When shall these things be?

Service Notes

Call to Worship by Pastor Beau

Offering Devo & Announcement Video at the end

Pastoral Prayer before Special

Bible Reading with instruction after Special

Bible Reading Luke 21:5-36.

Longer portion / read after the special

Longest sermon by Jesus / shouldn’t be mine

Olivet Discourse deal primarily with two things.

The “Olivet Discourse.” It is also found in Matthew 24 and 25; and it is also recorded in Mark 13.

The destruction of the Jewish Temple

The Coming of the Lord.

Encouragement

Before we get into this passage let me encourage you to go beyond Sunday morning in your Bible study.

VBI has a Bible Theology in a couple weeks & Eschatology course in the fall

Two LifeGroups are currently in Revelation

Most importantly you can and should be a student of the Word. / my step-dad the “professor”

Before I prayer. Let me teach you one of the few words I know in Sign Language. “amen” You are going to need it for the video we play after this prayer.

Pastoral Prayer

Gospel preaching churches in our county, country, and world

Alanie Wilkerson

Ken Tinsley

Kids Ministry

Significance of the Temple Question

Luke 21:5-7 “5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?”

We can see why they were concerned?

Mark 13:3 tells us that four disciples posed these questions: Peter, James, John, and Andrew.

The temple was the epicenter of Jerusalem. It was about 1,550,000 square feet, the equivalent to thirty-five acres.

We really do not have an equivalent in our society.

Same Temple Jesus is found in Luke 2 where He explains He will be about His Father’s Business

It has become a “Den of Robbers” and now it had not future.

In Acts, we see Stephen the first martyr, reminding everyone of what Jesus said Acts 6:14 “14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.” / It was not well received

The book of Hebrews will declare the whole temple ritual obsolete, superseded by the climactic sacrifice of Jesus himself.

In its place was a temple “not made with hands” (Mark 14:58), constructed with “living stones” (1 Pet. 2:5).

Why would we be concerned?

Isn’t eschatology just speculation at best, or worse, fear-mongering about the end of the world that always comes out wrong?

If the God of Heaven is willing and desirous to reveal anything to us, we should eagerly receive it.

Eschatology matters for knowing the story, the narrative, of the Bible.

Eschatology matters for not falling for a false story.

We are warned here that could be the case.

Paul deals with this in the churches he addresses.

Eschatology matters for living our story.

It gives comfort when standing for what’s right

Strength for service when we’re weary

Resolve to resist all that’s unholy

Intentionality for following the Master with all our heart

Eschatology matters for knowing the God of our story.

For Israel and us, fulfilled prophecy confirms and validates the Author of the Story as well as the Story he is telling.

Biblical eschatology is one of the means by which God distinguishes himself from all other gods or storytellers.

Sit with many Bible teachers in a week

Older: Dwight Pentecost, Harry Ironside, Warren Weirsbe. Jame Montgomery Boice

Modern: John MacArthur, Mark Minnick

They did not get along as well as they do most week.

Central issues

When exactly is the destruction of the Temple that Jesus is describing. Was or is to come?

First century AD 70

Future / those who believe their is a future for the nation of Israel

When is the coming of Jesus that is described in this Discourse

He came in the first century? Few people believe this.

Future: Is there a description of two comings of Jesus?

Thinly veiled debates over the future of Israel, the millenium, and pre-tribulation rapture.

Also, sat with my wife’s Uncle Ken. It does not appear that he has many days left on this earth. Talking to him about the return of Christ helped bring me back to wonderful truth of this reality and how it is so much greater than an academic debate among brothers.

Same questions are being asked today.

Luke 21:7 “7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?”

When will the Temple be destroyed?

Jesus is either deliberately vague or people are misunderstanding Him

Jesus is clear about when.

References show a chronology or sequence

Admonition to apply our minds and eyes

Jesus admonition to not be misled. Luke 21:8 “8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”

Assurance that He has answered

They asked and Jesus answered.

Matthew 24:25 “25 Behold, I have told you before.”

Mark 13:23 “23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.”

Luke 21:31 “31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”

We create the confusion when we impose presuppositions on the passage

Here are a few ideas people try to impose into the passage.

Replacement theology: The Church replaces Israel and their is no future for the nation of Israel.

Preterism: Everything has already been fulfilled. Be not Deceived

Common among conservative, evangelical authors. Let me strongly encourage you to study this out for your self and let Jesus words form our understanding. Differences even in your study Bibles.

We look to this passage to understand what will happen between the time of Christ and His return.

Luke 21:8-11 “8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.”

Jewish Eschatology doesn’t see us.

The Jews of the first century had a fairly well developed eschatology as it related to their expectations regarding the Messiah.

However as alluded to above, their timing of when the events would take place was very mistaken.

They did not see the Church / they didn’t foresee what we are doing today

Before the Messiah came there would be a time of terrible tribulation.

Into this chaos there would come Elijah as the forerunner and herald of the Messiah.

Then there would enter the Messiah.

The nations would ally themselves and gather themselves together against the champion of God.

The result would be the total destruction of these hostile powers.

There would follow the renovation of Jerusalem.

The Jews who were dispersed all over the world would be gathered into the city of the new Jerusalem.

Though they don’t see us. We should see them.

Future Israel eschatology matters for how we read the Bible.

Future Israel eschatology matters for understanding the Church’s mission in the world.

Future Israel Eschatology matters for understanding world events.

Paul continued teaching this lesson to the churches.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 “3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?”

How will the anti-Christ sit in the Temple

[Slide of the Abomination of Desolation]

Well we will need a Temple

Another reminder that God is not finished with the nation of Israel

They have another week (7 years on the clock)

Prophecy Found in Daniel

A future ruler will make a treaty with the people of Israel.

The terms of this treaty will be for a “week”—which we take to be a period of seven years.

Midway through this time, the ruler will gather his troops and put an end to the sacrifices and offerings in the temple.

At that time the ruler will desecrate the temple, setting up some type of sacrilegious object.

The desecration of the temple will continue until the judgment of God is finally meted out on the ruler and his followers, 1,290 days (3½ years and 1 month) later.

Beginning of Sorrows

Majority of the discourse concerns the nation of Israel in the time of “beginning of sorrows” / labor pains

Matthew and Mark use this phrase, though Dr. Luke does not

Quick overview of what we know about the Lord’s Return

His return for us as believers is Imminent

“Certain Event at an Uncertain Time”

Olivet Discourse Harmony

Let me explain what I mean by harmony [Slide 1 & 2]

In Luke we have some passages without parallel in the others [Slide 3]

Before all these

Luke 21:12–24 (KJV)

12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.

13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.

18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled

When these times of the Gentiles are completed the 70th week for the Jewish people begins.

We have seen in modern events things unfold that should cause us to consider that there is movement in this direction. 1948 the establishment of the State of Israel, 2017 the President of the USA declared we recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel - There are Biblically significant reasons this little country remains in the middle of discussions

Promise of Persecution

From out current perspective we shouldn’t be surprised, from their perspective it would have been shocking.

It must have been hard for them to accept; for men who have had arguments about who would be he greatest in the kingdom

Reason for persecution

Luke 21:12 “12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.”

It isn't that Christians are unkind, unlovable, not nice. The world hates Jesus.

Want to avoid persecution avoid association with the cross? Galatians 6:12 “12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”

You can be involved in many or most of the aspects of Christianity without persecution.

Upside of persecution

More opportunities to preach Christ. Luke 21:12-13 “12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.”

We saw this before our eyes last Sunday night as I gave a follow up report from Tony

We should not be surprised by persecution but concerned with a lack of it.

We have been warned so we do not stumble. John 16:1 “1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.”

John 16:1 KJV

1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

Jesus doesn’t want you to falter and fail when persecution comes because you didn't expect it.

Most of the disciples will be killed by the religious crowd John 16:2 “2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”

John 16:2 KJV

2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

This week talking with one of our missionaries and we talk in terms of STATE or CULTURAL resistance. Missionary said “I have the legal right but if we build in this area it will most likely get taken down by the people.” Same country the Gideons were recently attacked at the World Book Fair

Do not just look to missionary letters.

Look at how personal this persecution be?  Luke 21:16 “16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.”

Everybody is going to hate them you on the account of Jesus, right down to your intimate circle of friends and family.

Lift up your heads

This portion picks up with the accounts in Mark and Matthew about the tribulation.

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

Parable of the Fig Tree

Luke 21:29-31 “29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass (v.25-26) , know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”

The fig tree is just one example of a tree that buds before summer. Matthew mentions other trees as well.

For us it could be the dogwood. Spring is coming. Get your rain coats and inhalers.

As a person looks out of their window and watches seasons change. You and I should look though the window of Scripture and live with anticipation for the Lord’s return.

Opening Question

Luke 21:7 “7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?”

Has the destruction of the Temple come or will it come? Answer: Yes.

Those in that generation saw it and those in the generation that see the beginning of sorrows will see it again.

Luke 21:32-36 “32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Application / Sermon

For some reason the first coming (Christmas) of the Lord Jesus is politically correct, however the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is not politically correct.

When Jesus came the first time he received gifts.

What were they?

When He returns the second time let Him receive the following from us.

People that are aware and anticipating

34 And take heed to yourselves,

lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

surfeit: cause (someone) to desire no more of something as a result of having consumed or done it to excess.

drunkeness: a desire to be escape the realities of this life.

care of this life; they are so numerous and all consuming

Someone just yell out what you have been thinking and worrying about during the sermon. :)

Consider this. Matthew 24:36-37 “36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Let this reorder your week. Let this reorder your thoughts. Let this provide comfort for you.

The moment a man realizes that Jesus Christ is coming back again to receive His followers to Himself, this world loses its hold upon him. - D.L. Moody

People whose lives are altered by this truth

Titus 2::12 “12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

People helping others find and follow Jesus

35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Described as joyful for those who are “in Christ” 1 Thess 4:16-17 “16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Brings comfort. 1 Thess 4:18 “18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Let us help others find Jesus and be ready for this day.

36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Conclusion

We started off today with a question by the disciples about a future event.

They trusted Jesus to give them answers about their future.

We would do well to be interested in the same things as these early disciples.

But maybe you recognize today you have let your heart be “overcharged with the cares of this world”

Today would be a good day to hit the reset on your life so that you live not just for what is most important but you live for what is eternal.

Believers I want to give you time to pray at the alter or your sit. As you do let me try to help someone “find and follow Jesus” realizing that the Lord may return today.