Changes

==PAPER 176: TUESDAY EVENING ON MOUNT OLIVET==

==PAPER 176: TUESDAY EVENING ON MOUNT OLIVET==

176:0.1 This Tuesday afternoon, as [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]] passed out of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] on their way to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] camp, [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]], calling [[attention]] to the [[temple]] construction, said: " Master, [[observe]] what manner of buildings these are. See the massive stones and the [[beautiful]] adornment; can it be that these buildings are to be destroyed? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_24] As they went on toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet], [[Jesus]] said: " You see these stones and this massive [[temple]]; verily, verily, I say to you: In the days soon to come there shall not be left one stone upon another. They shall all be thrown down. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_13] These remarks depicting the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of the sacred temple] aroused the [[curiosity]] of [[the apostles]] as they walked along behind [[the Master]]; they could [[conceive]] of no [[event]] short of the end of the world which would occasion the destruction of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple].

176:0.1 This Tuesday afternoon, as [[Jesus]] and [[the apostles]] passed out of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] on their way to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] camp, [[Matthew, the Apostle|Matthew]], calling [[attention]] to the [[temple]] construction, said: " Master, [[observe]] what manner of buildings these are. See the massive stones and the [[beautiful]] adornment; can it be that these buildings are to be destroyed? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_24] As they went on toward [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet], [[Jesus]] said: " You see these stones and this massive [[temple]]; verily, verily, I say to you: In the days soon to come there shall not be left one stone upon another. They shall all be thrown down. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_13] These remarks depicting the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of the sacred temple] aroused the [[curiosity]] of [[the apostles]] as they walked along behind [[the Master]]; they could [[conceive]] of no [[event]] short of the end of the world which would occasion the destruction of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple].

176:0.2 In order to avoid the crowds passing along the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidron_valley Kidron valley] toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane], [[Jesus]] and his [[associates]] were minded to climb up the western slope of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] for a short distance and then follow a trail over to their [[private]] camp near [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] located a short distance above the [[public]] camping ground. As they turned to leave the road leading on to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], they [[observed]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_temple the temple], [[glorified]] by the [[rays]] of the setting [[sun]]; and while they tarried on the mount, they saw the [[lights]] of the [[city]] appear and beheld the [[beauty]] of the [[illuminated]] [[temple]]; and there, under the mellow light of the full [[moon]], [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] sat down. [[The Master]] talked with them, and presently [[Nathaniel]] asked this question: " Tell us, Master, how shall we [[know]] when these [[events]] are about to come to pass? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_24]

176:0.2 In order to avoid the crowds passing along the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidron_valley Kidron valley] toward [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane], [[Jesus]] and his [[associates]] were minded to climb up the western slope of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] for a short distance and then follow a trail over to their [[private]] camp near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gethsemane Gethsemane] located a short distance above the [[public]] camping ground. As they turned to leave the road leading on to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], they [[observed]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_temple the temple], [[glorified]] by the [[rays]] of the setting [[sun]]; and while they tarried on the mount, they saw the [[lights]] of the [[city]] appear and beheld the [[beauty]] of the [[illuminated]] [[temple]]; and there, under the mellow light of the full [[moon]], [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] sat down. [[The Master]] talked with them, and presently [[Nathaniel]] asked this question: " Tell us, Master, how shall we [[know]] when these [[events]] are about to come to pass? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Matthew#Chapter_24]

==176:1. THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM==

==176:1. THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM==

176:1.1 In answering [[Nathaniel]]'s [[question]], [[Jesus]] said: " Yes, I will tell you about the times when this people shall have filled up the cup of their [[iniquity]]; when [[justice]] shall swiftly [[descend]] upon this [[city]] of our [[fathers]]. I am about to leave you; I go to [[the Father]]. After I leave you, take heed that no man [[deceive]] you, for many will come as [[Messiah|deliverers]] and will lead many astray. When you hear of [[wars]] and [[rumors]] of wars, be not troubled, for though all these [[things]] will happen, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem end of Jerusalem] is not yet at hand. You should not be perturbed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famine famines] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake earthquakes]; neither should you be concerned when you are delivered up to the [[Legal|civil]] [[authorities]] and are [[persecuted]] for the sake of the [[gospel]]. You will be thrown out of the [[synagogue]] and put in [[prison]] for my sake, and some of you will be [[killed]]. When you are brought up before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_leaders governors and rulers], it shall be for a [[testimony]] of your [[faith]] and to show your [[steadfastness]] in the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. And when you stand before [[judges]], be not [[anxious]] beforehand as to what you should say, for the [[spirit]] will [[teach]] you in that very hour what you should answer your [[adversaries]]. In these days of travail, even your own [[kinsfolk]][http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_10], under the [[leadership]] of those who have [[rejected]] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], will deliver you up to [[prison]] and [[death]]. For a time you may be [[hated]] by all men for my sake, but even in these [[persecutions]] I will not [[forsake]] you; [[Spirit of Truth|my spirit]] will not desert you. Be [[patient]]! [[doubt]] not that this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] will [[triumph]] over all [[enemies]] and, [[eventually]], be [[proclaimed]] to all [[nations]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_13]

176:1.1 In answering [[Nathaniel]]'s [[question]], [[Jesus]] said: " Yes, I will tell you about the times when this people shall have filled up the cup of their [[iniquity]]; when [[justice]] shall swiftly [[descend]] upon this [[city]] of our [[fathers]]. I am about to leave you; I go to [[the Father]]. After I leave you, take heed that no man [[deceive]] you, for many will come as [[Messiah|deliverers]] and will lead many astray. When you hear of [[wars]] and [[rumors]] of wars, be not troubled, for though all these [[things]] will happen, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem end of Jerusalem] is not yet at hand. You should not be perturbed by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famine famines] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake earthquakes]; neither should you be concerned when you are delivered up to the [[Legal|civil]] [[authorities]] and are [[persecuted]] for the sake of the [[gospel]]. You will be thrown out of the [[synagogue]] and put in [[prison]] for my sake, and some of you will be [[killed]]. When you are brought up before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_leaders governors and rulers], it shall be for a [[testimony]] of your [[faith]] and to show your [[steadfastness]] in the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]]. And when you stand before [[judges]], be not [[anxious]] beforehand as to what you should say, for the [[spirit]] will [[teach]] you in that very hour what you should answer your [[adversaries]]. In these days of travail, even your own [[kinsfolk]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_10], under the [[leadership]] of those who have [[rejected]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], will deliver you up to [[prison]] and [[death]]. For a time you may be [[hated]] by all men for my sake, but even in these [[persecutions]] I will not [[forsake]] you; [[Spirit of Truth|my spirit]] will not desert you. Be [[patient]]! [[doubt]] not that this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] will [[triumph]] over all [[enemies]] and, [[eventually]], be [[proclaimed]] to all [[nations]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_13]

176:1.2 [[Jesus]] paused while he looked down upon the [[city]]. [[The Master]] [[realized]] that the [[rejection]] of the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah], the [[determination]] to cling [[persistently]] and blindly to the [[material]] [[mission]] of the [[expected]] [[Messiah|deliverer]], would presently bring the [[Jews]] in direct [[conflict]] with the [[powerful]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army Roman armies], and that such a [[contest]] could only result in the final and complete overthrow of the [[Jewish]] [[nation]]. When his people [[rejected]] his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 spiritual bestowal] and refused to [[receive]] the [[light]] of [[heaven]] as it so [[mercifully]] shone upon them, they thereby sealed their [[doom]] as an [[independent]] people with a special [[spiritual]] [[mission]] on [[earth]]. Even the [[Jewish]] [[leaders]] subsequently [[recognized]] that it was this [[secular]] [[idea]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionism the Messiah] which directly led to the [[turbulence]] which [[eventually]] brought about their destruction.

176:1.2 [[Jesus]] paused while he looked down upon the [[city]]. [[The Master]] [[realized]] that the [[rejection]] of the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah], the [[determination]] to cling [[persistently]] and blindly to the [[material]] [[mission]] of the [[expected]] [[Messiah|deliverer]], would presently bring the [[Jews]] in direct [[conflict]] with the [[powerful]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army Roman armies], and that such a [[contest]] could only result in the final and complete overthrow of the [[Jewish]] [[nation]]. When his people [[rejected]] his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 spiritual bestowal] and refused to [[receive]] the [[light]] of [[heaven]] as it so [[mercifully]] shone upon them, they thereby sealed their [[doom]] as an [[independent]] people with a special [[spiritual]] [[mission]] on [[earth]]. Even the [[Jewish]] [[leaders]] subsequently [[recognized]] that it was this [[secular]] [[idea]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionism the Messiah] which directly led to the [[turbulence]] which [[eventually]] brought about their destruction.

176:1.3 Since [[Jerusalem]] was to become the [[cradle]] of the early [[gospel]] [[movement]], [[Jesus]] did not want its [[teachers]] and [[preachers]] to perish in the terrible overthrow of the Jewish people in [[connection]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem]; wherefore did he give these instructions to his followers. [[Jesus]] was much concerned lest some of his [[disciples]] become involved in these soon-coming [[revolts]] and so perish in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem downfall of Jerusalem].

176:1.3 Since [[Jerusalem]] was to become the [[cradle]] of the early [[gospel]] [[movement]], [[Jesus]] did not want its [[teachers]] and [[preachers]] to perish in the terrible overthrow of the Jewish people in [[connection]] with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem]; wherefore did he give these instructions to his followers. [[Jesus]] was much concerned lest some of his [[disciples]] become involved in these soon-coming [[revolts]] and so perish in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem downfall of Jerusalem].

176:1.4 Then [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] [[inquired]]: " But, Master, if the [[Jerusalem|Holy City]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] are to be destroyed, and if you are not here to direct us, when should we [[forsake]] [[Jerusalem]]? " Said [[Jesus]]: " You may remain in the [[city]] after I have gone, even through these times of travail and bitter [[persecution]], but when you finally see [[Jerusalem]] being [[encompassed]] by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army Roman armies] after the [[revolt]] of the [[false]] [[prophets]], then will you know that her desolation is at hand; then must you flee to the [[mountains]].[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_21] Let none who are in the [[city]] and around about tarry to save aught, neither let those who are outside dare to enter therein. There will be great [[tribulation]], for these will be the days of [[gentile]] [[vengeance]]. And after you have [[deserted]] the [[city]], this disobedient people will fall by the edge of the [[Weapon|sword]] and will be led [[Slavery|captive]] into all [[nations]]; and so shall [[Jerusalem]] be trodden down by the [[gentiles]]. In the meantime, I [[warn]] you, be not [[deceived]]. If any man comes to you, saying, `Behold, here is [[Messiah|the Deliverer]],' or `Behold, there is he,' believe it not, for many [[false]] [[teachers]] will arise and many will be led astray; but you should not be [[deceived]], for I have told you all this beforehand. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_13]

176:1.4 Then [[Andrew, the Apostle|Andrew]] [[inquired]]: " But, Master, if the [[Jerusalem|Holy City]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] are to be destroyed, and if you are not here to direct us, when should we [[forsake]] [[Jerusalem]]? " Said [[Jesus]]: " You may remain in the [[city]] after I have gone, even through these times of travail and bitter [[persecution]], but when you finally see [[Jerusalem]] being [[encompassed]] by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army Roman armies] after the [[revolt]] of the [[false]] [[prophets]], then will you know that her desolation is at hand; then must you flee to the [[mountains]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_21] Let none who are in the [[city]] and around about tarry to save aught, neither let those who are outside dare to enter therein. There will be great [[tribulation]], for these will be the days of [[gentile]] [[vengeance]]. And after you have [[deserted]] the [[city]], this disobedient people will fall by the edge of the [[Weapon|sword]] and will be led [[Slavery|captive]] into all [[nations]]; and so shall [[Jerusalem]] be trodden down by the [[gentiles]]. In the meantime, I [[warn]] you, be not [[deceived]]. If any man comes to you, saying, `Behold, here is [[Messiah|the Deliverer]],' or `Behold, there is he,' believe it not, for many [[false]] [[teachers]] will arise and many will be led astray; but you should not be [[deceived]], for I have told you all this beforehand. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Mark#Chapter_13]

176:1.5 [[The apostles]] sat in [[silence]] in the [[Moon|moonlight]] for a considerable [[time]] while these astounding [[predictions]] of [[the Master]] sank into their bewildered [[minds]]. And it was in [[conformity]] with this very [[warning]] that practically the entire [[group]] of [[believers]] and [[disciples]] fled from [[Jerusalem]] upon the first [[appearance]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army Roman troops], finding a [[safe]] [[shelter]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] to the north.

176:1.5 [[The apostles]] sat in [[silence]] in the [[Moon|moonlight]] for a considerable [[time]] while these astounding [[predictions]] of [[the Master]] sank into their bewildered [[minds]]. And it was in [[conformity]] with this very [[warning]] that practically the entire [[group]] of [[believers]] and [[disciples]] fled from [[Jerusalem]] upon the first [[appearance]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army Roman troops], finding a [[safe]] [[shelter]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella] to the north.

176:1.6 Even after this explicit [[warning]], many of [[Jesus]]' followers [[interpreted]] these [[predictions]] as referring to the [[changes]] which would obviously occur in [[Jerusalem]] when the reappearing of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] would result in the [[establishment]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan New Jerusalem] and in the enlargement of the [[city]] to become the world's [[capital]]. In their minds these Jews were determined to connect the destruction of the temple with the " end of the world. " They believed this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_jerusalem New Jerusalem] would fill all [[Palestine]]; that the end of the world would be followed by the [[immediate]] [[appearance]] of the " [[Morontia Temple|new heavens and the new earth]. " And so it was not [[strange]] that [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] should say: " Master, we know that all things will pass away when the [[Morontia Temple|new heavens and the new earth]] appear, but how shall we know when [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING you will return] to bring all this about? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Revelation#Chapter_21]

176:1.6 Even after this explicit [[warning]], many of [[Jesus]]' followers [[interpreted]] these [[predictions]] as referring to the [[changes]] which would obviously occur in [[Jerusalem]] when the reappearing of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Messianism the Messiah] would result in the [[establishment]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan New Jerusalem] and in the enlargement of the [[city]] to become the world's [[capital]]. In their minds these Jews were determined to connect the destruction of the temple with the " end of the world. " They believed this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_jerusalem New Jerusalem] would fill all [[Palestine]]; that the end of the world would be followed by the [[immediate]] [[appearance]] of the " [[Morontia Temple|new heavens and the new earth]. " And so it was not [[strange]] that [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]] should say: " Master, we know that all things will pass away when the [[Morontia Temple|new heavens and the new earth]] appear, but how shall we know when [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_176#176:2._THE_MASTER.27S_SECOND_COMING you will return] to bring all this about? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Revelation#Chapter_21]

176:1.7 When [[Jesus]] heard this, he was [[thoughtful]] for some time and then said: " You ever [[err]] since you always try to attach the new [[teaching]] to the old; you are [[determined]] to misunderstand all my teaching; you insist on [[interpreting]] the [[gospel]] in [[accordance]] with your [[established]] [[beliefs]]. Nevertheless, I will try to [[enlighten]] you. "

176:1.7 When [[Jesus]] heard this, he was [[thoughtful]] for some time and then said: " You ever [[err]] since you always try to attach the new [[teaching]] to the old; you are [[determined]] to misunderstand all my teaching; you insist on [[interpreting]] the [[gospel]] in [[accordance]] with your [[established]] [[beliefs]]. Nevertheless, I will try to [[enlighten]] you. "

==176:2. THE MASTER'S SECOND COMING==

==176:2. THE MASTER'S SECOND COMING==

176:2.1 On several occasions [[Jesus]] had made [[statements]] which led his hearers to [[infer]] that, while he [[intended]] presently to leave this world, he would most certainly return to [[consummate]] the [[work]] of [[the heavenly kingdom]]. As the [[conviction]] grew on his followers that he was going to leave them, and after he had departed from this world, it was only [[natural]] for all [[believers]] to lay fast hold upon these [[promises]] to return. The [[doctrine]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming of Christ] thus became early incorporated into the [[teachings]] of the [[Christians]], and almost every subsequent [[generation]] of [[disciples]] has [[devoutly]] [[believed]] this [[truth]] and has [[confidently]] looked forward to his sometime coming.

176:2.1 On several occasions [[Jesus]] had made [[statements]] which led his hearers to [[infer]] that, while he [[intended]] presently to leave this world, he would most certainly return to [[consummate]] the [[work]] of [[the heavenly kingdom]]. As the [[conviction]] grew on his followers that he was going to leave them, and after he had departed from this world, it was only [[natural]] for all [[believers]] to lay fast hold upon these [[promises]] to return. The [[doctrine]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming of Christ] thus became early incorporated into the [[teachings]] of the [[Christians]], and almost every subsequent [[generation]] of [[disciples]] has [[devoutly]] [[believed]] this [[truth]] and has [[confidently]] looked forward to his sometime coming.

176:2.2 If they were to part with [[the Master|their Master]] and Teacher, how much more did these [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity first disciples] and [[the apostles]] grasp at this [[promise]] to return, and they lost no [[time]] in [[associating]] the [[predicted]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem] with this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming promised second coming]. And they continued thus to [[interpret]] his [[words]] notwithstanding that, throughout this evening of instruction on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount Olivet], [[the Master]] took particular [[pains]] to [[prevent]] just such a [[mistake]].

176:2.2 If they were to part with [[the Master|their Master]] and Teacher, how much more did these [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Christianity first disciples] and [[the apostles]] grasp at this [[promise]] to return, and they lost no [[time]] in [[associating]] the [[predicted]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem] with this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming promised second coming]. And they continued thus to [[interpret]] his [[words]] notwithstanding that, throughout this evening of instruction on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount Olivet], [[the Master]] took particular [[pains]] to [[prevent]] just such a [[mistake]].

176:2.3 In further answer to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[question]], [[Jesus]] said: " Why do you still look for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] to sit upon the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_Line throne of David] and [[expect]] that the [[material]] [[dreams]] of the [[Jews]] will be [[fulfilled]]? Have I not told you all these years that [[the Kingdom|my kingdom]] is not of this world? The [[things]] which you now look down upon are coming to an end, but this will be a new beginning out of which the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] will go to all the world and this [[salvation]] will spread to all peoples. And when [[the kingdom]] shall have come to its [[Consummation|full fruition]], be [[assured]] that [[the Father]] in heaven will not fail to [[visit]] you with an enlarged [[revelation]] of [[truth]] and an enhanced [[demonstration]] of [[righteousness]], even as he has already [[bestowed]] upon this world him who became [[Caligastia|the prince of darkness]], and then [[Adam]], who was followed by [[Machiventa|Melchizedek]], and in these days, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. And so will [[the Father|my Father]] continue to [[manifest]] his [[mercy]] and show forth his [[love]], even to this [[dark]] and [[evil]] world. So also will I, after [[the Father|my Father]] has invested me with all [[power]] and [[authority]], continue to follow your fortunes and to [[guide]] in the affairs of [[the kingdom]] by the [[presence]] of [[Spirit of Truth|my spirit]], who shall shortly be poured out upon all [[flesh]]. Even though I shall thus be present with you in [[spirit]], I also [[promise]] that I will sometime return to this world, where I have lived this life in the [[flesh]] and [[achieved]] the [[experience]] of [[simultaneously]] [[revealing]] [[God]] to man and [[leading]] [[man]] to [[God]]. Very soon must I leave you and take up the [[work]] [[the Father]] has intrusted to my hands, but be of [[good]] [[courage]], for I will sometime return. In the meantime, my [[Spirit of Truth|Spirit of the Truth]] of a [[universe]] shall [[comfort]] and [[guide]] you.

176:2.3 In further answer to [[Peter, the Apostle|Peter]]'s [[question]], [[Jesus]] said: " Why do you still look for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man] to sit upon the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidic_Line throne of David] and [[expect]] that the [[material]] [[dreams]] of the [[Jews]] will be [[fulfilled]]? Have I not told you all these years that [[the Kingdom|my kingdom]] is not of this world? The [[things]] which you now look down upon are coming to an end, but this will be a new beginning out of which the [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] will go to all the world and this [[salvation]] will spread to all peoples. And when [[the kingdom]] shall have come to its [[Consummation|full fruition]], be [[assured]] that [[the Father]] in heaven will not fail to [[visit]] you with an enlarged [[revelation]] of [[truth]] and an enhanced [[demonstration]] of [[righteousness]], even as he has already [[bestowed]] upon this world him who became [[Caligastia|the prince of darkness]], and then [[Adam]], who was followed by [[Machiventa|Melchizedek]], and in these days, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man]. And so will [[the Father|my Father]] continue to [[manifest]] his [[mercy]] and show forth his [[love]], even to this [[dark]] and [[evil]] world. So also will I, after [[the Father|my Father]] has invested me with all [[power]] and [[authority]], continue to follow your fortunes and to [[guide]] in the affairs of [[the kingdom]] by the [[presence]] of [[Spirit of Truth|my spirit]], who shall shortly be poured out upon all [[flesh]]. Even though I shall thus be present with you in [[spirit]], I also [[promise]] that I will sometime return to this world, where I have lived this life in the [[flesh]] and [[achieved]] the [[experience]] of [[simultaneously]] [[revealing]] [[God]] to man and [[leading]] [[man]] to [[God]]. Very soon must I leave you and take up the [[work]] [[the Father]] has intrusted to my hands, but be of [[good]] [[courage]], for I will sometime return. In the meantime, my [[Spirit of Truth|Spirit of the Truth]] of a [[universe]] shall [[comfort]] and [[guide]] you.

176:2.4 " You behold me now in [[weakness]] and in the [[flesh]], but when I return, it shall be with [[power]] and in the [[spirit]]. The eye of [[flesh]] beholds the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] in the flesh, but only the eye of the [[spirit]] will behold the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] [[glorified]] by [[the Father]] and appearing on [[earth]] in his own name.

176:2.4 " You behold me now in [[weakness]] and in the [[flesh]], but when I return, it shall be with [[power]] and in the [[spirit]]. The eye of [[flesh]] beholds the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] in the flesh, but only the eye of the [[spirit]] will behold the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] [[glorified]] by [[the Father]] and appearing on [[earth]] in his own name.

176:2.5 " But the times of the reappearing of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] are known only in the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_13 councils of Paradise]; not even the [[angels]] of [[heaven]] know when this will occur. However, you should [[understand]] that, when this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] shall have been [[proclaimed]] to all the world for the [[salvation]] of all peoples, and when the fullness of the [[Epoch|age]] has come to pass, [[the Father]] will send you another [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52 dispensational bestowal], or else the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] will return to adjudge the [[Epoch|age]].

176:2.5 " But the times of the reappearing of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] are known only in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_13 councils of Paradise]; not even the [[angels]] of [[heaven]] know when this will occur. However, you should [[understand]] that, when this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] shall have been [[proclaimed]] to all the world for the [[salvation]] of all peoples, and when the fullness of the [[Epoch|age]] has come to pass, [[the Father]] will send you another [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52 dispensational bestowal], or else the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] will return to adjudge the [[Epoch|age]].

176:2.6 " And now concerning the travail of [[Jerusalem]], about which I have [[spoken]] to you, even this [[generation]] will not pass away until my [[words]] are [[fulfilled]]; but concerning the times of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming coming again] of the Son of Man, no one in heaven or on earth may presume to speak. But you should be wise regarding the ripening of an age; you should be alert to [[discern]] the signs of the times. You know when the fig tree shows its tender branches and puts forth its leaves that [[summer]] is near. Likewise, when the world has passed through the long [[winter]] of [[Materialism|material-mindedness]] and you [[discern]] the coming of the [[spiritual]] [[spring]]time of a new [[dispensation]], should you know that the [[summer]]time of a new [[visitation]] draws near.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_13]

176:2.6 " And now concerning the travail of [[Jerusalem]], about which I have [[spoken]] to you, even this [[generation]] will not pass away until my [[words]] are [[fulfilled]]; but concerning the times of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming coming again] of the Son of Man, no one in heaven or on earth may presume to speak. But you should be wise regarding the ripening of an age; you should be alert to [[discern]] the signs of the times. You know when the fig tree shows its tender branches and puts forth its leaves that [[summer]] is near. Likewise, when the world has passed through the long [[winter]] of [[Materialism|material-mindedness]] and you [[discern]] the coming of the [[spiritual]] [[spring]]time of a new [[dispensation]], should you know that the [[summer]]time of a new [[visitation]] draws near.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_mark#Chapter_13]

176:2.7 " But what is the significance of this [[teaching]] having to do with the coming of the [[Divine Sons|Sons of God]]? Do you not [[perceive]] that, when each of you is called to lay down his life [[struggle]] and pass through the [[portal]] of [[death]], you stand in the [[immediate]] [[presence]] of [[judgment]], and that you are face to face with the [[facts]] of a new [[dispensation]] of [[service]] in the [[eternal]] [[plan]] of the [[the Father|infinite Father]]? What the whole world must face as a [[literal]] [[fact]] at the end of an age, you, as [[individuals]], must each most certainly face as a [[personal]] [[experience]] when you reach the end of your [[natural]] life and thereby pass on to be confronted with the conditions and demands [[inherent]] in the next [[revelation]] of the [[eternal]] [[progression]] of [[the Father]]'s [[the Kingdom|kingdom]]. "

176:2.7 " But what is the significance of this [[teaching]] having to do with the coming of the [[Divine Sons|Sons of God]]? Do you not [[perceive]] that, when each of you is called to lay down his life [[struggle]] and pass through the [[portal]] of [[death]], you stand in the [[immediate]] [[presence]] of [[judgment]], and that you are face to face with the [[facts]] of a new [[dispensation]] of [[service]] in the [[eternal]] [[plan]] of the [[the Father|infinite Father]]? What the whole world must face as a [[literal]] [[fact]] at the end of an age, you, as [[individuals]], must each most certainly face as a [[personal]] [[experience]] when you reach the end of your [[natural]] life and thereby pass on to be confronted with the conditions and demands [[inherent]] in the next [[revelation]] of the [[eternal]] [[progression]] of [[the Father]]'s [[the Kingdom|kingdom]]. "

176:2.8 Of all the [[discourses]] which [[the Master]] gave his [[apostles]], none ever became so [[confused]] in their [[minds]] as this one, given this Tuesday evening on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives], regarding the twofold subject of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem] and his own [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming]. There was, therefore, little [[agreement]] between the subsequent [[written]] accounts based on the [[memories]] of what [[the Master]] said on this extraordinary occasion. Consequently, when the [[records]] were left blank concerning much that was said that Tuesday evening, there grew up many [[traditions]]; and very early in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_century second century] a [http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/ Jewish apocalyptic] about the [[Messiah]] written by one Selta, who was attached to the [[court]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligula Emperor Caligula], was bodily copied into the [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew Gospel]] and subsequently added (in part) to the [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] and [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] [[records]]. It was in these [[writings]] of Selta that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Ten_Virgins parable of the ten virgins] appeared. No part of the [[gospel]] [[record]] ever suffered such [[confusing]] misconstruction as this evening's teaching. But the [[John, the Apostle|Apostle John]] never became thus [[confused]].

176:2.8 Of all the [[discourses]] which [[the Master]] gave his [[apostles]], none ever became so [[confused]] in their [[minds]] as this one, given this Tuesday evening on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives], regarding the twofold subject of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem] and his own [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming]. There was, therefore, little [[agreement]] between the subsequent [[written]] accounts based on the [[memories]] of what [[the Master]] said on this extraordinary occasion. Consequently, when the [[records]] were left blank concerning much that was said that Tuesday evening, there grew up many [[traditions]]; and very early in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_century second century] a [https://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/ Jewish apocalyptic] about the [[Messiah]] written by one Selta, who was attached to the [[court]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligula Emperor Caligula], was bodily copied into the [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew Gospel]] and subsequently added (in part) to the [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] and [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] [[records]]. It was in these [[writings]] of Selta that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Ten_Virgins parable of the ten virgins] appeared. No part of the [[gospel]] [[record]] ever suffered such [[confusing]] misconstruction as this evening's teaching. But the [[John, the Apostle|Apostle John]] never became thus [[confused]].

176:2.9 As these thirteen men resumed their [[journey]] toward the camp, they were [[Silent|speechless]] and under great [[emotional]] [[tension]]. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] had finally [[confirmed]] his [[decision]] to [[abandon]] his [[associates]]. It was a late hour when [[David Zebedee]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_mark John Mark], and a number of the leading [[disciples]] [[welcomed]] [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] to the new camp, but [[the apostles]] did not want to [[sleep]]; they wanted to know more about the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem], [[the Master]]'s departure, and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology end of the world].

176:2.9 As these thirteen men resumed their [[journey]] toward the camp, they were [[Silent|speechless]] and under great [[emotional]] [[tension]]. [[Judas Iscariot|Judas]] had finally [[confirmed]] his [[decision]] to [[abandon]] his [[associates]]. It was a late hour when [[David Zebedee]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_mark John Mark], and a number of the leading [[disciples]] [[welcomed]] [[Jesus]] and [[the twelve]] to the new camp, but [[the apostles]] did not want to [[sleep]]; they wanted to know more about the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem destruction of Jerusalem], [[the Master]]'s departure, and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology end of the world].

==176:3. LATER DISCUSSION AT THE CAMP==

==176:3. LATER DISCUSSION AT THE CAMP==

176:3.1 As they gathered about the campfire, some twenty of them, [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] asked: " Since you are to return to finish the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]], what should be our [[attitude]] while you are away on [[the Father]]'s business? " As [[Jesus]] looked them over by the firelight, he answered:

176:3.1 As they gathered about the campfire, some twenty of them, [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]] asked: " Since you are to return to finish the [[work]] of [[the kingdom]], what should be our [[attitude]] while you are away on [[the Father]]'s business? " As [[Jesus]] looked them over by the firelight, he answered:

176:3.2 " And even you, [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], fail to [[comprehend]] what I have been saying. Have I not all this [[time]] taught you that your [[connection]] with [[the kingdom]] is [[spiritual]] and [[individual]], wholly a matter of [[personal]] [[experience]] in the [[spirit]] by the [[faith]]-[[realization]] that you are a [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE son of God]? What more shall I say? The downfall of [[nations]], the crash of [[empires]], the destruction of the unbelieving [[Jews]], the end of an [[Epoch|age]], even the end of the world, what have these [[things]] to do with one who [[believes]] this [[gospel]], and who has hid his life in the surety of the [[eternal]] [[the Kingdom|kingdom]]? You who are [[God]]-knowing and [[gospel]]-believing have already [[received]] the [[assurances]] of [[eternal]] life. Since your lives have been lived in the [[spirit]] and for [[the Father]], nothing can be of serious concern to you. Kingdom builders, the accredited [[citizens]] of the heavenly worlds, are not to be disturbed by [[temporal]] upheavals or perturbed by [[terrestrial]] [[cataclysms]]. What does it matter to you who believe this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] if [[nations]] overturn, the age ends, or all things visible crash, since you know that your life is the gift of [[the Son]], and that it is [[eternally]] [[secure]] in [[the Father]]? Having lived the [[temporal]] life by [[faith]] and having yielded the [[fruits of the spirit]] as the [[righteousness]] of [[loving]] [[service]] for your fellows, you can [[confident]]ly look forward to the next step in the [[eternal career]] with the same [[survival]] [[faith]] that has carried you through your first and [[earth]]ly [[adventure]] in sonship with [[God]].

176:3.2 " And even you, [[Thomas, the Apostle|Thomas]], fail to [[comprehend]] what I have been saying. Have I not all this [[time]] taught you that your [[connection]] with [[the kingdom]] is [[spiritual]] and [[individual]], wholly a matter of [[personal]] [[experience]] in the [[spirit]] by the [[faith]]-[[realization]] that you are a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE son of God]? What more shall I say? The downfall of [[nations]], the crash of [[empires]], the destruction of the unbelieving [[Jews]], the end of an [[Epoch|age]], even the end of the world, what have these [[things]] to do with one who [[believes]] this [[gospel]], and who has hid his life in the surety of the [[eternal]] [[the Kingdom|kingdom]]? You who are [[God]]-knowing and [[gospel]]-believing have already [[received]] the [[assurances]] of [[eternal]] life. Since your lives have been lived in the [[spirit]] and for [[the Father]], nothing can be of serious concern to you. Kingdom builders, the accredited [[citizens]] of the heavenly worlds, are not to be disturbed by [[temporal]] upheavals or perturbed by [[terrestrial]] [[cataclysms]]. What does it matter to you who believe this [[gospel]] of [[the kingdom]] if [[nations]] overturn, the age ends, or all things visible crash, since you know that your life is the gift of [[the Son]], and that it is [[eternally]] [[secure]] in [[the Father]]? Having lived the [[temporal]] life by [[faith]] and having yielded the [[fruits of the spirit]] as the [[righteousness]] of [[loving]] [[service]] for your fellows, you can [[confident]]ly look forward to the next step in the [[eternal career]] with the same [[survival]] [[faith]] that has carried you through your first and [[earth]]ly [[adventure]] in sonship with [[God]].

176:3.3 " Each [[generation]] of [[believers]] should carry on their [[work]], in view of the possible return of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], exactly as each [[individual]] [[believer]] carries forward his lifework in view of [[inevitable]] and ever-impending [[natural]] [[death]]. When you have by [[faith]] once [[established]] yourself as a [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE son of God], nothing else matters as regards the surety of [[survival]]. But make no mistake! this [[survival]] [[faith]] is a living faith, and it increasingly [[manifests]] the fruits of that [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]] which first [[inspired]] it in the [[human]] [[heart]]. That you have once [[accepted]] sonship in the heavenly kingdom will not save you in the face of the knowing and [[persistent]] [[rejection]] of those [[truths]] which have to do with the [[progressive]] [[spiritual]] fruit-bearing of the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God] in the [[flesh]]. You who have been with me in [[the Father]]'s [[business]] on [[earth]] can even now desert [[the kingdom]] if you find that you [[love]] not the way of [[the Father]]'s [[service]] for [[mankind]].

176:3.3 " Each [[generation]] of [[believers]] should carry on their [[work]], in view of the possible return of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], exactly as each [[individual]] [[believer]] carries forward his lifework in view of [[inevitable]] and ever-impending [[natural]] [[death]]. When you have by [[faith]] once [[established]] yourself as a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE son of God], nothing else matters as regards the surety of [[survival]]. But make no mistake! this [[survival]] [[faith]] is a living faith, and it increasingly [[manifests]] the fruits of that [[Thought Adjuster|divine spirit]] which first [[inspired]] it in the [[human]] [[heart]]. That you have once [[accepted]] sonship in the heavenly kingdom will not save you in the face of the knowing and [[persistent]] [[rejection]] of those [[truths]] which have to do with the [[progressive]] [[spiritual]] fruit-bearing of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_40#40:5._MORTALS_OF_TIME_AND_SPACE sons of God] in the [[flesh]]. You who have been with me in [[the Father]]'s [[business]] on [[earth]] can even now desert [[the kingdom]] if you find that you [[love]] not the way of [[the Father]]'s [[service]] for [[mankind]].

176:3.4 " As [[individuals]], and as a [[generation]] of [[believers]], hear me while I speak a [[parable]]: There was a certain great man who, before starting out on a long [[journey]] to another country, called all his [[trusted]] servants before him and delivered into their hands all his goods. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. And so on down through the entire [[group]] of [[honor]]ed stewards, to each he intrusted his goods according to their several [[abilities]]; and then he set out on his [[journey]]. When their lord had departed, his servants set themselves at work to gain [[profits]] from the [[wealth]] intrusted to them. [[Immediately]] he who had received five talents began to trade with them and very soon had made a [[profit]] of another five talents. In like [[manner]] he who had [[received]] two talents soon had gained two more. And so did all of these servants make gains for their master except he who [[received]] but one talent. He went away by himself and dug a hole in the [[Soil|earth]] where he hid his lord's [[money]]. Presently the lord of those servants unexpectedly returned and called upon his stewards for a [[reckoning]]. And when they had all been called before their master, he who had [[received]] the five talents came forward with the [[money]] which had been intrusted to him and brought five additional talents, saying, `Lord, you gave me five talents to [[invest]], and I am glad to present five other talents as my gain.' And then his lord said to him: `Well done, good and [[faithful]] servant, you have been faithful over a few things; I will now set you as steward over many; enter forthwith into the [[joy]] of your lord.' And then he who had [[received]] the two talents came forward, saying: `Lord, you delivered into my hands two talents; behold, I have gained these other two talents.' And his lord then said to him: `Well done, [[good]] and [[faithful]] steward; you also have been faithful over a few things, and I will now set you over many; enter you into the [[joy]] of your lord.' And then there came to the [[accounting]] he who had [[received]] the one talent. This servant came forward, saying, `Lord, I knew you and [[realized]] that you were a shrewd man in that you expected gains where you had not [[personally]] labored; therefore was I afraid to [[risk]] aught of that which was intrusted to me. I safely hid your talent in the [[earth]]; here it is; you now have what belongs to you.' But his lord answered: `You are an [[indolent]] and slothful steward. By your own [[words]] you [[confess]] that you knew I would require of you an [[accounting]] with reasonable [[profit]], such as your [[diligent]] fellow servants have this day rendered. Knowing this, you ought, therefore, to have at least put my [[money]] into the hands of the [[bankers]] that on my return I might have [[received]] my own with interest.' And then to the chief steward this lord said: `Take away this one talent from this unprofitable servant and give it to him who has the ten talents.'[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_25]

176:3.4 " As [[individuals]], and as a [[generation]] of [[believers]], hear me while I speak a [[parable]]: There was a certain great man who, before starting out on a long [[journey]] to another country, called all his [[trusted]] servants before him and delivered into their hands all his goods. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one. And so on down through the entire [[group]] of [[honor]]ed stewards, to each he intrusted his goods according to their several [[abilities]]; and then he set out on his [[journey]]. When their lord had departed, his servants set themselves at work to gain [[profits]] from the [[wealth]] intrusted to them. [[Immediately]] he who had received five talents began to trade with them and very soon had made a [[profit]] of another five talents. In like [[manner]] he who had [[received]] two talents soon had gained two more. And so did all of these servants make gains for their master except he who [[received]] but one talent. He went away by himself and dug a hole in the [[Soil|earth]] where he hid his lord's [[money]]. Presently the lord of those servants unexpectedly returned and called upon his stewards for a [[reckoning]]. And when they had all been called before their master, he who had [[received]] the five talents came forward with the [[money]] which had been intrusted to him and brought five additional talents, saying, `Lord, you gave me five talents to [[invest]], and I am glad to present five other talents as my gain.' And then his lord said to him: `Well done, good and [[faithful]] servant, you have been faithful over a few things; I will now set you as steward over many; enter forthwith into the [[joy]] of your lord.' And then he who had [[received]] the two talents came forward, saying: `Lord, you delivered into my hands two talents; behold, I have gained these other two talents.' And his lord then said to him: `Well done, [[good]] and [[faithful]] steward; you also have been faithful over a few things, and I will now set you over many; enter you into the [[joy]] of your lord.' And then there came to the [[accounting]] he who had [[received]] the one talent. This servant came forward, saying, `Lord, I knew you and [[realized]] that you were a shrewd man in that you expected gains where you had not [[personally]] labored; therefore was I afraid to [[risk]] aught of that which was intrusted to me. I safely hid your talent in the [[earth]]; here it is; you now have what belongs to you.' But his lord answered: `You are an [[indolent]] and slothful steward. By your own [[words]] you [[confess]] that you knew I would require of you an [[accounting]] with reasonable [[profit]], such as your [[diligent]] fellow servants have this day rendered. Knowing this, you ought, therefore, to have at least put my [[money]] into the hands of the [[bankers]] that on my return I might have [[received]] my own with interest.' And then to the chief steward this lord said: `Take away this one talent from this unprofitable servant and give it to him who has the ten talents.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_25]

176:3.5 " To every one who has, more shall be given, and he shall have [[abundance]]; but from him who has not, even that which he has shall be taken away. You cannot stand still in the affairs of [[the Kingdom|the eternal kingdom]]. [[the Father|My Father]] requires all his [[children]] to grow in [[grace]] and in a [[knowledge]] of the [[truth]]. You who know these truths must yield the increase of the [[fruits of the spirit]] and [[manifest]] a growing [[devotion]] to the [[unselfish]] [[service]] of your fellow servants. And remember that, inasmuch as you minister to one of the least of my brethren, you have done this [[service]] to me.

176:3.5 " To every one who has, more shall be given, and he shall have [[abundance]]; but from him who has not, even that which he has shall be taken away. You cannot stand still in the affairs of [[the Kingdom|the eternal kingdom]]. [[the Father|My Father]] requires all his [[children]] to grow in [[grace]] and in a [[knowledge]] of the [[truth]]. You who know these truths must yield the increase of the [[fruits of the spirit]] and [[manifest]] a growing [[devotion]] to the [[unselfish]] [[service]] of your fellow servants. And remember that, inasmuch as you minister to one of the least of my brethren, you have done this [[service]] to me.

176:3.9 And how much like all [[selfish]] [[mortals]] was this unfaithful servant with the one talent in that he blamed his [[slothfulness]] directly upon his lord. How prone is [[man]], when he is [[confronted]] with the [[failures]] of his own making, to put the blame upon others, oftentimes upon those who least deserve it!

176:3.9 And how much like all [[selfish]] [[mortals]] was this unfaithful servant with the one talent in that he blamed his [[slothfulness]] directly upon his lord. How prone is [[man]], when he is [[confronted]] with the [[failures]] of his own making, to put the blame upon others, oftentimes upon those who least deserve it!

176:3.10 Said [[Jesus]] that night as they went to their [[rest]]: " [[Free]]ly have you [[received]]; therefore freely should you give of the [[truth]] of [[heaven]], and in the giving will this [[truth]] multiply and show forth the increasing [[light]] of saving [[grace]], even as you minister it. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_10]

176:3.10 Said [[Jesus]] that night as they went to their [[rest]]: " [[Free]]ly have you [[received]]; therefore freely should you give of the [[truth]] of [[heaven]], and in the giving will this [[truth]] multiply and show forth the increasing [[light]] of saving [[grace]], even as you minister it. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_matthew#Chapter_10]

==176:4. THE RETURN OF MICHAEL==

==176:4. THE RETURN OF MICHAEL==

176:4.1 Of all the Master's teachings no one phase has been so misunderstood as his promise sometime to come back in person to this world. It is not strange that Michael should be interested in sometime returning to the planet whereon he experienced his seventh and last bestowal, as a mortal of the realm. It is only natural to believe that Jesus of Nazareth, now sovereign ruler of a vast universe, would be interested in coming back, not only once but even many times, to the world whereon he lived such a unique life and finally won for himself the Father's unlimited bestowal of universe power and authority. Urantia will eternally be one of the seven nativity spheres of Michael in the winning of universe sovereignty.

176:4.1 Of all [[the Master]]'s [[teachings]] no one [[phase]] has been so misunderstood as his [[promise]] sometime to come back in [[person]] to this world. It is not [[strange]] that [[Michael]] should be interested in sometime returning to the [[planet]] whereon he experienced his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL seventh and last bestowal], as a [[mortal]] of the realm. It is only [[natural]] to [[believe]] that [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]], now [[Master Son|sovereign ruler] of a [[Nebadon|vast universe]], would be interested in coming back, not only once but even many times, to the world whereon he lived such a [[unique]] life and finally won for himself [[the Father]]'s unlimited [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY bestowal of universe power and authority]. [[Urantia]] will [[eternally]] be one of the [[seven]] [[nativity]] [[spheres]] of [[Michael]] in the winning of [[universe]] [[sovereignty]].

176:4.2 Jesus did, on numerous occasions and to many individuals, declare his intention of returning to this world. As his followers awakened to the fact that their Master was not going to function as a temporal deliverer, and as they listened to his predictions of the overthrow of Jerusalem and the downfall of the Jewish nation, they most naturally began to associate his promised return with these catastrophic events. But when the Roman armies leveled the walls of Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and dispersed the Judean Jews, and still the Master did not reveal himself in power and glory, his followers began the formulation of that belief which eventually associated the second coming of Christ with the end of the age, even with the end of the world.

176:4.2 [[Jesus]] did, on numerous occasions and to many [[individuals]], [[declare]] his [[intention]] of returning to this world. As his followers [[awakened]] to the [[fact]] that [[the Master|their Master]] was not going to [[function]] as a [[Messiah|temporal deliverer]], and as they [[listened]] to his [[predictions]] of the overthrow of [[Jerusalem]] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_Jerusalem#Destruction_of_Jerusalem downfall of the Jewish nation], they most [[naturally]] began to [[associate]] his [[promised]] return with these [[catastrophic]] [[events]]. But when the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_army Roman armies] leveled the walls of [[Jerusalem]], destroyed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple], and [[dispersed]] the [[Judea]]n [[Jews]], and still [[the Master]] did not [[reveal]] himself in [[power]] and [[glory]], his followers began the [[formulation]] of that [[belief]] which [[eventually]] [[associated]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second coming of Christ] with the end of the [[Epoch|age]], even with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology end of the world].

176:4.3 Jesus promised to do two things after he had ascended to the Father, and after all power in heaven and on earth had been placed in his hands. He promised, first, to send into the world, and in his stead, another teacher, the Spirit of Truth; and this he did on the day of Pentecost. Second, he most certainly promised his followers that he would sometime personally return to this world. But he did not say how, where, or when he would revisit this planet of his bestowal experience in the flesh. On one occasion he intimated that, whereas the eye of flesh had beheld him when he lived here in the flesh, on his return (at least on one of his possible visits) he would be discerned only by the eye of spiritual faith.

176:4.3 [[Jesus]] [[promised]] to do [[two]] [[things]] after he had [[ascended]] to [[the Father]], and after all [[power]] in [[heaven]] and on [[earth]] had been placed in his hands. He [[promised]], first, to send into the world, and in his stead, another [[teacher]], the [[Spirit of Truth]]; and this he did on the day of [[Pentecost]]. Second, he most certainly [[promised]] his followers that he would sometime [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_coming second personally return to this world]. But he did not say how, where, or when he would revisit this [[planet]] of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal experience in the flesh]. On one occasion he intimated that, whereas the eye of [[flesh]] had beheld him when he lived here in the [[flesh]], on his return (at least on one of his possible [[visits]]) he would be [[discern]]ed only by the eye of [[spiritual]] [[faith]].

176:4.4 Many of us are inclined to believe that Jesus will return to Urantia many times during the ages to come. We do not have his specific promise to make these plural visits, but it seems most probable that he who carries among his universe titles that of Planetary Prince of Urantia will many times visit the world whose conquest conferred such a unique title upon him.

176:4.4 Many of us are inclined to [[believe]] that [[Jesus]] will return to [[Urantia]] many times during the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52 ages to come]. We do not have his specific [[promise]] to make these plural [[visits]], but it seems most [[probable]] that he who carries among his universe titles that of [[Planetary Prince]] of [[Urantia]] will many times [[visit]] the world whose conquest conferred such a [[unique]] title upon him.

176:4.5 We most positively believe that Michael will again come in person to Urantia, but we have not the slightest idea as to when or in what manner he may choose to come. Will his second advent on earth be timed to occur in connection with the terminal judgment of this present age, either with or without the associated appearance of a Magisterial Son? Will he come in connection with the termination of some subsequent Urantian age? Will he come unannounced and as an isolated event? We do not know. Only one thing we are certain of, that is, when he does return, all the world will likely know about it, for he must come as the supreme ruler of a universe and not as the obscure babe of Bethlehem. But if every eye is to behold him, and if only spiritual eyes are to discern his presence, then must his advent be long deferred.

176:4.5 We most positively [[believe]] that [[Michael]] will again come in [[person]] to [[Urantia]], but we have not the slightest [[idea]] as to when or in what [[manner]] he may [[choose]] to come. Will his second [[advent]] on [[earth]] be timed to occur in [[connection]] with the terminal [[judgment]] of this present age, either with or without the [[associated]] appearance of a [[Magisterial Son]]? Will he come in [[connection]] with the termination of some subsequent [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52 Urantian age]? Will he come unannounced and as an isolated [[event]]? We do not know. Only one thing we are [[certain]] of, that is, when he does return, all the world will likely know about it, for he must come as the [[Master Son|supreme ruler]] of a [[Local Universe|universe]] and not as the obscure babe of [[Bethlehem]]. But if every eye is to behold him, and if only [[spiritual]] eyes are to [[discern]] his [[presence]], then must his [[advent]] be long deferred.

176:4.6 You would do well, therefore, to disassociate the Master's personal return to earth from any and all set events or settled epochs. We are sure of only one thing: He has promised to come back. We have no idea as to when he will fulfill this promise or in what connection. As far as we know, he may appear on earth any day, and he may not come until age after age has passed and been duly adjudicated by his associated Sons of the Paradise corps.

176:4.6 You would do well, therefore, to disassociate [[the Master]]'s [[personal]] return to [[earth]] from any and all set [[events]] or settled [[epochs]]. We are sure of only one thing: He has [[promised]] to come back. We have no [[idea]] as to when he will fulfill this promise or in what [[connection]]. As far as we know, he may [[appear]] on [[earth]] any day, and he may not come until age after age has passed and been duly [[adjudicate]]d by his [[associated]] [[Divine Sons|Sons]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20 Paradise corps].

176:4.7 The second advent of Michael on earth is an event of tremendous sentimental value to both midwayers and humans; but otherwise it is of no immediate moment to midwayers and of no more practical importance to human beings than the common event of natural death, which so suddenly precipitates mortal man into the immediate grasp of that succession of universe events which leads directly to the presence of this same Jesus, the sovereign ruler of our universe. The children of light are all destined to see him, and it is of no serious concern whether we go to him or whether he should chance first to come to us. Be you therefore ever ready to welcome him on earth as he stands ready to welcome you in heaven. We confidently look for his glorious appearing, even for repeated comings, but we are wholly ignorant as to how, when, or in what connection he is destined to appear.

176:4.7 The second [[advent]] of [[Michael]] on [[earth]] is an [[event]] of tremendous sentimental [[value]] to both [[midwayers]] and [[humans]]; but otherwise it is of no [[immediate]] moment to [[midwayers]] and of no more [[practical]] importance to [[human being]]s than the common [[event]] of [[natural]] [[death]], which so suddenly precipitates [[mortal]] man into the [[immediate]] grasp of that [[succession]] of [[universe]] [[events]] which leads directly to the [[presence]] of this same [[Jesus]], the [[Master Son|sovereign ruler]] of [[Nebadon|our universe]]. The [[children]] of [[light]] are all [[destined]] to see him, and it is of no serious concern whether we go to him or whether he should [[chance]] first to come to us. Be you therefore ever ready to [[welcome]] him on [[earth]] as he stands ready to welcome you in [[heaven]]. We [[confidently]] look for his [[glorious]] appearing, even for [[repeated]] comings, but we are wholly [[ignorant]] as to how, when, or in what [[connection]] he is [[destined]] to appear.

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]