so thankful that christ jesus came to pay the penalty to free us from the penalty of sin and from the power of sin he came to redeem us from the curse of the law to free us from the dominion of satan to grant us the gift of eternal life to redeem us and buy us back from the land of the enemy he came to cleanse us from any trace of sin restoring us the image of jesus reconcile us back to the father the great controversy as it's being played out as a lesson brought out in two different aspects it's played out on a global scale between christ and satan and that battle is taking place before the entire universe but it's also played out on a personal scale between christ and satan that's in the battlefield of your heart and the battlefield of my heart we all have a decision to make in this great controversy who will our master be as we look forward to that ultimate rest let's read our memory text first corinthians two verse nine first corinthians two verse nine as it is written eye has not seen nor ear heard nor have entered into the heart of man the things which god has prepared for those who love him on sunday's lesson we look at a vision of the end turn with me to the book of revelation we're going to look at revelation chapter 1 and revelation chapter 21. you know john the beloved disciple was the youngest of jesus disciples when he walked this earth but at this time he's the oldest he's the surviving apostle of the rest the others of course have been martyred for their faith he's exiled to the island of patmos and the young church at this time is facing intense persecution from without and they're facing heresy from within and john gets this vision this revelation of jesus revelation the book of revelation is all about jesus it's about his character and his love and his death resurrection and ascension his heavenly sanctuary and throne room his plan of redemption for fallen humanity his plan for the future his soon return the home the inheritance of the saints we see his power in his glory and his honor and his victory and this outworking of the plan of redemption and the final eradication of sin and the ultimate rest the ultimate home for you and i the redeemed so in john 1 verse 9 he writes i john both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom impatience of jesus christ was on the island that is called patmos for the word of god and for the testimony of jesus christ john as we see in the next few verses see the vision of jesus he's instructed to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches of asia so let's look just a moment at john's vision of jesus jesus shows up in the sanctuary that's right revelation 1 verse 12. then i turned to see the voice that spoke with me and having turned i saw seven golden lamp stands this of course is an allusion to the lamp stands in the old testament sanctuary and of course the seven lamp stands also represent the seven churches christ is in the sanctuary christ is with his people in the midst of these difficult intense persecution and intense times of heresy from within the church christ is with his people but he doesn't just show up in the sanctuary he shows up dressed like an old testament priest we see that in verse 13 revelation 1 13. and in the midst of the seven lampstands one like the son of man the son of man was jesus's favorite self-designation in the gospels of mark and luke he calls himself many times the son of man how is he clothed with a garment down to the feet now only a priest or a judge would wear these long robes and he was girded about the chest with a golden band if you read exodus 28 you see what the old testament high priest wore and the description of that and you see that the leviticus levitical priests were robed like this we see verse 14. jesus doesn't just show up in the sanctuary and he doesn't just show up dressed like an old testament high priest he shows up with wisdom his head and hair were white like wool as white as snow now that doesn't mean you and i would think if someone has white hair maybe that means they're old but that doesn't mean oh that means wisdom it shows honor respect veneration wisdom in fact it's the same description we see the ancient of days in daniel 7 verse 9 that judgment scene where the hair of his head in that case was white like pure wool now jesus doesn't just show up with wisdom he shows up and searches us what does it say his head and hair were white like wool as white as snow in his eyes like a flame of fire in revelation 19 we see christ coming on a white horse and his eyes are like a flame of fire our god is a consuming fire purging away sin and draws our god is all-knowing possessing knowledge of the inmost secrets of men as well as coming future events and then jesus shows up with brightness and glory and power his face shining with the countenance like of the sun who is he who is this jesus who showed up if you just look at the book of revelation you see that he is the faithful witness he is the first begotten of the dead he is the prince of the kings of the earth he's the son of man he who lives and was dead he holds the seven stars he walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks he's the son of god he is who searches the reigns and the hearts he that has the seven stars he that is holy and true that he that has the key of david he that shuts and no man opens he is the amen the faithful and true witness the beginning of the creation of god the lord the lion of the tribe of judah the root of david the lamb as it had been slain king of kings and lord of lords he is faithful and true the word of god he's the rider of the white horse he is the christ the lord god of the holy prophets the bright and morning star he's the alpha and the omega he's the beginning in the end he is the first and the last that is the jesus that shows up in the book of revelation and he shows up for you and for me revelation shows the final triumph of christ over satan in this great controversy sin is defeated christ wins death is no more we see that in revelation 21 let's look at that revelation 21 verses 1 through 4 i john saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away there was no more sea then i john saw the holy city new jerusalem coming down out of heaven from god prepared as a bride adorned for her husband and i heard a loud voice from heaven saying behold the tabernacle of god is with men he will dwell with them they shall be his people god himself will be with them and be their god and god will wipe away every tear from their eyes amen there will be no more death no more sorrow no more crying there will be no more pain for the former things they have passed away you feel like you're living in a world of turmoil a world that the great controversy is raging in your own heart or the hearts of your family members or church or community there is coming a time there will be ultimate rest the new earth is a place to rest there be no more sin no more sickness no more suffering no more sorrow no more separation there's going to be no more destruction no more devastation no more despair no more despondencies no more difficulties no more death there's going to be no more trials no more torment no more trouble no more tests no more tears because the former things have passed away because the lord jesus has won the great controversy and all it takes is you and i to reach our hand out and say yes i want to be part of your group of people god yes i want you to come in and to cleanse and to restore and to change and to transform i want to spend eternity with you i am putting my will on the side of jesus and what will happen in that day i love this quote the great controversy is ending sin and sinners are no more the entire universe is clean one pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation from him who created all flow life in light and gladness throughout the realms of in limitable space from the minutest adam to the greatest world all things animate and inanimate in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy declare that god is love amen do you know this god have you made this god lord and savior of your life you see satan wants to twist the character of god and make you think that god is a god of hate that god is a god of death that god is a god of punishment but our god is a god of love and some day soon when jesus comes again this world that we live in will be no more these struggles that we go through will happen no more jesus is coming again and we have the privilege of spending eternity with a god hallelujah amen praise the lord thank you so much i love i love that quote that you just read i believe that was the last line of great controversy last paragraph and it's interesting that conflict series begins with god is love and it ends with god is love and our god of love wants us to be prepared and ready for his soon return and that's what monday's lesson is all about it's entitled the countdown that's exciting the countdown because if we're going to be ready we need to make sure that we're ready and jesus has not left any stone unturned he makes he made sure that he put all the details in there so that we might be ready and so we're going to be going to the book of matthew chapter 24 so that's going to be where we're going if you want to turn with me in your bibles and obviously jesus is he's going to deliver his final i guess prophetic farewell address to his disciples atop the mount of olives he has just left the temple and the bible says that he goes to the top of the mount of olives and he meets with his disciples privately and we're going to pick up there in matthew chapter 24 verse 3. notice what the bible says now as he said on the mount of olives the disciples came to him privately saying tell us when will these things be and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age they want to know lord you've told us that you're going to be leaving and that you're going to return but how will we know because ultimately as this as this whole study is entitled rest in christ we're not going to really experience the ultimate rest until jesus comes back to give us that eternal rest in him in which we can be with him and in his presence for all eternity and so what jesus is about to do in matthew 24 is he's about to present this powerful very detailed panoramic timeline that stretches from his day all the way down to the end of the world to the second coming of jesus and so we know very well especially as seventh-day adventist christians that there's going to be coming this time of trouble and the book of daniel talks about this this time of trouble that never has been nor ever will be and jesus wants us to be prepared for that which immediately precedes his coming and we want to make sure that we're prepared for all of that and therefore that's why we have these powerful prophetic chapters such as matthew chapter 24 the great olivet discourse we're going to pick up in verse 4 again matthew chapter 24 beginning with verse 4 and we're going to read through verse 8. notice what jesus starts with it says and jesus answered and said to them take heed that no one deceives you i find that interesting that that was his very first word it's almost like his thesis sentence for everything that he's about to cover because you're going to see this issue come back up over and over through that prior to the second coming of jesus if we might enter into that eternal perfect ultimate rest we need to make sure that we are we are safeguarded and that we are not going to be deceived so he starts with let no one deceive you and then he goes on to say for many will come in my name saying i am the christ and will deceive not few but many the majority and will hear of wars he says and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars see that you are not troubled for all these things must come to pass but the end is not yet for nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and there will be famines pestilences and earthquakes in various places and then this is a fascinating verse here in verse 8 he says all of these things that he just mentioned are just the beginning of sorrows now you may not get catch the fullness of this until you go a little bit deeper and study the word for sorrows there it's the word in the greek it's pronounced odin odin which means birth pains it means childbirth it could be translated childbirth so what is jesus saying all these things that i've just mentioned nations rising against nations wars and rumors of wars pestilences earthquakes in various places famines all of these things this is just the beginning you've had these things for so long but how will you know i'm coming soon he says it's going to be just like a woman who's experiencing birth pains and i have never in my life ever met a woman who gave birth who was just sitting on the couch one day and then all of a sudden looked down and said oh what's this baby doing here there was some warning signs along the way that that baby's coming right and that's exactly what jesus is giving us here right here in matthew 24 he says i'm coming soon and i want to give my children whom i love dearly that eternal rest with me where they can be with me for all eternity but you need to be prepared you need to be aware of what is coming and so what will happen leading up to this second coming in this great tribulation time period that is spoken of let's read on we're right here in verse 23 we're going to skip down to verse 23 so that's matthew 24 beginning with verse 23 it says then if anyone says to you look here is the christ or there do not believe it for false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders there it is again to deceive if possible even the elect see he says i have told you beforehand therefore if they say to you look he is in the desert do not go out or look he is in the inner rooms do not believe it for as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west so also will the coming of the son of man be that is a powerful just image to take in because a lot of people think that that is describing the swiftness of his coming and i do believe that it's going to be swift and quick but not so swift and quick that people are going to miss it like some people try to say in this left behind theory and ideology you will see the son of man coming in fact i love this because i can imagine this i grew up in the south and i've even seen this once or twice since i've been here in southern illinois if you've ever seen a southern lightning storm you don't even have to be looking directly at that lightning storm that may be coming out of the west or northwest or whatever direction you can have your back i there was times in the south growing up in northeastern arkansas i would have my entire back turned away from or turned toward the the lightning storm looking away from it but i would still see the powerful effects from that lightning storm as it would dance across the sky i would see its effects all across the sky what jesus is saying here is you're not going to miss it because my coming will be that visible it will be that grand let's go on to verse 29 he says immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light and the stars will fall from the heaven and the powers of the heavens will be shaken you will know he's coming because there will be some very clear amazing signs in the atmosphere and from the stars and from the heavens and and from the sun you're going to know jesus says when you see these things happening these miraculous signs you will know that i'm that my coming is near what happens right before the appearing of jesus how do we know that and read verse 30 it says then the sign of the son of man will appear in heaven and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory and he will send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they will gather his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other this is going to be an awesome event this is going to be the greatest event ever to have ever to happen on this planet you got people that gather you know for the nba finals and the the the you know the super bowl and you know every four years the olympics happened where billions of people on this planet are tuning in let me tell you something there's not an event in the history of mankind that's going to be as great as this right here my friends jesus says i'm on my way i'm coming very soon and i want you to be prepared that's what matthew 24 is all about that's what the book of revelation is all about that's what the great prophetic and apocalyptic book of daniel is all about to prepare god's people for his soon return and make no mistake about it jesus says look all of these things may happen but let me tell you what it's going to be like prior to in leading up to the second coming of jesus matthew 24 verse 37 to 39 he says but as the days of noah were so also with the coming of the son of man be for as the days before the flood they were eating and drinking marrying and given in marriage until the day that noah entered the ark and did not know until the flood came and took them all away so also will the coming of the son of man be there's gonna be a sense in which people are gonna be thinking as paul would say peace and safety but when they say peace and safety then sudden destruction comes upon them as labor pains there it is again that same word odin labor paints upon a pregnant woman and they shall know not escape my friends jesus is coming soon that's right and what is our part that's the question yeah what should we be doing what is our part to make sure that we can prepare for this soon arrival of the son of god matthew 24 i'm going to start with verse 12 we're going to read to verse 14. this is powerful notice what jesus says he says and because lawlessness will abound the love of many will grow cold one one major part is that when we reflect the love and character of jesus christ we put love back into this dark world it is our job to reflect the character of jesus it's our job to share the love of jesus with every single person around us if we are going to enter into his rest we need to share god's love with all of the world but he goes on to say in verse 13 but he who endures to the end shall be saved are you enduring are you prepared for the soon return of jesus because those who endure to the end shall be saved those who persevere to the end shall be saved paul fought the good fight he ran the course he he ran the race he finished the race are you doing that as well that's what jesus is talking about here we have to persevere and then in verse 14 and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to the nations and then the end will come to all the nations we're talking about the ever lasting gospel and i'm not going to speak too much on that because that's what pastor loma king is going to speak on in just a moment but how can we be prepared how can we make sure that we're prepared for for jesus soon return my friends we need to be preaching the gospel we need to be living the gospel out in our lives before the world and that's what jesus is saying here he's saying i will come back when you manifest and live out the gospel and preach the gospel to all this lost and dying world amen thank you so much pastor ryan we're going to take a break we'll be right back [Music] ever wish you could watch a 3abn sabbah school panel again or share it on facebook instagram or twitter well you can by visiting 3abnsabbaschoolpanel.com a clean design makes it easy to find the program you're looking for there are also links to the adult bible study guide so you can follow along sharing is easy just click share and choose your favorite social media share a link save a life for eternity welcome back to lesson 13 the ultimate rest we're going to kick it over to pastor john loma cain in tuesday's lesson wow i tell you mine is marching orders i could hear the hallelujah chorus in my head as i think about this topic the marching orders we're on tuesday and we are going to be talking about the everlasting gospel it comes from the greek word ahioneos meaning everlasting since the world began eternal and forever so the final message of the three angels is one that was planted when the lord gave the commission he says and i will put enmity between thee and the woman between thy seed and her seed he forecasted the ultimate victory from the garden of eden and the great controversy played itself out and brethren the good news is we're at the last of the seven churches this is the last of the four kingdoms of daniel 7 and daniel chapter 2. we are living on the cuspid of eternity and the everlasting gospel is the marching orders of this hour think about the environment we live and we are confronted by an indiscriminate contagion called sin we live in a society that puts its irresponsible behavior on full display it is in this context that god says the everlasting gospel has relevance calamity and disease are satan's tools preparing the world for its final end there is an irresistible fearful anxiety that is hovering over humanity and it's in this context that the lord says proclaim the everlasting gospel but notice the context of lesson is marching orders meaning we're not church members we're soldiers that's right we are not members that are part of a club of people that identify with the same gospel we are standing in the whole armor of god and paul said in his attitude and his final fear well i have fought a good fight we must contend for the faith and a part of that final commission is the proclamation of the everlasting gospel we live in a world where fires are unquenchable and all of life's accomplishments can go up in an instant yeah but the order is saying as the world is coming down the gospel should be going up in revelation 14 verse 6 to 12 gives us a picture of this everlasting gospel which is the preamble of our eternal victory let's look at that together revelation 14 verse 6 to 12. and i saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel the honeos the gospel that began that has no end until all of its components are complete having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to who to every nation every tribe every tongue every people sing with a what kind of voice loud voice what is he saying fear god and give glory to him for the hour of his judgment is come and worship him who made heaven and earth the sea and the springs of waters or the fountains of waters as the king james version says and then another angel verse 8 followed saying babylon is fallen is fallen babylon has already fallen in the eyes of god soon babylon will be fallen in the eyes of humanity how does the bible describe babylon that great city the city of antiquity that is now a symbolic organization a symbolic coalition standing building its tower based on works trying to succumb trying not to succumb to the final movement of the gospel but here's the good news when we proclaim the gospel jesus says the gates of hell cannot withstand it it cannot prevail against it so keep on standing firm and what is that message why is that city great why is it coming down because she made all nations drink of the wine or the wrath of a fornication then a third angel follow them in verse 9 of revelation 14 saying what they what kind of voice oh loud voice if anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of god which is poured out full strength into the cup of his indignation he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the lamb but this is the part that ties into the rest aspect of our lesson in verse 11 and the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever and they have no rest day or night who worship the beast in his image and whoever receives the mark of his name here is the patience of the saints here are they who keep the commandments of god and the what the faith of jesus now let me qualify something very carefully when the bible says forever and ever that is as long as sinful humanity exists but sinful humanity cannot exist forever and ever because the bible says the wages of sin is death but the gift of god is eternal life in christ jesus our lord so when it talks about the smoke of their torment ascending up forever and ever as long as there's something to burn that smoke will ascend but malachi says one day we will trample under on the wicked because they will be ashes under the souls of our feet that's right on the day that the lord does this so don't think that the wicked have anything eternal because here's the bible he who has the son has life that's right he who does not have the son does not have life the wicked don't have the son therefore they cannot have life when the bible talks about marching orders to whom are the marching orders given go to revelation chapter 12 verse 17. go there with me quickly to whom are the marching orders given well the marching orders are given to those that the devil are upset about that's right he wouldn't be upset about anybody who did not have some kind of antidote against his deception and i love the fact that the bible gives this picture ryan you see the woman in revelation and the woman in in genesis in genesis the devil was able to seduce her by his beguilement he was able to lead her into deception but this woman has a new husband now and when he comes to her to discuss a relationship she says oh wait a minute not this time not this time and so because she turns him down the bible says and the dragon is enraged or a dragon is expressing his wrath against the woman and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring who are they who keep the commandments of god and have the testimony of jesus christ so why is he upset my brethren the three angels messages is a proclamation revealing satan's final movements and the devil is upset with those who are proclaiming this everlasting gospel who are proclaiming the marching orders of heaven who are proclaiming a message that will not fail but that will result in the rescue of millions how do i know that you see the first and the third message will proclaim with a loud voice when does the second message elevate to a loud voice revelation chapter 18. here it is when does it elevate to a loud voice to a fever pitch the bible says in revelation chapter 18 and verse 4 and i heard another voice from heaven and by the way let's go to verse 2. and he cried mightily with a loud voice saying babylon the greatest fallen has fallen and has become the habitation of demons and a prison for every foul spirit in the cage for every unclean and hated bird and here's why it has to increase you see from the time that the systems of babylon began to be developed all the movements that claim to have an allegiance to god's word but decides to turn away from the word of god to tradition from the word of god to the commandments of men from the day of god to the day of man from the truth of god's word to the era of humanity to those things that are solid to those things that are shaky and cause people to have teachers that having have itching ears and we're living in a day and age where religion has been so diluted that god is saying when you proclaim this final message please proclaim it with a loud voice that's right why is he doing that and here's the here's the assurance i'm gonna go back to matthew 24 here's the assurance that the marching orders will not fail matthew 24 14 and this gospel yes of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations and then the end will come why is the lord proclaiming this message so vehemently why is he so concerned about every nation every kindred every tongue every people here's the reason why there are sincere christians in every walk of life and many of them have not heard the everlasting gospel many preachers are not even proclaiming the three angels messages but the lord says in john 10 verse 16 wait a minute how can they come out unless somebody calls them out john 10 16 and other sheep i have which are not of this fold them also i must bring and they will hear my voice how because it's going to be proclaimed with a loud voice and there will be one fold and one shepherd and in that day isaiah 2 and verse 3 says this many people shall come and say come and let us go up to the mountain of the lord to the house of the god of jacob he will teach us his ways and we shall walk in his paths for out of zion shall go forth the law and the word of the lord from jerusalem but how's that going to happen isaiah 60 arise and shine for your light has come and the glory of the lord is risen upon you so here's the key if you proclaim the gospel you'll be a soldier marching forward and the glory of god will be seen in your life before you guys are on fire i'll tell you my lesson is wednesday's rest in peace you know for centuries we have been awaiting christ's return amen and it won't be long i believe before he fulfills his promise of john 5 28-29 let's begin there john chapter 5 28-29 this is jesus speaking and he says do not marvel at this for the hour is coming in which all who are in their graves will hear his voice and they will come forth those who have done good to the resurrection of life those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation now wait a minute where are people when jesus returns and the grace the dead are in the grave okay let's let's look at this this contradicts the popular teaching that as soon as one dies they go to heaven and they're up there with jesus i was taught your spirit went to heaven you were up there came back with him reunited you went back into the grave it was a convoluted teaching but here's what i want to tell you that teaching is built upon a false premise that we have immortal souls the bible says in first timothy 6 16 god alone is immortal it says he who alone has immortality dwelling in inapproachable or unapproachable light god is an infinite being with no beginning no end he's self-existence he is eternal the bible mentions man's soul over 1600 times not once is it associated with immortality not one scripture in the bible says that man has an immortal soul as a matter of fact do you know when bible believers those who have faith in christ you know when we put on immortality at the last trump that's right when jesus returns and let me prove that first corinthians 15 51-55 paul is speaking to christians he says behold i tell you a mystery that's right we shall not all sleep that is a bible metaphor for death but we shall all be changed in the moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet that's when we're changed for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall change for this corruption must put on incorruption now by the way he is speaking only to christians that's right ones who are going to raise and put on immortality the only ones that are given god so loved the world he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life so this is that first resurrection of the righteous that jesus was talking about and paul says in verse 53 this corruptable must put on incorruption this mortal must put on immortality so when this has happened and this mortal has put on immortality then shall be brought to pass the same that is written death is swallowed up in victory oh death where is your sting hades where is your victory god who alone is immortal is going to grant us immortal life the saved will put on immortality at the last trumpet now jesus compares someone the the the person's condition between death and resurrection to an unconscious sleep let's look at that john 11 11-14 john chapter 11 verse 11 then after these things he jesus said and after that he said to them our friend lazarus sleeps but i go that i may wake him up and then his disciples say well lord if he sleeps he'll get well however jesus spoke of his death but they thought that he was speaking about taking rest in sleep then jesus said to them plainly lazarus is dead see in both the old testament and the new testament it refers to death as a sleep in fact the word in the greek can be translated as ordinary sleep a sleep sleep die or to be dead but throughout the bible like david what does it talk about david and the other old testament kings they are sleeping with their fathers when stephen was martyred and stoned to death luke wrote he fell asleep that's right so it's interesting you see you go to old graves yards and you see r.i.p rest in peace that's right you know for a christian when a christian dies they sleep in jesus the very next conscious moment that they have there's no real passing of time for them they're asleep and the next thing they know they hear jesus voice and they come up out of the out of the grave to see his face what does the bible say happens when we die eat this i'm going to go through these real quickly so you can write down the reference okay ecclesiastes 9 5. ecclesiastes 9 5 says the dead know nothing like a sleep the dead are unconscious that's right ecclesiastes 9 10 like sleep they are resting it says there is no work or device or knowledge of wisdom in the grave where you're going psalm 164 says like sleep there's no conscious thoughts you lie unconscious in the grave he said his spirit departs he returns to the earth that very day his plans perish psalm 115 17 said the dead do not praise the lord job 14 12 says that you sleep till you're awakened he said so man lies down and does not rise till the heavens are no more they will not awaken or be aroused from their sleep that's right not till that last trumpet and then daniel 12 1-2 this is during the prophesied time of trouble just before christ's return and at christ christ's return daniel says at that time your people shall be delivered everyone who is found written in the book this is the book of life and he says many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake yes some to everlasting life just like jesus said they'll come forward those who are righteous to everlasting life and then daniel says some to shame and everlasting contempt isn't that what jesus just said in john 5 so death is asleep from which there will be awakening but i've got to read this christ's second coming is the culmination of all of our hopes is it not and it's not just ours but it's for the hope of all who have died in the lord since centuries past let's look at hebrews 11 13 through 16. hebrews 11 13 and it says these speaking of abel and enoch and noah and abraham isaac jacob and sarah that just gone through it said these all died in faith not having received the promises did you get that they died in faith but they haven't received the promise but having seen them afar off they were assured of them embrace them and confess that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth for those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland and truly if they had called to mind that country from which they'd come out they would have had opportunity to return but they desired a better place that is a heavenly country therefore god is not ashamed to be called their god for he's prepared a city for them their faith was approved by god they became heirs of righteousness hebrews 11 even says noah was an heir of righteousness their faith was patient and they endured great hardships because they believed god's promise of a better life in a heavenly jerusalem and it says that they've not yet received that gift of eternal life they're looking for that city that's going to come down from heaven the one where jesus said i've gone to prepare a place for you but they're not going to get there ahead of anybody else we're not going to get there ahead of them listen to this first thessalonians 4 13-18 paul says i do not want you to be ignorant brethren concerning those who have fallen asleep lest you sorrow as others who have no hope for if we believe that jesus died and rose again even so god will bring with him those who sleep in jesus for this we say to you by the word of the lord that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the lord will by no means precede those who are asleep we don't seem before they get raised up listen for the lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of an archangel with the trumpet of god and the dead in christ will rise first then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air and thus we shall always be with the lord therefore comfort one another with these words amen amen amen wow praise the lord i would say enjoying every one of these presentations praise god and i want to uh invite you to now go to thursday we are covering rejoice in the lord always a little change of tomb from what's been discussed so far but let's go into james chapter 1 verses 2 through 4. notice what the bible says my brethren counted all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience but let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing we are in a great controversy between good and evil yes we are and as we are living every single day of our lives trials and difficulties will come our way but remember that the quarterly is entitled entitled rest in christ yeah and so as we face these difficulties we should remember that we have rest in christ he can help us get through the worst of situations the worst of problems so that's why the thursday's lesson lessons focuses on philippians chapter 4 verses 4 through 7. listen to verse 4. rejoice in the lord always and again i i will say rejoice this is paul who said i have learned in whatsoever state i am therefore to be content that's right paul faced a difficult life he knew what it was to be uh persecuted himself he was a persecutor he persecuted himself also beaten several times but he learned to rejoice in the lord always now this this word rejoice is not the first time it shows up in philippians it was already presented rejoice in the lord in chapter 3 verse 1. but how do we rejoice in the lord always is knowing what jesus said in john chapter 16 and verse 33 what did jesus say in john 16 33 he spoke about things that were happening that were going to happen he said these things i have spoken to you that in me you may have peace in the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer i have overcome the world so as we go through difficulties know that this is not our final home that's right jesus has promised a better home that's what he said yes let not your heart be troubled you believe in god believe also in me in my father's house are many mansions that's right if they were not so i would have told you i go to prepare a place for you jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and he says that when i come again i will receive you to myself that where i am there you may be also talking about the rest that he wants to give us we're not done with philippians chapter four let's go to verse five it says let your gentleness be known to all men the lord is at hand here again we see a reference to the coming of christ because you know christ is coming don't worry don't be over stressed about things that you're going to be facing because all these things must happen but be of good cheer i have overcome the world rest in christ it says be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to god so this part be anxious for nothing doesn't mean oh whatever you know i'm just gonna be a couch potato and worry about anything no it's talking about don't let things stress you out don't worry be overly concerned about things god is in control yes but notice that it says by prayer but everything by prayer and supplication two-thirds two uh terms here used prayer for general things supplications when you have a great need present this need to the lord it shows a more of an urgency when you have a great need but it says you present these things with thanksgiving and we all have something to be thankful for we have the blessed hope it says let your request be made known to god why would you make your request be known to god because he says ask that you may receive ask that your joy may be full let's go to uh verse verse 7. notice it says it says this beautiful and the peace yes of god which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through christ jesus as we face this world we have the assurance yes that jesus gave us i will be with you always even to the end of the world rest in christ this whole quarterly this whole every single lesson has been about rest in christ and we must find that whatever our situation is we can rest in christ we're going to face difficult times there may be times of sorrows there may be times of want but christ is with us he has promised to be with us until the end of the world second corinthians chapter 4 verse 17 says for our light affliction which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory the things we go through if we're in if we place ourselves in the hands of the lord the things we go through will only work for our benefit for our good romans chapter 8 verse 28 and we know that all things work together that's right for good to them they love god to them that are the called according to his purpose before ending i have to go to matthew chapter 11 verse 28 through 30. we're talking about rest in christ and he offers rest as we end this uh lesson number 13 remember that christ offers you rest matthew 11 22 30 come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and i will give you rest this invitation of christ is open to you today he promises rest rest in christ take my yoke upon you and learn from me i am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls study the life of christ notice how he faced difficulties notice how he faced trial and temptation he said it is written we can take many lessons from the life of christ the bible says that rising up a great while before day he went to a place apart to pray learn of learn from jesus learn of the life of jesus and he is willing to teach us individually and personally that's why he makes the invitation come to me this is something present for us as well take my yoke upon you and learn from me for i am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls and you may remember that sister shelley made the illustration of a giant elephant compared to a did you say a baby ant yeah yes because jesus is all-powerful for us to take uh his yoke upon us it's like he's carrying the load but we cooperate with him it is a cooperation with christ that happens because as we have already heard he who has begun a good work yes will complete it notice how it says uh learn of me for i'm gentle and lowly in heart and you will it's not you may you might find rest for your souls no you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy yes and my burden is light take the yoke of christ learn from him and you will find rest rest in christ i hope you have captured this message and as we have gone through each one of these 13 lessons and the beautiful message that we have heard today from each one of the participants brings to us the great joy of the blessed coming of our lord and savior jesus christ he will soon come and we must do our part to be ready but while that time comes we have a blessing that i would like to read to you from the book desire of ages page 331 spilling over into page 332. notice as through jesus we enter into rest heaven begins here that's good we respond to his invitation come learn of me and in thus coming we begin the life eternal heaven is a ceaseless approaching to god through christ the longer we are in the in the heaven of blessed the more and still more of glory will be open to us and the more we know of god the more intense will be our happiness as we walk with jesus in this life we may be filled with his love satisfied with his presence all the human nature can bear we may receive here heaven begins on earth begin living in heaven today with jesus amen thank you all so much my heart is full i'm so grateful for who our god is and the rest that he freely extends to each one of us i want to give you all one last opportunity this quarter to share our final thought pastor ryan amen my lesson was all about the coming of jesus the soon second coming of jesus and i referenced first thessalonians chapter 5 i would like to read verses 4 through 6 here just as a reminder it says but you brethren are not in darkness so that this day speaking of the second coming of jesus that this day should overtake you as a thief you are all sons of the light and sons of the day you are not of the night nor of darkness therefore let us not sleep as others do but let us watch and be sober that's right thank you ryan and the marching orders are very clearly outlined in isaiah 9 and verse 2 and the result of the marching orders are here depicted the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light amen those who dwell in the land of the shadows of death upon them a light has shined only as you commit your life to christ can you receive the marching orders and allow your life to be a place where the light of god is continuing to shine you know we're surrounded by sorrow and sighing and i've had 12 people in my inner circle die within eight months but i don't mourn for them i know they're resting in peace and it'll be a short sleep in the next conscious thought they will see jesus who we grieve for are those who are left behind amen amen you know as we were preparing for this lesson i was reminded of a song i'm not going to sing it maybe pastor ryan or pastor it is soon and very soon we are going to see the lord soon and very soon we are going to see the king yes thank you all so much pastor johnny shelley pastor john pastor ryan for your study of the word of god and for your heart for god and for being part of the three man family just such a privilege to study together we thank you for being a part of the 3bn family my closing scripture for you is romans chapter 10 verse 13 says whoever calls on the name of the lord shall be saved how shall they call on whom they have not believed and how shall they believe of whom they have not heard and how shall they hear without a preacher when you have experienced jesus rest for yourself god calls you to go and tell someone else what you have experienced join us next quarter as we begin a brand new quarter present truth in deuteronomy [Music] [Laughter] [Music] you

Channel: Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN)

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Length: 58min 30sec (3510 seconds)

Published: Sun Sep 19 2021