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People will be so afraid they will faint, wondering what is happening to the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
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Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
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When these things begin to happen, look up and hold your heads high, because the time when God will free you is near!"
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Then Jesus told this story: "Look at the fig tree and all the other trees.
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When their leaves appear, you know that summer is near.
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In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that God's kingdom is near.
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"I tell you the truth, all these things will happen while the people of this time are still living.
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Earth and sky will be destroyed, but the words I have spoken will never be destroyed.
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"Be careful not to spend your time feasting, drinking, or worrying about worldly things. If you do, that day might come on you suddenly,
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like a trap on all people on earth.
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So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen and that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man."